Explore the Grand Canyon in Arizona – a spectacular natural marvel and a place with iconic scenery, hiking paths, river rafting, helicopter tours, and some of the best places to view the stars. Travel tips and attractions near to the park Travel tips and attractions nearby the South Rim, North Rim, or West Rim, Plan your trip.
Overview
- Setting: North Arizona, which is an erosion of the Colorado River.
- size: 277 miles in length; to 18 miles breadth; and more than a mile in depth.
- Very basic:
by UNESCO: World Heritage Site; a site 1 of the 7 natural wonders of the world.
Best Viewing Points
South Rim (Most Popular)
- Full time open, car accessible.
- Famous viewpoints:
o Mather Point -famous sunrise sight.
o Yavapai Point- Geological exhibits + panoramic views.
o Desert View Watchtower – historic stone tower that has sweeping views.
North Rim (Less Crowded)
- Higher and cooler with open weather mid May to mid October.
- Popular opinions: Bright Angel point, Cape Royal and point imperial.
The West Rim (Hualapai Tribal Lands) is located in the north-western part of Arizona.
- It is home to the Grand Canyon Skywalk, which is a glass bridge across the canyon.
- Easily reached in Las Vegas (around 2 hours drive).
Things to Do
- Hiking Trails
o Bright Angel Trail (South Rim) -good, though a challenging one.
o South Kaibab Trail breathtaking and steep.
o North Kaibab trail- remote and difficult.
- Rafting on the Colorado River- several days adventure in the rapids.
- Helicopter Tours- fly over the canyon sceneries.
- Mule Rides- old style of riding half way down the canyon.
- Camping and Stargazing –Grand Canyon is an International Dark Sky Park.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March-May) –cooler seasons, less traffic.
- Until November-December (Fall) Cool and colorful landscape.
- Summer – hot at the bottom, but cooler on rims.
- Winter – South rim is snow covering and makes fantastic view.
Nearby Attractions
- Horseshoe Bend (Page, AZ) – The view of a ravishing river bend.
- Antelope Canyon- famous slot canyon, which has beams of light.
- Monument Valley- famous red mesas and buttes.
- Sedona- Red rock, vortex, and artsy town.
Travel Tips
- Keep cool, it gets hotter down the bottom by 20F than the rim.
- Make reservations of lodging in the park many months in advance (Bookings made to lodging in South Rim are fast).
- Take the free shuttle buses during the high season at the South Rim.
- Respect Native American countries when you come to the West Rim.
Grand Canyon Travel Itinerary (2-3 Days).
Day 1 – Arrival & Iconic Views
- Morning
o Arrive at Grand Canyon Village (South Rim).
o Lodge in (El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge, or other Tusayan hotels).
o Go to Visitor Center and get maps and ranger schedules.
- Afternoon
o I Take the Rim Trail walk (easy and mostly flat) between Mather point to Yavapai point- amazing panoramic views.
o Go to Yavapai Geology Museum to take a crash course on how the canyon was formed.
- Evening
o Sunset at Hopi point (with an extensive horizon).
o El Tovar Dining Room (reserve a table in advance).
Day 2 – Adventure Day
- Early Morning
o Sunrise at Mather point or Desert View Watchtower.
o Breakfast, and prepare to go on a hike.
Daytime: (select according to the level of fitness):
o Hike:
- Bright Angel Trail -Descent to 1.5 Mile Resthouse or 3 Mile Resthouse (6 mile round trip, moderate/difficult).
- South Kaibab Trail- Hike to either Ooh aah point or Cedar Ridge to view beautiful scenery (short but steep).
o Not hiking? Enter a scenic drive Desert View Drive (25 miles) that includes:
- Grandview Point
- Moran Point
- profits, incredible overlook.
- Evening
o Return to the village.
o Alternative stargazing program (Grand Canyon is a Dark Sky Park).
o Arizona Steakhouse dinner or casual Bright Angel Lodge.
Day 3- Special experiences and exit.
- Morning
o Do a helicopters or mules ride into the canyon (book months ago).
o Otherwise, take a day trip in Colorado River rafting (departures not within the park).
- Afternoon
o Kolb Studio (historic photography gallery).
o Hermit Road Scenic Drive (shuttle-only in summer). The major points of view: Maricopa point, Powell point, Hermit rest.
- Evening (Departure)
o Sunset at Pima Point or Desert View (when going out east).
o Go to Flagstaff, Sedona or Las Vegas.
Travel Tips
- Carrying: at least 2 liters of water per person: Hikes.
- Summer= hot canyon floor (up to 110o F) – go easy.
- Reservation of books within the park 6-12 months in advance.
- Free Hermit road and village shuttle buses are operated during peak season.
2-Day Shortcut:
- Day 1= Arrival + South Rim points of view (sunset at Hopi Point).
- Day 2 Morning hike or Desert View Drive + helicopter or mule ride + sunset departure.
Conclusion
Visiting the Grand Canyon Arizona is not just a sightseeing experience, it is a journey that is unforgettable as one enters one of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. You can spend two days touring the iconic perspectives of the South Rim to an extent of three days of hiking, sightseeing tours, or even unique activities such as helicopter tours or rafting, the Grand Canyon has it all to offer to any traveler.
Whether it is the beautiful sunsets at Hopi Point, the adventurous hikes along Bright Angel Trail, or the serene star gazing on the canyon under the pure blue skies, every single moment will give a new point of view of this nature wonder. The experience of Grand Canyon will be a lifetime memory with proper planning, hydration and environmental consideration.
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