The Grand National
The Grand National is longer than most other steeplechases, which are usually between 2 and 3.25 miles. It is two full circuits of the Aintree course, making it 4 miles and 880 yards (7,242m) in. The Buick Regal Grand National was one of the hottest performance cars of the dark days of the 1980s, and its performance is still very respectable even by today's standards. The Grand National Roadster Show is the longest running indoor car show and has earned its nickname 'The Granddaddy of Them All.' But ever since its beginnings in Oakland, change has always been.
On December 4, 2017, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to draw new boundary lines for Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument. The proposal introduces three new units in this area named, west to east, Grand Staircase, Kaiparowits and Escalante Canyons.
The three smaller regions all fall within the former monument designation's boundaries. All other lands that were covered by the Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument designation retain their existing level of federal protection.
The Escalante Canyons section is the most popular area of the monument, especially among hikers. Active waterfalls, arches, riparian oases, sculpted slickrock and narrow canyons are part of the appeal of hikes through the Escalante’s backcountry.
The Grand Staircase area is more remote and less visited. It is spectacular and contains the most extensive network of slot canyons in Utah.
These two areas are separated by the 1,600-square-mile Kaiparowits Plateau, which features unique sedimentary rock formations containing an unbroken record of fossils spanning 30 million years.
Visitors will find a vast and pristine backcountry that affords excellent opportunities for solitude and unconfined wilderness recreation, along with great scenic driving opportunities and endless camping options, both developed and primitive. But wherever you travel in this magnificent landscape, whether a drive down remote desert roads or a hike up lonely canyons, you will be rewarded at the end of your trip with vivid memories and a yearning to return.
Lodging Just Outside of the Park
South of Grand Canyon Village, accommodations are available in the gateway community of Tusayan, 7 miles (11 km) south of Grand Canyon Village, along Arizona Highway 64.
For general information about lodging in Tusayan:
Grand Canyon Chamber & Visitor’s Bureau
P.O. Box 3007 Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
(844) 638-2901
Best Western Canyon Squire Inn OPEN
800-995-2521 or 928-638-2673
Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel OPEN
800-995-2521 or 928-638-2673
The Grand Hotel OPEN
888-634-7263 or 928-638-3333
Holiday Inn Express OPEN
888-473-2269 or 928-638-3000
Red Feather Lodge * OPEN
866-561-2425 or 928-638-2414
Seven Mile Lodge OPEN
(928) 638-2291
If you plan to be staying at one of the lodges in Tusayan during our busy season, (March 1, through September 30) the park provides free shuttle bus service between Tusayan Hotels/Lodges and the South Rim Visitor Center every 20 minutes.
The Grand National Horse Race
Visitors entering the park from the gateway community of Tusayanvia the free shuttle bus must present a valid park entrance pass. Entrance passes may be purchased at park entrance stations, online, or at these businesses in Tusayan.