I applied for a camping permit recently to be able to camp at the bottom of the Grand Canyon for my upcoming vacation in June. I’m not positive if I will be able to get a permit for it. I heard a lot of people end up camping at the bottom regardless of the permit. I am unable to figure out what the penalty or fine is though.

2012 Grand Canyon Star Party: June 16-23. (22st Annual)

For eight days in June, park visitors to Grand Canyon National Park can explore the wonders of the night sky on Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim with amateur astronomers from across the country who will volunteer their expertise an offer free nightly astronomy programs and free telescope viewing.

On the South Rim, events will include a slide show nightly at 8:00 p.m., followed by telescope viewing behind the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. Parking is available in lots 1 through 4, and the Village Route shuttle bus runs every half-hour until 11:00 p.m. To make sure you get a seat at the slide show, arrive a few minutes early.

On the North Rim, telescopes will be set up on the porch of the lodge every evening, with some possibility of daytime scopes available as well. Bulletin boards at the Visitor Center will list additional events such as star talks and special slide show programs in the Grand Canyon Lodge auditorium.

The event is free other than paying the park entrance fee of $25.00 per vehicle, good for 7 days of coming and going to either rim. No reservations are needed except for astronomers wishing to share their telescopes, who register through the astronomy clubs sponsoring the event. Come for a night, or for the whole 8 night-event. Explore the Grand Canyon by day, and the universe by night! http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/grand-canyon-star-party.htm

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hikers descending down the bright angel trail into the grand canyon

am planning a trip to the Grand Canyon. Where are the best lookout spots?. Which city should I depart from?
I like to know which sections or parts of the Grand Canyon offer the most spectacular views. Also, which departing city offers the most convenient and fastest commute to the Canyon.

Some of most unique structures along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon were designed by Mary Colter, Chief Architect and Decorator for the Fred Harvey Company/ Santa Fe Railroad. In this Ranger Minute, Ranger Huggins lists the six Colter designed buildings at Grand Canyon where park visitors can rest, stay, eat and shop, Colter was know for using local materials to create rustic buildings in the Southwestern style.

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