A Family Affair: Vacationing in Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon Hiking Photo Gallery

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Getting There
It’s approximately 231 miles from Phoenix to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and 278 miles from Las Vegas. U.S. Airways offers direct flights from Phoenix Sky Harbor International to Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, and Vision Air offers direct flights from North Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park Airport. Greyhound also provides service from Phoenix and Las Vegas to Flagstaff. Cars can be rented in Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Flagstaff.

For kids, though, the most memorable way to travel to the South Rim is by train. Grand Canyon Railway departs daily at 9:30 a.m. from Williams for the two hour and 15 minute ride to the rim. Along the way, costumed performers sing songs, tell stories, and even “hold up” the train.

Getting Around
The South Rim roads can get very congested, especially during the summer. Your best bet is to park at one of the four parking areas near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and use the free shuttle bus. During the summer, the shuttle is the only way to access the sites along Hermit Road, including Hermits Rest.

Transcanyon Shuttle offers daily service between the North and South rims between May 15 and October 15.