Shrine of the Ages - Grand Canyon Interfaith Chapel, Arizona

Shrine of the Ages at Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA

The Shrine of the Ages is an interfaith chapel and multi-use building used for a variety of public and private functions at Grand Canyon National Park. The shrine is home to churches of several denominations, and is used for weddings as well as educational lectures and park activities.

Shrine of the Ages, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA

Unfortunately I wasn't able to go inside the Shrine of the Ages, as it isn't open except for scheduled religious services and park events. Instead, I walked around the outside of the chapel, explored the nearby Pioneer Cemetery, and enjoyed the cool, dry air of autumn in northern Arizona. The chapel, built in 1952, is built of local wood and stone, reflecting the natural landscape of the ponderosa pine forest surrounding the Grand Canyon. The modernist architectural features are designed to blend in with the landscape in a respectful way.

Shrine of the Ages is home to a number of local churches, which hold services throughout the week. The posted schedule hasn't been updated since 2017, but I presume the information is still accurate. The shrine is also used for a number of educational ranger programs held throughout the year.

various religious services at Shrine of the Ages

Perhaps more interesting than the shrine is the nearby Pioneer Cemetery, which dates back to before the founding of the national park (1919), but was dedicated in 1928. The cemetery is small and peaceful, and there are several nearby benches where visitors can sit and enjoy the beautiful surrounding nature of the national park.

Pioneer Cemetery, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA

This special burial place is reserved for Grand Canyon pioneers and explorers, native people, and park employees who have lived no fewer than three years in the national park. It closed for further expansion in 2017 due to limited space.

the historic Pioneer Cemetery at Grand Canyon National Park

Visiting Shrine of the Ages

• Shrine of the Ages is located at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon within Grand Canyon National Park.
• You can reach the shrine on the free Grand Canyon Shuttle Bus Village Line (blue line) from the park's visitor center.
• Shrine of the Ages is closed to the public except during weekly religious services. It is locked up during the day, but visitors are welcome to come visit to see the chapel and cemetery.
• 20 S Entrance Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
• https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/historyculture/shrine-of-the-ages.htm
• https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/shrine-of-the-ages.htm