Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time in IMAX

Only 5 percent of the visitors to Grand Canyon explore beyond the rim of this great Natural World Wonder, most just stand on the edge and look out. The Grand Canyon Rivers of Time Movie in IMAX with Laser will immerse you into an unforgetable adventure you will never forget. IMAX with Laser technology will deliver crystal clear images, increased resolution, deeper contrast, as well as the most distinct, exotic colors ever available on-screen. In only 35-minutes, discover 4,000 years of human history and enhance your visit to Grand Canyon. 

IMAX Technology

Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time is a journey through time at one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. History, science, and mythology come alive through epic aerial IMAX photography complemented by spectacular, mesmerizing, super-high resolution time-lapse photography. The geological formation of the Canyon is showcased using stunning CGI animation, while the fascinating story of early civilizations, and their mysterious disappearance, is brought to life on the giant screen.

Soar over the Canyon and learn the history of discovery by Spanish conquistadors and colorful frontiersman, whose hostile relations with Native Americans foretold future conflict. Experience treacherous rapids with John Wesley Powell and his intrepid team of explorers as they face the unknown and never-before conquered Colorado River. And, as the rivers of time unfold, discover the rich history of the landscapes and Native peoples with the unveiling of the first photographs ever taken in Grand Canyon (circa 1872).

A Giant Screen Experience by Destination Cinema Inc.

Grand Canyon Visitor Center IMAX

With significant offerings in visitor education and services, plus the continued run of the spectacular IMAX® presentation of the “Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time”, the Visitor Center provides the premier orientation and information spot for tourists seeking a vivid and memorable Grand Canyon experience.

Those entering the Grand Canyon Visitor Center IMAX will find views, stories and secrets of the Grand Canyon that only IMAX can provide. The Visitor Center includes convenient services such as Grand Canyon National Park Pass sales, information and tour reservations, free Canyon maps, Souvenir Store, photo galleries and satellite images, Arizona Office of Tourism, Explorer’s Café featuring Pizza Hut Express, and more.

At the heart of the Center is the 500-seat 7-story giant screen Theater, home to the 2023 GSCA Best Visual Effects award “Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time” penetrates the innermost depths of the Canyon, taking viewers where they could not normally go and showing them things they won’t otherwise see through the startling reality of the IMAX® format.   Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time moves through time, starting with the mysterious Anasazi who inhabited the Canyon 4,000 years ago, to Major John Wesley Powell’s challenges in conquering the unexplored Canyon and raging Colorado River in 1869.

Lunch Options:

Choice of 1 Fresh Deli Sandwich (all with lettuce, Tomato and Red Onion):

• Smoked Turkey with Muenster Cheese
• Honey Ham with Swiss Cheese
• Veggie with Pepper Jack Cheese, Avocado, Cucumber, Sprouts & Tomato

Sides Include: Chips, Apple, String Cheese & Cookie

1 Bottle of Water

Menu subject to change due to product availability

Open 365 Days A Year

Grand Canyon Visitor Center IMAX Tusayan Hours

• 9:00 am – 7:00 pm (November 1 – February 29)
• 9:00 am – 9:00 pm (March 1 – October 31)

IMAX Theater Showtimes

• 9:30 am – 6:30 pm* (November 1 – February 29)
• 9:30 am – 8:30 pm* (March 1 – October 31)

*Shows begin hourly at half-past the hour. 

**Translation services are available in Mandarin and Korean at the cost of $2.  Passengers will be given brand new ear buds for use.