Discovering Wildlife in Grand Canyon National Parks

Appreciating the wildlife in Grand Canyon parks and trails is a great way to make your trip all the more memorable. Visitors often note the stellar sunsets and panoramic views as a key reason for visiting, but these lands are actually a thriving ecosystem loaded with many different kinds of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects, which are ready for viewing at a safe distance.

The many trails that take visitors throughout the canyon are home to endless species, living their best lives alongside guests who are welcome to view them without disruption. Learn more about the many species that call the Grand Canyon home with this simple guide.

Safety Considerations For Appreciating Wildlife

Visiting for the first time, it is clear to see why so many people visit the Grand Canyon. But the natural beauty of this destination is home to many different animals that the staff throughout the park are dedicated to protecting. The park strictly forbids guests from feeding or touching any wildlife in the park.

In fact, the Grand Canyon National Park website encourages all visitors to view wildlife from at least two school bus lengths away. Further, guests are not allowed to provoke the animals for the sake of a great photo, but must instead appreciate them quietly and from a distance. These rules are in place to protect both you and the wildlife from harm. Be respectful throughout the trip and enjoy the natural beauty of this destination without complication.

Where to See Wildlife in The Grand Canyon

With safety and respect in mind, many visitors can catch a glimpse of wildlife across the park’s many trails. Rim Trail on the South Rim (Mather Point and Yavapai Geology Museum) and the North Kaibab Trail and Desert View Drive are both great options for taking in wildlife. However, many of the most popular viewpoints and trails remain home to endless species.

Truly, the Grand Canyon is bursting with life, and wildlife is seen distributed throughout the park’s many trails. Many visitors can even catch glimpses of wildlife at popular viewpoints.

Birdwatching in The Grand Canyon

Many bird watchers “flock” to Grand Canyon National Park to see exotic and rare bird species, most notably the California condor, the peregrine falcon, and the world-famous bald eagle. Some of the species you may be able to view include:
Research conducted by the National Park Service (NPS) has identified over 359 different species of birds that are either permanent residents or seasonal visitors. Some highlights include:

• Red-tailed Hawk
• Golden Eagle
• Sharp-shinned Hawk
• Turkey Vulture
• Common Raven
• Woodhouse’s Scrub Jay
• Pinyon Jay,
• Violet-green Swallow
• Rock Wren
• Black-throated Gray Warbler
• Juniper Titmouse
• Mountain Chickadee
• Bushtit
• Ash-throated Flycatcher
• Lesser Goldfinch
• Dark-eyed Junco
• Southwestern Willow Flycatcher
• Mexican Spotted Owls
• Western Yellow-Billed Cuckoo.

Consider visiting the park in the early mornings to avoid crowds, but also improve your chances of viewing the largest number of species possible. Fall remains the best season for birdwatching, with many species still present all year long.

Viewing The Mammals of The Grand Canyon

The inner canyon trails at both the North and South Rims are reported to be the home of 90 different species of mammals. Visitors often report sights in forested areas, but also rocky open spaces along the Canyon’s rim. Species of mammals guests may come across include:

• Elk & Mule Deer
• Desert Bighorn Sheep
• Abert’s Squirrel
• Coyotes
• Bobcats
• Mountain lions
• Bison

Under all circumstances, never provoke, feed, or disturb any of the mammals you encounter.

Reptile Species in The Grand Canyon

Home to 41 different reptile species, including 6 different venomous rattlesnakes, these animals can be appreciated from a safe distance, known to be especially prominent during the hot summer months. Some species you may come across include:

• Yellow-backed Spiny Lizard
• Greater Short-horned Lizard
• Common Chuckwalla
• Gila Monster
• Western Whiptail
• Collared Lizard
• Grand Canyon Rattlesnake
• Gopher Snake
• Sonoran lyre snake
• Desert nightsnake.
• Desert Tortoise

Viewing Amphibians in The Grand Canyon

Amphibians remain an important element of the Grand Canyon’s biodiversity, known to be especially vulnerable to changes in their environment. The Grand Canyon remains an important home to 8 different species of amphibians, including:

• Canyon Tree Frog
• Red-spotted Toad (Anaxyrus punctatus)
• Tiger Salamander
• Woodhouse’s Toad (Anaxyrus woodhousii)
• Western Tiger Salamander
• Great Basin Spadefoot (Spea intermontana)
• Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens)

Arachnids and Insects At The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon just might be heaven for insect lovers, as there are close to 1,500 different species of invertebrates and insects that call the park home. Key members of the Canyon’s ecosystem, these species help decompose decaying materials and act as helpful pollinators to my plant species. Visitors can encounter:

• Beetles
• Wasps & Bees
• Butterflies & Moths
• Tarantulas
• Scorpions
• Black widows

Simple Tips For Enjoying Wildlife at The Grand Canyon

For those who love nature and wildlife, use these tips for the best possible wildlife viewing experience at the Grand Canyon.

• Bring Your Binoculars: Safe viewing is done from a distance, and binoculars or even a zoom camera lens can help you appreciate your findings from a distance. Never approach wildlife you come across, and always remain peaceful and quiet.

• Arrive Early: The more peaceful and calm the park is, the more likely you are to come across wildlife. Show up for early morning hiking experiences to improve your chances of coming across rare wildlife species.

• Dress Comfortably: Bring out your best hiking gear, including comfortable shoes, refillable water containers, and removable layers. Depending on the season, you may need to prepare for rain or cooler temperatures. Bring along a variety of clothing that can keep you comfortable no matter the weather.

• Keep a Safe Distance: The Grand Canyon National Park website encourages visitors to stay two school bus lengths away from all wildlife for your safety and theirs. Leave the park exactly as you found it and be respectful of all rules and guidelines.

• Morning or Night: Should you be unable to visit early morning, early evening is another good time to explore the park in search of wildlife. While the park remains busy all day long, look to explore calm and quiet portions of the park if you wish to see wildlife.

• Never Head Off Designated Trails: The Grand Canyon remains home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in America, but guests are required to stay along these paths. Heading off posted hiking trails puts not just you at risk, but also the ecosystems found within the Canyon. You risk disrupting the natural environment here, as heading off-trail requires a special research permit.

• If You Are Ever Unsure, Ask: Park Rangers are ready to answer questions from guests and help them have the best possible experience. Look to your tour guide to help you find the right hiking trail for not just wildlife viewing, but for your safety.

Private Group Travel Considerations

Visitors who are looking to experience wildlife along their trip to the Grand Canyon can see great benefits from booking a private group tour. Small tour groups with a dedicated guide make the experience both fun and exciting, offering deep knowledge about the offerings of the park, but also offering their guidance for animal lovers.

While the Grand Canyon National Park is welcoming to individuals, they are host to many different tour groups that include stops beyond the most frequented trails and tourist hotspots.

Have Caravan Take You There

Caravan stands as your number one provider of intimate and private group travel offerings that can help you experience the diverse wildlife found in the Grand Canyon. In fact, the multi-day private tour of the Grand Canyonoffered by Caravan includes a deep exploration of the Canyon itself, but also the unique opportunity to explore the ecosystem found in the Navajo Nation. Here you can explore many trails that are often only available to private tour groups, helping you connect with nature but also take in the endless wildlife seen throughout the area.

Utilize the experience of travel guides who maintain deep knowledge of the Grand Canyon experience, ensuring you never miss an important detail. This trip is perfect for first-time visitors, but also experienced nature enthusiasts looking to discover all that the Grand Canyon and this beautiful state have to offer.

Book your trip today!

Travel with confidence knowing that every detail of your trip has been carefully planned out, with guides that can set you in the right direction and help you appreciate this incredible wonder of the world. Reach out to us directly by calling 1 (312)-321-9800, or 1-800-CARAVAN to learn more about our private travel group offerings of the Grand Canyon.

Spaces remain limited, call us today to learn more and book your dream vacation today!