Background

Grand Canyon Pioneer Cemetery: Resting Place of Canyon Builders

Explore the legacies of Grand Canyon pioneers at this historic cemetery near the South Rim.

5

The Grand Canyon Pioneer Cemetery, near the South Rim, is the final resting place for pioneers, park administrators, and others who shaped the Grand Canyon. Though closed to new burials since 2017, it remains open for visitation, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who developed and appreciated the park.

A brief summary to Grand Canyon Pioneer Cemetery

Local tips

  • Take time to read the headstones; they often reveal interesting details about the lives of those buried there.
  • The cemetery is located near the Shrine of the Ages and Parking Lot A, making it easily accessible.
  • Consider visiting the cemetery in the early morning or late afternoon for a more peaceful experience.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    The Grand Canyon Pioneer Cemetery is located near Parking Lot A and the Shrine of the Ages. From most locations in Grand Canyon Village, it is accessible via a short walk. From the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, follow the Village Route (Blue) shuttle bus route, and exit at the Shrine of the Ages stop, the cemetery is a short walk from there. There are no fees associated with walking to the cemetery.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Grand Canyon Pioneer Cemetery using the free shuttle service, take the Village Route (Blue Route). This route connects various points within Grand Canyon Village. Exit the shuttle at the Shrine of the Ages stop. The cemetery is a short walk from the shuttle stop. The shuttle is free.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Grand Canyon Village. A taxi ride from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center or other points in the village to the Pioneer Cemetery will be a short trip. Expect to pay around $10-$15 for a one-way trip within the village.

Unlock the Best of Grand Canyon Pioneer Cemetery

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Grand Canyon Pioneer Cemetery

The Grand Canyon Pioneer Cemetery, also known as the South Rim Cemetery or American Legion Cemetery, holds historical significance as the resting place for individuals who played a vital role in the Grand Canyon's development. Located near the Shrine of the Ages and Parking Lot A, its location a mile or so outside the Historic Village was common for young communities in the American West. Established in 1928, though used before then, the cemetery is the final resting place for pioneers, war veterans, tribal members, and employees of the park concessionaires, the US Forest Service, and the National Park Service. To be eligible for burial, individuals had to have lived at the Grand Canyon for at least three years or have made a significant contribution to the park. The cemetery is on the List of Classified Historic Structures in Grand Canyon National Park. Among those interred are Captain John Hance, an early settler and guide; Ralph Cameron, a businessman and politician; and members of the Kolb family, who established the Kolb Studio. There is also a monument dedicated to the unidentified victims of the 1956 Grand Canyon mid-air collision. The cemetery closed to new burials in 2017 due to lack of space, but some burials may still occur for those with existing family plots. A visit to the cemetery provides an opportunity to reflect on the lives and legacies of those who shaped the Grand Canyon.

Popular Experiences near Grand Canyon Pioneer Cemetery

Popular Hotels near Grand Canyon Pioneer Cemetery

Select Currency