Park Entry, Fees, Seasons & the North Rim
Prices & schedules checked October 31, 2026
Grand Canyon National Park has no reservation or timed-entry system (NPS). You pay at the entrance station — cashless only — or buy a pass ahead in Tusayan or at the Williams Visitor Center.
After an August 29, 2026 flash flood damaged the Transcanyon Waterline, overnight lodging inside the park has been halted since August 31 and the park is on Stage 4 water restrictions. The South Rim stays open to day visitors — bring your own water. Xanterra has extended its in-park lodging closures through November 19, 2026 (arrivals from November 20 proceeding as planned); Yavapai Lodge has no reopening date yet. Hotels in Tusayan are open. Check the NPS conditions page before you go.
Entrance fees (NPS, 2026)
| Entry | Fee | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Private vehicle | $35 | 7 days |
| Motorcycle | $30 | 7 days |
| Per person (walk, bike, shuttle) | $20 | Ages 16+; under 16 free |
| Grand Canyon annual pass | $70 | This park, 12 months |
| America the Beautiful pass | $80 US residents / $250 non-residents | All federal recreation sites, 12 months |
| Senior pass (US, 62+) | $20 annual / $80 lifetime | All federal recreation sites |
Non-US residents aged 16 and over pay an additional $100 per person unless they hold an annual or America the Beautiful pass; NPS says this applies on tours too. NPS fee-free days in 2026 include November 11 (Veterans Day).
When to go
- Busiest: spring break, Memorial Day to Labor Day, and holidays (NPS).
- Skip the line: NPS suggests arriving before 10 a.m. or after 2 p.m. in busy season.
- Winter: the South Rim stays open all year; Hermit Road opens to cars December–February and its shuttle stops. Expect snow and ice on rim trails.
- Train riders: the Grand Canyon Railway runs an earlier schedule in November and December — see railway guide.
The North Rim
The North Rim gets about 10% of the park’s visitors and is a separate trip: 212 miles (about 4.5 hours) by road from the South Rim (NPS). Its usual season is May 15–October 15, and SR 67 to the North Rim closes December 1–May 14. In late October 2026 NPS lists the North Rim as limited fall day-use only, with no services — campground, store and gas station closed, and scenic roads closed for repair through November 3. Xanterra lists no North Rim lodging in 2026.
Grand Canyon West and the Skywalk
The Skywalk is at Grand Canyon West on Hualapai tribal land, outside the national park, and your park pass does not cover it (NPS). It’s the rim most Las Vegas day tours visit — see our Las Vegas Grand Canyon West guide.
FAQ
How much does it cost to enter the Grand Canyon in 2026?
$35 per private vehicle for 7 days, $30 per motorcycle, or $20 per person 16 and older on foot or bike (NPS). Non-US residents 16+ pay an extra $100 per person unless they hold an annual or America the Beautiful pass.
Is the North Rim open?
The North Rim is seasonal (usually May 15–October 15). In late October 2026 NPS lists it as limited fall day-use only with no services, and SR 67 closes December 1–May 14.
Do you need a reservation for the Grand Canyon?
No. NPS says there is no reservation or timed-entry system; you pay at a cashless entrance station or buy a pass in advance.