The scale of the Grand Canyon is altogether mind-astonishing. Standing at the canyon`s edge, one gazes thousands of feet down its jagged rifts and crevices winding through the renowned natural wonder attracting millions annually. It stands as a place inspiring reflection on early human observers` reactions.
It was likely something like “Oh damn, what do we do now?”
Though I, Matt, have visited the Grand Canyon multiple times over the years, we spent more time on our latest trip, allowing me to explore deeper into the canyon both literally and metaphorically. One point I`ll make is that, to truly appreciate the vast scale of the Grand Canyon, you should endeavor to take a hike that brings you down below the rim.
From below the canyon edge, you’ll be looking up at towering rock formations that, just hours before, you were looking down on. And they look significantly larger from the bottom, especially when there’s a steep climb back to the edge ahead of you.
We prepared this 2 day Grand Canyon itinerary to help you make the most of your time in Grand Canyon National Park.
If you have more time allocated for travel – such as 3 days in the Grand Canyon – or less time available – like one day in the Grand Canyon – we have suggestions at the bottom of the itinerary for how you could possibly adjust this for your trip. Moreover, you’ll discover all the logistical details needed to plan the perfect excursion.
Wondering where to lodge at the Grand Canyon? We’ve got you covered with a complete guide to the best places to stay at the Grand Canyon, plus exactly how to choose where to stay based on your style and budget.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.
Table of Contents
South Rim vs. North Rim? Which to Choose
The two edges of the Grand Canyon – the more frequented Grand Canyon South Rim and the more remote North Rim – may be under 20 miles apart at their widest point if traveling by crow, but it actually requires several hours to drive between them.
Here’s what that appears like in a day-by-day format:
For visitors experiencing the Grand Canyon for the first time, we highly recommend concentrating your exploration on the South Rim above all else.
If you’ve visited the South Rim previously and done a few of the routes, seen the sights, and feel up for something novel, then consider the North Rim.
Be aware that the North Rim is 1,000 feet higher in elevation, meaning the season is much briefer (essentially just summer through early fall). It`s also quite difficult to access compared to the South Rim.
This itinerary will focus on the South Rim, though we have some ideas about things to do should your visit extend to include the North Rim too.
How Many Days in the Grand Canyon?
After spending four days on this trip (and having visited multiple times previously, though never together), we think allocating two days is the perfect amount of time to spend on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon if wanting to see the major attractions.
Two days allows you to accomplish the three activities we believe are `must-dos` during your visit: Undertake one hike below the rim, Stroll the Rim Trail, and drive Desert View Road at sunset.
However, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to experience EVERYTHING within just two days. Here are some noteworthy sights worth extending your itinerary for, including estimated additional time required for each.
- If you want to undertake an extensive hike, like along the Bright Angel Trail, plan to add an extra day. Another option is to complete the notable overnight hike deep into the canyon down to Phantom Ranch and back, which would necessitate two to three additional days. You could also hike across the entire canyon rim, taking approximately five days.
- If you wish to visit the northern rim region, allot one or two extra days and prepare for a lengthy drive to traverse between the canyon rims.
Tips for Visiting Grand Canyon National Park
Here are some suggestions that we gathered over the course of our trip that you may (or may not) find valuable as you plan your visit to the Grand Canyon.
- We didn’t fully grasp how high up the edges of the Grand Canyon were until researching for our latest trip. The southern boundary runs at approximately seven thousand feet in elevation, and the northern perimeter exceeds eight thousand feet. Be prepared for the altitude – stay hydrated, carry lip balm (I can attest from our campsite at Mather Campground that my lips were in poor condition), and allocate one day to adjust before attempting any hikes below the rim.
- Sun protection is quintessential. During the summer, it is scorching hot. The National Park Service frequently rescues many individuals each summer suffering from heat exhaustion. To avoid becoming one of those rescued, wear ample sunscreen, a sun hat, drink a gallon of water daily (you`ll see how many people hike with just a small plastic bottle of water – do not do that!), and plan on taking a break from hiking between 10 am and 4 pm to dodge the hottest part of the day.
- Related to the note on high temperatures, the canyon bottom heats up swiftly as you descend. There is often a 20+ degree difference between the temperature at the rim compared to in the canyon. We were skeptical but understood as soon as we hiked down and back up. Many of the hikes are fully exposed in the middle of the day, which can make it feel even hotter.
- Arizona possesses spectacular sunsets. We hail from the West Coast where the marine layer and damp weather ruin innumerable sunsets.Not so in Arizona! Intend to catch the sunset every evening you`re at the Grand Canyon – you won`t regret it. The best places to view sunset are Mather Point, which is a five minute walk from the main Visitor Center, Hopi Point out on Hermit’s Rest Road (you’ll have to shuttle), and Desert View near the East Entrance of the park.
- Monsoon season arrives in July and lingers through August, meaning daily afternoon thunderstorms. I`ve boated on nearby Lake Powell in August with my family and got caught on a jet ski in a monsoon – I strongly advise against it. Design a plan to be indoors during the monsoon hour.
- The Rim Trail, which we believe you should definitely walk a section of, extends from Yaki Point at the eastern terminus all the way to Hermit’s Rest at its western end. Along the way, you’ll notice subtle shifts in the canyon`s appearance from diverse angles thanks to a variety of slightly different viewpoints, and there are many informational signs along the route.
A Complete Guide to Planning an Amazing 2 Day Grand Canyon Itinerary
Below you will find a fairly comprehensive guide focused on planning an amazing two days exploring the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, which is more accessible year-round.
Additionally, below that section we have more details on potential activities with extra time in the park.
Note: We’re assuming arrival in the Grand Canyon the night before, with two full days to spend on the South Rim, departing on the morning of the third day to continue home, or to the subsequent destination (might we suggest Zion National Park or Sedona?).
Day 1: The Entirety of the Rim Trail
On your first day, we wouldn’t recommend tackling a major hike, since you’ll be acclimating to the elevation (it’s 7,000 feet above sea level!).
Instead, completing the entire rim trail, which connects Yaki Point to Hermits Rest, is considered worthwhile.
To do that, you have a few options.
- First is hiking, but you won’t be able to hike the entire trail.
- Second is the shuttle, which is a viable option.
- Third is renting bikes from Bright Angel Bicycles (adjacent to the main Visitor Center) to do part of the rim trail by bicycle.
We think incorporating all three options is the best approach, which is what you’ll see outlined below.
The Rim Trail is unique because you’ll get to witness how the Grand Canyon varies drastically as you traverse the rim. At points, you’ll only be able to see the opposite rim. At others, you’ll get a view down the canyon, either to the east or west. You’ll even catch glimpses of the Colorado River on Hermits Road!
Note the subtle changes in the canyon as you move from east to west, and marvel at the scale of what you’re seeing and the time required for it to become what it is today.
Rent Bikes and Ride Along the Rim to Yaki Point
Cycling along the rim was one of the highlights of our trip, which is why you’ll find it included here in your itinerary. You can’t bike for most of the rim trail, but you CAN on the way out to Yaki Point, which is a gorgeous ride.
First, travelers can head to Bright Angel Bicyclesat the Visitor Center. The shop rents bicycles from 8 am to 5 pm (though rentals can be kept overnight which is what we did), and offers hourly, half-day (five hours), full-day (more than five hours – rent and return same day), and 24-hour (keep overnight) options. Rentals for kids, attachments for shuttling kids, and tagalong bicycles are also provided.
As far as routes go, they also offer helpful maps that prove useful for planning your trip. We undertook both the ride to Yaki Point and the ride out on Hermit Road. You can’t follow the rim between the Visitor Center and Bright Angel Lodge, which is why we recommend walking that section below.
If you wished to bicycle Hermit Road, do Yaki Point initially, then head out that way, where you’ll ride along the identical road as the shuttle bus – when you hear / see a shuttle behind you, you must completely remove from the road and stop to permit the bus to pass. Bear in mind, the first mile or two of that road is steep! Then, return the bicycles, and do the walk from Mather to the Bright Angel Lodge.
From the Visitor Center, take the bicycles on the greenway trail out towards Yaki Point. It’s generally a flat ride, with some gently rolling hills that aren’t too difficult. Along the way, you’ll pass the South Kaibab Trailhead and Pipe Creek Vista, both of which are worth stopping at. There are also many other unmarked viewpoints along the rim trail that merit stopping for as you ride past.
Walk from Mather Point to the Bright Angel Lodge
After dropping off your bicycles, head out to Mather Point from the Visitor Center. It’s roughly a five minute walk to the most popular viewpoint in the Grand Canyon, mostly because of its accessibility. From the well-developed viewing platform, you can see up and down the canyon in both directions.
Here is where your rim perimeter stroll begins. It extends over 2.5 miles from the Mather Point viewpoint to the Village Route Transfer station, which is where the shuttle will pick you up for this afternoon`s venture down Hermits Road.
For the journey there, there are a couple of stops worth making.
- Yavapai Point: More panoramic views of the Grand Canyon? While that may seem dull, stop here and admire the vastness of the canyon.
- Yavapai Geology Museum: It is worthwhile to stop for the facts about the Grand Canyon’s geology.
- Trail of Time: Not necessarily a single stop, but rather a series of informative signs tracking the formation of the Grand Canyon over the years. Coming from the east, you’ll start with the most recent eras and go back in time as you walk the rim. The signage and details is outstanding.
Use the Shuttle to Explore Hermits Rest Road
Obtain midday fare at the prominent Angel Lodge or renowned El Tovar Hotel (or eat the packed provisions along the rim, which is what we do as we`re on a budget) and take a moment to relax and admire the perspectives of the gorge. Then, get ready to head out to Hermit Road, which was a highlight of our time in the park.
Note: We greatly enjoyed cycling along this route because Hermit Road is solely accessible via shuttle to most visitors (March – November), meaning you`ll have the road mainly to yourself. If that type of experience appeals to you, take your rental bicycles out to Hermit Road for the afternoon, affording yourself adequate time to return them before 5pm. It will likely take around three to four hours to complete the entire route, contingent on your speed of travel. This does signify you`ll probably miss sunset at Hopi Point as you`ll need to have the bikes back before nightfall. We`d advise Mather Point for sunset in that scenario.
The optimum time to undertake the journey out to Hermits Rest is in the period of late afternoon to sunset, so you may have a few hours to spend depending on how long the morning takes. Spend it either at your hotel, or by walking a portion of the Rim Trail on Hermit Road, which provides you with a more up-close perspective of the Grand Canyon than the road, which is what shuttles and bikes utilize.
Refill water containers for the afternoon excursion at one of the numerous water filling stations (the simplest ones are probably at the Bright Angel Trailhead) and head over to catch the shuttle along Hermit Road from Village Route Transfer. From here, the shuttle journeys all the way out to Hermits Rest, which as one of the shuttle motorists put it “is just an excuse for another gift shop.”
We believe you should stop at each stopping point along the way, get out, and check out the viewpoints. The shuttles run every 10-15 minutes, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble boarding. This leaves the perfect amount of time to exit, be amazed, take some images, and catch the next shuttle.
Our favorite stops were:
- Trailview Point: This is the first stop along the route. Cool view of the Bright Angel Trail, the San Francisco mountains in the distance, and across the canyon to the North Rim.
- The Abyss: A little different than other viewpoints because it’s basically a sheer cliff.
- Hopi Point: One of the best sunset spots in the park, according to at least one ranger and at least one bus driver.
Upon reaching Hermits Rest, take the shuttle back to Hopi Point, which offers magnificent sunsets – you can see the setting sun to the west illuminating the canyon straight ahead and light up the landscape out to the east with brilliant hues ranging from yellow to red.
Day 2: The South Kaibab Trail and Desert View Road
On your second day in the Grand Canyon, hike the South Kaibab Trail before driving Desert View Road, the most scenic park route open to private vehicles (except in winter, when Hermit road allows private cars), and end with sunset at Mather Point.
Hiking the South Kaibab Trail
As mentioned earlier, the South Kaibab Trail is our selection for the best one day hike in the Grand Canyon if you only have limited time.
To reach the starting point, take the shuttle from the Visitor Center located to the South Kaibab Trailhead (it’s the Orange Line). It’s a popular route, so try to get there early. You can also drive to where Yaki Point Road meets Desert View Road, park your car, and hike the additional half mile from there to the trailhead, which adds a full mile roundtrip to your hike.
This hike allows for various starting and ending points, with potential turnarounds at 0.75 miles marked by ( Ooh Aah Point), 1.5 miles at ( Cedar Ridge), 3 miles at ( Skeleton Point), and 4.5 miles at (the Tipoff). Note that the distances listed are one-way, so you must double them to get roundtrip distances.
We advise hikers, especially during summer months, to limit their travel no further than Skeleton Point.
There will be no water on this trail, and it will likely be between 90 – 100 degrees Fahrenheit, if not hotter within the canyon during summer. The heat is no trivial matter, and you’ll have to climb over 3,000 feet back to the rim if you venture farther than Skeleton Point.
From Skeleton Point, you can see the Colorado River, and obtain views both east and west into the canyon. It’s a 6 mile hike, with 2,000 feet of elevation gain on the way back up to the rim. Pack plenty of water and snacks for the journey.
Driving Desert View Road
After your hike, head back to camp or your hotel and take a mini siesta and eat some lunch. In the afternoon, go out to Desert View Road, which is the best scenic drive in the park open to private vehicles year round.
Stop at all the viewpoints along the drive, starting with Pipe Creek and concluding at Desert View itself. We were stunned by the transformations in the canyon scenery revealed along this 22 mile roadway. Ultimately, you can see multiple varied perspectives of the river, views which require hiking 5-10 miles from the part of the canyon surrounding the Visitor Center to access.
We were particularly enthralled with Moran Point (where we caught sunset), Desert View, and Grandview Point (mostly because there’s a story about a hotel on one of the informational signs, but no mention of why or how it disappeared – what a mystery!).
Here are some pictures, which someone once stated are worth a thousand words (honestly, it’s probably more when it comes to the Grand Canyon).
Sunset at Mather Point
Setting out for Desert View in the late afternoon optimally schedules your return to Mather Point for sundown against the same scenic backdrop.
Finish exploring the park by watching a spectacular sunset (just assuming, because it’s Arizona) at Mather Point. It’s a busy location since it’s so close to the Visitor Center, so you might be sharing it with a crowd. Bring a cold beverage, some snacks, and observe the light show as the sun lowers towards the horizon, and the Grand Canyon illuminates with shades of yellow, orange, and red.
The hues of the canyon truly pop when the sun dips low, and if you’re fortunate you’ll have some clouds to include shade in the sky.
What to Do with 3 Days in the Grand Canyon
With an additional day, we recommend following the suggested 2 day itinerary and adding one of the longer descents below the canyon rim on the third day.
Both of the hikes mentioned below involve significant elevation gain on the return trip uphill to the canyon rim, but the Bright Angel Trail permits more customization if you lack extensive hiking experience – you can simply descend to the 1.5 mile guesthouse (roundtrip distance of 3 miles).
The two best options, we think, are the:
- Bright Angel Trail (previously mentioned) down to the 3 mile resthouse (6 miles / 2,000 ft of elevation gain) or Indian Gardens (9 miles / 3,000 ft of elevation gain). Regrettably, the scenery does not transform greatly along the route, failing to truly enter the canyon until Plateau Point, which is too extended for most day trekkers.
- Grandview Point to Horseshoe Mesa (5.5 miles / 2,400 ft of elevation gain). This hike begins on Desert View Road and descends to Horseshoe Mesa, granting spectacular views of the canyon. This is not an easy walk, with no available drinking water along the path – bring AT LEAST 3L and begin early to avoid the intense heat that builds in the canyon below the rim.
What to Do with One Day in the Grand Canyon
With only one day to experience the Grand Canyon`s natural splendor, incorporating elements from each proposed daily itinerary would prove prudent.
Beginning your day early allows catching the shuttle from the Visitor Center out to the South Kaibab Trailhead, where one can hike down to Cedar Ridge (3 miles / 1,100 ft elevation decrease) or Skeleton Point (6.3 miles / 2,000 ft elevation decrease), taking up most of the morning.
Take the shuttle out to the viewpoint of Yaki Point, where magnificent scenery awaits observation. Hop back on the shuttle to the Visitor Center after being awestruck. Enjoy lunch there while refilling water bottles, then head out along Hermit Road in the afternoon, whether via shuttle or rented bikes. Make a stop to appreciate the views presented at each of the spots noted above, which will occupy around three additional hours.
In the late afternoon around sunset, tackle Desert View Drive, and remain at Desert View for sunset before heading back to your lodging to rest after your action-packed day.
Where to Stay in the Grand Canyon
If you’re visiting the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, you have alternatives that include camping, staying at an accommodation inside the park, and staying at a hotel outside the park. All three provide different experiences at different cost levels, and we’ll go through each one with some suggestions to help you find the perfect base for exploring the Grand Canyon.
We’ll mainly focus on exploring attractions located along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, as this itinerary heavily features sights in that region and we feel it`s a sensible starting point for initial visitors.
Hotels Inside the Park on the South Rim
If camping is not preferable, then consider lodging at one of the hotels within the park.
PS: We’ve got an entire separate guide focused on assisting you discover the perfect location to remain at the Grand Canyon. Go read that for much more detail.
Look, most lodges and hotels inside national parks aren’t a great financial value. The facilities are outdated – mostly because they’re constantly at full capacity so when would they renovate? – and you’ll pay a premium for the convenient location.
Accommodations within the boundaries of Grand Canyon National Park are comparable to others in the region. Consider lodging just 15 minutes away outside the South Entrance in the town of Tusayan, or around 30 minutes from the rim in Grand Canyon Junction for potentially better value. You`ll find those options discussed next.
There are two main groups of lodging in the park – those actually located on the canyon rim, and those just outside it. As expected, you’ll pay a premium for staying directly on the canyon edge.
The hotel options on the rim are:
- El Tovar: This historic lodge catches one`s attention due to its unusual Swiss-inspired architecture. Research revealed the designers aimed to evoke imagery of European luxury that appealed to elite travelers of that era. Guest rooms are comfortable and the location along the South Rim is ideal.
- Bright Angel Lodge: Those seeking a cabin-like setting near hiking trails would enjoy Bright Angel Lodge`s standalone cottages along the route for Bright Angel Trail, within easy access of park shuttle routes.
- Thunderbird Lodge: Exterior appears akin to a campus dormitory. However, rooms within provide basic but tidy accommodation and some feature views of the canyon, given the rim-side location near El Tovar.
For lodging that is slightly less expensive, consider the lodges that are not directly on the rim itself, but are still within a 10-15 minute walk of the Visitor Center.
- Yavapai Lodge: Situated within a 15 minute walk of Mather Point and the Visitor Center, this lodge is inside the Grand Canyon Village plaza where the principal grocery store in the park is located. It`s an excellent location, and also the largest lodge inside the park. Rooms are basic hotel-style rooms, but they`re quite comfortable. And it`s about as affordable as possible inside the park, though you`ll still pay somewhat more for the privilege of staying within walking distance of the rim.
- Maswik Lodge: Basic rooms that need updating, but it`s one of the most affordable places to stay inside the park. It’s near Bright Angel Trailhead and the entrance to Hermit Road, which means it’s a bit further away from the main Visitor Center.
Camping Inside the Park (South Rim)
The premier campground rim is called Mather Campground, a brief three minute drive or 20 minute walk to the Visitors Center and accessible by the shuttle line labeled Blue. We stayed there and were genuinely impressed by the campsites and amenities considering the large size. It is the only campground in the park open throughout the year.
Accommodations need to be booked well beforehand, particularly in the summer (think around six months ahead). Reservations are extremely recommended as most sites are reserved in advance. Last-minute arrival on a Friday evening should not assume availability of an open site.
There`s also an RV Park at the South Rim called Trailer Village RV Park, with campsites that have full hookups. It`s also extremely conveniently situated near the Visitor Center and market.
There is a first-come-first-served campground at Desert View, located 20 miles east of the park’s main Visitor Center. It is typically open from around May to October, and reservations cannot be made. It offers a good second option if securing a site at Mather is not possible, but you’ll need to arrive early in the day over the summer months to obtain a spot.
Info on camping inside the park can be found here.
Staying Outside the South Entrance
If you’re searching for better value, explore outside the South Entrance.
The options situated in Tusayan, which is essentially at the South Entrance, and Grand Canyon Junction, which is 15 minutes southward, but features additional alternatives, will likely be the most preferable. Both will place you within a half hour of the rim, and offer enhanced worth than the lodgings inside the park.
If you want to stay in a hotel, spend the night in Tusayan. If you want to stay in a vacation rental, stay in Grand Canyon Junction. More details on specific lodging options below.
The compromise is an inability to reach the rim on foot, though more affordable lodging fees offset that limitation, it seems.
A truly unique place to spend your time is Grand Canyon Under Canvas. There you can stay in canvas tents under the open sky, which allows guests to appreciate the incredible night sky away from light pollution. While a bit farther from the park, this provides an authentic experience of the area`s charm
Staying in Tusayan
Tusayan is your best choice – it’s straightaway outside the South Entrance of the park, and has a trio of solid hotels that will put you in the perfect spot for your trip.
Transportation options will take you to the Visitor Center – details here. (NOTE: Transportation not available for the 2021 season – you’ll need to drive).
- The Grand Canyon Squire Inn is one of three reasonably priced lodging choices in the region. It features spacious rooms and both interior and exterior swimming pools. Guests can also make use of a health club and an unusual bowling alley on the premises.
- The Holiday Inn Express offers consistent cleanliness and comfort typical of the chain. Amenities include comfortable beds, free breakfast, and an indoor heated swimming pool for winter months.
- The Red Feather Lodge provides a non-chain alternative. Family-operated for decades, it has comfortable basic guest rooms alongside amenities like laundry, a gym and seasonal pool
Staying in Grand Canyon Junction
You could also stay in Grand Canyon Junction, which is a little further south and a little less convenient, but there are more choices in terms of vacation rentals.
This area is also referred to as `Valle` and the only difference I could find pertains to local efforts seeking to change the name from Valle to Grand Canyon Junction.
On the off chance that you need to remain in a get-away rental, Grand Canyon Junction is your best option.
We appreciate this charming housing for couples touring the Grand Canyon (you could also stay in this retro vehicle for a more distinctive stay), or this three bedroom / two bathroom building for groups and kin (sleeps up to eight). If that one is booked, this countryside residence would be a good choice.
Discover all places to stay in Grand Canyon Junction through pressing this link.
Where to Stay on the North Rim
When considering staying on the North Rim, there are significantly fewer choices than across the canyon on the more frequented South Rim. It can be summed up in a short response.
Interested in camping? Stay at North Rim Campground (closed during the winter)
Prefer not to camp? Then you can stay at the North Rim Lodge.
That’s the situation. There aren’t too many other alternatives located adequately near the rim to justify your time.
Hiking in the Grand Canyon
Three hikes that are notably popular, and rightfully so, are the Rim Trail, the South Kaibab Trail, and the Bright Angel Trail.
There are some other noteworthy hikes in the Grand Canyon that attract fewer visitors – such as the Grandview trail and Hermit`s Trail – but with just a few days, we`d advise focusing on the first three.
The three trails mentioned share a nice quality whereby they can be customized suitably depending on one`s hiking skills and physical fitness.
For example, on the Bright Angel Trail, hikers who have less experience or preparation for an all-day hike can travel the three miles down and back to the 1.5 mile guesthouse, which takes you below the canyon rim and offers a different view and appreciation for the vastness of the canyon. Or, experienced hikers can hike all the way to Plateau Point, which is 12 miles and over 3,000 feet of climbing to return to the rim.
Here’s a brief overview of each trail:
- The Rim Trail runs from Yaki Point all the way to Hermit`s Rest, offering a fantastic way to explore the Grand Canyon. Not only do the views vary along the route, but educational signs help you comprehend how exactly the Grand Canyon was formed.
- The South Kaibab Trail is our recommended choice between the two primary trails connecting the rim, as the scenery changes while also revealing views of the Colorado River with notably less effort than the Bright Angel Trail. Designated turnaround points permit making this a 1.5, 3, 6, or 9 mile hike. Water is absent along the trail, but a restroom is located at Cedar Ridge.
- The Bright Angel Trail originates from Bright Angel Lodge, basically dropping directly down to a plateau extending to the Colorado River. Our preferred part was seeing the landscape from above, and afterwards realizing once in the canyon that one is now gazing UPWARDS at the massive tower that was earlier being admired from a distance just minutes prior.
The South Kaibab Trail vs. the Bright Angel Trail
Both of these hikes provide spectacular scenery, but if you only have time for one, which should you opt for?
We believe it’s the South Kaibab Trail, and we don’t think it’s that proximal.
The Bright Angel Trail mainly shows the same landscape from slightly adjusted vantage points for most of its length. It winds down the canyon wall through switchbacks until reaching the plateau, where the views start altering somewhat. However, unless hiking all the way to Plateau Point, a 12 mile trek gaining 3,000 feet in elevation on the return uphill journey with full sun exposure in the center 3 miles, there is no glimpse of the river afforded. Water can be found along this trail though, which provides at least one benefit. Also, restrooms are located at 1.5 miles and 3 miles into the hike.
We consider the South Kaibab Trail to be the optimal option if you only have time for one of them. The landscape varies throughout, and you traverse a ridge extending out into the canyon where you’ll have views stretching east and west down the length of the canyon. Additionally, you can see the river beginning at 3 miles in! There is no available drinking water along the trail, so ensuring to bring ample water for the climb back to the trailhead is important.
For most hikers, reaching Skeleton Point delivers sufficiently in terms of beauty and effort – it’s six miles with 2,000 feet of elevation gain on the return uphill.
When to Visit the Grand Canyon
Generally, spring and fall are the most pleasant times to be at the Grand Canyon. Weather is milder (though it can be unpredictable – we got a hailstorm in April), and crowds are somewhat thinner than in summer, which is the peak season.
Here’s a breakdown by season of what to anticipate in the Grand Canyon.
During the spring months, temperatures fluctuate between cool to warm, measuring within the 50s Fahrenheit to the 70s Fahrenheit in daylight hours, and dropping below freezing at night. Crowds are smaller than the packed summer months, the busiest time of year to visit, but the mild weather and spring break vacation schedule make spring still a popular season to tour.
In the fall, the weather will be comparable to spring, specifically in October and November, which implies it`s a really nice time to be at the Grand Canyon. Plus, there is no spring break in the fall, which creates it a somewhat less crowded time than the spring. September, after Labor Day, is a lovely time to take your trip.
During summer, temperatures are extremely hot, particularly below the rim where it may be over 20 degrees warmer than at the rim. Conditions are downright unpleasant at times, so it`s best to limit hiking below the rim to avoid strenuous climbing for thousands of feet in the heat of the day between 10 am and 4 pm. Summer also sees the largest numbers of visitors taking classic road trips. Book lodging early and expect waits for shuttles if arriving after 10 am. July and August mark monsoon season in Arizona, which means near-daily afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
In the winter, crowds are extraordinarily sparse. With the high elevation of the rim, it’s bitterly cold, and probably not an ideal time to be camping unless you have an RV. You may also encounter snow, which can be simultaneously beautiful and bothersome. Most of the trails below the rim become icy and require crampons to descend into the canyon, so this is not the time to visit if you want to undertake one of the amazing hikes below the rim – the South Kaibab Trail or the Bright Angel Trail. The advantage of the winter is that you can drive Hermit’s Rest road between November and February (it’s closed to private vehicles the rest of the year, and requires taking the shuttle).
Getting to Grand Canyon National Park
Phoenix and Las Vegas are the two foremost departure points for visiting the Grand Canyon if you’re flying in from outside the local area. If the Grand Canyon is part of a more expansive Arizona road trip or a journey around the Southwest region, then you might be arriving from Zion National Park or Bryce Canyon National Park, both of which are a relatively simple travel.
From Las Vegas
Las Vegas is, without a doubt, the most convenient airport to fly into to reach the Grand Canyon. It takes around four hours to travel by road from Las Vegas, and you’ll arrive through the western entrance of the park. If flying in, plan to land at McCarran International Airport, rent a vehicle, and head eastwards.
From Phoenix (or Sedona)
Getting to Grand Canyon from Phoenix will take you roughly similar time as Vegas, and which route you take really relies on what else you’re going to be doing on your trip. On way from Phoenix you’ll pass through Sedona, which worth a stop for day or two if you have time.
From Phoenix, it’s approximately four hours to the South Rim. It’s two hours from Sedona to the South Rim.
That sums up everything we have to offer! I believe we covered all the information necessary to visit the Grand Canyon. It’s a spectacular landscape, and we`re certain you’ll enjoy experiencing it yourself.
Additional Travel Guides for Arizona and Utah
If you liked this guide, you’re going to love our other Arizona and Utah travel guides.
Phoenix: Plan an ideal weekend in Phoenix, and figure out where you should stay in Phoenix.
The Grand Canyon: Planning a trip including the Grand Canyon? We have you covered with a guide on specifically how to plan an amazing Grand Canyon itinerary and how to find the perfect place to stay.
Sedona: Plan the perfect weekend escape to Sedona, and learn everything you need to know to go .
If you’re traveling into Utah, you’ll want to consult our guides to:
- Zion (a two day itinerary and where to lodge)
- Bryce Canyon (the top walks and how to spend one day in Bryce Canyon)
- Moab (a perfect schedule, the top walks in Arches, and the best places to lodge and things to do)
Additionally, our 10-day road trip through Utah`s national parks provides extensive details on exploring the state, if time permits. Otherwise, save it for another visit.
