Here are my top finds for Grand Canyon National Park:
🏨Hotels: El Tovar, Yavapai Lodge, Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins
📍Tours: 45-Minute Helicopter Flight over the Grand Canyon
🐻 Save time! Buy your National Park Pass before your trip
Park Alert: Several Park Locations closed from a Flash Flood That Occured on 8/31/26
- All Overnight Lodging inside the South Rim including: El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge, Maswik Lodge, and Yavapai Lodge (Ongoing Water infrastructure impacts).
- Limited Lodging might be available in Tusayan (Just outside the Parks South Entrance Gate) at the Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon and Grand Canyon Hotel & Suites.
- The NPS hopes to have water running again on November 16, 2026 and overnight lodging might begin a phased reopening around Thanksgiving (November 26, 2026) pending successful water system restoration.
- Trailer Village RV Park
- Phantom Ranch, Cabins, canteen, and facilities closed.
- Cottonwood Campground and Bright Angel Campground (inside the canyon)
- North Kaibab Trail is entirely closed from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch
- River Crossings: The Black Bridge and Silver Bridge spanning the Colorado River are closed
- Inner-Canyon Areas: Supai Tunnel, Manzanita Day Use Area, and Phantom Delta Areas remain Restricted.
Kachina Lodge- Grand Canyon National Park
The Kachina Lodge was built in 1968 as part of Mission 66, a bold ten-year, billion-dollar program launched by the National Park Service in 1956 to overhaul aging park infrastructure and prepare for a surge in visitors across the country.
The program gained the backing of President Dwight D. Eisenhower and was funded by Congress. At the Grand Canyon, that effort produced two sister lodges, Kachina and the neighboring Thunderbird.
Both were designed with purpose: their stair-stepped concrete facades mirror the layered rock formations of the canyon walls below them, and the coloring was matched deliberately to the rim so the buildings would blend rather than intrude.
The lodge was fully renovated in 1997, giving it a contemporary feel while keeping its prime location intact.
The name Kachina comes from the Pueblo Native American tradition, referring to a deified ancestral spirit. In the spirit of the Southwest, that name feels right at home here.
As visitors walk through the space, they find 49 guest rooms arranged in a long, low profile that echoes the canyon's horizontal layers.
Check for Kachina Lodge Availability
Room Types
Kachina Lodge offers two room types, with select rooms on the canyon side featuring partial canyon views. The rooms are straightforward and comfortable without being luxurious, but the location more than makes up for the no-frills amenities. For many visitors, waking up a short walk from the canyon rim is all the luxury they need.
Accessible Rooms - To see available ADA-compliant rooms check the "ADA/Accessible Rooms" box in the online reservations application or call Central Reservations (7a-7p MT) at (888) 297-2757.
Room amenities
- Rooms have either one king bed or two queen beds.
- Include full bath
- In-room Keurig coffee maker
- Refrigerator
- Flat-screen television with satellite TV
- Telephone
- Hairdryer
- Safe.
Book Your Stay at the Kachina Lodge
My Experience Staying in the Kachina Lodge Room 6301& Room Review
Staying on the South Rim is a great way to experience the Grand Canyon! We really enjoyed our stay at the Kachina Lodge.
Being able to wake up and look out at the canyon rim was epic. The lodge is also within walking distance to restaurants, gift shops, Kolb Studio, Verkamp's Visitor Center, the Bright Angel Trail, and the Rim Trail.
Many of the rooms at the Kachina Lodge have partial canyon views. You may have to walk up to the window to look and see the view.
The windows in the room are higher so people can't walk by and look in the room.
Kachina Lodge Dining Options
The Kachina Lodge does not have any dining options, however, the El Tovar is right next door and has the El Tovar Dining Room and the El Tovar Cocktail Lounge.
El Tovar Dining Room
The El Tovar Dining Room is considered the premier dining establishment at the Grand Canyon and is recognized as one of the finest dining experiences in the entire National Park System. Built perpendicular to the canyon rim using native stone and Oregon pine, the room seats up to 211 guests and features murals on the walls representing the cultures and traditions of four Native American tribes: the Hopi, the Apache, the Mojave, and the Navajo. A private dining room within the restaurant is said to have been created specifically for President Theodore Roosevelt, its walls banded with red stencils of deer painted in the style of pictographs found at the top of Bright Angel Trail. Ten tables face the canyon directly, and for the guests fortunate enough to sit there, the view competes with every dish on the menu.
The menu blends classic Continental cuisine with Southwestern influences, using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. A handful of signature dishes have earned their place as true classics that have graced the menu for decades:
- Prime Rib Hash - a beloved breakfast staple that has been a guest favorite for years
- Salmon Tostada - a dinner signature that blends Southwestern flavors with fresh, carefully sourced fish
- Whittlesey Salad - a Mexican-inspired offering named for the hotel's original architect
- Navajo Tacos - a lunch favorite that gives a nod to the rich Native American heritage of the region
The service is on par with a five-star restaurant, and the kitchen delivers on every front. I ordered the 10 oz. bone-in pork chop served with a jalapeno cream sauce alongside carrots and sweet potatoes, and I have to say it may have been the best pork chop I have ever had.
Reservations are required for lunch and dinner and are strongly recommended for breakfast. Hotel guests can book up to 45 days in advance, and non-hotel guests up to 30 days out. Given how sought-after this dining room is, booking as early as possible is essential, particularly during summer.
Click here complete list of Restaurants in the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Book Your Stay at the Kachina Lodge Before it Fills
Things to know when planning your visit to the Kachina Lodge Grand Canyon
Guests staying at the Kachina Lodge will need to check in at the El Tovar Front Desk.
There is no charge for parking. Parking can get a bit crazy! You will want to plan time to find a parking spot near the hotel. There is no designated parking for hotel guests.
Season - open Year-Round
Check-In Time - 4 pm
Check out Time - 11 am
Kachina Lodge Address
5 North Village Loop Drive
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
GPS coordinates:
36.0571° N
112.1385° W
Pets - Pets of any kind are not permitted in the lodges inside Grand Canyon National Park. A kennel is available for boarding cats and dogs.
Smoking - All rooms are non-smoking. If you smoke in the guest room, a charge of $175 will be added.
WiFi Available? - There is limited Wi-Fi and what you get is spotty.
Cell Phone Service - There is cellular service available in the Grand Canyon, depending on your carrier. Generally Verizon offers the most reliable, followed by AT&T, then T-Mobile.
Time Zone: MST - Mountain Standard Time
Also, remember Arizona does not participate in daylight savings time, so calculate your travel time accordingly.
Electric Vehicle Charging
There are six EV charging stations are available for visitors to use at Maswik North, Canyon Village Market, and Yavapai Lodge.
Grand Canyon National Park Guided Tours
45-Minute Helicopter Flight over the Grand Canyon from Tusayan, Arizona
⭐️ Rating: 5.0 out of 5 Stars (2,024+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 45 Minutes | 🚁 Check Rates and Availability
No ground-level view prepares you for the scale of the Grand Canyon from the air. This 45-minute flight with Maverick Helicopters departs from Tusayan, crosses the Kaibab National Forest, follows the Colorado River upstream past the Painted Desert and Desert View Watchtower, and flies through the Dragon Corridor, the canyon's widest and deepest section, before returning south. More than 2,000 reviewers call it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Multiple departure times available. Likely to sell out, especially in peak season.
3-Hour Off-Road Sunset Safari to the Grand Canyon
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars (1,000+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 3 hours | 🚙🌅 Check Rates and Availability
The most popular guided tour at the South Rim. A 4WD safari vehicle takes small groups through the back roads of the Kaibab National Forest, bypassing the crowded south entrance gate on permits held since 1993, with stops at Yavapai Point, Pipe Creek Vista, and Grandview Point for the sunset. Guides earn extraordinary reviews for their knowledge of the park's geology, wildlife, and history. Blankets provided. Maximum 12 guests. Departs two hours before sunset. Booked an average of 44 days in advance.
Grand Canyon South Rim Sunset Tour with Dinner
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars (100+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours | 🍽️🌅 Check Rates and Availability
Unleash your inner explorer with veteran local Eric Albanese. Immerse yourself in the Grand Canyon's majestic beauty, rich history, and fascinating geology. You will embark on a scenic 20-mile tour tracing the South Rim of the canyon, stopping at 4-5 locations.
You can relax in luxury with WI-FI, snacks, and hot or cold drinks while listening to the great detail that your guide has learned during the 10 years of living in the Grand Canyon area. Get up close to the canyon's stunning views with high-powered Celestron binoculars. You will also get to enjoy a delicious dinner at We Cook Pizza and Pasta.
Click Here for a complete list of tours offered at Grand Canyon National Park!
Book Your Stay at the Kachina Lodge Before it Fills
Things To Do When Staying at Kachina Lodge
🌅 Step outside and walk to the canyon rim in under two minutes
🍽️ Dine next door at the El Tovar Dining Room, one of the finest restaurants in any national park
🚶 Stroll the Rim Trail in both directions from the lodge's front door
🛍️ Browse Hopi House, a National Historic Landmark selling Native American art, right next door
📸 Photograph the canyon at sunrise and sunset from prime rim-side vantage points
🚌 Catch the free park shuttle from stops steps away in the historic district
🥾 Hike Bright Angel Trail or take the Rim Trail east toward Mather Point
🎭 Attend ranger programs and evening talks held throughout the historic district
🏛️ Explore Kolb Studio, Lookout Studio, and other historic landmarks within easy walking distance
Tips
- Check in at El Tovar's front desk, as Kachina Lodge does not have its own dedicated check-in lobby
- It is a fantastic choice for travelers who want the magic of sleeping on the rim without the full El Tovar price tag, in one of the most coveted locations in any American national park.
Lodging Options in Grand Canyon National Park
⭐️ 4.4 of 5 Stars - The El Tovar - Click here for Rates and Availability.
A National Historic Landmark and member of Historic Hotels of America, sitting just 20 feet from the rim of the Grand Canyon and widely regarded as the finest hotel inside any national park in America since opening its doors in 1905!
Designed as a cross between a Swiss chalet and a Norwegian villa and built from local limestone and Oregon pine, the El Tovar has hosted Theodore Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, Paul McCartney, and Oprah Winfrey. All 78 individually designed rooms and suites feature air conditioning, mini-fridges, Keurig coffee makers, satellite TVs, and private bathrooms, with select canyon-view suites featuring private balconies perched directly above the rim. The El Tovar Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with canyon views, the lounge bar is perfect for post-hike cocktails, and a gift shop, curio shop, newsstand, and concierge round out the amenities. Free area shuttle, free parking, and room service available. No elevator, no pets, open year-round.
⭐️ 4.1 of 5 Stars - Yavapai Lodge - Click Here for Rates and Availability
Tucked in a beautiful ponderosa pine forest just a 10-minute walk from Mather Point and the Grand Canyon Rim Trail!
Split between two sections, Yavapai East offers air-conditioned rooms with ADA accessible options and family rooms with bunk beds sleeping up to 6, while Yavapai West features cozy ceiling fan rooms in single-story buildings with pet-friendly options and a Pets in the Park welcome package. Two restaurants serve breakfast through dinner, the Yavapai Tavern pours drinks from noon to 9 PM, and a Starbucks opens at 6 AM for early-rising hikers. Additional amenities include a lobby fireplace, gift shop, EV and Tesla charging stations, free area shuttle, free WiFi, and free parking. One of the most family and pet-friendly in-park lodges in the entire national park system!
⭐️ 4.4 of 5 Stars - Bright Angel Lodge - Click Here for Rates and Availability
A National Historic Landmark designed by the legendary Mary Colter in 1935, sitting directly on the South Rim at the top of the famous Bright Angel Trailhead with the most affordable rim-side lodging inside Grand Canyon!
The 90 rooms and cabins range from budget-friendly lodge rooms with shared baths to charming private rim cabins featuring gas fireplaces and partial canyon views, making this the best value for money of any in-park lodge at the Grand Canyon. Three on-site dining options include the Harvey House Cafe serving diner classics all day in the Fred Harvey tradition, the Arizona Room with Southwestern cuisine, and the Canyon Coffee House for shade-grown organic espresso and cappuccino before hitting the trail. Evening drinks and seasonal live entertainment at the Bright Angel Bar round out the experience perfectly. Also on site: a small history museum, gift shop, ice cream fountain, tour and mule ride booking desk, free WiFi in public areas, and free parking. No elevator, no pets, no air conditioning in standard rooms, open year-round!
⭐️ 4.1 of 5 Stars - Kachina Lodge - Click Here for Rates and Availability
⭐️ 4.2 of 5 Stars - Thunderbird Lodge - Click Here for Rates and Availability
Two sister lodges built in 1968 as part of the National Park Service's Mission 66 program, sitting directly on the South Rim in the heart of Grand Canyon Village's Historic District, steps from the Bright Angel Trailhead and Rim Trail!
Their distinctive stair-stepped concrete facades were intentionally designed to mirror the layered rock formations of the canyon walls below, blending beautifully into the rim rather than competing with it. Both offer the same clean, comfortable modern rooms with Keurig coffee makers, mini-fridges, flat-screen satellite TVs, in-room safes, hair dryers, air conditioning, and free WiFi, with select canyon-side rooms at Kachina featuring partial Grand Canyon views. Free area shuttle and free parking included.
⭐️ 4.2 of 5 Stars -Maswik Lodge - Click Here for Rates and Availability
Tucked among several acres of ponderosa pine forest just a quarter mile from the South Rim with a free Village shuttle stop right at the lobby door!
Named after the Hopi Kachina spirit said to guard the Grand Canyon, Maswik features 280 rooms split between two sections. The newly renovated Maswik South, completed in 2022, features interior corridors, full elevator access, private patios and balconies, and spacious kitchenettes with a cooktop, microwave, apartment-sized fridge, coffee maker, and utensils, making it a great pick for families and extended stays. All rooms include air conditioning, satellite TV, mini-fridge, Keurig coffee maker, and free WiFi. The Maswik Food Court serves breakfast through dinner with vegetarian and gluten-free options, and the Pizza Pub pours cold beer and wood-fired pies. Also on site: gift shop, ATM, EV charging, RV parking, free area shuttle, and free self-parking.
Lodging in Tusayan, Arizona (Just outside Grand Canyon's south entrance)
⭐️ 3.9 of 5 Stars - Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel - Click Here for Rates and Availability
Take advantage of a terrace, a garden, and a bar at Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Be sure to enjoy a meal at JJKs, the onsite family restaurant. Free in-room Wi-Fi and a 24-hour business center are available to all guests.
⭐️ 4.2 of 5 Stars - The Grand Hotel - Click Here for Rates and Availabity
At The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon, you can look forward to shopping on site, a fireplace in the lobby, and a bar. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. The onsite restaurant, Canyon Star Steakhouse, features American cuisine and happy hour. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi, and guests can find other amenities such as a 24-hour business center.
Click on this link or the map below to see additional hotels and vacation rentals near the Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon National Park Entrance Fee
New in 2026: Each Non-US Resident aged 16 and older visiting Grand Canyon National Park must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the standard entrance fee), unless admitted with an annual or America the Beautiful Pass. This includes nonresidents entering as part of a commercial tour group, commercial use authorization (CUA) group, or concessioner tour group.
Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.
Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.
$8.00 per person for Non-Commercial Group (16+ persons)
$8.00 per person for vehicles with a capacity of 1-25
$300.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats
Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.
$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the free entrance days the National Park Service offers for US citizens and residents.
Additional Grand Canyon National Park Resources
- Complete Guide to exploring Grand Canyon National Park
- Things To Do in Grand Canyon National Park
- Grand Canyon Winter Guide
- Grand Canyon Restaurants
- Grand Canyon Shuttle Bus Guide
- Grand Canyon Lodging Guide
- Grand Canyon Camping Guide
Parks near National Park
- Wupatki National Monument
- Navajo National Monument
- Pipe Springs National Monument
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area
- Hubbel Trading Post National Historic Site
- Montezuma Castle National Monument
- Tuzigoot National Monument
Check out all of the Arizona National Parks along with neighboring National Parks in Utah, National Parks in New Mexico, California National Parks, Colorado National Parks, and Nevada National Parks
Check out this list of US National Parks to count how many you have visited!
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