What's New

The new millennium led to modernizing the South Rim, including constructing the Canyon View Information Plaza with a new Visitor Center, expanding the free shuttle system, and developing "greenway trails," paths specifically for cyclists, walkers, and pedestrians which lessen the impact of motorized traffic. Visitors can now ride the park's shuttle bus system around Grand Canyon Village, to all Hermit Road and Yavapai overlooks, and to Yaki Point. A free shuttle from Grand Canyon Village to Tusayan operates in high season, as well. More lanes have been opened for cars at the South Entrance, significantly reducing wait times there. A new parking lot with 600 spots at the Canyon View Information Plaza opened in fall 2009. Hermit Road was completely repaved in 2009, and the greenway trail has been extended to Hermits Rest.

On the South Rim, the future of the Canyon View Information Plaza includes a bicycle rental facility. On the North Rim, a bicycle rental shop is open in summer at the gas station adjacent to the North Rim Campground. A theater with a park-orientation film will open next to the Visitor Center at Canyon View Information Plaza in 2011.