The National Park Service offers many free activities for visitors to participate in. The programs consist of educational tours, short walks, look-out and observation studios.

The Fossil Walk – This is an easy half-mile walk where you can explore an exposed fossil bed on the South Rim. Take the Village Route Shuttle to the Bright Angle Lodge Stop. The fossil walk begins at 9:00 AM and lasts about one hour. Note: There are no programs May 3rd-May 5th.

Colorado River Talk – The Colorado River Talk takes place at the Yavapai Observation Station Stop and begins at 10:00 AM. Here you can listen and discuss the role that the Colorado River has had on the Grand Canyon.

Introduction to Grand Canyon Geology Talk – Become familiar with the basic Geology of the Grand Canyon on this talk at the Canyon View Information Plaza. The talk begins at 10:30 AM and this activity may include a short walk during the discussion.

The Human Story – If you are interested in the history of the South Rim this talk takes place at Verkamp’s Visitor Center on the front porch at 10:30 am and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Like the other free activities discussed you can reach Verkamp’s Visitor Center by free shuttle and get off at the Train Depot Stop.

Nature Walk or Talk – This free activity takes place at the Yavapai Observation Station Stop and begins at 1:30 PM. If weather permits there will be a short walk along the South Rim and a variety of topics may be discussed such as plants, animals, rare or endangered species and more.

Rim Walk or Talk – The Rim Walk or Talk takes place at the Verkamp’s Visitor Center on the front porch at 2:30 PM. A Park Ranger will discuss the canyon’s history during a short half-mile walk on a paved trail. You can ride the free village route shuttle bus to the Train Depot stop to attend this event.

Condor Talk – Learn about the endangered California condor during this talk on the Grand Canyon South Rim. The talk begins at 3:00 PM and takes place in front of the Lookout Studio near Bright Angle Lodge. You can take the free shuttle to this activity and get off at the Bright Angle Lodge stop.

Geo-Glimpse Talk – The Geo-Glimpse Talk takes place at the Yavapai Observation Station. The talk will explore specific aspects of the Grand Canyon’s geology and begins at 3:00 PM. You can take the shuttle service to the Yavapai Observation Station stop to attend this free event.

Other Free Activities at Grand Canyon Village

There are also free evening programs available at Grand Canyon Village. There are Full Moon Walks and Star talks that take place at Yavapai Point and there is the Tusayan Museum that is located 3 miles west of desert view. Please check at the Visitor Center to confirm the times and locations listed above as changes may have taken place. Hiking is also another free activity at the Grand Canyon. There are many trails an opportunities for hikers of all skill levels. Please familiarize yourself with safety procedures before hiking the South Rim as the weather, terrain and the park rules should all be considered before venturing out on a day hike in the Grand Canyon.

More Destinations and Activities
at the South Rim

Camping at the Grand Canyon South Rim

Lodging at the Grand Canyon South Rim

Hiking Trails on the Grand Canyon South Rim