Visiting the Grand Canyon is something you should not neglect on your trip across the U.S. West Coast`s route. Whether if you are on an excursion via the national parks, or just driving the Route 66 road,the Grand Canyon is a compulsory stopover.
This is one of those unique places that will leave you speechless, and one you can easily take for granted. Once you are there, it becomes very apparent why Grand Canyon is considered one of the wonders of the world. However, its vastness can’t be described with words or images, the best thing is to plan a trip to the US Grand Canyon and see this natural marvel for yourself.
First, a gentle reminder – you won`t be alone. Tourism at Grand Canyon National Park is far larger in scale than other US national parks, with an estimated 5 million visitors annually.
The Grand Canyon is situated in Arizona. Refer to this map of the Western United States if you wish to see its position relative to other U.S. National Parks.
We allocated one day in the Grand Canyon of Arizona during the ten-day excursion along the West Coast of the United States as part of our road trip across Western America. Although we initially intended to spend additional time there, we managed to make the most of the experience in a shorter period. Now, we share with you the primary activities to engage in at the Grand Canyon within a single day.
Table of Contents
VISITING THE GRAND CANYON
In this Grand Canyon blog post you will find all the information necessary to plan your visit. It will be very helpful whether if you are simply taking a brief stop on your Route 66 trip in the Grand Canyon, visiting with children, plan to descend the canyon to experience the Colorado River, or even if you fancy flying over the Grand Canyon by helicopteror airplane.
Since there is ample data about all the choices in Grand Canyon, we created this index with everything you need to know if you travel to the Grand Canyon. This way, if you are searching for specific info about any activity, you can go directly to the segment of your interest:
- What constitutes the Grand Canyon?
- Organized excursions to visit the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas
- When and how filters should be applied in photography
- How to travel between Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon
- Various methods of travelling from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon
- Guidance on how to get to the Grand Canyon from Monument Valley
- Guidance on how to get to the Grand Canyon from Antelope Canyon
- Essential facts for exploring the Grand Canyon alone:
- Prime things to do at the Grand Canyon:
- Additional tips for visiting the Grand Canyon:
- More information and curiosities about the Grand Canyon
- Locations for lodging at the Grand Canyon: best hotels and campsites within the Grand Canyon.
- Grand Canyon South Rim Accommodation
- Lodging at Grand Canyon`s North Rim
- Grand Canyon East Rim Accommodation
- Accommodation options on the Western Rim of the Grand Canyon
- A map detailing all points of interest within the Grand Canyon
Click on this symbol throughout the article ♣ to return to the index.
WHAT IS THE GRAND CANYON AND HOW DO I PLAN MY VISIT? – GRAND CANYON SOUTH RIM OR NORTH RIM?
The Grand Canyon is a tremendously long 277 miles and unfathomably deep 457 feet canyon that has been molded by the Colorado River across the Colorado Plateau over millions of years.
Visiting the entire vast expanse of the Grand Canyon would be nearly impossible, so an initial consideration is whether to begin exploring at the South Rim or North Rim of the renowned Grand Canyon.
VISITING THE GRAND CANYON SOUTH RIM
The most famous viewpoint of the Grand Canyon is the South Rim. Here, visitors will find major overlooks and the starting points for some thrilling hiking routes. However, seeing this area during its busiest season (June to September) can be stressful due to the huge numbers of people who come to gaze at this natural wonder.
You can enter the South Rim through its south and eastern entrances.
GRAND CANYON VILLAGE (SOUTH RIM)
Grand Canyon Village, more commonly referred to as the South Rim, centralizes much of the park amenities. Here in the area receiving most tourist visits, one will find the bulk of lodgings, retail outlets, dining establishments, scenic spots, and more.
Grand Canyon Village is located 62 miles from the town Williams, and you can get there via the southern entrance of Tusayan.
GRAND CANYON EAST RIM
The Grand Canyon East Rim, situated within the South Rim, attracts those who travel eastward. From the hamlet Cameron, one may gain entry to the Grand Canyon National Park by means of Desert View, an historic location where the scenic highway Desert View Drive embarks. This route skirts the edge of the canyon and guides you to the Grand Canyon Village.
In this area of Grand Canyon, there are fewer facilities, but the panoramas are quite similar to those visible in the Grand Canyon Village.
If you are uncertain whether to visit the Grand Canyon from the South or East Rim? If your trip takes you along the West Coast and time is limited, it would be better to enter the Grand Canyon from the east, as you will not miss anything critical by bypassing the Grand Canyon Village. Appreciate the less crowded viewpoints of the Grand Canyon`s Eastern edge.
VISITING THE GRAND CANYON NORTH RIM
The area of the Grand Canyon overlooking the Colorado River to the north, referred to as the Grand Canyon North Rim, is only accessible mid-May through mid-October. If you prefer experiencing the place when visitor numbers are lower compared to the intense summer period crowds concentrated at the South Rim, the North Rim may be more appealing.
However, keep in mind that there are fewer scenic spots here than in the South Rim area and most of the views are not as spectacular. Also, if you are planning to descend to the Colorado River from the North Rim, the trail downward would be longer.
The nearest community to the North Rim is Jacob Lake, 30 miles north of the entrance.
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VISIT THE GRAND CANYON NORTH RIM OR SOUTH RIM?
If time is limited for visiting the Grand Canyon, the South Rim such as Grand Canyon Village or East Rim would be best to see the renowned views. However, with more available time, it may be worthwhile adding a visit to the North Rim as well to experience the canyon from a different perspective.
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VISITING THE GRAND CANYON WEST RIM
Grand Canyon West Rim, the western region of the South Rim, is becoming more popular among visitors. This area, however, is not part of the Grand Canyon National Park, but rather, administered by the Hualapai tribe.
From Las Vegas, it is only a two and a half hour drive covering 118 miles to reach West Rim, compared to the 350 mile distance to the Grand Canyon Village from Las Vegas. Many visitors to Las Vegas with limited time take in this area within a day rather than travelling farther to the Grand Canyon.
The highlight of the Grand Canyon West Rim is the Skywalk Grand Canyon West, a floating transparent walkway that overlooks the edge of the canyon.
If I was asked whether to view the West or South Rim, I would still choose the south, since it is part of the National Park and is not a private tourist attraction, making its cost notably lower. Additionally, those who have visited both the West and South Rim seem to agree that the South Rim is much more striking.
Therefore, we will focus more on the Grand Canyon National Park area in this article. If you decide to visit the West Rim instead, you can find all the information you need (skywalk ticket price, bus service, parking price, viewpoints, visiting hours, etc.) here.♣
We hope this overview provided a clear picture of what the Grand Canyon is and which are the major accessible areas that can be visited. Now, let’s continue with additional helpful information for your trip.
BEST GRAND CANYON TOURS FROM LAS VEGAS
As a pet-friendly resort, Embassy Suites offers quiet, smoke-free rooms and suites well-suited for families, couples, and solo travelers. A notable aspect of this Hilton property is that it stands as one of the top hotels in Las Vegas without a resort fee. Therefore, in addition to a free breakfast, guests avoid unexpected fees.
If you’re searching for an affordable Grand Canyon excursion, I encourage you to register for this day tour to the Grand Canyon West Rim by coach; for myself, one of the best day excursions from Las Vegas.
If you favor taking a airborne tour from Las Vegas then you can not fail to check out our article discussing our encounter.
If you wish to experience Grand Canyon National Park in an authentic way (as the scenery there is truly magnificent), then I would suggest taking this tour that incorporates a plane ride to Grand Canyon Village on the western edge, a 25-minute helicopter flight over the southern rim, and use of a shuttle to see the primary viewpoints along the canyon.
As is evident, there are many excursions to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, so time should not be an excuse for not visiting the Grand Canyon !♣
HOW TO GET TO THE GRAND CANYON
If you have made the choice to go to the Grand Canyon by your own means, whether to save money or because you are embarking on a Route 66 road expedition, in the Grand Canyon you will need a rental vehicle (you can check here the top motorhome rental companies operating in the USA if you prefer that option). Additionally, you may find interesting our guide on approaches to obtain reasonably priced rental cars.
If visiting from this city, check most popular places to explore in Los Angeles and ideal neighborhoods to reside in Los Angeles.
Hest Road trip from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon
There exist numerous activities available in the city of Las Vegas. Moreover, the closest international airport to the Grand Canyon is situated in this city and there are multiple locations where you can rent a vehicle in Las Vegas. However, contingent on which region of the Grand Canyon you wish to visit, the time required to arrive will fluctuate.
What is known as the West Rim of the Grand Canyon lies close to Las Vegas. It will take only two and a half hours to arrive there.
However, if you want to visit the Grand Canyon Village, it will take over 4 hours since the distance between Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon spans approximately 279 miles.
If instead, one decides to travel to the North Rim from Las Vegas, it will take approximately 5 hours. Check our guide containing some Grand Canyon-Las Vegas road trip recommendations. ♣
HOW TO GET TO THE GRAND CANYON FROM LOS ANGELES
If one happens to be traveling across Route 66, you may have pondered how to get to the Grand Canyon from Los Angeles, or the other way around.
If you are entering the Grand Canyon from the North Rim or West Rim, you will inevitably have passed through Las Vegas, so add 4 hours to your route compared to the previous section.
Nevertheless, if you gain entrance through Grand Canyon Village (South Rim), you can do so without traversing through Las Vegas. The extent between the Grand Canyon and Los Angeles is approximately 497 miles, which will consume around 7 and a half hours.
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HOW TO GET TO THE GRAND CANYON FROM MONUMENT VALLEY
Since the eastern access point to the Grand Canyon is relatively near to Monument Valley, many believe seeing the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley on the same day is possible. Here are multiple recommendations for touring Monument Valley.
Although it is only 2 and a half hours from the Grand Canyon to Monument Valley, considering that we would enter through Desert View, I recommend more than a one-day visit if you also want to explore this area.
Consult our Guide about visiting Monument Valley♣
HOW TO GET TO THE GRAND CANYON FROM ANTELOPE CANYON
Page is another spot of interest located just a brief distance from the Grand Canyon. Here you can explore Antelope Canyon and also see the Horseshoe Bend. They are just two hours from the east entrance or two and a half hours from the North Rim.
For us, the primary stops in this area of our trip were the Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon. As you can see, they are quite proximate to one another.
See our guide on visiting Antelope Canyon♣
VISITING THE GRAND CANYON ON YOUR OWN
This information about the Grand Canyon is essential if you are going to visit the Grand Canyon National Park independently.
Among other tips for visiting the Grand Canyon, you will learn how to get around the park, tickets, and passes, as well as Grand Canyon entrance fee.
HOW TO MOVE AROUND THE GRAND CANYON
There exist numerous points of interest within the expansive domain of Grand Canyon National Park. Some destinations are accessible by automobile whereas others can solely be reached utilizing the complimentary bus transport provided for visitors.
These are the transport services accessible for moving around the South Rim in the Grand Canyon Village area.
- Route through the Village (blue link): Connects the Visitor Center to hostels, campgrounds, and more within Grand Canyon Village.
- Route along Kaibab Rim (orange): Fastest means of traveling between the Visitor Center and most scenic views of the canyon along the eastern side of Grand Canyon Village (it does not reach the East Rim, where we need to drive to). Throughout the year, this route stops at Yaki Point, and the South Kaibab Trail can only be accessed by taking this bus.
- Hermit Road Route (red): Exceptional panoramic vistas on the western border of the Grand Canyon Village (it does not reach the West Rim, where we will need to get to by car). Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles from March 1 to November 30, making the use of free buses mandatory during these dates.
Details about the schedules for these bus routes can be found in the map of the Grand Canyon below. It`s important to note that both the Village Kaibab Rim Route (except for Yaki Point and South Kaibab Trail) can be accessed by automobile as an alternative to using the bus. However, it`s not advised to do so during high season as finding parking is usually difficult.
In the North Rim and the East Rim, there are no bus shuttles to visit different viewpoints as there are fewer tourists. What can be found there instead, is a shuttle service called Trans-Canyon Shuttle that operates between the North and South Rim which is usually utilized by those who descend to the Colorado River from one side and want to ascend toward the other. This fee-based shuttle must be booked in advance, more information about that can be found here.♣
GRAND CANYON ENTRANCE FEE
The entrance fee for the Grand Canyon National Park (whether visiting from the North Rim, South Rim, or East Rim) is $30 per vehicle with up to 5 passengers or $15 per individual entering without an automobile. A ticket purchased is valid for seven calendar days. If planning to explore different National Parks across the United States, I recommend acquiring an annual America the Beautiful pass, which will cover your stop at the Grand Canyon and visits to other US National Parks at no extra cost.
If motorcycle travel through this mountainous region is too risky, booking a customized tour is advised. Most tours merely visit Ulun Danu Bratan but fail to access the northern region of Bedugul.
GRAND CANYON OPENING HOURS
Regarding Grand Canyon opening hours, you may be surprised to comprehend that South Rim remains accessible around the clock, 365 days a year. What`s more, facilities like campgrounds, lodging, or eateries in the Grand Canyon offer year-long service.
Conversely, North Rim closes for a significant portion of the year due to snowfall. North Rim is open from mid-May to mid-October. The snow here is not cleared during winter, therefore it will close following the initial snowfall of the season.
The opening timeframe for the Grand Canyon West Rim is from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. every day of the year.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN THE GRAND CANYON
There are many activities to engage in at the Grand Canyon – visiting the main viewpoints, hiking, taking a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon with landing, and even rafting down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.
In this section, we will discuss everything one needs to see and do in the Grand Canyon. However, I advise that the first activity upon arriving to this natural marvel is heading to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center for the most current information.
BEST VIEWPOINTS IN THE GRAND CANYON
If there is something common amongst the 5 million annual visitors to the Grand Canyon, it would be that everyone eagerly searches for the finest views of the Grand Canyon from one of the different lookouts anytime during daylight hours.
While it is possible to see all the spectacular Grand Canyon Viewpoints, I do not recommend attempting to take in each and every vantage point. Many of the view areas offer quite similar perspectives. The best approach is selecting three or four viewpoints situated relatively close to the portion of the Grand Canyon you have planned to explore, and opting to observe the sunrise or sunset from the spots you find most appealing.
BEST VIEWPOINTS IN THE GRAND CANYON SOUTH RIM
We will consider the Grand Canyon South Rim area including the Grand Canyon Village and nearby lookouts located to the east and west.
All viewpoints here can be reached on the complimentary shuttle buses (remember that during summer, the viewpoints along the Hermit Road Route can only be reached by bus):
- Kaibab Rim Route: Yavapai Point, Mather Point, Pipe Creek View and Yaki Point (Yaki Point only accessible by bus).
- This route along Hermit Road includes views from several overlooks and points including Overlook Trail, Maricopa Point, Powell Point, Hopi Point, Mojave Point, The Abyss, Monument Creek View, Pima Point, and Hermit Rest. During the summer, these viewpoints can only be accessed via bus.
Of all these viewpoints, the best location to see a sunrise over the Grand Canyon is Yaki Point. Mather Point is another suitable viewpoint near Grand Canyon Village where one can witness the sunrise.
The best vantage point to see the sunset in the Grand Canyon is Hopi Point. If it is very crowded, you can also see a beautiful sunset from Mojave Point.
To view the placement of these outlooks, use this Grand Canyon map.
BEST VIEWPOINTS IN THE GRAND CANYON EAST RIM
These viewpoints are located across the Desert View Drive, which are more accessible if you come from the east entrance of the park: Desert View, Navajo Point, Lipan Point, Moran Point, and Grandview Point.
Of the viewpoints affording sights of the Grand Canyon, Desert View shows particular intrigue, housing as it does a recreation of a Native American stone lookout tower alongside panoramas arguably superior of the Colorado River below.
As these vantage points are quite far from Grand Canyon Village, you can appreciate the views with fewer people near you.
The following map displays all these viewpoints:
BEST VIEWPOINTS IN THE GRAND CANYON NORTH RIM
The primary viewpoints in the Grand Canyon North Rim are Imperial Point, Cape Royal, Roosevelt Point, Walhalla Overlook, and Bright Angel Point.
Situated close by the main facilities, Bright Angel Point presents one of the finest perspectives of the Grand Canyon from the North Rim. If we want to see the Colorado River from here, we ought to go to Cape Royal.
BEST VIEWPOINTS IN THE GRAND CANYON wEST RIM
One of the best viewpoints on the Grand Canyon West Rim is Guano Point, with a 360o view of the Grand Canyon and Eagle Point, where you can also get remarkable views. The best views in this area can be found along the Grand Canyon Skywalk.
Regardless of the vista and angle chosen, the perspectives of this monumental landscape are the most significant to view in the Grand Canyon. ♣
FLY OVER THE GRAND CANYON IN HELICOPTER OR AIRPLANE
Another way to appreciate the magnitude of this majestic wonder is to fly above it.
In addition to the helicopter excursions to Grand Canyon from Las Vegas,you can also take a shorter and cheaper tour by helicopter or airplane from Grand Canyon Village.
Beyond the main viewpoints, we firmly believe that if you can afford it, an aerial tour will get you the best views of the Grand Canyon while giving you an idea of its enormousness. It is also one of the best activities in the Grand Canyon for youngsters, as they will get to enjoy a peaceful ride with unforgettable views.
We took an airplane visit amid our time spent in the Grand Canyon. On the off chance that you are torn between an airplane or a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon, consider that an airplane flies higher and to more far off places, a superior way to appreciate its measurements while appreciating incredible perspectives of the canyon. Then again, a helicopter can fly you nearer to the dividers of the canyon, and can even plunge underneath the edge to approach the base.
As photographers, it was an uncomplicated decision for us, but you will need to decide based on your preferences and necessities.
You can find various choices for flying over the Grand Canyon here. We opted to take this tour, which was very reasonably priced and entirely worthwhile.
We particularly recommend booking well in advance if you are visiting the Grand Canyon in the summer between June and September. ♣
BEST HIKES IN THE GRAND CANYON
There are many different hiking routes within the Grand Canyon, some take you on a descent to the Colorado River, while on others, you can enjoy the views from the edge or even walk through the most remote regions within the Grand Canyon National Park.
For those selecting a simpler itinerary, several must-see routes exist within the Grand Canyon.
BRIGHT ANGEL TRAIL
Bright Angel Trail is, without question, the preferred hiking route in the Grand Canyon. This track starts from the Grand Canyon Village (South Rim) which takes you deep inside the canyon to the Colorado River, 4366 feet below the starting point.
It is not advisable to complete this 16-mile round trip hike within a day, particularly during summer. Many who attempt end up requiring rescue which involves significant costs. Not only do you have to consider the distance, but also high temperatures and steep uphill incline on the return trip.
The park advisors’ recommendation for individuals aiming to do a one-day trip on this trail, is to not progress beyond Indian Garden (water accessible here year-round), truncating your hike back to 10 miles roundtrip.
You may also locate water at other rest stops along the trail such as Mile-and-Half Resthouse and Three Miles Resthouse, although its availability is not guaranteed.
One of the optimum viewpoints of the Grand Canyon National Park, where we can have a closer perspective of the Colorado River from above is the Plateau Point, situated at a 1.49-mile detour from Indian Garden.
If you are planning to spend more than one day doing this route, securing accommodations at Phantom Ranch well in advance is necessary (allocation is by lottery 15 months before your visit). A second choice is obtaining a camping permit in one of the three campsites inside the canyon which can be requested here up to four months before your trip.
SOUTH KAIBAB TRAIL
South Kaibab Trail also gains fame. It also begins from the South Rim down towards the base of the Grand Canyon. The trailhead is only accessible via bus on the Kaibab Rim Route. This path proves more difficult than Bright Angel Trail with a greater elevation increase (4888 feet) over a shorter distance (12.4 miles round trip).
Additionally, the trail is exposed with no water accessible along the route, so you will need to bring enough. Nevertheless, this hike will reward you with even better perspectives than Bright Angel Trail. Those who have completed both usually favor South Kaibab over Bright Angel.
One option for those aiming to spend more than one day is to travel downhill via South Kaibab, spend the night at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and then hike up the next day through Bright Angel. This route allows you to find water and experience less elevation gained.
RIM TRAIL
Rim Trail is a family-friendly 10.5-mile hike with minimal elevation gain. It connects to the Kaibab Trailhead at Hermit Rest Stop as it follows along the entire south rim of the canyon.
Without question, traversing a portion of this hiking route is one of the best things to do in the Grand Canyon. We did it from Mohave Point to Hopi Point, and the views were great.
NORTH KAIBAB TRAIL
North Kaibab is a quite challenging 15-mile path (one-way) which descends to the canyon from North Rim with over a 6000 feet elevation gain on return and no available water supplies along the route.
One recommendation to avoid this hazardous hike back, is to descend to the canyon on this trail and then return on one of the paths that lead to South Rim. From there, you can catch the Trans-Canyon Shuttle back to North Rim.
GRANDVIEW TRAIL
Grandview Trail, a 12.5-mile round trip path with 3280 feet of elevation gain, is part of the Desert View Drive from Grandview Point on the East Rim of the Grand Canyon. It is considered to be strenuous since it is an old road utilized for mining and is presently in poor condition.
With no accessible water supplies, you’ll have to carry your own water. I recommend not opting for this route if you have not yet done any of the other rigorous hikes within the Grand Canyon .♣
OTHER ACTIVITIES TO DO IN THE GRAND CANYON
Beyond the activities we cited above, there exist numerous other possibilities for activities to engage in at the Grand Canyon.
MUSEUMS IN THE GRAND CANYON
If you enjoy museums, there are two engaging ones to visit within the Grand Canyon: Tusayan Ruins and Museum, and Yavapai Geology Museum.
At Tusayan Ruins, you can visit the ancestral town located on the eastern rim of the Grand Canyon.
At the Yavapai Geology Museum located near the Grand Canyon Village visitor center, visitors will learn about the formation of the Canyon using geological terms. The museum also contains a glass-paneled viewpoint providing spectacular views of the Grand Canyon.
RAFTING IN THE GRAND CANYON
While it is an expensive, multi-day travel to go rafting in the Grand Canyon, it must be an unforgettable experience. There are several agencies who offer guided rafting excursions in the Grand Canyon. One of the most famous is Oars.
GRAND CANYON SKYWALK
While inclusion may depend on budget and personal preference, the Grand Canyon Skywalk offers a unique experience worth consideration during a Grand Canyon visit. Located on the West Rim though not within the actual Grand Canyon National Park, it could provide a feasible optional activity for those accessing the area from Las Vegas with limited time.
You can find more information about the Grand Canyon West Rim here. ♣
BEST TIPS FOR VISITING THE GRAND CANYON
With a cafe in central Fitzrovia, Kiss the Hippo claims to be the first carbon-negative coffee shop in the country.
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE GRAND CANYON
The optimal time to visit the Grand Canyon is during the spring and autumn.
During the summer months, temperatures in the Grand Canyon can be even dangerously elevated for hiking some of the routes. On the other hand, the North Rim and many South Rim trails close in the winter due to snow.
The high season at Grand Canyon usually starts from June through July and August. At this time, lodging fills quickly and it becomes tough to park, especially in Grand Canyon Village.
If able to choose the timeframe for visiting the Grand Canyon, the best periods are from May through September, when temperate weather, low rainfall, and fewer tourists (although visitors are always present) than other months can be experienced.
HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED TO VISIT THE GRAND CANYON
If one only has a single day allotted for exploring the Grand Canyon, there is no need to worry. Even with just a day, it is enough time to engage in the most essential activity there: appreciating the immensity of this geological formation. However, two or three days would be ideal for anyone wishing to undertake hiking or try other options in the Grand Canyon.
1-DAY GRAND CANYON TRIP ITINERARY
With one dayin the Grand Canyon, I recommend witnessing the sunrise from one of its viewpoints, taking an aerial tour by helicopter or plane, and then an evening walk along the rim to enjoy the views while searching for a sunset spot.
Day Hikes in the Grand Canyon
If you enjoy hiking, you can skip the aerial tour and walk along the rim on one of the numerous day hike trails in the Grand Canyon.
Most walks done on the canyon involve portions of the routes outlined above (Bright Angel Trail, South Kaibab Trail, Hermit Trail). More information and advice regarding Day hikes at the Grand Canyon can be found here.
2-DAY GRAND CANYON TRIP ITINERARY
If your plan is to explore the Grand Canyon within two days, I suggest following the one-day Grand Canyon route mentioned above for one day and then shifting to another section the second day to perceive the Grand Canyon from an alternate angle. For instance, go to the South Rim and afterward to the East Rim, North Rim then East Rim, or West Rim followed by South Rim.
3-DAY GRAND CANYON TRIP ITINERARY
Fundamental camera settings can acquire a decent picture. Gaining knowledge of the basic photography skills, the photography essentials, is required for producing images that you and others will wish to view again repeatedly.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE GRAND CANYON
In this section, we will discuss some fun facts of the Grand Canyon. With this information, you should have everything you need to start your adventure.
HOW THE GRAND CANYON WAS FORMED
The derivation of the Grand Canyon goes back to the continuous and prolonged erosion of the Colorado Plateau by the Colorado River over huge periods of time. This formation is another illustration of just how brief our existence is compared to the history of our planet.
Contemplating the depth of the Grand Canyon from one of its viewpoints or by air travel is among the most amazing experiences here.
THE GRAND CANYON ONE OF THE 7 WONDERS OF THE WORLD
Grand Canyon is referred to as one of the seven wonders of the natural world. However, while it was one of the favorites of the 2011 contest, it was only among the 23 finalists and did not receive any of the top seven positions.
Whether or not Grand Canyon officially holds the name of one of the seven wonders of the world, there is no uncertainty that your visit will leave you speechless, so don’t hesitate about exploring this natural masterpiece.
ACCIDENTS IN THE GRAND CANYON
As with any location involving great heights, accidents in the Grand Canyon can lead to fatal outcomes. However, tumbles in the Grand Canyon are less common than individuals who end up needing rescue assistance.
Estimates show that over 250 individuals required rescue each year in the Grand Canyon due to dehydration, excessive fatigue, or heatstroke during the extensive hikes to the Colorado River.
Healthcare in the United States is very costly, and even if you are not going to carry out any strenuous hike, it is consistently highly recommended to have a good travel insurance that covers you in case of a difficulty.
Although I consistently encourage obtaining travel insurance wherever one journeys, for travelers to the US, it is advisable to secure especially comprehensive coverage (never consider options that pay less than $300,000 if visiting the United States). You can compare the top travel protection providers for the USA here.
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As we travel a lot, we have obtained yearly travel coverage♣.
WHERE TO STAY IN THE GRAND CANYON
As this topic is extensive, we have written a specific article to discuss where to stay in the Grand Canyon. However, in this article we briefly summarize the best campgrounds and hotels in the Grand Canyon.
BEST ACCOMMODATION IN THE SOUTH RIM
If touring the Grand Canyon South Rim, note lodging fills up rapidly here since this is the most visited place of the Grand Canyon. All hotels within the park are administered by Delaware North and Xanterra Parks & Resorts. The simplest way to book them is through their website(s).
In the Grand Canyon Village, you can also camp at Mather Campground. It is advised to book well in advance during high season. This is where we stayed during our visit.
If no accommodation is available on your travel dates in the Grand Canyon Village area, then it would be best to reside in Tusayan, merely 10 minutes away by automobile. These represent the top hotels in the vicinity:
- Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon: This hotel presents excellent accommodations for pairs, and maintains very high standards of quality and reasonable pricing.
- Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn: This expansive hotel features four eating establishments (some providing traditional cuisine), traveler assistance to aid planning your visit, and even lanes for bowling.
- The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon: This accommodation has a swimming pool with hot tub and breakfast buffet available. It is one of the best rated lodging selections.
- Canyon Plaza Premier Studio and Apartments: For those preferring to lodge in a studio or apartment, this facility is among the best deals. ♣
BEST ACCOMMODATION IN THE NORTH RIM
Lodging options in the Grand Canyon North Rim are somewhat sparse. Forever Resorts is the solitary company that manages accommodations within this part of the park. Book your room through its website.
North Rim Campground is accessible from mid-May to the end of October. However, advance booking is advised as it is mostly full each day .♣
BEST ACCOMMODATION IN THE EAST RIM
There are no hotels in the Grand Canyon East Rim. However, Desert View Campground is accessible between mid-April to the end of October. Spots at this campsite cannot be reserved and are filled as available on a first come first served basis. You can find additional information about it here.♣
BEST ACCOMMODATION IN THE WEST RIM
There are two accommodation selections run by the Hualapai tribe: Hualapai Ranch and Hualapai Lodge. Hualapai Ranch is situated inside the Grand Canyon West Rim recreational area, while the lodge is approximately 90 minutes away on historic Route 66. A third reasonably priced alternative is the Grand Canyon Western Ranch, just 2 miles from the Grand Canyon West Rim .♣
GRAND CANYON MAP
With this section, we would like to bid farewell (for now). Below, you can find an accessible Grand Canyon map with all the main facilities and points worthy of attention.
