There are few places on this planet that equal the beauty of the Grand Canyon! The first time I saw it, my brain could not process what I was seeing. It was so big, stunning, and perfect that it looked like a picture to me.
The #1 thing most people do when they visit the Grand Canyon is check out the viewpoints and walk around the Grand Canyon Village… but there is so much more to explore. The Grand Canyon Railway, biking, stargazing, hiking, mule rides, scenic drives, tribal lands, animal parks, and Route 66 are all options for visitors.
I’m Cheryl and my husband and I have been writing travel guides since 2020. We were both born and raised in the West and spend about 70 days a year exploring our nearby national parks, including the Grand Canyon.
Read on to learn what we believe are the best spots that you shouldn’t miss on your first trip to the Grand Canyon plus some handy tips to make your trip a success!
16 AWESOME Things to Do at the Grand Canyon
Where to Stay at the Grand Canyon: Options & Our Recommendations (South Rim)
The Best Places to Eat at the Grand Canyon: Your Food Guide for the South Rim
The Best (and Worst) Times of Year to Visit the Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon Mule Rides: Our Review & What You Need to Know
The Grand Canyon is so big that it is broken into 4 distinct areas. When most people think of the Grand Canyon, they are thinking of the South Rim which is run by the National Park System. It is home to the charming Grand Canyon Village and over 5 million people visit per year!
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is also run by the NPS and is only open from mid-May through mid-October because they actually receive snow there!
Page, AZ is home to Horseshoe Bend National Monument as well as Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell. It is run by a mixture of state, federal, and tribal governments.
Grand Canyon West is run by the Hualapai Tribe and is completely on tribal land. It is home to the famous Skywalk.
Read more about the entrances to the Grand Canyon in our article Which Entrance Should You Use For the Grand Canyon? (Entrances and 4 Areas Explained).
As you can see on the map above, the Grand Canyon is HUGE. You can drive around the entire canyon but it would be over 1,000 miles! There are also lots of things to see and do in the surrounding area, but most people just pick one area, usually the South Rim. If you were to go to all the areas, it could take over 2 weeks!
A popular road trip is the Grand Circle Tour where visitors can explore Las Vegas, Utah’s 5 National Parks, Monument Valley, and the North and South Rims of the Grand Canyon. We write guides to all these parks that include driving routes to connect the parks with things to do along the way
If you have less time, you can visit the 5 national parks in Utah and visit the North Rim of the Grand Canyon too.
QUICK TRIP: If you are going to be in Las Vegas and have an extra day, you can easily visit Grand Canyon West on a day trip. It’s a 2-hour drive and it takes about half a day to see. The views of the canyon aren’t nearly as impressive and it will cost you at least $75 to get in and go on the Skywalk, but if this is your only chance to see the Grand Canyon- DO IT!
Lastly, many people enjoy flying into Arizona and checking out Sedona before heading to the South Rim.
Most people who visit the Grand Canyon fly into Las Vegas and drive to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. It’s about 4 hours and 20 minutes away and is by far the best place to see the Grand Canyon. For this reason, this is what the itinerary will include.
If the maps above got you itching for a road trip (and I hope it did because these road trips are AMAZING!) you can check out our blog posts on these other locations on our national parks page.
This itinerary will work for people who have 2-4 days to explore the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon is wheelchair accessible and most of the activities I suggest don’t require a high level of physical fitness so it will work for both young and seasoned travelers.
Download our Free Quick and Easy Guide to the Grand Canyon’s 4 Areas!
A QUICK NOTE ABOUT WEATHER: I have a whole other blog post, The Best (and Worst) Times of Year to Visit the Grand Canyon, but just know that in the summer, it can be in the high 80s on the rim and over 100 degrees at the bottom. We love to travel from mid-April through mid-May or in the fall but this itinerary should work any time of year that you visit.
BEST SPOTS IN THE GRAND CANYON: Grand Canyon Village, Desert View, Hermits Rest, Mather Point, Yavapai Point
FUN ACTIVITIES: Mule Rides, Biking, Grand Canyon Railway, Bearizona, South Kaibab Trail, Bright Angel Trail, Watch a Sunrise, Grand Canyon Visitor Center
HANDY TIPS: No Park Reservations needed, Campground Reservations can be made 6 months in advance, the Shuttles are a good way to get around, best times of year to visit, hiking tips
I’m assuming most people reading this are excited to see the best mother nature has to offer, but completely skipping Las Vegas would be a mistake– even if you aren’t into drinking and gambling. We often travel to Las Vegas with our four teenagers. You can easily spend a few hours to a few days exploring the recreation capital of the world. Here is what we recommend.
Las Vegas
The Hoover Dam
I rarely plan a special trip to a dam (my dad and husband usually drag me along) but the Hoover Dam is the best I’ve ever seen, and it’s right on your way to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. You can read my husband’s blog post all about it to see if it is for you. How to Visit the Hoover Dam: The Best Dam Things To Do.
Whether you want to just stop and look at it, go on a private tour, or walk around yourself and read about it, I think it’s worth a stop.
Drive
It’s about 4 hours and 20 minutes to get to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Give yourself plenty of time to get there, check into your hotel or set up camp, and get some rest. You’ve got a big day ahead of you tomorrow.
Check Out: Driving in the Grand Canyon: 10 Things You NEED TO KNOW
Mather Point. Start your day no later than 8:00 am, especially if you aren’t staying within the park. Lines at the entrance stations begin to get long and parking lots start to fill up! We love to start our day at one of the best viewpoints at the Grand Canyon, Mather Point. It’s just a short 0.3-mile walk from the parking lot and located near the main visitor center.
You’ll feel like you are at a movie premier because there is so much excitement in the air. This is the busiest viewpoint, but it’s a great one and it’s fun because many of the people there are seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time. Give yourself at least 30 minutes to take it all in and enjoy the moment.
Yavapai Point and Geology Museum. Next, take the accessible Rim Trail toward Yavapai Point and Geology Museum (0.7 mile walk). Yavapai Point is also a great place to watch a sunset, but for now, just enjoy another viewpoint of the canyon. The Geology Museum is wonderful because it has displays explaining the rock layers of the Grand Canyon. I especially love how it shows how the Geology Museum looks from different areas of the Grand Canyon like Phantom Ranch (the bottom of the Grand Canyon) or the North Rim.
Grand Canyon Visitor Center. Although this isn’t the largest or best visitor center I’ve ever seen, I like that it’s a good stop to look at a map, ask a ranger any questions, and familiarize yourself with the shuttle system.
Although you can drive to most areas along the South Rim (excluding Hermits Rest most of the year) the Grand Canyon shuttles are a wonderful way to get around. They are free, wheelchair accessible, and the wait is rarely longer than 20 minutes.
You can learn all about them on the Grand Canyon National Parks page, but here is the Cliff’s Notes version:
-Blue Route serves the Grand Canyon Village
-Red Route goes to Hermits Rest
-Orange Route goes to the Kaibab Rim
-Purple Route goes between the Grand Canyon Village and Tusayan
Desert View Drive. Get in your vehicle and take the South Entrance Road until you get to Highway 64, Desert View Drive. You’ll travel east for 23 miles while passing six developed viewpoints. Our favorite viewpoints are Moran Point and Grand View, but they are all pretty. You will also pass a few picnic areas (no restrooms though) where you can eat your lunch (if you packed one) along your drive.
Desert View Watchtower and Ice Cream. During busier times of the year, you have to get free tickets to enter the tower. They aren’t available to reserve online, a ranger is just handing them out when you get there. They only allow 25 people in at a time, every 20 minutes.
GOOD TO KNOW: There are a few rounds of stairs you will need to climb.
We love the pictures painted on the walls inside. They look like pictographs, nice and colorful, giving a nod to the indigenous people who have roamed these lands.
Afterward, treat yourself to a yummy ice cream cone (or sandwich if you are hungry) at the Desert View Trading Post. The lines can get long but it’s great ice cream and they have a nice deck with rocking chairs where you can sit and enjoy the view of the Desert Watchtower.
Sunset and Trail of Time. Head back to the main parking area and start your walk on the Trail of Time heading to Yavapai Point from the Vercamps Visitor Center. It’s about a 1.4-mile walk and you’ll want to time it so you arrive at Yavapai Point at least 30 minutes before sunset.
GOOD TO KNOW: The sun rises and sets surprisingly early at the Grand Canyon. Make sure to check out the times on the days you are visiting.
The Trail of Time is part of the larger Rim Trail (Rim Trail is 14 miles) and it breaks down the history of the formation of the Grand Canyon. The closer you get to Yavapai Point, the closer you are to the current year in time. It’s also great because there are several rock samples along the trail that are actual layers of the Grand Canyon.
After you watch the sunset, you can catch the shuttle back to your car if you don’t want to walk. You can also grab dinner at one of the many restaurants in the Grand Canyon Village. For help knowing where to eat, check out our blog post, 13 Great Places To Eat at the Grand Canyon: Your Food Guide to the South Rim.
DID YOU KNOW: The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is one of the most dog-friendly national park sites? Although dogs aren’t allowed in the visitor centers or on hiking trails (except service animals), they are allowed on the Rim Trail. There is also a kennel at Maswick.
Of all the national parks I’ve visited, none of them have a cute and historic village like the Grand Canyon. Before the Grand Canyon became a national park, the Santa Fe Railway had made a business of transporting visitors to enjoy the views. They built hotels, restaurants, and stores to create a comfortable environment for their wealthy travelers. Clever entrepreneurs, like the Kolb Brothers, set up shop and took guests’ pictures as they rode mules into the canyon. The result is a charming village filled with old buildings that you can visit today.
South Kaibab Trail. If you are a hiker, we recommend catching the orange shuttle and heading to the South Kaibab Trail. Although Bright Angel Trail gets all the love, we think the South Kaibab Trail is a little prettier. We usually hike to Ooh Ahh Point or Cedar Ridge (1.5 miles each way with 1000 ft elevation gain). The trail goes all the way down to the Colorado River at the bottom, but a hike like that is meant for more avid outdoorsmen.
HELPFUL TIP: Any hike into the Grand Canyon is brutal. You start on the rim and walk down. Visitors often underestimate how difficult the climb out will be and need to be rescued. Also keep in mind that there is no shade along the trails, causing it to be especially hot.
Breakfast at El Tovar. If hiking isn’t your thing or you want to treat yourself after a good hike, grab breakfast at the famous El Tovar Dining Room. No reservations are needed (though you may have to wait in line) prices are around $20 per meal, and we really enjoy the food and views. Our favorites are the eggs benedict and the French toast with prickly pear syrup.
Grand Canyon Village. This really is worth an afternoon exploring. There are great shops, museums, and hotels. Give yourself 2-3 hours to do this and check out our blog post: 11 Things to Do at the Grand Canyon Village for ideas of what to see and a little history of each building.
DID YOU KNOW: Our Grand Canyon South Guide includes a walking tour of the Grand Canyon Village including audio stories to really make the village (and the rest of the Grand Canyon ) come alive.
Hermits Rest. Take the Red Shuttle to Hermits Rest. Along the way, the shuttle will make several stops for viewpoints. Get off at any stop that strikes your fancy. Another shuttle is usually close behind to pick you up after you’ve checked out the views. We really like Powell Point (especially to get a good picture) and Trailview Overlook (see how long Bright Angel Trail really is!)
When you get to Hermits Rest, you’ll see an unusual building that looks like someone was short on supplies, gathered up stones, and did the best they could to make a shelter. This is Hermits Rest and it was designed to look this way by Mary Coulter.
Inside is a very cool (sort of spooky) fireplace, gift shop, and snack bar. They sell sandwiches but we usually grab an ice cream and enjoy the views.
We believe that activities are the cream of an Oreo cookie when you are on a sightseeing vacation. The cool things you see are the yummy chocolate wafers but the special activities you do are the cream that makes your trip extra special and memorable. We try to do one activity every trip we go on.
You can spend an entire day or two doing all these activities, or you can try to fit them in on the other days. We travel with our retired parents and our kids who are now teens. Not every activity is great for every age, but I bet you can find one or two that will work for your group.
Start your days before 8:00 am to stay ahead of the crowds. 9:00 am will be ok for less busy times of the year. The sun can rise as early as 5:11 am and set as early as 5:14 pm. Make sure to check those times for the day you are visiting.
Wear a full-brimmed hat, hiking pants, a light, long-sleeved shirt, and sunscreen to protect you from the sun. Make sure to pack your sturdy hiking shoes/boots if you will be hiking.
Bring binoculars, a good refillable water bottle or Camelbak, and a camera.
For your safety, remember to keep your space from wildlife. Elk like to hang out near the bathrooms because there is water. Squirrels will beg for food. Squirrel bites are the #1 animal-caused injury at the Grand Canyon. Also, know your limits and don’t hike too far down a trail. Remember you have to climb to get back.
Road conditions are usually passable in a regular car. No 4-wheel drive is required and the free park shuttles are a great alternative to get you to most places within the park without having to worry about parking.
Cell phone service is actually pretty good at the Grand Canyon Village. The further you get from the village, the less reliable it is.
Guest Services are abundant. There are plenty of restaurants, hotels, campgrounds, grocery stores, and gas stations.
Grand Canyon National Park. There are several places to stay within the park from the fancy and expensive El Tovar to the cute and rustic Bright Angel Lodge (these are mostly cabins). There are also newer buildings (built in the 1960s) including Maswik, Katchina, and Thunderbird Lodges. There is also the Yavapai Lodge, just a small distance from the Grand Canyon Village. These all offer basic amenities but close access to the things to do within the Grand Canyon. You can reserve your room 12-13 months in advance and they tend to be on the pricier side.
Tusayan is the gateway town, just 10 minutes away. It is filled with chain hotels and offers the amenities that most visitors are used to having such as free breakfast and swimming pools. Tusayan lacks charm but is a good bet for families, mostly due to the lodging within the park usually maxing out with 4 guests per room. Prices for hotels are similar to what you would pay if staying at one of the Grand Canyon lodges.
Wiliams, AZ is an hour away and is great for travelers on a budget. It is also home to the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and has several good places to eat.
For more information on where to stay, read our post Where To Stay at the Grand Canyon: Options & Our Recommendations.
The food at the Grand Canyon is neither amazing nor terrible. It’s mediocre and EXPENSIVE. It’s readily available so you aren’t going to go hungry.
Our top picks are…
Hope you are feeling excited and more confident about visiting one of the coolest places you will ever see. If you want to elevate your trip and cut down on planning time, check out our Grand Canyon South Package. It includes a detailed itinerary complete with maps, detailed instructions for each activity listed, approximate time frames, how to prepare for your trip, tips, and driving routes to nearby attractions. Plus, it also comes with a 3-hour audio guide to listen to while you drive including stories about a tragic airplane crash and how the president of the United States had to get involved with the postmaster’s dog!
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