hi, i am driving to the grand canyon from phoenix.. staying for 2 days and then driving back. Can anyone tell me about condition of the roads, is it better to rent a SUV or will a compact work? we plan to drive from the south to the north rim too.
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230 helpful votes The roads are all paved highways. You can do it in any kind of vehicle.
You will not be driving in the canyon itself. You will be driving in the parks. The drive from the South Rim to the North rim will take 4-5 hours in each direction and will take you through the Painted Desert. If you don't have over night lodging reservations at the NR I'd reconsider going all the way there and back. Better to spend your time inside the park at the South Rim.
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100 helpful votes I would suggest that you go to the website and familiarize yourself with the park. http://www.nps.gov/grca
If you have never been there, I would suggest focusing on the South Rim. If RedRox response is not clear enough, there are no roads through the Grand Canyon. To get to the North Rim, you drive around the canyon to Cameron, go north, and then cross the river at Lees Ferry, and then looping through the area north of the canyon and back south to the North Rim area.
If this works, this is the route from Yahoo Maps:
Rather than spending an entire day driving to and from the North Rim, and then a few hours there, you may want to just stay at the South Rim. You can drive your car on the East Rim area and in the central GC Village Area. The West Rim road is closed to private vehicles (exceptions for the handicapped). There are free shuttles in the village area on on the West Rim road. It is best to park and use the shuttles.
If you have your dates, book your lodging. It is best to stay inside the park, www.grandcanyonlodging.com. If no availability, check hotels in Tusayan just outside the park.
Edited: 12 years ago
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21,169 posts
110 reviews
100 helpful votes Sorry, that should have been http://www.grandcanyonlodges.com
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