More Than Just a Big View
The Grand Canyon is famous for its jaw-dropping scenery, but it is also a living habitat for an astonishing variety of animals. More than 450 species make their home across its deserts, forests, and canyon walls. Keep your eyes open on your visit and you may spot some remarkable wildlife. Here are the animals you are most likely to see, and where to look.
The California Condor: A Comeback Story
The star of Grand Canyon wildlife is the California condor, one of the rarest birds in the world. With a wingspan of nearly 10 feet, it is unmistakable overhead. These giants had dropped to just 22 individuals in the 1980s, but a major recovery program reintroduced them to the Arizona skies near the canyon starting in the 1990s. Today you have a real chance of seeing one soaring near Grand Canyon Village, Yaki Point, or Desert View.
Wildlife to Watch For
- California condors: enormous, rare birds soaring along the rim.
- Desert bighorn sheep: expert climbers on the steep canyon walls.
- Elk and mule deer: large mammals in the forested rim areas.
- Rock squirrels and ravens: common around the overlooks (never feed them).
Bighorn Sheep and Big Mammals
Look along the rocky slopes below the rim and you may spot desert bighorn sheep, incredible climbers that navigate near-vertical cliffs with ease. Up on the forested rim, elk and mule deer are common, especially in the quieter mornings and evenings. Elk are large and can be unpredictable, so admire them from a safe distance.
Watch Wildlife the Right Way
Seeing wild animals is a highlight of any Grand Canyon trip, but it comes with responsibility. Always keep your distance, never feed any animal, and store your food securely, since human food harms wildlife and draws them to crowded areas. Feeding the squirrels may seem harmless, but they are actually one of the most common causes of injuries in the park. Give every creature space and let it stay wild.
Bring Your Binoculars
From condors riding the thermals to bighorn sheep on the cliffs, the Grand Canyon rewards visitors who slow down and watch. Pack a pair of binoculars, be patient at the overlooks, and enjoy the show. On a guided tour, your guide knows the best spots and can help you find the animals. Ask us about our Grand Canyon tours and the wildlife you might meet along the way.