MUSEUMS
Yavapai Geology Museum
Located at the historic Yavapai Observation Station, the museum of geology tells the story of the Grand Canyon’s formation through beautiful photographs, topographical models, artwork and interactive exhibits.
Tusayan Museum and Ruins
Over 800 years ago, the Pueblo Indians built a thriving community on the edge of the Grand Canyon. With its collection of pottery, arrowheads and household items, the Tusayan Museum and ruins provide a unique window into their way of life.
Kolb Studio
The Kolb brothers literally built their photography studio on the rim of the Grand Canyon, setting the stage for some of the location’s most iconic images. Today their legacy lives on with exhibits of their work and art inspired by the Grand Canyon.
Desert View Watchtower
Architect Mary E. J. Colter designed a number of notable buildings on the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, including the Desert View Watchtower. Completed in 1932, the building was inspired by ancient pueblo watchtowers and offers spectacular views from the observation deck. Together with Hopi House, Lookout Studio and Hermits Rest®, the Desert View Watchtower is one of several Colter-designed buildings in the park to be designated a National Historic Landmark.
PARKS
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon National Park follows the mighty Colorado River down from Marbles Canyon near the Vermilion Cliffs and the Utah border, all the way to Lake Mead near the Nevada border and encompasses both the North and South rims. The park is one of the world’s most heavily visited, with millions of visitors coming to admire the striking landscapes each year. Facilities at Grand Canyon National Park are good and include several campsites, shops and restaurants at the South Rim, where most visitors choose to stay.
Hualapai Indian Reservation
Lying to the west of the Havasupai Indian Reservation and south of the Colorado River is the much larger Hualapai Indian Reservation, which consists mainly of flat plains and wooded plateaus before descending into the depths of the lower Grand Canyon. The reservation encompasses about one million acres of mainly hiking country, apart from a few dusty roads; Diamond Creek Road affords access to the river along a picturesque route. The largest settlement at the Hualapai Indian Reservation is Peach Springs, located in the south of the reservation on AZ 66. Peach Springs is a fairly nondescript village with few facilities apart from a decent motel and restaurant.
Havasupai Indian Reservation
Located to the west of Grand Canyon Village, the Havasupai Indian Reservation sits in one of the Grand Canyon’s largest tributaries to the south of the Colorado River and is solely managed by the Havasupai Indian Tribe. The main settlement at the reservation is the village of Supai, which can only be reached by foot, horseback or helicopter and visitors must obtain a tribal permit in advance. Attractions here include the famed waterfalls, while Supai also offers lodging facilities, a store and museum.
Kaibab National Forest
The lush Kaibab Forest straddles each side – both the North and South rims – of the Grand Canyon National Park proper and makes a nice change from the normally barren landscape that is indelibly part of the gorge. Part of the largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest in the country, the Kaibab National Forest measures a massive 2,500 square miles, with elevations ranging from 5,500 feet / 1,675 meters to almost 10,500 / 3,200 meters feet at the summit of Kendrick Peak. Most visitors come to the Kaibab Forests in the fall to see the multicolored autumn leaves, fantastic views and the abundance of vegetation and wildlife. Mule deer, elk, turkey, coyote and antelope all inhabit the Kaibab, while mountain lions and black bears also lurk here. There is also a great selection of birds in the Grand Canyon’s Kaibab National Forest, including ravens and hawks, as well as over 20 species of bats.
MARKETS
Market Plaza
Market Plaza is conveniently located right next to Yavapai Lodge. Shop for just about everything you need to make your Grand Canyon trip more comfortable. Canyon Village Market offers groceries and souvenirs, along with camping & hiking gear. The deli offers quick and easy meal options. Market Plaza is home to the only bank and post office located in Grand Canyon National Park, and visitors will find four universal electric car chargers in the Market Plaza parking lot.
Canyon Village Market & Deli
Conveniently located, the market offers a large selection of groceries, outdoor gear and souvenirs for campers, backpackers and day trippers. In addition to souvenir t-shirts, mugs, magnets, keychains and more, you’ll also find native American jewelry and pottery. Outdoor gear includes hiking gear, camping equipment, sun protection and outdoor apparel brands like The North Face and Patagonia.
