grand canyon trip recommendations

Grand Canyon National Park   Travel Guide

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20 Epic Things to Do in the Grand Canyon

As one of the top attractions in the U.S. , Grand Canyon National Park welcomes more than 4 million visitors a year. Even the most skeptical of travelers marvel at the jaw-dropping beauty of the Grand Canyon's massive expanse of gorges, ridges and

• All Things To Do

Grand Canyon Village Grand Canyon Village free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Since parking is hard to find beyond the visitor center's main parking lot, opt for one of the park's free shuttles and pack a bag with a water bottle, hat, sunscreen and a snack. – Catherine Parker

Grand Canyon Village is located close to the national park's most popular south entrance, on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

South Rim South Rim free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Get an early start when visiting the South Rim (before 9 a.m.); traffic is common at the South Rim entrance gates. Save time by taking the seasonal, free shuttle from Tusayan (the purple route) and purchasing your entrance ticket in advance. – Catherine Parker

According to the National Park Service, about 90% of Grand Canyon travelers visit the South Rim compared to the seasonal North Rim . South Rim visitors will find the majority of the Grand Canyon's most well-known outdoor activities, like hiking the Canyon Rim Trail and the famous mule rides. Compared to the North Rim, the South Rim offers more areas to explore, especially for visitors staying for more than one day. One must- see sight is Hermit Road, which is not accessible to private cars for much of the year and is popular with cyclists, runners and hikers thanks to its breathtaking viewpoints. Desert View , near the east entrance, is another area to visit anchored by the Desert View Watchtower , a historic building.

Mather Point Mather Point free

Located steps from the main visitor center, Mather Point is the first view many visitors see of the Grand Canyon. Travelers can take an easy, five-minute walk on its sidewalk from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center to the lookout. Its fenced overlook provides exceptional vistas of the rugged cliffs and trails below. If weather conditions are right, visibility exceeds 30 miles to the east and 60 miles to the west. Mather Point is also a popular spot to watch the sun rise and set over the canyon and was named after the first director of the National Park Service, Stephen Tyng Mather.

Recent travelers had nothing but good things to say about Mather Point, praising its easy accessibility and stunning views. They also noted that its location is convenient to restrooms and a cafe in the visitor center. With its close proximity to the visitor center, avoiding other tourists is admittedly difficult. Some reviewers recommended heading to other overlooks after Mather for thinner crowds.

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Rim Trail Rim Trail free

Covering about 13 miles, the Rim Trail connects the South Kaibab Trailhead to Hermits Rest, passing Grand Canyon Village . The Rim Trail is one of the most popular and easy trails in the national park, because it offers the best way to see the South Rim's most acclaimed attractions and viewpoints. The mostly paved walking path (which is accessible in many sections) traces the canyon's edge, stopping off at favorite lookouts like Maricopa Point and Hopi Point. Another highlight along the Rim Trail is the section between Yavapai Museum of Geology and Verkamp's Visitor Center, which features the interpretative Trail of Time. This approximately 3-mile-long paved route incorporates a collection of rocks and exhibits that explain how Grand Canyon and its rock formed.

Recent travelers enjoyed the variety offered along the Rim Trail, from crowded tourist points to more desolate stretches that allow for an escape to nature. Many said that the crowds are thick on the east side, near the gift shops, restaurants and lodging, though they thin out as you walk away from the village. Others were impressed by the accessibility of the trail, saying that much of it is open to wheelchairs and strollers.

Bright Angel Trail Bright Angel Trail free

U.S. News Insider Tip: The South Rim mule rides into the canyon are typically awarded by lottery, though that process has been paused in 2023 due to trail work. The North Rim mule trips go into the canyon, though they don't reach Phantom Ranch. – Catherine Parker

One of the trails that leads to the Colorado River, this steep path starts just west of the Bright Angel Lodge in  Grand Canyon Village 's Historic District (the park's blue shuttle route will drop you at the trailhead). Because the trail provides spectacular views of the inner canyon, it's considered one of the park's most popular hikes. Though the walk down can be manageable, the walk back up is considered challenging. There are several tunnels and rest houses along the way that allow casual hikers to experience part of the trail without committing to the approximately 12-mile round-trip hike. The first tunnel can be reached in 20 minutes and is a good destination for those who want to see the views of the inner canyon without too much effort. It's advised that you turn around at the 1 1/2-mile rest house (an approximately 3-mile round-trip journey) if you're not an experienced hiker as the trail gets much steeper from here. Beyond the rest house at the 3-mile mark, park rangers advise against a day hike (a wilderness permit is required for destinations beyond Havasupai Gardens). Camping is available at Havasupai Gardens and Bright Angel Campground, close to Phantom Ranch.

Desert View Drive Desert View Drive free

This is the only scenic drive open to private cars on the national park's South Rim , and it offers staggering views of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. From Grand Canyon Village , visitors can head east along Desert View Drive for 23 miles to find six developed canyon viewpoints, four picnic areas and five pullouts. Perched along the canyon's rim, the centerpiece of Desert View is the Desert View Watchtower , architect Mary Colter's 1932 building that incorporated design elements of the Ancestral Puebloan people of the Colorado Plateau. Inside, the Kiva Room offers seasonal cultural demonstrations where visitors can learn about the arts and crafts of Native American groups of the area.

Many recent visitors suggested taking Desert View Drive to the Desert View Watchtower. Most enjoyed the architecture of the building and appreciated the services in the area. Several visitors suggested accessing the national park through the Desert View area (commonly referred to as the east entrance), as it's much quieter than the south entrance and the Grand Canyon Village area, but with the same spectacular views.

South Kaibab Trail South Kaibab Trail

Just as the North Kaibab Trail begins at the North Rim, the South Kaibab Trail begins at the South Rim and ventures into the Grand Canyon down to the Colorado River. The 6.3-mile South Kaibab Trail offers 360-degree views of the Grand Canyon thanks to its open ridgelines. While the exposed trail promises incredible views, it also offers no protection from the sun or passing storms. Hikers will find the trailhead near Yaki Point, accessible via the free park shuttles. Day-trippers can get a taste of the trail and venture to Ooh-Ahh Point (a 1.8-mile round trip) or Cedar Ridge (a 3-mile round-trip journey). Beyond Cedar Ridge, the National Park Service cautions against day hikes due to lack of water and strenuous trail conditions. The NPS recommends hiking back up the canyon via the Bright Angel Trail instead of ascending the South Kaibab Trail.

Recent travelers recommend planning ahead before hiking South Kaibab, especially if visiting in winter. Many past visitors traveled to Ooh-Ahh Point, including families and seniors, and mentioned it was worth the challenge for the fantastic canyon views. Other travelers commented that early morning was busy on the trail.

Desert View Watchtower Desert View Watchtower

Located on the South Rim , the Desert View Watchtower is located about 23 miles east of Grand Canyon Village via Desert View Drive (close to the park's east entrance). Designed in 1932 by renowned Southwest architect Mary Colter, the Desert View Watchtower was built with native stones on the edge of the canyon. To blend in with the canyon and mimic the look of original Ancestral Puebloan buildings of the Colorado Plateau, Colter visited sites across the Southwest. Inside of the tower, travelers will find the Kiva Room, which features a fireplace, a rest area, a retail shop and views of the canyon. During the peak season, local artisans demonstrate in the Kiva Room and visitors can observe craftspeople work on jewelry, pottery, rug making and more several days a week. 

Recent travelers reported they enjoyed the east side of the Grand Canyon because of its reduced crowds. They also enjoyed the intricate architecture of the tower itself, noting that the structure was well-maintained, interesting and beautiful. However, some travelers were disappointed they couldn't climb the tower.

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North Rim North Rim free

U.S. News Insider Tip: The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is easier to reach from Utah and offers fewer crowds than the South Rim . Sometimes, lodging and camping reservations for the busy summer season are easier to reserve as well. – Catherine Parker

After experiencing the South Rim's desert-like landscape, first-time visitors to the North Rim marvel at its greener landscape and cooler temperatures. Even though it welcomes about one-tenth of the visitors of the South Rim, the North Rim offers many of the same amenities, including lodging, dining, mule rides and tours. Activity on this side of the park revolves around the North Rim Visitor Center and the Grand Canyon Lodge, which are located steps from each other. From the evening ritual of gathering on the lodge's back patio to watch the sun set to enjoying a meal in its historic dining room, the lodge is a popular meeting point for North Rim visitors. Hiking is popular on the North Rim; top trails include Bright Angel Point Trail and the North Kaibab Trail into the canyon. Ranger-led programs, such as guided hikes and talks, are popular too. Visitors can also take a scenic drive to see the 8,803-foot Point Imperial, the highest point on the North Rim.

North Kaibab Trail North Kaibab Trail free

For travelers on the  North Rim , the North Kaibab Trail is the area's only maintained canyon hike. The 14-mile (one way) trail leads all the way to the Colorado River. The trail can be grueling since its elevation is 1,000 feet higher than the hikes along the South Rim . In the summer, the hot Arizona sun is unforgiving to hikers (there is little shade along the way, making the journey even more difficult). In fact, park rangers recommend starting the hike before dawn or spending the night at the campground halfway to the Colorado River. For travelers who want a shorter hike along North Kaibab, the hike to the Supai Tunnel starts at the North Kaibab's trailhead and is about 4 miles round trip. Water and rest spots are available at several points along the North Kaibab Trail. If this journey sounds too arduous, travelers can take a guided, three-hour mule-driven tour on this trail from May to October (Note: This tour does not go to the bottom of the canyon).

Travelers who hiked the North Kaibab Trail reported that the views along the trail were extraordinary. Favorite spots to stop include Ribbon Falls, the Coconino Overlook and the Pumphouse Residence (former home of artist and park worker Bruce Aiken). Some travelers described the route as strenuous (especially on the way back), and one hiker commented it was especially hard on the knees. However, most agree that the views are worth the effort.

Horseshoe Bend Horseshoe Bend

As one of the most recognizable and visited places in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, the Instagram-worthy attraction is located northeast of Grand Canyon National Park's south entrance. The Colorado River created the roughly 1,000-foot deep, 270-degree horseshoe-shaped bend that visitors hike a 1.5-mile hard-packed, accessible trail to see. 

Recent visitors loved the views and said the hiking trail to the overlook was well-maintained. Many said it was a must-visit, especially given that parking only costs $10 per car. Sunset viewers gave others fair warning: it will be crowded and you'll want to arrive early for the experience. Some travelers suggested booking a Colorado River kayak tour if you'd like to enjoy a different perspective of the landmark.

Colorado River Rafting Colorado River Rafting

After you've admired the Grand Canyon from the hiking trails (or even from the air on a helicopter tour ), enjoy a new vantage point on a Colorado River rafting tour. Options range from the family-friendly half-day float through Horseshoe Bend on a motorized raft with Wilderness River Adventures to the more daring one- and two-day whitewater rafting trips with Grand Canyon West 's Hualapai River Runners .

For a more extensive rafting trip, traveler-approved tour companies like  OARS , Canyon Explorations/Expeditions and Outdoors Unlimited all run multiday trips. However, because these companies only offer oar and paddle boat tours and the tours range from three days to more than two weeks, all passengers need to be confident in their rafting/paddling skills, and age restrictions apply.

Antelope Canyon Antelope Canyon

Like its neighbor, Horseshoe Bend , Antelope Canyon makes for an excellent daytrip for those staying in northern Arizona. Accessible by guided tour only, Antelope Canyon is a unique geological structure formed by water erosion over millions of years. The slot canyon reveals deep, winding, bright orange and red tunnels that visitors can explore on foot. The canyon is especially magical between late March and early October, when sun rays are at the perfect angle to shine in from above.

Guided tours of Antelope Canyon are available through a variety of providers, and most offer an upper canyon and lower canyon tour. The upper canyon is A-shaped, where the lower canyon is V-shaped and features five flights of stairs. 

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Navajo Bridge Navajo Bridge free

Within Grand Canyon National Park, there is only one way to drive over the Colorado River and that's via the Navajo Bridge on the northeast end of the park. Starting in the 1870s, more people had moved into the area and needed to cross the giant chasm. At the time, the only way to cross the Grand Canyon was by ferry at Glen Canyon, named Lees Ferry. When the use of automobiles became more popular starting in the 1920s, officials in Arizona and Utah recognized the need for a bridge that allowed vehicles to safely travel over the canyon.

When the bridge opened to the public in 1929, nearly 7,000 people showed up to this remote corner of Arizona for its ribbon cutting. It stands 467 feet above the water and successfully transported countless vehicles across the river for 66 years. In 1995, a stronger, more modern bridge was built alongside the original structure to transport heavier automobiles, and the historic Navajo Bridge was opened up to pedestrians to enjoy the views of the river below.

Hopi House Hopi House free

Mary Colter designed the Hopi House in 1905 in the style of a traditional Hopi dwelling. True to its original purpose, the Hopi House sells souvenirs made by Native American artists and craftspeople. The exterior features native stone along with traditional ladders leading to its different levels. Inside, visitors will find adobe walls, wooden beams and saplings on the ceiling.

Recent visitors praised the selection of souvenirs at the Hopi House, with the finest products made by Native American artists and craftspeople. Reviewers appreciated the transparent product labeling, which allows shoppers to see which items are mass produced and which are one of a kind. Others walked through the Hopi House to admire Colter's architecture and said it's a great place to escape an afternoon monsoon – a common summertime occurrence.

Grand Canyon Railway Grand Canyon Railway

Starting in the late 1800s, this historic railroad was originally used to transport ore from the Anita mines, which sit just north of Williams, Arizona. In 1901, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway reached the log cabin depot at the South Rim , making the national park accessible to the public. With the rise in automobile use, the trains lost business, and the last passenger train pulled into the Grand Canyon Depot in 1968. After an extensive restoration, the Grand Canyon Railway was reopened to tourists in 1989.

Today, this historic train carries tourists between Williams and the South Rim's Grand Canyon Depot. Along the way, passengers will see a variety of landscapes from the Ponderosa and Pinon pine forests to expansive prairies. In addition to providing a pleasurable journey, the train keeps 50,000 vehicles out of the park each year.

Grand Canyon Skywalk Grand Canyon Skywalk

One of the more controversial additions to the Grand Canyon's surroundings, the Grand Canyon Skywalk is a large, semicircular bridge with a transparent glass floor, allowing tourists to walk out 70 feet from the canyon rim and view the bottom from 4,000 feet above. The Skywalk lies outside of the park on the grounds of the Hualapai Indian Reservation in a development known as Grand Canyon West . Purists initially criticized the construction of the Skywalk, claiming it ruined the area's natural aesthetic. Still, the attraction has drawn millions of visitors since opening in 2007.

The skywalk is a considerable drive from both the South Rim and the  North Rim  (count on about four hours in the car from Grand Canyon Village ). As such, Recent travelers warned a stop at the skywalk is an all-day endeavor. Several people commented on the lack of value, especially in comparison to the South Rim. Las Vegas visitors without plans to make it to the South Rim seemed to enjoy their experience more than visitors who had seen the canyon in the national park.

Havasu Falls Havasu Falls

Note: The Havasupai Tourism Board is rescheduling Havasu Falls reservations canceled by its COVID-19-related shutdown from 2020 to 2022. The only reservations available in 2023 are listed on the Cancellations/Transfer List on the Havasupai Reservations website. 

Lauded by travelers as one of the most beautiful sights in the area, Havasu Falls is a desert oasis, complete with blue-green water and gushing falls . The ethereal pools formed by Havasu Creek add an almost surreal quality to the red canyon backdrop. Though it's often associated with the Grand Canyon, this site is not located within the national park. Havasu Falls is on the Havasupai Indian Reservation. 

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Grand Canyon West Rim Grand Canyon West Rim

Located on the Hualapai Indian Reservation, Grand Canyon West is not part of Grand Canyon National Park. It's situated a little more than 230 miles west of Grand Canyon Village and about 120 miles east of Las Vegas , making it a popular daytrip for Vegas visitors who want a taste of the Grand Canyon, but don't want to drive all the way to the park's popular south entrance. Owned and operated by the Hualapai Indian Reservation, Grand Canyon West offers an array of adventure activities and attractions, including the Grand Canyon Skywalk , whitewater rafting on the Colorado River, and canyon zip line rides. What's more, Grand Canyon West also offers lodging, dining and shopping.

Most travelers visited Grand Canyon West during a daytrip from Las Vegas. Reviews were mixed: Some bemoaned the long shuttle bus lines and expensive tickets, while others praised the spectacular canyon views. Other reviewers wished there were more hiking options and cultural demonstrations. However, adventure-minded visitors appreciated the zip line and whitewater rafting tours.

Grand Canyon IMAX Theater Grand Canyon IMAX Theater

U.S. News Insider Tip: The Grand Canyon IMAX Theater is located in the Grand Canyon Visitor Center in the town of Tusayan, just south of the park's entrance and not at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center on the rim of the canyon. – Catherine Parker

For visitors who want to feel like they are rafting the Colorado River or hang gliding above it, this IMAX film transports viewers to the edge of the canyon and over it. The Grand Canyon IMAX Theater screens multiple daily showings of "Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time," an action-packed, 37-minute film that plays on a six-story screen. In addition to heart-pumping aerial footage, viewers will enjoy an overview of the Grand Canyon's history and a CGI animation of the canyon's geological formation. Worth noting, this is not shown at the visitor centers on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon; this Grand Canyon Visitor Center is located just south of the entrance gate in Tusayan.

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Unmeasurable Adventure

Outdoor Adventures

First-timer's guide to the grand canyon.

For those making their first trip to the Grand Canyon, here's an expert take on when to go, where to stay, and how to get around.

Before you pack your bags and make the trip to Grand Canyon National Park , a few words of practical advice:

With the kids out of school, summertime is undoubtedly the busiest time of year, making peak season at Grand Canyon between June-August. If you're staying during this time, be sure to book your lodging early, as reservations start filling up nine months to a year in advance .

For cooler weather, lighter crowds and better lodging availability, plan your trip during the shoulder seasons between March-May, and September-November.

South Rim or North Rim?

According to the Grand Canyon National Park's official page , though the width of the canyon is roughly 10 miles, driving from the South to North Rim can take at least five hours on a route that sometimes dips south through Tusayan and even Flagstaff before turning back north through Cameron or Bitter Springs. Hiking rim-to-rim is possible but is recommended only for the experienced hiker. (See " Grand Canyon Hiking " for more trail options.)

Most easily accessible from Phoenix, Sedona or Flagstaff, the South Rim welcomes more visitors than the North Rim and offers the most amenities and attractions in terms of lodging, dining, tours, transportation, viewpoints and family-friendly experiences. It is also open year-round. As this area tends to be much busier—particularly during peak season—be sure to book reservations well in advance.

Quieter, more remote and offering fewer visitor services, this rugged portion of Grand Canyon National Park experiences fewer visitors and offers a more outdoor-minded experience. Due to its higher elevation, the North Rim is also cooler in temperature and experiences heavy snowfall in winter, resulting in a shorter season. (It's open from mid-May through mid-October.)

Quieter, more remote and offering fewer visitor services, the North Rim experiences fewer visitors and offers a more outdoor-minded experience.

Where to stay

Bring your tent or RV to enjoy the great outdoors at one of the many campgrounds in the park.

Two of the three National Park Service campgrounds accept reservations: Mather Campground on the South Rim and North Rim Campground . Desert View Campground on the South Rim (open seasonally between mid-April and mid-October) is first-come, first-served, and Trailer Village is a concessioner-run RV park with full hook-ups.

If roughing it isn't quite your style, Grand Canyon National Park Lodges operates numerous hotels, both inside and outside the park.

Located at the top of Bright Angel Trailhead, the historic Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins , designed by Mary Colter in 1935, provides rustic accommodations close to outdoor adventure. Take your pick from budget-friendly lodge rooms with shared bathrooms, standard lodge rooms or private cabins (one of which was home to one of Roosevelt's "Rough Riders").

Perched on the edge of the South Rim, the European chalet-style El Tovar Hotel , which opened in 1905, offers spectacular views, one-of-a-kind rooms and suites, and fine dining in the famous El Tovar Dining Room.

Just a mile from the entrance of the park, The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon is the area's only Three-Diamond hotel, and the rustic chalet-style hotel offers an indoor heated swimming pool and hot tub, a steakhouse and saloon, and plush rooms with a kitchenette.

Meanwhile, Thunderbird Lodge and Kachina Lodge are popular choices for families, due to their casual, modern aesthetic and convenient location within walking distance to many of the park's attractions.

On the North Rim, book one of the cozy cabins at the historic Grand Canyon Lodge to stay amid towering pine trees and just steps away from the scenic Bright Angel Point Trail. This landmark lodge boasts cliffside views and an on-site restaurant serving up hearty, regionally inspired dishes such as venison meatloaf and wild rice primavera.

Getting around

Take advantage of the Grand Canyon National Park's free shuttle buses that operate on set routes throughout the park along the South Rim, including:

• the Village (Blue) Route, connecting the visitor center with lodging and other facilities;
• Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route, a figure-eight route between the visitor center and five scenic viewpoints;
• Hermit Road (Red) Route, connecting Grand Canyon Village and Hermits Rest, with scenic overlook stops along the way; and
• the Tusayan (Purple) Route, a park-and-ride service between the community of Tusayan and the park.

The early-morning Hiker's Express Shuttle transports hikers to the South Kaibab Trailhead from Bright Angel Lodge, the Backcountry Information Center and the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. For a $90 fee, the privately run Trans-Canyon Shuttle takes visitors between the North and South Rims.

You've arrived

You made it to the Grand Canyon. Welcome! Now what? We have you covered here, too. Read on to discover our three-day, activity-filled Grand Canyon itinerary —perfect for newcomers and returning visitors.

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Home » North America » Grand Canyon

EPIC GRAND CANYON Itinerary! (2024)

Welcome to one of the world’s seven wonders. Where the valleys meet the sky, and where water has, over millennia, carved out the greatest canyon ever seen! Spending two days at the Grand Canyon could never do justice to the impact this behemoth has had on its local people.

However, if one or two days at the Grand Canyon is all you have, then it’s best to get in as many of the good bits as possible! In this Grand Canyon itinerary, we will try our best to fit in all of those bits, whether you’re spending one day in the Grand Canyon, or traveling to its outer reaches and towns of influence!

If nature and culture are your kinds of things, then here’s what to do at the Grand Canyon!

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Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon

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Grand Canyon vacations can give varied experiences, depending on the time of year. Summers can get up to a sweltering 30°C/86 °F, and winters down to a freezing 7°C/ 45°F. A weekend in the Grand Canyon can feature snow-covered peaks one week, and give you sunburn the next. Quite the turnaround! That’s why reckon it’s the best place to camp in spring in the US !

The crowds of tourists follow the weather and thus can determine when’s best for you to enact your Grand Canyon itinerary. March through May, and September through November are seen as sweet spots for tourists, due to the fewer crowds but with some of the warmer weather!

June through August is the Grand Canyon’s peak season, what with the holiday season in full flow. Experiencing long summer days and with the park fully open for business, the canyon is a hum of activity!

Situated plum in the middle of Arizona, the Grand Canyon spans 4,926 km², taking up most of the state. So when you’re thinking about where to stay to visit the Grand Canyon , there’s actually a whole heap of different spots to consider. Panoramic pictures and social media have contributed to the notion that a visit to the Grand Canyon is made up of that one iconic view. How wrong this notion is!

Mather Point is just one of the many outdoor items a Grand Canyon itinerary can be made up of. As large as this iconic site is, so to is its need to host the five million tourists that all want their own exclusive trip of the Grand Canyon.

Traveling the historic Route 66 you’ll get to see the towns that make up the soul of the greater Grand Canyon area. From Williams to Flagstaff, and Tusayan in between, you’ll find hostels, hotels, and campsites are in abundance!

You can also stay in Las Vegas and day trip to the Canyon.

Best Airbnb in Grand Canyon – Cutest Home to pass through

This tiny home is exactly what you need coming through the grand canyon. There are so many cool things to say about this home, but one memory you won’t forget is how incredible star-gazing is staying here — minimal light pollution. The electricity is powered by solar panels, giving you the some-what of a camping experience, without the bugs and windy dirt that can be intense once you get to that elevation.

Best Budget Hotel in the Grand Canyon Area – Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn

Situated in Tusayan, 11km from the Grand Canyon National Park, the BWP Grand Canyon Squire Inn is a budgeteer’s dream.

Equipped to the teeth with facilities of necessity (cable, WiFi, laundry) and recreation (Pub, game room, bowling alley), the BWP is as convenient and high quality as those on a budget are going to find!

Best Luxury Hotel in the Grand Canyon Area – The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon

The Grand boasts the convenience of being 10km from Mather Campground, 2.9km from the airport, and 12km from the Bright Angel Trail. It comes with an indoor pool, fitness center, and evening entertainment!

With the luxury of satellite TV, an appliance-filled kitchen, and guest wardrobes, the Grand is the best place to stay at the Grand Canyon!

Best Hostel in the Grand Canyon Area – Grand Canyon International Hostel (Flagstaff)

Not only is this the closest hostel to the Grand Canyon National Park, but it also is in the perfect spot to open up the rest of the greater Grand Canyon attractions.

One of the best in the country, the Grand Canyon International is a backpackers five-star equivalent.

Flagstaff is a great place to use as your base when exploring the Grand Canyon. You might want to check out our list of epic cabins in Flagstaff which all offer a unique stay in nature.

The Grand Canyon is huge! So big that you can spend an entire day just driving from the South Rim to the North Rim and back, no stopping! With this in mind, it’s worth mentioning that a well planned Grand Canyon itinerary is a necessity when considering vacationing there.

As much as a mule seems like an awesome way to get around, the buses are better, so make use of their free service! They run throughout the North and South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

From the Bright Angel Trail dropoff to trying to get onto the world-famous viewing platform, getting around your Grand Canyon itinerary is not as difficult as it sounds. Public transport is the best option in helping you reach your Grand Canyon itinerary goals!

However, should you be lucky enough to have your own wheels, make a stop at the Grand Canyon Village Visitors Centre and pick up a brochure or two regarding traveling the many routes the Grand Canyon has to offer!

Mather Point | Grand Canyon Village Center | Kaibab Trail | Grand Canyon Village | North Rim Exploration | Hermit’s Rest Road Viewpoints

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is often a starting point for the majority of tourists and hikers alike. Anything that’s done in the reserve usually originates here. Thus, we suggest making use of its convenient location and hopefully good weather!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – Mather Point

• Why it’s awesome: This is the main site of that famous panoramic of the Grand Canyon!
• Food nearby: Snacks and refreshments can be bought from the Visitors center when it opens at 8 am

Can you picture the light cresting over the rocks at one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World? Catch that early morning sunrise and the various colors it leaves on the red rocks of the Grand Canyon!

Think of that famous shot of the Grand Canyon on Mather Point! It’s a must when touring the Grand Canyon for the first time. Mather Point is one of the closest sites to the visitors center and thus one of the first opportunities you’ll have of viewing the canyon!

As your first stop of the day, you can expect to be up early if you want to catch the early morning rays cresting over the orange rocks of the canyon. Take a short walk, bypassing the then closed Visitors center, down to the point.

Other than not wanting you to miss the beautiful sunrise, we recommend an early start so as to also to beat the crowds and tour buses that will all converge on this location! The center opens at 8 am and due to it being the most well-known spot on the South Rim, it’s worth getting out of the way early on. Try to avoid souring your Grand Canyon points of interest because of tourists!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – Grand Canyon Village Visitors Center

• Why it’s awesome: Every little bit of information you could want about covering the Grand Canyon is here
• Food nearby: Grab some breakfast at the Mather Point Cafe

The best place to continue your day after a brisk early morning viewing of the canyon! Opening at 8 am, the Grand Canyon Village Visitors center can give you all the relevant information and news you could ever need for your day to day exploration. From hikes to bus times, the visitor center has you set!

Try to get here on the opening of the doors so to start your day ahead of the crowds. It doesn’t take long for the tour buses and tourists to arrive, and for the center to become a hive of activity. This is the gateway to the South Rim , and thus is where everyone will meet and convene for their tours!

Depending on the time of year, you can either have it pleasantly busy or full to the brim, so make your plans for your travel to the Grand Canyon around whether you mind crowds of people or not!

Get all your relevant information pertaining to your Grand Canyon itinerary before you start your day. Familiarise yourself with the free shuttle bus systems, the Grand Canyon walking tours available, or take a look at the various park ranger programs for you to listen in on!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge Picnic

• Why it’s awesome: Gets you to see a different perspective of the Grand Canyon!
• Food nearby: Get set for a below-the-rim picnic!

Planning a trip to the Grand Canyon is never complete without some sort of outdoor adventure, and not going on a short hike or walk into the canyon itself is a missed opportunity. The adventure of descending into the gorge, surrounded by the orange rocks and the sounds of the “ Wild West ” is seriously worth it!

The Cedar Ridge is one of the first major points on the South Kaibab Trail. One and a half miles along the Kaibab, Cedar Point is a nice balance of slightly enduring yet manageable. Put it this way, it’s easy enough and short enough not to spend your whole day doing it and/or recovering from it!

The Cedar Ridge offers a “below the rim” view of the Grand Canyon. As some of the locals would say, you haven’t seen the canyon to its fullest until you’ve seen it from below the rim! Although you would have to hike much further to see the Grand Canyon from its base, Cedar Ridge is a good start!

Taking you about 3 hours to complete, you’ll get to see Ooh Aah Point, an appropriately named spot, if ever there was one. As well, it’ll give you the opportunity to have a moment with the canyon at the Cedar Ridge picnic site! A special moment to enjoy alone or with your family.

Insider Tip: You’ll find toilets during the walk, but there is no water along the trail. Use the Visitors center to stock up with water and desired snack for your below-the-rim picnic.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – Grand Canyon Village

• Why it’s awesome: The Grand Canyon Village is full of museums, studios, and food!
• Food nearby: Grab a late lunch at The Arizona Room

After a morning full to the brim with physical activity, slow it down with a calm afternoon’s touring of the world-famous Grand Canyon Village. Learn about the history of the West, the railroad, and the Grand Canyon itself.

Start at the Visitors Center and pick up a self-guided walking tour brochure for an in-depth analysis of the canyon and village. This brochure will give the autonomy you so desire to see the village and its assets at your own pace.

Highlights include the endearing Yavapai Geology Museum with its stunning view of the South Rim and a topographical map of the Grand Canyon. As well, go see Kolb Studio, Lookout Studio, and Hopi House for the art enthusiasts! Here the locals of the Grand Canyon celebrate the art and culture of the West, with Native American and the Colonial Settler influence in tow.

Bright Angel Lodge and El Tovar Buckey O’Neill Cabin, two of the most famous lodgings of the village, are worth taking a look into. You’ll get a chance to see how the local communities have been influenced by the history of the Grand Canyon and its residence.

You’ll learn about the early development of the Village around the Santa Fe Railroad, and of the molding of the Canyon around the Colorado River. We have no doubt you’ll leave full of knowledge and appreciation for this wonderful site!

Insider Tip: The Grand Canyon plays host to the “Grand Canyon Celebration of Art”. Try time your Grand Canyon vacation around this time of year!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – North Rim Exploration

• Why it’s awesome: You get to see the Grand Canyon from the opposite end of the gorge
• Cost: Free Transport!
• Food Nearby: Have a seat at the quaint at Deli in the Pines

The North Rim is often glossed over when being considered a part of one’s Grand Canyon itinerary. This may be due to its positioning and how much of a roundabout way one has to take to get there. In any case, this can work in your favor!

If crowds of tourists are not your thing, and “iconic” is not something you are too worried about, then this may be the spot for you! Although less commercialized and developed, the North Rim has some seriously attractive proposals. And the allure of these proposals can really be summed up in two words: fewer tourists.

As the locals would say, “there is no ugly side to the Grand Canyon”, and there are some beautiful viewing points and hikes on offer here, such as the Bright Angel Point, Coconino Overlook and the North Kaibab Trail!

Grab a bike and ride the roads of the North Rim, or maybe think about camping under the stars at the Demotte or Jacob Lake Campground site. Here at the North Rim, you’ll be getting a more laid back, less congested side of the Grand Canyon. The mule rides are more often available too!

Day 1 / Stop 6 – Sunset at Hermit’s Rest Road Viewpoints

• Why it’s awesome: Catch the last rays of sun hitting the orange rocks as you’ve never seen before!
• Food nearby: Sundowners at the viewpoint, and try for some supper at the famous El Tovar

Close off your first day with the unforgettable, must-see view of the Grand Canyon at sunset! We can not emphasize it enough when we say you need to catch the last light of the day ending over the gorge! As the first stars coming out overhead, you’ll get to see a sunset and a starry night like never before. Pray for clear skies!

Make use of the reserve’s “park-and-ride” bus shuttle services and catch the bus that takes you along the Hermit’s Rest Road . Prepare for the best way to see Grand Canyon on tour!

As the sun begins to set over the horizon, you’ll stop at one of the many viewing points. With your sundowners in tow, and a good hour or two to spend, you can take in the breathtaking colors and sounds of the Grand Canyon at rest. Stay for that little bit longer and, as the crowds begin to disperse, enjoy the relative peace and quiet. It’s worth taking that moment, trust us!

We’d recommend the Monument Creek Vista viewpoint as it truly encapsulates the Grand Canyon attractions in all their glory! Especially if epic views, unique scenery, and being in nature are your kind of things. The shuttle will bring you home!

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National Geographic Visitor Center | Bearizona Wildlife Farm | Williams | Route 66 Zipline | Planes of Fame Air Museum

With our 2 day itinerary at the Grand Canyon, you’ll get to experience some of the greater Grand Canyon areas. From the gorges of Tusayan to Route 66 and Williams, we think its the best idea to get a cultural shot from the Old West!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – National Geographic Visitor Center, Tusayan

• Why it’s awesome: It’s an authentic National Geographic operations site! With genuine Native American exhibits!
• Cost: $19.69 for an IMAX ticket
• Food nearby: Get a hearty breakfast at the Explorer’s Cafe

Begin your day bright and early for your trip to the greater Grand Canyon area, and to Route 66. Catch one of the many inter-canyon bus shuttles that will lead you out of the park, to the small outpost of Tusayan!

Here you’ll find the reserve’s last bastion, where you can get anything and everything regarding preparation for visiting the Grand Canyon. You’ll have an opportunity to get all your passes, permits and tour items for the rest of your Grand Canyon Itinerary, should you need them. This without having to fight the hordes of tourists at the Village center!

You’ll also find the National Geographic Visitor center! What makes this place special is not only its wealth of knowledge and incite to the greater Grand Canyon area, nor its amazingly authentic exhibits and museums! No, rather it is the IMAX theatre it hosts, where Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets is shown on the hour, starting at 8:30 am.

You would be wise to spend a short time experiencing the Grand Canyon in IMAX. It’s truly awe-inspiring to soar above the Canyon and see it from the skies, from the plains, and the Colorado River below. And all this in the majesty of 3D!

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Bearizona Wildlife Farm

• Why it’s awesome: Bears, Bison, Reindeer, and so much more!
• Cost: $25 Adult ticket
• Food nearby: Grab a late brunch or early lunch that Bearizona’s 6000 ft² restaurant, Canyonlands!

Welcome to Route 66! After catching an hour-long bus ride from Tusayan to Williams, taking in the breath-taking landscape of the Arizona plains and its forests, you’ll find yourself coming into Williams – the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon”!

Your first stop is due east of Williams, 10 minutes outside of the town. Surrounded by beautiful pine trees, you can enter the farm just off the right of Route 66, and be met by an enormous “Bearizona” sign.

Bearizona is home to a multitude of wildlife! From the ever famous black bear to reindeer, arctic wolves, bison, wild pigs, and mountain goats, there’s plenty of variety. Oh, and did we mention the bears? Bears in trees, bears in bushes, bears a hair’s breadth from your car! We guess it’s called “Bearizona” for a reason!

But the wandering animals are not all this awesome farm has to offer. In its walking portion, Bearizona hosts a fowl show, a barn full of your favorite animals, and an enclosed area where you can see bobcats, otters and a seriously beautiful jaguar!

Bearizona is a must as you make your way through Route 66. From its stunning scenery and wildlife on show to its hosting rangers, your first experience of the greater Grand Canyon area will be a wholesome one. It’s that feel-good stop you need to kickstart your day!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – Williams

• Why it’s awesome: The world-famous Route 66 and all it has to offer!
• Food nearby: Grab a snack and coffee at Brewed Awakenings Coffee Co., and receive some of that famous local hospitality!

After your “bears-capade”, you can now make your way back to the town of Williams. Welcome to the most authentic, traditional Route 66 town you’ll find! As single-road towns go, you won’t get a more accurate depiction than this.

By visiting the Wild West Junction, you’ll start your Williams tour by getting into character! Here you’ll experience that Wild West theme to its fullest, except it’s not so much a theme as it is the real thing! Take a walk into the saloon with its live re-enactments, or visit the famous Drovers Inn. It’s the Old West come alive!

Next, take a look at the awesome museum, Pete’s Route 66 Gas Station. Salvaged from an old service station, Pete was able to restore it into a sort of time capsule! Filled with some old treasures from the golden years of Route 66, this museum will take you back to the time of small-town communities and big dreams!

The Brewing and Wine companies of Williams are always worth a look-see, especially if experiencing the local beverages is your thing! Have a look into the open-air museum, or maybe make use of one of the iconic diners. Either way, always remember that the allure of Williams is not necessarily in its things to do, but rather in being there.

From Kaibab Lake to the world-famous “Gateway to the Grand Canyon” metal arch, Williams will give you the authentic oldtown experience you never thought you needed!

Insider Tip: Sometimes the town hosts a mock gunfight straight out of a western movie. Find out when this “high noon pistol draw” might be happening and be a part of it!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – Route 66 Zipline, Williams

• Why it’s awesome: Get a very unique view of Route 66 and Grand Canyon Boulevard!
• Cost: $15 Solo Ticket
• Food nearby: Take an early supper at the iconic Cruisers Cafe 66 and experience some delicious diner food

You’ve spent a good few hours experiencing Route 66 at ground level, in all its glory. You’ve gone through the history of the Williams and its role on this famous road. You’ve tried its food, its drink, and its famous hospitality! Now, it’s time to experience it from a different point of view.

Make your way to the center of town, just alongside the famous railroad. There you’ll find it: the Route 66 Zipline tour! 110Ft. High, 700ft. Long, 30mph forward and backward, and with a twist at the end!

This zipline tour is designed to give you a new vantage point of Route 66 and its surrounding landscape. It will have you marking key locations you’ve been to, scanning the horizon for notable landmarks, and taking in the beauty and historic value of the town of Williams!

With your co-chair next to you and 15 minutes of free time, we’d recommend going tandem with someone who you’d want to experience the view with. For us, it’s one of the more appropriate ways to finish your time on Route 66. With the sun at your back, the Hollywood Boulevard beneath your feet, and the old Route 66 town laid out before you!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Planes of Fame Air Museum

• Why it’s awesome: One of the most iconic Air museums around, filled with preserved history!
• Food nearby: Grab a hearty meal at The Grand Canyon Inn. The burgers are worth it!

Finally, we get to the end of our 2-day itinerary at the Grand Canyon! As you make your way back to the reserve, we don’t believe it would be worth you having come all this way without making a stop at Valle’s Planes of Fame Air Museum !

For a day filled with the old and traditional, why not finish with a last look at some of the most iconic and original planes that have ever flown our skies! It truly is an eye-opener for those of the aviation variety, as well as those who can’t get enough of vintage!

There are nearly 3 dozen vintage airplanes found at this museum, ranging from warplanes of yesteryear to the classical passenger planes straight out of the black-and-white movies! These include the founder’s (Ed Maloney) very own private airplane!

Within this huge hanger you’ll find history galore, and not just pertaining to the planes. The museum’s primary purpose is actually to preserve man’s history of flight. This includes the men and women who devoted their lives to flight and its advancements, famous and otherwise. Their stories are shared and commemorated here so as to not be forgotten!

Insider Tip: If you time it right, you can get to see one of their many airshows! This is when they showcase some of their planes in action! It’s worth a watch.

Grand Canyon International Hostel (Flagstaff)

• Free Breakfast

Ride a Mule | Grand Canyon Skywalk | Bright Angel Trail | River Rafting | Grand Canyon Railway

If you’re lucky enough to need a 3-day itinerary at the Grand Canyon, then we highly recommend you take a look into some of the options below. They will be worth your while!

Ride a Mule

• Can cost $140 and above
• Its highly sought after with a waiting list of over year!
• You’ll see the Grand Canyon on routes you wouldn’t normally get to travel

Starting at either the South or North Rim, ride your very own mule as you explore the Grand Canyon across its deepest ravines and narrow trails. Not only is it an experience in and of itself, but it also will grant you a Grand Canyon trip full to the brim with memories!

You may be asking yourself why would you want to put yourself through this? Well, not only will you have some outlandish and remarkable stories to tell your friends and family when you return home, but you’ll also be able to cover more trails than you ever could on foot!

Mules are endurance animals and great for the canyons narrow trails, allowing you to cover good ground on paths not suited for horses. You also get to take the strain off your own feet! But, don’t think it isn’t difficult!

Mule rides vary from Canyon Vista Rim tours to the Bright Angel Trail descent. Times can vary from two hours to four hours in length, as well as overnight options! Be wary though, bookings can go back to over a year in advance, so get in the queue now!

Insider Tip: The South Rim tours are the most popular due to convenience and location. Make use of this by traveling to the North Rim and doing your Mule Ride there instead!

Grand Canyon Skywalk

• One of the newest attractions of the Grand Canyon
• A marvel of engineering design!
• You get a 360-degree view of the Canyon, even directly beneath you

The world-famous Skywalk ! The Grand Canyon’s latest feature and a truly inspiring feat of engineering, standing at 4000 feet above the Colorado River. With its unbeatable 360 degrees view of the Grand Canyon, this marvel is a must for anyone planning an itinerary for the Grand Canyon!

Found on the West side of the Grand Canyon, the Skywalk is not actually a part of the Grand Canyon National Reserve. It is rather located on reservation land owned by the Hualapai Indian Tribe, sanctioned and blessed by the Native American leaders of the area.

By no means budget-friendly, this is still one of the most unique experiences you can have of the Grand Canyon. You are able to get a Legacy Gold Package Day Pass to the Grand Canyon West. This pass comes with a pass to enter the Skywalk, a meal, a visitation certificate, shuttle privileges throughout the West Canyon, and the opportunity to interact with the local Hualapai people.

Costing $30 million to build, the Skywalk has been built as a testament to the natural wonder and cultural significance the Grand Canyon holds in the hearts of its locals. Should you get the opportunity to go, be prepared to wait in some form of line due to its popularity!

Bright Angel Trail

• One of the most famous hikes at the Grand Canyon
• Explore some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area
• Walk the banks of the Colorado River

Begin its 4380 feet descent at the Grand Canyon Village, and make your way towards the Colorado River. Conjoined with the South Kaibab Trail , the Bright Angel Trail will take you to the base of the canyon, and run along the Colorado River. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy an unobstructed, awe-inspiring view of the Grand Canyon from below.

Being at least a 2-day hike, you can expect to camp! The Bright Angel Campground or the Garden Campground are both highly suitable stops. You’re going to need an Overnight Permit, issued by the Grand Canyon National Park Backcountry Information center, to do this, however. You can get this at any one of the visitor’s centers!

Being able to experience a hike in the Grand Canyon is recommended to any first-timers, and the Bright Angel Trail is top of that list. Water is provided via the trans-canyon pipeline, and the paths are well maintained and monitored. This trail is challenging enough to be memorable, yet rewarding enough with all its sites, sounds, and experiences to warrant the effort!

River Rafting

• Get a chance to travel the Colorado River!
• $350 and up for a whole day
• Options for both the adventurer and those who want to take it slow

The Colorado River trip would be one of the highlights of your 3-day itinerary in the Grand Canyon, hands down! Imagine yourself clinging to a raft as you hurtle downstream, the river splashing in your face! Imagine yourself camping on the side of the river, stars overhead and the sound of said river rushing alongside!

There is no shortage when it comes to options for traversing the river. Sixteen companies offer services to take you downstream, and not all of them are high octane, adrenaline-pumping rides.

Grand Canyon Rafting offers you choice on whether you want to do the white water rafting or just take it slow on a motorized raft. With so many high quality, experienced companies having your back, you know you are going to get the experience you are after!

You can spend 3 days on the Grand Canyon river, or 19! You can choose to have a more nature-centered tour or a more social one. It is worth noting that trips can fill up quickly and bookings disappear in a flash. Make sure, as in most things to do with your Grand Canyon itinerary, that you are well organized and booked in advance!

Insider Tip: If a multi-day rafting experience isn’t your thing or maybe not in your budget, try the Hualapai Nation’s Grand Canyon West resort .

Grand Canyon Railway

• Iconic and authentic in design and experience
• Lots of choices in regards to how you’ll travel
• The views and experience are well worth the price

This is definitely one of the main attractions we’d recommend you visit in the Grand Canyon! Buy your tickets at the Williams Depot where you’ll get to choose which car you would like to ride in. Built in 1908, the depot will give you a small taste of what you’re in for!

Starting with The Pullman Class ($67), this is the standard and classic car, with its bench-style seats from circa 1923. Next tier is the 1950s “Coach” Class ($82), more streamlined, with big windows and air conditioning. First Class is next, sitting at $159, with you getting over-sized seats, enormous windows, bar service, and complimentary snacks!

The next 3 are part of the “luxury” suites. The Observation Dome ($189), Luxury Dome ($226), and Luxury Parlor ($226) all boast a beautiful vantage point of your journey. Spacious lounges, bar service, and tasty snacks are what’s in store for those fortunate enough to get a seat!

Whichever car you choose, you are going to experience what it was like to travel on the railroad circa the 1930s. It does not get more authentic than this, and although slightly pricey, we believe it is well worth the experience! When the whistle sounds and the train pulls out of the station, you’ll know you’ve gone back in time.

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With the excitement of traveling into the “Wild West” comes a necessity to be aware of the dangers being at the Grand Canyon can bring. It is a nature reserve after all and thus has many elements of the wilderness in tow.

A lot of hazards can be avoided by listening to the resident rangers! They are the professionals and your guides, so adhere to their every word and you should remain safe and sound.

Make sure to bring enough water and snacks whenever adventuring out into the Canyon. Water and food are a necessity in the heat and over long hiking trails!

Try staying within the safety railing so as to ensure that you or any children don’t take any unnecessary falls into the canyon.

Finally, don’t feed the animals! Not just because it’s bad for them, but the number of bites people receive from trying to interact with animals such as squirrels is more than you think! Just make sure you’re aware of your surroundings and alert to any possible dangers, and the Grand Canyon will remain a safe and enjoyable place!

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Grand Canyon

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

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The Grand Canyon is quite well situated to a few key landmarks, making day trips possible. Due to its location in Arizona, and being very close to the world-famous Route 66, you can choose to go east or west and you’d still be able to find some rather incredible places!

Here are some day trips from the Grand Canyon that can get you out of the reserve, but not out of Wild West!

Spend a day in Las Vegas, touring the city on an open-top bus! Make use of this tour, and give yourself an eye-opening experience of one of America’s most famous cities!

As you catch the early morning bus out for a day in Las Vegas, you’ll get to see all the beauty of Route 66 on your way there. Once you’ve arrived, hop on and off throughout the day as the bus takes you along the Vegas Strip!

This Segway tour is one of the most unique and fun tours we’ve seen as of late. Hop onto your very own Segway and explore Route 66’s Flagstaff!

From the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad to the Northern Arizona University, you’ll get to cover Flagstaff in its entirety! All the while receiving informative incite into the history of the town and its involvement with the greater Grand Canyon area!

Sedona Vortex Food Tour

The Sedona Vortex Food Tour is a culinary experts dream! Not only will you get to taste some of the best offerings of the region, but you’ll get to see the famous Red Rocks to boot! Food with a view!

You’ll learn about Sedona, its natural landmarks, its restaurants, things to do there and its many other hidden gems.

Take a trip to one of the oldest occupied villages in America, as you delve into the heart of the Hopi lands. Explore the Hopi Cultural Center, and experience a traditional Hopi meal!

Departing from Flagstaff, take a drive to the Hopi Nation and Reservation, visiting its mesas, the Indian Nation, and the many archaeological discoveries found at the Hopi Museum and Art Gallery!

Finish your trip off at the home of Walpi, the most original and spiritual home of the Hopi settlements, and meet its residence!

Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend

Traverse the famous twists and bends of Antelope Canyon, with its water-carved walls and its narrow channels.

Start your tour with a stunning view of the San Francisco Peaks, after climbing through the Oak Creek Canyon. You’ll then make your way into the Painted Desert o your way to the famous Horseshoe Bend overlooking the Colorado River!

Finish with an exciting tour of the slot canyon, and get a personal experience with its narrow walls and eroded sedimentation!

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Find out what people want to know when planning their Grand Canyon itinerary.

How many days do you need in Grand Canyon?

Spending three or less days at the Grand Canyon could never do justice to the natural beauty and hiking trails this place offers. Having four full days to explore is the absolute minimum to really get to know the Canyon.

Is one day enough to explore Grand Canyon?

The Grand Canyon spans 4,926 km², so seeing everything in one day is simply impossible. There are however short hiking trails that offer beautfiful views that you can do in just one day.

What can you do in Grand Canyon?

Hiking, enjoying the scenic views, falling in love with nature, learn about the history of the Canyon and so much more. Camping and hiking the Canyon is the most popular thing to do though.

How should a Grand Canyon itinerary for families look like?

It’s important not to fill up your Grand Canyon itinerary too much so your kids won’t get overwhelmed. Be properly prepared for hot days, cold nights and achy feet. Have the route planned beforehand and bring plenty of water and snacks with you.

Some Last Remarks

The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s greatest and most majestic natural landmarks. To be able to spend a day there is an experience in itself. However, to really get a feel of what makes this place so beautiful, one would need to spend time exploring its many areas.

From its resident towns of Williams and Flagstaff, and Route 66, to the North and West Rims. From the valley bed and the Colorado River to the Skywalk in the Hualapai National Reserve, the Grand Canyon is so much more than just a good view.

It is hoped that we have done it justice and that this itinerary can suffice in some manner when trying to cover traveling to the Grand Canyon!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Colleen Kinsey

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The Ultimate Grand Canyon Trip Planner, According to Locals

• January 19, 2023
• This article may contain compensated links. Please read our disclosure for more info.

[Updated February 2024] Welcome to Grand Canyon Trip Planner! This is your guide on how to visit the Grand Canyon National Park and surrounding attractions. 

In this Grand Canyon Trip Planner, hikers, backpackers , photographers , discerning Moms and other outdoorsy types provide tips for making your trip to Grand Canyon National Park the best it can be.

Table of Contents

The Grand Canyon is a place that simply takes your breath away, and with this guide, you’ll be able to experience all that it has to offer. From hiking the famous Bright Angel Trail to taking a scenic drive along Desert View Drive, you’ll find plenty of ways to explore this incredible natural wonder.

You’ll also find information on the best Grand Canyon viewpoints , the best day hiking in the Grand Canyon , and how to make the most of your time at this natural wonder. And with tips and recommendations from local experts like us, you’ll be able to plan your trip with confidence.

So don’t hesitate—come along with us, and let’s discover the awe-inspiring beauty of the Grand Canyon!

How to get to Grand Canyon National Park

Hello fellow travelers!

Are you planning a trip to this astonishing national park and wondering how to get to Grand Canyon? Look no further because we’ve got all the information you need to make your journey a smooth and enjoyable one.

The Grand Canyon is located in the state of Arizona, about a 4.5-hour drive from Phoenix and a 5-hour drive from Las Vegas.

Grand Canyon Trip Planner: Flying to visit the Grand Canyon

If you’re flying in, the closest airport is Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, from which you can rent a car or take a shuttle to the South Rim of the park.

Get detailed information about the closest airport to Grand Canyon and other airports near Grand Canyon National Park.

Driving from the Flagstaff airport to the South Entrance of Grand Canyon National Park will take only one hour and twenty-six minutes.

However, the South Entrance is only one of four different gateways to Grand Canyon National Park. [See the map above.]

The Grand Canyon is ginormous, so pick your passion

It’s important to know that the Grand Canyon is ginormous—the state of Rhode Island could fit inside it! So don’t count on seeing the whole enchilada on your first visit.

First step of Grand Canyon Trip Planner

One of the first steps for your Grand Canyon Trip Planner is to decide upfront which area of this immense geological wonder you want to visit:

• Grand Canyon South Rim
• North Rim Grand Canyon
• Grand Canyon East Entrance
• West Rim Grand Canyon

Read on for quick descriptions of each one of these amazingly different areas…

The South Rim , the most popular and accessible area, can be reached by car, shuttle or train from Williams, Arizona .

The North Rim , less crowded and offers more solitude, is open from May to October and can only be reached by car or tour .

The East Entrance is accessed by car from the Navajo Reservation.

Most helicopter and VIP tours from Las Vegas go to the West Rim , part of the Hualapai Nation and not inside the national park boundaries. Helicopters are one of the most exciting ways how to get to Grand Canyon from Las Vegas.

Bus and shuttle services to Grand Canyon

Bus and shuttle services operate between the park and Phoenix and Las Vegas, but the connections are not always convenient.

We recommend flying into Flagstaff and renting a car to get you to the Grand Canyon South or North Rims or East Entrance.

A fun and hassle-free way how to get to Grand Canyon is to hire a private guide or reserve one of the incredible tour services. Some tours pick you up from your Las Vegas hotel or Phoenix or Scottsdale resort. Check your options below:

> Tours from Scottsdale

How to get to Grand Canyon from Scottsdale

A quick and easy way to get to the Grand Canyon and back from Scottsdale, Arizona, is one of these tours we found for you on Viator:

> Tours from Las Vegas

How to get to Grand Canyon from Las Vegas

Take one of these convenient tours to the Grand Canyon and back from Las Vegas, Nevada, if you don’t want the hassle of arranging transportation. We found the highly-rated tours on Viator:

Take the Train to the Grand Canyon South Rim

A vintage train runs from Williams, Arizona, to the Grand Canyon South Rim 65 miles away. Take a trip back in time on the Grand Canyon Railway . 

Grand Canyon Railway

Leave the car behind and travel in roomy comfort to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. No need to fight traffic or find parking space. Live entertainment, including strolling musicians, cowboys and a train robbery shootout, are all part of the fun. The kids are entertained, and you’ll relax to the sound of the singing rails as the Arizona landscape goes by.

The historic Grand Canyon Railway , with musicians and a Wild West shootout reenactment, is a fun and entertaining way how to get to Grand Canyon.

More About Grand Canyon Railway on Grand Canyon Trip Planner Here:

Be sure to click here for more detailed information and photos about riding the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams AZ to Grand Canyon Village .

Amtrak from Los Angeles or Chicago

Amtrak stops in Flagstaff on the Southwest Chief route that links Los Angeles with Chicago. The Flagstaff Amtrak Station, which shares the historic train station with the Flagstaff Visitor Center, is Amtrak’s closest stop to the Grand Canyon.

Unfortunately, Amtrak does not stop in Williams, AZ, so you must arrange transportation to Williams to connect to the Grand Canyon Railway . 

Once you’ve arrived at the Grand Canyon

Once you’ve arrived at the Grand Canyon, you’ll have various options for exploring the park. Free shuttle buses glide you around the South Rim.

Grand Canyon Trip Planner’s Inside Tips for Park Shuttle

Once you arrive at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, you’ll find a myriad of shuttle options. Times change seasonally, so check out our tips for Grand Canyon Shuttle Service and high travel times.

No matter how you choose to get there, the Grand Canyon is a truly unforgettable destination that is not to be missed.

Grand Canyon Trip Planner Next Step

So pack your bags, book your tickets, lace up your hiking boots and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

Happy travels, The Grand Canyon Trip Planner Team

P.S. Now that you know how to get to Grand Canyon, drop over to Best Places to Stay at Grand Canyon

Q&A: Grand Canyon Trip Planner

You should spend two to 12 days at the Grand Canyon, depending on your interests and activity levels.

Backpackers and white water rafters spend seven to 12 days or more immersing themselves in the wonder of nature found in the depths of the huge canyon. Remember we said earlier you could fit the state of Rhode Island in the Grand Canyon?

Families could choose one of the four entrances and explore one area for two to five days. 

The best month to go to the Grand Canyon to avoid the heat on the South Rim or West Rim is May or September. If you plan to hike down into the canyon, then March, April, October or November is the best month to go to the Grand Canyon.

We locals visit the Grand Canyon every month of the year, so it’s hard to pick the best month to go to the Grand Canyon. Of course, we like to avoid the busiest times of the year, which include Spring Break, spanning from early March through mid-April and holiday weekends. Here are tips for visiting during peak travel times .

The best way to see the Grand Canyon is to get below the rim. Even if you walk only one or two blocks down one of the trails, you’ll get a totally different perspective than that from standing on the rim.

Get below the rim on mule rides Grand Canyon , rafting Grand Canyon or hiking .

You should stay near one of the four entrances for the first time seeing the Grand Canyon. South Rim, North Rim, East Entrance and West Rim are the entrances.

To help you decide where to stay, drop over to Best Places To Stay Near Grand Canyon by Area . You’ll get our local insider scoop!

We’re a collaboration of Grand Canyon experts who live and play in Northern Arizona, and we want to help you discover safe and fun Grand Canyon experiences. That’s why we’ve designed the Grand Canyon Trip Planner just for you.

UNSTOPPABLE Stacey was NOT provided with accommodations, meals or other compensation for the purpose of this guide. The Arizona travel writer believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.

In addition, this blog, UNSTOPPABLE Stacey Travel, contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, Stacey earns a commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help reduce the costs of keeping this travel blog active. 

Further, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for reading.

Enjoy this article? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below. Please share this article with the red- and blue-colored social media buttons.

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3 thoughts on “The Ultimate Grand Canyon Trip Planner, According to Locals”

Hi, Stacey! I wanted to drop by and say thank you for your fantastic article on planning a Grand Canyon trip. Your guide is so detailed and informative, and it’s clear that you put a lot of effort into making it as helpful as possible for your readers.

I love how you took a local’s perspective in planning a Grand Canyon trip. Your insider tips and recommendations on things to see and do in the area are invaluable, and it’s clear that you have a deep knowledge and appreciation for the Grand Canyon and its surroundings.

Your guide does an excellent job of breaking down the planning process into easy-to-follow steps, from choosing your dates and transportation to selecting your accommodations and activities. I appreciate how you included a variety of options for different types of travelers, from families with kids to adventure-seekers.

One aspect of your article that I found particularly helpful was the section on packing and preparation. Your suggestions on what to bring and how to prepare for the weather and terrain of the Grand Canyon are spot-on, and I’m sure that they will be very useful for anyone planning a trip to the area.

Overall, your Grand Canyon trip planner is an excellent resource for anyone looking to explore this beautiful part of the world. Your attention to detail and insider knowledge make it clear that you are an expert in Grand Canyon travel, and I’m sure that your guide will be very helpful for anyone planning a trip to the area. Keep up the great work, Stacey!

Thanks for your kind words about Grand Canyon Trip Planner. Glad you found it so helpful, UNSTOPPABLE Stacey

Thanks so much for your kind words! Glad you like our Grand Canyon Trip Planner!

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Grand Canyon Tips: 21 Things to Know Before Visiting This Natural Wonder in 2024

Looking for Grand Canyon tips for your first visit? Here’s everything I picked up during my visit to the amazing Grand Canyon.

I’m going to hazard a guess that there aren’t that many people around the world who haven’t heard of the Grand Canyon . The scale and beauty of this natural wonder has to be seen in person to be believed.

And even with more than 5.5 million visitors a year, there are still plenty of people yet to experience this incredible natural wonder.

If you’re one of those people and you’re planning a first-time visit, I’ve pulled together some Grand Canyon tips . These are all tips I picked up from our visit and I’m sharing them so you can make the most of your time there.

This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

What's in this article (Click to view)

1. An America the Beautiful pass could save you money

If you’re planning to visit more than one or two of the United States’ beautiful national parks in a year, then do yourself a favour and buy an America the Beautiful Pass .

For $80 you get access to every single national park in the country for a year. That’s for a carload of people, visiting every national park in the country as many times as you want. It’s a crazy good deal!

If you’re planning on only visiting the Grand Canyon, then you’ll pay $35 to visit. This covers one private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers, up to a 15-person passenger van (ie. it’s not a per-person charge). The permit is valid for seven days and allows access to both the South Rim and the North Rim.

If you’re coming in on a motorbike, the cost is $30, and if you come in on foot, bike or the park’s shuttle bus, you’ll pay $20 per person.

Tickets can be bought online in advance or at any of the entrance stations (which all accept credit card).

Looking to save even more money? There are certain days of the year when you can enter the Grand Canyon National Park – and all national parks! – for free . In 2024, those dates are:

• January 15 (Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.)
• April 20 (First day of National Park Week)
• June 19 (Juneteenth National Independence Day)
• August 4 (Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act)
• September 28 (National Public Lands Day)
• November 11 (Veterans Day)

2. The Grand Canyon is huge

The name sort of gives it away: the Grand Canyon is jaw-droppingly enormous.

The national park coves more than 1.2 million acres. The canyon itself is 1 mile deep (1.6 km), 18 miles (29 km) wide at its widest point and 278 river miles (447 km) long!

If you google “Where is the Grand Canyon?” you may be left confused. The Grand Canyon is in fact split up into three different sections . Before we visited, I thought it was just one giant place, but you actually need to be quite specific when you’re planning to visit the Grand Canyon about which part you want to go to.

The South Rim is the most popular section of the park, with 90 percent of visitors heading here. This area is open year-round (24 hours a day!) and has the most infrastructure and viewing points. This guide has more information about how to visit the Grand Canyon South Rim as a Grand Canyon first time visitor.

The other 10 percent head to the North Rim . The North Rim is closed over the winter months because of snow, so you can only visit between mid-May and mid-October (but check conditions before visiting).

Grand Canyon West is the third section of the Grand Canyon, but it’s technically outside the Grand Canyon National Park. The highlight of this part of the Grand Canyon is the glass walkway , the Skywalk , which juts out about 70 feet (21 metres) from the canyon rim, providing a birds-eye view down 4,000 feet into the canyon for those brave enough!

Grand Canyon West in on Hualapai Tribe land and is managed by the group. Fees paid to enter the North or South Rim don’t cover access to Grand Canyon West ( check fees online here ).

The Grand Canyon map below shows where each of these three sections are located. in Arizona.

3. Grand Canyon North or South Rim? 

The South Rim is the most visited because it’s the most accessible section of the national park. You can get here within 2 hours driving from Flagstaff and Sedona , or 3.5 hours driving from Phoenix (which is what we did). It’s also open year-round and has more amenities.

The North Rim is more challenging to get to. Even though there’s only about 17 miles (as the crow flies) separating the North and South Rims, the drive between the two is 220 miles (354 km) which will take you around 5 hours!

The closest town to the North Rim is Jacob Lake, 2.5 hours from the visitor centre. Page in northern Arizona is about 120 miles or a 3.5-hour drive.

Choosing whether to visit the Grand Canyon North or South Rim depends on how much time you have . While it is possible to visit both the North Rim and the South Rim in one long, long day, it doesn’t leave you much time at either section beyond a few peeks over the rim walks. If you’ve only got a day or two, I’d stick with the South Rim.

Regardless of which side you choose, from either rim you’re guaranteed spectacular views of one of the most incredible places to visit in the USA .

4. The best time to visit the Grand Canyon is spring and autumn

During the summer months, temperatures can hit more than 100 degrees (37 degrees Celsius) inside the canyon. Avoid this time of year unless you’re a very experienced hiker and have the right gear. People do die from the heat at Grand Canyon National Park.

The weather in spring and autumn is much milder (but do be mindful around April/May and September/October when temperatures can still be high). This is a far more pleasant time to visit the Grand Canyon.

The months at the start of spring and end of autumn also see fewer visitors.

In winter , the North Rim is closed because of snow. The South Rim also experiences very cold conditions, but rarely snow because it’s not as high in elevation as the North Rim.

And because it’s the desert, at any time of the year the nights can be bitterly cold!

5. You’ll need a car to get to the Grand Canyon

The easiest way to get to the Grand Canyon is by car. While there are shuttles within the park (see below), a car gives you more freedom to get around and means you can venture into some of the less-visited sections of the park, too. Rent a car today through Discover Cars .

The closest major airports to the Grand Canyon are in Phoenix, Flagstaff, Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. Check airline tickets and availability at Skyscanner .

How to get to the Grand Canyon South Rim

Here are the driving distances from major cities to the Grand Canyon South Rim.

• How to get from Flagstaff to Grand Canyon: 79 miles / 130 kilometres / 1.5 hours
• Phoenix to the Grand Canyon: 231 miles / 372 kilometres / 3.5 hours
• From Williams: 63 miles / 101 kilometres / 1 hour
• From Sedona: 119 miles / 192 kilometres / 2 hours
• How to get from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon South Rim: 278 miles / 447 kilometres / 4.5 hours
• Los Angeles: 494 miles / 795 kilometres / 8 hours

If you don’t have a car, Groome Transportation can arrange a shuttle from Flagstaff (advance bookings required).

Or try the train ! This looks like a fun way to visit the Grand Canyon. Ride in the vintage rail cars on this historic train that leaves from Williams, Arizona (west of Flagstaff) daily.

There’s also a shuttle between the South and North Rims, the Trans-Canyon Shuttle , which runs daily when the North Rim is open.

Alternatively, there are plenty of companies that organise day tours to the South Rim . The best Grand Canyon tours include a stop at other key sites nearby.

This tour departs from Las Vegas for a full-day tour to the Grand Canyon. This day trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon includes a stop along the iconic Route 66.

How to get to the Grand Canyon North Rim

To help you plan your trip to the Grand Canyon North Rim, here are driving distances from major cities and towns:

• From Jacob Lake to the North Rim: 30 miles / 48 kilometres / 1 hour
• How to get from Page to Grand Canyon North Rim: 105 miles / 168 kilometres / 3.5 hours
• From Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon North Rim: 207 miles / 333 kilometres / 5 hours
• Phoenix to North Rim: 351 miles / 565 kilometres / 7 hours
• From Sedona: 236 miles / 380 kilometres / 5.5 hours
• Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon North Rim: 275 miles / 443 kilometres / 5.5 hours
• From Salt Lake City: 392 miles / 631 kilometres / 7.5 hours

To get to Grand Canyon West

• From Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West: 126 miles / 202 kilometres / 2 hours
• Via Kingman from other cities in Arizona: 71 miles / 114 kilometres / 1.5 hours

There are also day tours from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West, including this bus tour and this day trip which stops at the quirky and colourful Seven Magic Mountains as well as Hoover Dam.

6. Chat to the park rangers first

The size of the Grand Canyon is overwhelming, as is the number of things to do once you get there. Which hikes should you do based on your group’s fitness level and interests? Where should you eat? Are there any areas of the park closed today? Are there any hidden gems you should explore?

The answers to these questions and more can be found by talking with the friendly park rangers at the visitor centres.

Stopping in at the visitor centre is the first thing we always do in any national park. You can spend some time chatting with a ranger who can mark up a few points of interest on a map, and they’ll recommend the best itinerary whether you have one day at the Grand Canyon or a whole week to explore.

There are visitor centres close to entrances at both the North and South Rims, and rangers are found in other buildings around the national park, as well as spotted out on hiking trails. Stop them for a chat!

7. Parking is difficult, so use the free shuttles to get around the park

To reduce the impact of the thousands of people that visit Grand Canyon National Park each and every day, there are free shuttle buses that traverse routes around the South Rim, stopping at major sights along the way, including the campsites.

There are three main shuttle routes at Grand Canyon South Rim:

• Village Route (Blue) – connects the main visitor centre to the lodges, campground and other facilities
• Kaibab Rim Route (Orange) – the route you need to get to the start of the Rim Trail and Yavapai Point and Geology Museum
• Hermit Road Route (Red) – this route takes visitors to the Bright Angel Trailhead and the end of the Rim Trail. This route is only in service between March and November

There’s also a fourth route which connects the park to the nearby village of Tusayan . You can park there to avoid the long park entrance lines and full carparks during peak season and then catch the shuttle into the national park. The route operates only March to mid-September.

The shuttles come every 15-30 minutes. Simply park your car at the visitor centre and jump on. As well as being more environmentally friendly, the shuttles are a much better way to visit rather than having to battle to find a car park at each lookout point or trailhead!

Plus, during the March to September busy season, some roads (like the Hermit Road) are closed to cars entirely.

8. Arrive early to avoid the crowds

This is one of my top Grand Canyon tips . More than 5.5 million people visit Grand Canyon each year, so the saying “the early bird catches the worm” definitely applies here.

I highly recommend getting up early to make your Grand Canyon trip as crowd-free as possible. Ideally, you’d enter Grand Canyon no later than 7 or 8am to see parts of the national park without huge crowds. People start to really trickle in later in the morning and that’s when the entrance stations are backed up, car parks are full and the hiking trails are lines of people.

In the warmer months, you can also take advantage of the cooler mornings to start your hikes.

If you’re not an early bird but also don’t enjoy crowds, then aim to visit after 4pm when people start to leave the park.

9. The east section of Grand Canyon is quieter

We entered Grand Canyon National Park via the east entrance and drove toward Grand Canyon Village (the area around the main visitor centre) along the 22-mile (35 km) Desert View Drive. All the viewpoints were far quieter along this route but the views were no less spectacular as on the west side of the park.

You’ll need a car for this part of the park as the shuttles do not travel out this way.

10. You need at least two days at the Grand Canyon

Some people only come to the Grand Canyon for a day , but I think you need at least two or three days – even if you’re just visiting the South Rim.

Two days gives you a day for a hike into the canyon, and then another day for hiking along the Rim Trail.

It also means you can fit a sunrise or a sunset in to your Grand Canyon itinerary – the best times of day for views over the canyon.

11. You can hike from the South to North Rims

On our hikes in the Grand Canyon, we met several groups of people hiking from the South Rim to the North Rim , a 21-mile (34 km) trip. There are campsites along the way. It usually takes people two days, but one group we met was doing it in 24 hours! It’s a hike that’s now on my personal USA bucketlist .

But if that’s a bit too much, here are some shorter day hikes in the Grand Canyon . Be warned, none of these hikes are easy , so don’t attempt them if you’re not fit or prepared with water, food and the right hiking gear.

Grand Canyon South Rim hikes

The Bright Angel Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Grand Canyon. You can hike up to 12 miles (round trip) and there are points along the way where you can turn back. It’s steep in parts, which is punishing on your legs when you hike back up! We went as far as Indian Garden before we turned back.

The South Kaibab Trail is accessed via shuttle to the trailhead of the same name. The full hike is 6 miles (9.5 km) round trip. There’s no water along the route and little shade.

The Hermit Trail is harder than the Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails. The path is steep, especially the first 2.5 miles (4 km). The furthest point is Dripping Springs, a 7-mile roundtrip. There are no bathrooms along the way, and if you collect any water from the springs you need to treat it first.

The Grandview Trail is accessed via Desert View Drive, which doesn’t have shuttle services, so you’ll need a car to get here. This is a very steep trail, leading to Horseshoe Mesa (6.4 mile / 9.6 km roundtrip). There are some offshoot paths to Cottonwood Creek and Page Spring, but these are recommended for experienced desert hikers only.

Grand Canyon North Rim day hikes

While the North Rim isn’t as visited, there are plenty of day hikes, many shorter than those at the South Rim.

Given I haven’t visited the North Rim, it’s best to check out the Grand Canyon National Park website for more information about the best day hikes in the Grand Canyon North Rim .

12. Or stick to the paved Rim Trail

If you’re not a confident hiker or you’re travelling with people who don’t have the ability to hike, then the Rim Trail at the Grand Canyon South Rim is for you.

This fantastic route stretches 13 miles (21 kilometres) along the top of the canyon. But don’t worry, you don’t have to walk the entire route. Shuttle buses stop along the trail so you can pick a few sections to walk between, then catch the shuttle back.

Most of the Rim Trail is paved . It’s also wheelchair accessible from Lookout Studio to the South Kaibab Trailhead.

13. Not a hiker? There are plenty more things to do in the Grand Canyon

Even if you’re not into hiking, there are plenty of other things to do at the Grand Canyon , from exhibitions to rafting to museums.

• Visit the Kolb Studio to learn about Emery and Ellsworth Kolb, pioneer photographers and filmmakers at Grand Canyon
• Learn about geology at the Yavapai Geology Museum
• Check out one of the Ranger programs  and learn about the geology of the Grand Canyon or the animals that live inside the park
• Photograph the Grand Canyon (here are some great tips ) – or hire a photographer to get snaps of you!
• Go rafting in the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River
• Take a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon to take in its scale and beauty

14. Come prepared

I’m always surprised when I visit a national park to see so many people unprepared. No water bottle, inadequate sun protection, I’ve even seen people wearing high heels!

Even if you’re sticking to the paved Rim Trail when you’re a Grand Canyon first time visitor, there are some basics you should add to your Grand Canyon packing list . If you’re hiking, you need to pack more so you have a safe visit.

• Water bottle
• Plenty of water
• Electrolyte replacement if you’re hiking
• Food, especially salty foods to replace the salts you’ll lose while hiking
• Hiking boots (or flat shoes at least!)
• Jacket – something for warmth but that’s also waterproof and windproof
• Clothing layers, as it can get cold in the mornings and evenings
• Basic first aid kit
• Map from the visitor centre
• Whistle for emergency use

15. Bring some food

Pack some snacks with you. While there are restaurants and grocery stores inside the park, the food can be expensive and disappointing.

We packed sandwiches, bananas and salty trail mix for our Grand Canyon trip.

16. Don’t go too close to the edge!

Oh, I still remember the mild heart flutters I had when I saw people taking photos right on the edge of the canyon!

There are many parts throughout the park that don’t have barriers or guardrails. Be very, very careful when taking photos close to the edge – one small step backwards could end up with you on the bottom of the canyon!!

Many people have slipped and died at the Grand Canyon.

17. You can sleep inside the park

If you really want to be on the hiking trails before the crowds descend, then consider sleeping inside Grand Canyon national park. There are plenty of accommodation options inside the park, including camping and hotels.

During peak periods, you’ll need to book well in advance, sometimes up to a year ahead.

If you can’t get a bed inside the park, then there are plenty of hotels and campgrounds/RV parks near the Grand Canyon.

Accommodation in Grand Canyon South Rim

Xanterra Parks and Resorts manages six lodges within Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim. They can all be booked online . The Yavapai Lodge and RV Trailer Park can also be booked online .

There are two campsites at South Rim . The Mather Campground is close to Grand Canyon Village. You can book online here , up to 6 months in advance.

The Desert View Campground is by reservation only and it’s only open mid-April to mid-October. There are no RV hookups here.

If you can’t get a reservation inside the national park, there are several hotels in Tusayan . During peak season there’s a shuttle from Tusayan to Grand Canyon National Park.

• Squire Resort at the Grand Canyon | Book online on Booking.com | Read reviews online
• Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel |  Book online on Booking.com | Read reviews online
• The Grand Hotel | Book online on Booking.com | Read reviews online
• Holiday Inn Express | Book online on Booking.com | Read reviews online (this is where we stayed)
• Red Feather Lodge | Book online on Expedia

Tusayan is a small town but it has a few restaurants and bars to fuel up after a day of hiking.

Accommodation at Grand Canyon North Rim

Lodging at the North Rim is only open from mid-May to the middle of October. There is one lodge and two campgrounds.

The Grand Canyon Lodge can be booked online .

The North Rim Campground and DeMotte Campground are only open between May and October, and can be reserved online . There are no hook-ups, but there is drinking water and toilets at both, and a dump station and coin-operated laundry and showers at North Rim Campground.

Outside of the North Rim, the nearest hotels are the Kaibab Lodge (18 miles north of North Rim) and the Jacob Lake Inn (45 miles north).

Accommodation near Grand Canyon West

The nearest accommodation to Grand Canyon West is Hualapai Lodge , which actually sits on the original historic Route 66.

18. Be safe around the animals in the park

It shouldn’t surprise anyone that it’s not just humans wandering through the Grand Canyon National Park – there are plenty of critters, too!

We spotted a Grand Canyon pink rattlesnake slithering under a rock when we were hiking the Bright Angel Trail. It was a baby one, but a rattlesnake nonetheless!

There are six rattlesnake species in the park, all of them venomous. There are a few other snake species that are mildly venomous, as well as the Gila Monster, a venomous lizard.

My advice: avoid them all.

The other dangerous animal in the park are elk. Park rangers advise you keep 100 feet / 30 metres away from these seemingly peaceful animals that have been known to charge people!

Mountain lions also live in Grand Canyon National Park, but you’re unlikely to meet one. These beautiful animals unfortunately are often hit by cars, so be careful when driving at night.

19. Leave your pets at home

I’d recommend leaving your own furry animal at home. There are limited places pets can go , and they must be leashed at all times.

On the South Rim, leashed pets are allowed on trails above the rim, at Mather Campground, Desert View Campground, Trailer Village and throughout developed areas. There’s only one lodge (Yavapai Lodge) that has pet-friendly rooms.

There is a kennel at the South Rim where pets can be boarded.

On the North Rim, there are similarly limited places that pets can go. This includes the Bridle Trail and the portion of the Arizona Trail north of the park entrance station.

20. Leave no trace

As with any national park, practice leave no trace principles.

Take a spare bag so you can pack out any food scraps, as not all hiking trails have rubbish bins. Don’t drop scraps on the ground – even food – and especially do not leave plastic or other waste behind.

Leave nature behind, too. That means rocks, sticks, roots… whatever’s found in the Grand Canyon National Park naturally should stay there.

21. You can see the Grand Canyon from the air

If you really want to get some perspective on the size of the Grand Canyon, then one of the best Grand Canyon activities is to book a helicopter or plane ride .

• This tour takes off from the South Rim
• This helicopter tour takes off from Las Vegas

Wrap up: Grand Canyon travel guide

The Grand Canyon is truly one of the world’s most amazing things to see. But because it’s a huge park and because it’s so visited, I hope these travel tips will help you plan your trip and make the most of your time there!

Did you find this article helpful? Consider buying me a coffee as a way to say thanks!

Have you got any more Grand Canyon tips to add to this list? Got questions about visiting the Grand Canyon? Leave your comments below!

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• Plan a road trip through New Mexico
• How to spend a weekend in Sedona, Arizona
• What to do with 3 days in Scottsdale, Arizona
• The perfect 36 hours in Phoenix, Arizona
• An off-the-beaten-path Mississippi road trip
• An epic West Texas road trip
• Hit the Mighty Five on this Utah national parks road trip
• The ultimate USA travel bucket list

USA TRIP ESSENTIALS

• Book flights to and around the USA online with Skyscanner . I like this site because it shows me which dates are cheaper.
• Find a great hotel in the USA. Check prices on Booking.com   and Expedia online.
• Check out the huge range of day tours throughout the USA on GetYourGuide or Viator . There’s something for everyone.
• A copy of the  Lonely Planet guide to the USA will be handy.
• One thing I always purchase is  travel insurance ! Travel Insurance Master allows you to compare across multiple policy providers, while SafetyWing is great for long-term travellers and digital nomads.

PIN IT FOR LATER:

Save these Grand Canyon tips for later so you can plan your trip to this incredible national park!

About REBECCA

I'm a travel junkie who started dreaming about seeing the world from a very young age. I've visited more than 40 countries and have a Master of International Sustainable Tourism Management. A former expat, I've lived in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Argentina and the United States. I share travel resources, tips and stories based on my personal experiences, and my goal is to make travel planning just that bit easier.

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How to Plan an Amazing Grand Canyon Itinerary (2 Days)

The scale of the Grand Canyon is absolutely mind-blowing. Standing on the rim of the canyon, you’ll be staring thousands of feet down into crags and crevices winding through the world-famous chasm that millions of people flock to every year. It’s one of those places that makes you go “I wonder what the first people who came across this place thought?” 

It was probably something like “Oh damn, what do we do now?” 

Though I, Matt, have been to the Grand Canyon multiple times over the years, we spent more time on our latest trip, which allowed me to explore a little deeper into the canyon (both literally and figuratively). One thing I will say is that, in order to truly appreciate the “grandness” of the Grand Canyon, you should do your best to do a hike that takes you down below the rim. 

From below the canyon rim, you’ll be looking up at towering rock structures that, just hours before, you were looking down on. And they look A LOT bigger from the bottom, especially when there’s a steep climb back to the rim ahead of you. 

We put together 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 – 3 days in the Grand Canyon – or less time – one day in the Grand Canyon – we have suggestions at the bottom of the itinerary for how you might adjust this for your trip. Plus, you’ll find all the logistics you need to know to plan the perfect trip. 

Wondering where to stay 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%.

South Rim vs. North Rim? Which to Choose

The two rims of the Grand Canyon – the more visited Grand Canyon South Rim and the more remote North Rim – may be under 20 miles apart at the widest point as the crow flies, but it actually takes several hours to drive around. 

Because, you know, there’s a big canyon in the way. 

If it’s your first time in the Grand Canyon, then you should focus on the South Rim. Full stop. 

If you’ve been to the South Rim before and done a few of the hikes, seen the sights, and feel up for something new, then consider the North Rim. 

Be aware, the North Rim is 1,000 feet higher in elevation, which means the season is much shorter (it’s basically only summer through early fall). It’s also pretty hard to get to, at least compared to the South Rim. 

This itinerary will focus on the South Rim , though we have some suggestions on what to do with more time that includes the North Rim too.  

How Many Days in the Grand Canyon?

After spending four days on this trip (and having been multiple times in the past, though never together), we think two days is the perfect amount of time to spend on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon if you want to see the main sights.

Two days allows you to do the three things that we think are “must-do” while you’re there: Do one hike below the rim, Walk the Rim Trail, and drive Desert View Road at sunset.  

However, it’s not like you’ll be able to see EVERYTHING in just two days. Here are some things that you might want to add, and how much time to add on for each. 

• If you want to do another big hike , like the Bright Angel Trail, add an extra day. 
• If you want to do the bucket list-worthy overnight hike into the canyon down to Phantom Ranch and back, add two to three extra days. You could also hike rim-to-rim, which is more like five days.
• If you want to visit the North Rim , add one or two extra days and be prepared for a long drive to get from rim to rim. 

Tips for Visiting Grand Canyon National Park

Here are some tips that we picked up over the course of our trip that you may (or may not) find useful as you plan your trip to the Grand Canyon.

• We didn’t really realize how high the Grand Canyon’s rim is until we were researching for our latest trip. The South Rim is at 7,000 feet. , and the North Rim is over 8,000 feet! Be prepared for the elevation – stay hydrated, bring chapstick (I’m writing this at our campsite at Mather Campground and can confirm that my lips are a disaster), and give yourself a day to acclimate before attempting one of the hikes below the rim. 
• Sun protection is essential . In the summer, it’s blazing hot. The National Park Service has to rescue countless people every summer who are suffering from heat exhaustion. To avoid being one of those people, wear plenty of sunscreen, a sun hat, drink a gallon of water a day (can’t tell you how many people we saw hiking with one small plastic water bottle – do not do that!), and plan on being off the hiking trail between 10 am and 4 pm to avoid the hottest part of the day. 
• Related to the note on high temperatures , as you drop into the canyon, the temperature rises FAST . There’s often a 20+ degree difference between the temperature at the rim, and the temperature in the canyon. We were skeptical, but as soon as we hiked down into the canyon and back, we understood. Many of the hikes are fully exposed in the middle of the day, which can make it feel even hotter. 
• Arizona has spectacular sunsets . We’re from the West Coast, where the marine layer and rainy days ruin countless sunsets. Not so in Arizona! Plan on catching sunset every night you’re at the Grand Canyon – you won’t regret it. The best places to catch a 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 stays through August , which means daily afternoon thunderstorms. I’ve done a houseboat trip on nearby Lake Powell in August with my family, and got caught on a jet ski in a monsoon and I wholeheartedly do not recommend it. Plan on being inside during the monsoon hour. 
• The Rim Trail , which we think you should DEFINITELY walk a portion of, runs from Yaki Point at the eastern end all the way to Hermit’s Rest at its western end. Along the way, you’ll notice subtle changes in the canyon as you see it from all sorts of slightly different angles, and there are a bunch of informational signs along the way.

A Complete Guide to Planning an Amazing 2 Day Grand Canyon Itinerary

Below, you’ll find a fairly detailed guide to our take on how to plan an amazing 2 days in the Grand Canyon with a focus on the South Rim, which is more easily accessed year round. 

Plus, below that, we have an additional section on what to do with some extra time in the park 

Note : We’re assuming you arrive in the Grand Canyon the night before, and have two full days to spend on the South Rim, leaving on the morning of the third day to head home, or onto your next stop (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 big hike, since you’ll be acclimating to the elevation (it’s 7,000 feet above sea level!). 

Instead, we think it’s worth doing the entire rim trail , which runs from Yaki Point to Hermits Rest.

To do that, you have a few options. 

• First is hiking, but you won’t be able to hike the whole thing. 
• 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 on two wheels. 

We think a combination of the three is the way to go, which is what you’ll see below.

The Rim Trail is special because you’ll get to see how the Grand Canyon changes 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! 

Notice 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 it took to become what it is today. 

Rent Bikes and Ride Along the Rim to Yaki Point

Riding bikes along the rim was one of the highlights of our trip, which is why you’ll find it here in your itinerary. You can’t bike along most of the rim trail, but you CAN on the way out to Yaki Point, which is a gorgeous ride. 

First, head to Bright Angel Bicycles at the Visitor Center. They rent bikes from 8 am to 5 pm (though you can rent them for 24 hours, which means you can keep them overnight which is what we did), and you can rent them by the hour, for a half day (five hours), a full day (more than five hours – rent and return same day), or 24 hours (keep it overnight). They also have rentals for kids, various attachments for shuttling kids around, and even tagalong bikes. 

As far as routes go, they also have helpful maps that are useful for planning your trip. We did 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 wanted to ride on Hermit Road, do Yaki Point first, then head out that way, where you’ll ride along the same road as the shuttle bus – when you hear / see a shuttle behind you, you need to pull completely off the road and stop to let the bus pass. Keep in mind, the first mile or two of that road is steep! Then, return the bikes, and do the walk from Mather to the Bright Angel Lodge. 

From the Visitor Center, take the bikes on the greenway trail out to Yaki Point . It’s a mostly flat ride, with some rolling hills that aren’t too bad. Along the way, you’ll pass the South Kaibab Trailhead and Pipe Creek Vista , which are both worth a stop. There are also plenty of other unmarked viewpoints along the rim trail that are worth stopping for as you ride by. 

Walk from Mather Point to the Bright Angel Lodge

After you drop your bikes off, head out to Mather Point from the Visitor Center. It’s about 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. 

This is where your stroll along the rim begins. It’s just over 2.5 miles from Mather Point to Village Route Transfer , which is where you’ll pick up the shuttle for the afternoon adventure on Hermits Road. 

For the trip out there, there are a couple of stops worth making.

• Yavapai Point: More panoramic views of the Grand Canyon? BOOOOORING. Just kidding – stop here and admire the vastness of the canyon. 
• Yavapai Geology Museum : Worth a stop for the information about the Grand Canyon’s geology. 
• Trail of Time: Not necessarily a single stop, but a series of informational signs tracking the formation of the Grand Canyon over the years. Coming from the east, you’ll start with the most recent times and go back in time as you walk the rim. The signage and information is fantastic. 

Use the Shuttle to Explore Hermits Rest Road

Grab lunch at the Bright Angel Lodge or El Tovar Hotel (or eat your packed picnic lunch along the rim, which is what we do since we’re on a budget) and take a minute to relax and admire the views of the canyon. Then, get ready to head out to Hermit Road, which was a highlight of our time in the park.

Note : We loved biking this route because Hermit Road is accessible only by shuttle to most people (March – November), which means you’ll have the road largely to yourself. If that sounds like fun, take your rental bikes out to Hermit Road for the afternoon, giving yourself plenty of time to get back to drop them off before 5pm. It’ll take you about three to four hours to do the whole thing, depending on how fast you’re traveling. This does mean you’ll likely miss sunset at Hopi Point because you’ll have to return the bikes before sunset. We’d recommend Mather Point for sunset if that’s the case. 

The best time to do the journey out to Hermits Rest is late afternoon to sunset , so you might have a few hours to kill depending on how long the morning takes you. Spend it either at your hotel, or by walking a portion of the Rim Trail out on Hermit Road, which gives you a more up-close-and-personal perspective of the Grand Canyon than the road, which is what shuttles and bikes take. 

Refill water bottles for the afternoon journey at one of the many water filling stations (the easiest 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 goes all the way out to Hermits Rest, which as one of the shuttle drivers put it “is just an excuse for another gift shop.”  

We think you should stop at every stop along the way, get out, and check out the viewpoints. The shuttles run every 10-15 minutes, so you shouldn’t have too much of a problem getting on. That leaves the perfect amount of time to get out, ooh and ahh, take some pictures, 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.

Once you reach Hermits Rest , grab the shuttle back to Hopi Point, which is a great sunset location – you can see out to the setting sun to the west which illuminates the canyon straight ahead and out to the east with brilliant colors 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 drive in the park open to private vehicles (except in the winter, when Hermit road allows private vehicles), and end with sunset at Mather Point. 

Hiking the South Kaibab Trail

Like we mentioned above, the South Kaibab Trail is our pick for the best hike in the Grand Canyon if you only have time for one day hike. 

To get to the trailhead, take the shuttle from the Visitor Center out 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 the point where Yaki Point Road meets Desert View Road, park, and hike the extra half mile from there to the trailhead, which adds a full mile (roundtrip) to your hike. 

This hike is super customizable, with turnaround points at 0.75 miles in ( Ooh Aah Point ), 1.5 miles in ( Cedar Ridge ), 3 miles in ( Skeleton Point ), and 4.5 miles in (the Tipoff ). Keep in mind those distances are one-way, so you’ll need to double them to get roundtrip distances. 

For most hikers, we’d recommend going no further than Skeleton Point, ESPECIALLY IN THE SUMMER.

There is no water on this trail, and it will likely be 90 – 100 degrees, if not hotter in the canyon during the summer. The heat is no joke, and you’ll have to climb 3,000+ feet back to the rim if you go further than Skeleton Point. From Skeleton Point, you can see the Colorado River, and get 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, head out to Desert View Road, which is the best scenic drive in the park that’s open to private vehicles year round. 

Stop at all the viewpoints, starting with Pipe Creek and ending with Desert View itself. We were stunned at the changes in the canyon along this 22 mile drive. Eventually you can see multiple different views of the river, which you have to hike 5-10 miles to see from the part of the canyon around the Visitor Center. 

We were particularly enamored 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 said are worth a thousand words (honestly, it’s probably more when it comes to the Grand Canyon). 

Sunset at Mather Point

The drive to Desert View is best in the late afternoon, which gives you exactly enough time to head back to Mather Point for sunset. 

Finish out your time in the park with a spectacular sunset (just guessing, because it’s Arizona) at Mather Point. It’s a busy spot since it’s so close to the Visitor Center, so you might be sharing it with a crowd. Bring a cold beer, some snacks, and watch the light show as the sun descends towards the horizon, and the Grand Canyon lights up with shades of yellow, orange, and red. 

The colors of the canyon really pop when the sun dips low, and if you’re lucky you’ll have some clouds to add color in the sky. 

What to Do with 3 Days in the Grand Canyon

With an extra day, we think you should follow the 2 day itinerary above and add another of the long hikes down below the canyon rim on the third day. 

Both of the hikes below are hard because of the elevation gain on the way back up to the rim, but the Bright Angel Trail is far more customizable if you’re not an experienced hiker – you can just go down to 1.5 mile guesthouse (3 miles roundtrip). 

The two best options, we think, are the: 

• Bright Angel Trail (which we covered above) down to 3 mile resthouse (6 miles / 2,000 ft of elevation) or Indian Gardens (9 miles / 3,000 ft of elevation). Unfortunately, the scenery really doesn’t change that much along the way, as it never really heads out into the canyon until you get to Plateau Point, which is too long for a day hike for most people. 
• Grandview Point to Horseshoe Mesa (5.5 miles / 2,400 ft of elevation). This hike starts out on Desert View Road and makes its way down to Horseshoe Mesa, where you’ll have great views of the canyon. This is not an easy hike, and there is no drinking water along the trail – bring AT LEAST 3L of water with you if you plan to tackle it, and start early – it gets hot FAST in the canyon below the rim. 

What to Do with One Day in the Grand Canyon

If you only have one day in the Grand Canyon, we’d put a few elements of each day of the itinerary above together. 

Start your day early by catching the shuttle from the Visitor Center out to the South Kaibab Trailhead . Do the hike from there down to Cedar Ridge (3 miles / 1,100 ft elevation) or Skeleton Point (6.3 miles / 2,000 ft elevation), which will take most of the morning. 

Take the shuttle out to Yaki Point , ooh and ahh over the views, and hop back on the shuttle to the Visitor Center. Eat lunch, refill water bottles, and head out to Hermit Road (either via the shuttle, or by renting bikes) for the afternoon. Stop at all the viewpoints along the way (see above for our favorites), which will take you another three hours or so. 

In the late afternoon around sunset, tackle Desert View Drive , and stay at Desert View for sunset before heading back to your hotel to get some 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 options that include camping, staying at a hotel or lodge inside the park, and staying at a hotel outside the park. All three offer different experiences at different price points, and we’ll go through each one with some recommendations to help you find the perfect home base for exploring the Grand Canyon. 

We’ll focus mainly on the South Rim, since this itinerary for the Grand Canyon heavily features the sights on the South Rim, and we think it’s the best choice for first timers. 

Hotels Inside the Park on the South Rim

If camping isn’t your jam, then consider staying at one of the hotels inside the park. 

PS : We’ve got a whole separate guide dedicated to helping you find the perfect place to stay at the Grand Canyon . Go read that for much more detail.

Look, most lodges and hotels inside national parks aren’t a great 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. 

And the hotels inside Grand Canyon National Park are not particularly different. For a better value, consider staying just 15 minutes away outside the South Entrance in Tusayan , or even Grand Canyon Junction , which is more like 30 minutes away from the rim. You can find those picks in the next section. 

There are two distinct groups of lodging in the park – those that are actually on the rim, and those that are just off of the rim. As you might imagine, you’ll pay a premium for staying on the canyon rim itself . 

The hotel options on the rim are: 

• El Tovar : This building intrigued me, so I looked it up to figure out what the story behind the architecture was. It looks like a ski chalet, which seemed like a weird choice in the high desert, but the architects designed it based on Swiss Chalets because back in the day Europe was the peak of luxury for the high-end travelers it was built for. Rooms are actually pretty nice, and the location is pretty unbeatable. 
• Bright Angel Lodge : If you want less of a hotel-style room and more of a standalone cottage, consider the Bright Angel Lodge. It’s right at the trailhead for the Bright Angel Trail, and you catch the shuttle out to Hermit Road a few hundred yards away. It is a little further from the main Visitor Center, but you can drive or take the shuttle to get over there. 
• Thunderbird Lodge : Honestly, this place looks like a college dorm from the outside. So, not particularly inviting. But inside, the rooms are basic but clean, and not nearly as lifeless as it looks from the exterior. Plus, it’s right on the rim, next to El Tovar. Some rooms even have a canyon view!

For a slightly cheaper stay, consider the lodges that aren’t on the rim itself, but are still within a 10-15 minute walk of the Visitor Center. 

• Yavapai Lodge : This place is within a 15 minute walk of Mather Point and the Visitor Center, and is inside the Grand Canyon Village plaza where the main grocery store in the park is. It’s a great location, and it’s also the biggest lodge inside the park. Rooms are basic hotel-style rooms, but they’re plenty comfortable. And it’s about as affordable as it gets inside the park, though you’ll still pay a bit 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 best campground on the South Rim is Mather Campground, which is a three minute drive or a 20 minute walk to the Visitors Center, and is on the Blue Line shuttle. We stayed there and were honestly really impressed with the campsites and the facilities given the fact that it’s massive. It’s the only campground in the park that’s open year round. 

You’ll need to book well in advance, particularly in the summer (think like six months in advance). Reservations are highly, highly recommended as most of the sites are reserved. Don’t plan on showing up at 5 pm on a Friday and finding an open site. 

There’s an RV Park at the South Rim too called Trailer Village RV Park , with sites with full hookups. It’s also super conveniently located near the Visitor Center and market. 

There’s a first-come-first-served campground at Desert View , which is 20 miles east of the park’s main Visitor Center. It’s open roughly from May to October, and you can’t make reservations. It’s a good second option if you can’t snag a site at Mather, but you’ll need to get there early in the day if you want to get a site over the summer. 

Info on camping inside the park can be found here . 

Staying Outside the South Entrance

If you’re looking for a better value , look outside the South Entrance. 

The best options here are going to be in Tusayan , which is basically at the South Entrance, and Grand Canyon Junction , which is 15 minutes south, but has more options. Both will put you within a half hour of the rim, and offer a better value than the hotels inside the park. 

If you want to stay in a hotel , stay in Tusayan. If you want to stay in a vacation rental , stay in Grand Canyon Junction. More detail on specific places to stay below. 

The downside is that you won’t be able to walk to the rim, but that’s the tradeoff for more affordable rates, I suppose. 

For a truly unique and special stay, check out Grand Canyon Under Canvas , where you’ll stay in a canvas safari tent under the stars – which are incredible in this part of Arizona, where there’s very little light pollution to ruin them. It’s a little further away from the park, but that’s part of the charm. 

Staying in Tusayan

Tusayan is your best bet – it’s immediately 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. 

There’s a shuttle system that will take you to the Visitor Center – information here . (NOTE: It’s not in service for the 2021 season – you’ll have to drive). 

• Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn : First of all, what a mouthful. Second, this is one of three good value options in the area, and it has spacious rooms, both indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, and even a bowling alley (what a weird thing to have at a hotel, but we’re into it). 
• The Holiday Inn Express : It’s a Holiday Inn Express, which means it’s clean, comfortable, and consistent. Comfortable beds, free breakfast in the morning, and an indoor pool (heated during the winter) make this hotel a winner. 
• Red Feather Lodge : A nice break from the chain hotels, this is a family owned business that has been around since the 1960’s. Rooms are basic but comfortable and clean, and they have laundry, a fitness center, and a seasonal pool. Basically, everything you’ll need for your stay. 

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 thing I could find on the difference is that residents are trying to get the name changed to Grand Canyon Junction from Valle. 

If you want to stay in a vacation rental, Grand Canyon Junction is your best bet. 

We like this cute loft for couples visiting the Grand Canyon (you could also stay in this retro campervan for a more unique stay), or this three bedroom / two bathroom ranch house for groups and families (sleeps up to eight). If that one is booked, this countryside lodge would be a good alternative.  

Click here to see all vacation rental listings in Grand Canyon Junction.

Where to Stay on the North Rim

When it comes to staying on the North Rim, there are far fewer choices than across the canyon on the more visited South Rim. It can be summed up in a couple of sentences. 

Interested in camping? Stay at North Rim Campground (closed during the winter). 

Not into camping? Then stay at the North Rim Lodge . 

That’s it. There aren’t too many other options that are close enough to the rim to make it worth your time. 

Hiking in the Grand Canyon 

There are three hikes that are super popular, and for good reason : the Rim Trail, the South Kaibab Trail, and the Bright Angel Trail . 

There are some other great hikes in the Grand Canyon that are less trafficked – like the Grandview trail and Hermit’s Trail – but with just a couple of days, we’d recommend the first three. 

The nice part about all three of those trails is that they are highly customizable based on your hiking experience and fitness level. 

For example, on the Bright Angel Trail, hikers who are less experienced or prepared for a daylong hike can hike the three miles down and back to the 1.5 mile guesthouse , which takes you below the canyon rim and gives you a different perspective and appreciation for the vastness of the canyon. Or, experienced hikers can hike all the way to Plateau Point , which is 12 miles and 3,000+ feet of climbing to get back to the rim. 

Here’s a brief overview of each trail:

• The Rim Trail : Running from Yaki Point all the way to Hermit’s Rest, the Rim Trail is a fantastic introduction to the Grand Canyon. Not only do the views change along the way, but there’s a lot of educational signage that helps you wrap your head around how exactly the Grand Canyon came to be. 
• The South Kaibab Trail : This is our pick between the two main trails that take you between the rim because the landscape changes, and you get to views of the Colorado River with significantly less effort than the Bright Angel Trail. There are turnaround points that you can use to make this a 1.5, 3, 6, or 9 mile hike. There’s no water along the trail, but there is a bathroom at Cedar Ridge. 
• The Bright Angel Trail : This trail starts from the Bright Angel Lodge, and basically drops straight down to a plateau that continues out to the Colorado River. Our favorite part about this trail was seeing the landscape from above, and then realizing once you’re down in the canyon that you’re now looking UP at the massive tower you were admiring from above just a few minutes ago. 

The South Kaibab Trail vs. the Bright Angel Trail

Both of these hikes are pretty spectacular, but if you only have time for one, which should you choose?

We think it’s the South Kaibab Trail, and we don’t think it’s that close. 

For the majority of the Bright Angel Trail, you’re looking at exactly the same landscape from a slightly different perspective. It’s just zig-zags its way down the canyon wall until you get to the plateau, when the views start to change slightly. However, unless you go all the way to Plateau Point, which is a 12 mile hike with 3,000 feet of elevation gain on the way back up and full sun for the middle 3 miles, you don’t get a glimpse of the river. There is, however, drinking water along this trail, which is a plus I suppose. And two bathrooms at 1.5 miles in and 3 miles in.

We think the South Kaibab Trail is the way to go if you only have time for one of them. The landscape varies, and you traverse a ridge out into the canyon where you’ll have views east and west down the canyon. Plus, you can see the river starting at 3 miles in! There’s no drinking water along the trail, so be prepared with plenty of water for the climb back to the trailhead. For most hikers, the hike to Skeleton Point is more than enough in terms of beauty and effort – it’s six miles with 2,000 feet of elevation gain on the way back up. 

When to Visit the Grand Canyon

In general, spring and fall are the most pleasant times to be at the Grand Canyon. Weather is more mild (though it can be unpredictable – we got a hailstorm in April), and crowds are slightly more thin than the summer, which is peak season. 

Here’s a breakdown by season of what to expect in the Grand Canyon. 

In the spring , temperatures are mild, ranging from the 50’s to the 70’s during the day, and it can get below freezing at night. Crowds are thinner than the summer, which is the most crowded time to visit, but the milder weather and spring break mean spring is still a popular time to visit. 

In the fall , the weather will be similar to spring, especially in October and November, which means it’s a very nice time to be at the Grand Canyon. Plus, there’s no spring break in the fall, which makes it a slightly less crowded time than the spring. September, after Labor Day, is a lovely time to take your trip. 

In the summer , temperatures are HOT, particularly below the rim, where it can be more than 20 degrees hotter than at the rim. It’s downright unpleasant at times, and it’s best to restrict your hiking below the rim so that you’re not out there climbing a couple thousand feet in the heat of the day, between 10 am and 4 pm. Summer is also the most popular time to visit, with throngs of people out on their classic summer road trip. Book accommodations early, and plan on waiting in line for the shuttles if you get there after 10 am. In July and August, it’s monsoon season in Arizona, which means afternoon showers and thunderstorms basically every day. 

In the winter , crowds are very, very thin. With the high elevation of the rim, it’s cold, and probably not a great time to be camping unless you have an RV. You also might encounter snow, which can be simultaneously gorgeous and annoying. 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 do one of the amazing hikes below the rim – the South Kaibab Trail or the Bright Angel Trail. The upside 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 best entry points to the Grand Canyon if you’re flying in from out of town. If the Grand Canyon is part of a broader Arizona road trip or a road trip through the Southwest, then you might be coming from Zion National Park or Bryce Canyon National Park , both of which are a relatively easy journey. 

From Las Vegas

Las Vegas is, by far, the most convenient airport to fly into to get to the Grand Canyon. It takes just about four hours to drive from Las Vegas, and you’ll arrive through the west entrance of the park. If you’re flying in, plan on flying into McCarran International Airport , picking up your rental car, and heading east. 

From Phoenix (or Sedona)

Getting to the Grand Canyon from Phoenix will take you roughly the same amount of time as Vegas, and which route you take really depends on what else you’re going to be doing on your trip. On the way from Phoenix you’ll pass through Sedona , which is worth a stop for a day or two if you have the time. 

From Phoenix, it’s about four hours to the South Rim. It’s two hours from Sedona to the South Rim. 

That’s all we’ve got! I think we covered everything you need to know to visit the Grand Canyon. It’s a spectacular landscape, and we know you’re going to love experiencing it for yourself.

More Arizona + Utah Travel Guides

If you liked this guide, you’re going to love our other Arizona and Utah travel guides.

Phoenix : Plan a perfect weekend in Phoenix , and figure out where to stay in Phoenix.

The Grand Canyon : Planning a trip that includes the Grand Canyon? We’ve got you covered with a guide on exactly how to plan an amazing Grand Canyon itinerary and how to find the perfect place to stay .

Sedona : Plan the perfect weekend getaway to Sedona , and learn everything you need to know to go hiking in Sedona .

If you’re making your way into Utah , you’ll want to read our guides to:

• Zion ( 2 day itinerary and where to stay )
• Bryce Canyon (the best hikes and how to spend one day in Bryce Canyon )
• Moab ( a perfect itinerary , the best hikes in Arches , and the best places to stay and things to do )

Plus, our 10 day Utah National Parks road trip is a super detailed guide to exploring Utah, if you’ve got the time. Otherwise, save it for later.

Matt is the founder and main writer behind Wheatless Wanderlust, which he started back in 2018 as a way to share his gluten free travel guides with his fellow Celiac travelers.

Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up.

He writes super detailed guides to the places they visit, bringing together personal experience and historical context to help YOU plan an amazing trip.

Your post has given a good roadmap and I felt seeing the Canyon was overwhelming with all the different points. Thank you. My only question is what is a good time to start off day 1 and day 2? We will be staying in Williams for our trip in April so I wonder if leaving before sunrise is a good idea as it might get crowded later during the day.

Hey Samantha! The canyon definitely gets more crowded as the day goes on, and we found that we had a couple of the viewpoints completely to ourselves early in the morning! I’d recommend as early a start as you can muster (but it will be cold in the mornings, so pack layers!).

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8 Epic Grand Canyon Road Trip Itineraries

• Post author: Rachel Means
• Post last modified: 2023-10-25

Visiting the Grand Canyon is one of those bucket list adventures that is almost mandatory if you live in the US. It’s the fourth most-visited national park in the country, hosting over 4.5 million visitors in 2021.

And the best way to see it? Take a road trip.

The closest big airport is Phoenix, AZ and it’s 3.5 hours away. Las Vegas is 4 hours away, and in another time zone to boot. So, one way or another, you’re going to road trip to the Grand Canyon.

But the wonderful thing about the American Southwest is there are a ton of amazing national parks, monuments, forests, and historic sites to see.

So, while you’re here to see the Grand Canyon, you might as well stay a bit longer and check out some of the region’s other amazing sights.

Whether you have 3 days or 2 weeks, there’s a Grand Canyon road trip itinerary for you. Buckle up and let’s take a look!

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and associate of other programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Quick Intro to Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon is appropriately named: it’s a big and awe-inspiring canyon that goes on for miles.

It’s such a fascinating piece of natural landscape that people come from all over the world to see it. Sunrises, sunsets, thunderstorms, and blankets of snow all look amazing here.

But you have to see it for yourself and bask in its hugeness to really appreciate it. Photos just can’t do justice to the truly grand scale of this canyon.

While this guide is focused on Grand Canyon road trip itineraries, we’d be remiss to not give you some background information about the Grand Canyon before we start throwing out things to do and places to see in the park and nearby, like you have any idea what we’re talking about.

We’ll answer a few basic questions and get you up to speed enough to understand the itineraries.

Where is the Grand Canyon?

The Grand Canyon extends across the entirety of the northwest corner of Arizona. Much of the canyon’s 277 mile length is desolate desert.

There’s not much out here because it’s no small feat to build a bridge over a 10 mile-wide canyon with modern equipment.

Pioneers in horse-drawn wagons took one look at it and went around. We don’t blame them!

Grand Canyon National Park has two separate sections.

What many people don’t know is Grand Canyon National Park is actually split into two parts: the South Rim and the North Rim.

The South Rim is easier to get to and has more infrastructure built up, so it’s naturally the most popular.

The North Rim has a lodge and views of the same stunning canyon, looking the other direction of course, but sees just 10% of Grand Canyon visitors. Something to consider if you’re anti-crowds.

When we discuss visiting Grand Canyon in the road trip itineraries below, we are referring to the South Rim.

We will always call out the North Rim specifically as the North Rim.

Grand Canyon has a year-round free shuttle bus system.

The shuttle bus system on the South Rim is a major help for moving visitors around the park as well as reducing pollution.

Park your car once and take the shuttle bus everywhere. The only place they don’t go is along Desert View Road (the east section of the South Rim)

There are four routes: red, orange, blue, and purple. Shuttles all start very early (think 4AM in the summer) and run late (either 30 minutes after sunset or as late as 11PM).

Purple connects the town of Tusayan outside the park’s southern entrance to the central bus hub at the Visitor Center complex.

Leave your car at your hotel and take the shuttle in. Roundtrip loop is about 40 minutes, so it takes 20 minutes or so to get from town to the Visitor Center.

Blue is the park’s Village Route , connecting the Visitor Center with the park lodges, campgrounds, and restaurants in the Village and Market Plaza areas.

It’s also the connector to the Red Route from the Visitor Center. Roundtrip is 50 minutes.

The Red Route is Hermit’s Rest Road . This road is closed to private vehicles from March to November every year, so you have to take the shuttle or walk/hike/bike the sometimes paved, sometimes not Rim Trail.

This route takes 80 minutes roundtrip if you don’t get off the bus, but it also has some of the most popular overlooks and hikes in the park. Well worth the effort!

Also important to note: the eastbound Red Route bus does not stop at every overlook on the way back to the Village. Double check the schedules if you want a specific overlook.

Lastly, the Orange Route is the Kaibab Rim Route . The road up to Yaki Point is closed to private vehicles, all year round.

On Yaki Road, the South Kaibab Trailhead is the most popular trailhead in the park . Most visitors hike down to the Ooh Aah Point and turn around. Roundtrip rides on this shuttle are 50 minutes.

Now that you’ve got a basic understanding of the park, let’s get to the road trip itineraries already!

A Grand Canyon Road Trip: 8 Suggested Itineraries

The wonderful thing about road trips: there’s no one, single right way to do them.

You could follow the same route and have two very different trips, based solely on which roadside attractions you stop for, where you eat, and where you stay.

There are infinite possibilities for road trip routes to the Grand Canyon because you can start from almost anywhere, the canyon is huge, and it’s surrounded by fascinating landscapes and historical sites.

Today, we’re discussing the most popular Grand Canyon road trip routes, which generally start and end in either Las Vegas, NV or Phoenix, AZ.

We recommend a minimum of a 3 day weekend to get your money’s worth out of a Grand Canyon road trip.

But there is so much else within driving distance that you might want to extend your trip for a week or two to enjoy the area! We’ll discuss a few options for that as well.

In all cases, if you can snag a flight the night before your first day off, we highly recommend that. We call this the Day 0 trick.

It requires no extra time off and eliminates a bunch of wasted travel hours from your vacation days.

So, for the 3 day weekend example: fly out Friday night after work (Day 0), get in late Friday to Las Vegas or Phoenix, and spend the night nearby. Start your road trip as early as you want on Saturday (Day 1).

The 3 Day Weekend Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary

Starting off with the fastest Grand Canyon road trip itinerary for all those travelers with limited time off.

This short and sweet road trip really only qualifies as a road trip because the park is so far from major cities and airports.

It’s a 4 hour drive from Las Vegas or a 3.5 hour drive from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon.

There are tons of roadside stops and major attractions along those routes, but this 3 day weekend itinerary is all about FOCUS.

You want to see the Grand Canyon, so you’ll see the Grand Canyon.

Pro Tip : The Day 0 trick is almost mandatory for this itinerary, especially if you’re flying in from the east coast.

(Day 0: Fly in to origin in the evening)

• Drive to Grand Canyon National Park, eat lunch in Tusayan or the park, stop into the Visitor Center, see Mather Point, and explore the Orange Route with a hike to Ooh Aah Point. Overnight in Tusayan.
• Explore the Red Route, drive the Grand Canyon Desert View scenic drive. Overnight in Tusayan.
• Drive back to the airport, fly home

Depending on your good fortune and flight times, you may be able to add another attraction on the third day.

If driving back to Las Vegas , consider stopping in Kingman, AZ for the Route 66 Museum, at the Hoover Dam for a photo and/or tour, or spending some time in Vegas itself.

If driving back to Phoenix , you will pass no less than 6 national monuments along the way.

We loved Walnut Canyon National Monument , a quick hour or so stop in Flagstaff to see ancient Native American cliff dwellings in the canyon walls.

5 Day Road Trip Itinerary: Grand Canyon + City Break

If you take two vacation days and add them to a 3 day weekend, you get a 5 day vacation.

This is a great way to save some PTO but go on a longer, more satisfying vacation.

Here’s how we’d suggest you break it down.

• Fly in and Explore Las Vegas, Phoenix, or Flagstaff.
• Drive to Grand Canyon National Park, arrive no later than lunchtime, stop in the Visitor Center and see Mather Point, explore the Orange Route, and take a short hike to the Ooh Aah Point. Overnight in Tusayan.
• Spend a full day in the park: explore the Red Route (views and hiking opportunities), drive the Desert View Scenic Drive. Overnight in Tusayan.
• Leisurely drive back to your origin city, stopping at attractions along the way.

Day 4 can be as adventurous or as laid back as you like.

Drive back to your origin city and enjoy some down time by the pool at your hotel before your busy travel day.

Las Vegas and Phoenix both have so much to do within their respective metro areas that you could easily spend another day sightseeing in each.

The route back to your origin city is guaranteed to have some interesting waypoints as well.

We strongly recommend the in-depth tour of the Hoover Dam if you’re going back to Las Vegas, and stopping in Sedona is always a good idea if you’re on the way back to Phoenix.

7 Day Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary: See Both Rims!

So, you lucked out and have an entire week for vacation. Booyah!

Now, if you have 5 vacation days, we would always encourage you to pair that with two weekends to give yourself a 9 day vacation.

However, we realize some people prefer a day at home before and after a trip, so they have time to decompress and mentally prepare themselves to go back to their ordinary lives.

Post-vacation depression is a real thing.

So for those that need the extra couple of days, this itinerary is for you.

For this timeframe you can see both the North and South Rims of Grand Canyon National Park and also spend a few days exploring nearby must-see sights.

• Fly in to Las Vegas, chill in the city
• Drive to Grand Canyon National Park, stopping along the way at Hoover Dam , the Grand Canyon Skywalk , or Kingman for the Route 66 Museum . Spend the afternoon in the park at the visitor center, Mather Point, and either the Orange Route or strolling along the Rim Trail. Overnight in Tusayan.
• Full day in Grand Canyon National Park: explore the Red Route, the Orange Route if you missed it yesterday, and the Desert View Scenic Drive. Overnight in Tusayan.
• Drive to Page, see Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend . Overnight in Page.
• Day trip to the Grand Canyon North Rim . Overnight in Page.
• Drive back to Las Vegas, considering a stop in Valley of Fire State Park along the way.

This itinerary works just as well if you fly into Phoenix rather than Vegas. On Day 6 you’d swap a stop in Valley of Fire for a stop in Flagstaff or Sedona.

9 Day Road Trip: So Many National Parks!

This Grand Canyon road trip itinerary is for all our fellow national park bucket list seekers!

When you’ve got a week in a new region and you really want to do some damage to your national park checklist , this is a great option.

Pro Tip : You only need 5 vacation days to go on a 9 day vacation. Use both the weekend before and the weekend after your 5 PTO days for a total of 9 days.

We’ll go ahead and warn you: this is highly ambitious and you cannot fully explore most of these parks with just one day. ( Well, maybe this one. )

But you can hit the highlights and see some pretty amazing stuff, and then plan a more in-depth trip later for your favorites.

• Fly in to Las Vegas, NV
• Day trip to Death Valley National Park. Overnight back in Vegas.
• Drive to Zion National Park (lose an hour for crossing time zones). Spend the rest of the day in the park. Drive to overnight in Bryce, UT.
• Visit Bryce Canyon National Park in the morning (early start). Spend the afternoon in Capitol Reef National Park. Drive to overnight in Moab, UT.
• Begin the day in Canyonlands National Park’s Island in the Sky area. End the day in Arches National Park. Overnight in Moab again.
• Drive to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park and spend a few hours here. Drive to and through Monument Valley as leisurely as you’d like. End in Page, AZ to overnight, possibly catching Horseshoe Bend at sunset.
• See Antelope Canyon (and Horseshoe Bend if you missed it yesterday) in the morning. Drive to Grand Canyon National Park and take the Desert View Scenic Drive from the east entrance. Overnight in the park or in Tusayan.
• Spend most of the day in Grand Canyon National Park. Drive back to Las Vegas to overnight (gain an hour for crossing time zones).

All said and done, this whirlwind road trip itinerary sprints through seven national parks and three nearby attractions that aren’t national parks but still impressive must-see sights nonetheless.

Day 4 will feel rushed. We suggest doing the scenic drive and a hike or two of your choice in each park, but don’t forget the 2.5hr drive in between parks when you split your day up.

On Day 5, don’t forget that Arches National Park requires advanced timed entry tickets from early April through early October.

9 Day Grand Canyon Road Trip: A More Relaxed Loop from Las Vegas

This 9 day itinerary offers more breathing room than some of the more ambitious routes discussed, and still only requires 5 vacation days.

You’ll still see a lot, but you won’t have to get up super early and stay up late to drive to the next destination to fit it all in.

• Fly in to Las Vegas .
• Spend the morning at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and the afternoon back in Vegas. Overnight in Las Vegas.
• Day trip out to Death Valley National Park. Overnight in Vegas again.
• Start the day by touring Hoover Dam . Drive to Grand Canyon National Park (lose an hour to time zone change), and catch a few hours in the park exploring the visitor center and Mather Point in late afternoon. Overnight in Tusayan.
• Explore Grand Canyon National Park: the Red Route, the Orange Route, hike to Ooh Aah Point, take in the Desert View Scenic Drive. Overnight in Tusayan.
• Drive to Page, tour Antelope Canyon , and see Horseshoe Bend . Check out Lake Powell or Glen Canyon National Conservation Area if you have extra time. Overnight in Page.
• Drive to Zion National Park and spend the day in the park. Overnight in Springdale.
• Drive to Valley of Fire State Park (gain an hour from time zone change) and spend the day in the park. Continue on to overnight in Las Vegas.

Red Rock Canyon has a timed entry system during its peak season from October through the end of May. The entry fee is covered by the America the Beautiful Annual Pass .

Zion National Park operates a free but mandatory shuttle bus system for the inner canyon from March through November and some busy weeks/weekends. Check their website for the current shuttle schedule.

When you enter Zion on Day 7 during this timeframe, you’ll have to drive to the Visitor Center first, park, and hop a shuttle to get to trailheads for popular hikes like the Narrows and Angel’s Landing.

The Grand Circle Road Trip – 10 Day Minimum

There are so many amazing sights to see in the Arizona/Colorado/Utah region!

Getting to them all is one giant circular route through northern Arizona, the southwest corner of Colorado, and southern Utah, and it’s become known as the Grand Circle.

This is easily one of the most epic Grand Canyon road trip itineraries out there , but it does not leave a lot of extra time for exploration.

You can still do this itinerary with only 5 vacation days, but you have to pair it with a 3 day holiday weekend to get the 10 th day without using PTO.

Of course, you can extend this itinerary if you can wring a few more PTO days out of work.

• Drive to Grand Canyon National Park (lose an hour to time zones). Overnight in Tusayan.
• Drive through Monument Valley and overnight in Cortez, CO.
• Visit Mesa Verde National Park in the morning, Canyon of the Ancients National Monument in the afternoon, and drive to Moab, UT.
• Spend the day in Arches National Park. Overnight in Moab.
• Explore the Island in the Sky area of Canyonlands National Park, with a side trip to Dead Horse Point State Park. Overnight in Moab.
• Drive to and spend the day in Capitol Reef National Park. Afterward, drive to and overnight in Bryce.
• Spend a full day in Bryce Canyon National Park. Drive to and overnight in Springdale.
• Explore Zion National Park. Drive to and overnight in St George.
• Drive to Las Vegas (gain an hour for time zone change). Fly home.

The itinerary above is the basic Grand Circle, but if you’ve got the time, it’s easy to add on several more parks.

Death Valley National Park is within driving distance of Las Vegas. Petrified Forest National Park could be added between the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley.

Both Great Sand Dunes National Park and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park could be added in Colorado before heading to Moab.

Don’t forget the national monuments and other historic sites! There are a ton of these, as well as state parks, that you’ll likely pass on your way to the other parks.

We loved our morning adventure in Walnut Canyon National Monument in Flagstaff and an afternoon exploring Valley of Fire State Park near Las Vegas.

10 Day Southwest Road Trip from Las Vegas

Heavy on national parks, this southwest road trip itinerary uses the Day 0 trick to allow for two full days in one of the national parks. (We chose Zion in the example.)

Feel free to shift the itinerary to spend two days in whichever park you choose.

(Day 0: Fly into Las Vegas)

• Day trip to Death Valley National Park. Overnight in Las Vegas.
• Day trip to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, just 30 minutes from downtown Vegas. Overnight in Las Vegas.
• Drive to Valley of Fire State Park and spend the day here (bring a lunch!). Drive up to Springdale late afternoon/evening (lose an hour to time zone change). Overnight in Springdale.
• First full day in Zion National Park: Hike Angel’s Landing. Overnight in Springdale.
• Second full day in Zion National Park: Hike the Narrows. Drive up and stay in Bryce tonight.
• Spend a full day exploring Bryce Canyon National Park. Drive to Page to overnight.
• Tour Antelope Canyon and see Horseshoe Bend in the morning. Grab an early lunch in Page before driving to the Grand Canyon North Rim for the afternoon. Drive back to overnight in Page.
• Drive to and spend a full day exploring Grand Canyon National Park. Overnight in Tusayan or Williams.
• Drive to the Hoover Dam and take a tour. Optional stop at the Grand Canyon Skywalk along the way. (Gain an hour from time zone change.) Overnight in Las Vegas.

Remember that Red Rock Canyon has timed entry in the winter, and Zion has mandatory shuttles from March to November.

As of 2022, the Angel’s Landing hike requires a permit to hike the portion from Scout Lookout up to Angel’s Landing. It’s incredibly popular and done by lottery, so may the odds be ever in your favor.

10 Day Arizona Highlights Road Trip

Arizona just has so much to see! This road trip itinerary focuses solely on Arizona sights.

Phoenix and its neighboring cities create a ginormous urban area that has quite a lot to explore. You won’t get to all of it in one day, but there is decent and affordable public transit to get around.

• Fly in to Phoenix
• Explore Phoenix and its huge urban area, including Tempe and Scottsdale.
• Day trip to Tucson to see Saguaro National Park. Drive back to Phoenix to overnight.
• Drive to Sedona and spend the day hiking and exploring. Overnight in Flagstaff.
• Day trip to Petrified Forest National Park. Overnight back in Flagstaff.
• Start the day at Walnut Canyon National Monument. Drive to Page. Tour Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend in the afternoon. Overnight in Page.
• Day trip out to Monument Valley . Overnight back in Page.
• Drive to Grand Canyon National Park. Enter via the Desert View scenic drive, stop at the visitor center and Mather Point, and explore the Orange Route. Overnight in Tusayan.
• Spend most of the day in Grand Canyon National Park, exploring the Red Route. Drive back to and overnight in Phoenix.

What’s life without options? In this instance, you could swap the second day in Grand Canyon for a second day in Sedona.

Hiking in Grand Canyon is not for everyone, so your time may be better spent hiking in Sedona.

Which Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary is Right for You?

At this point, you might be a bit overwhelmed. You want to do all the things, but you’re a responsible adult that has bills to pay and mouths to feed (even if it’s just you and your dog).

Here are the top 3 excuses we often hear for staying in analysis paralysis and not choosing an itinerary.

Excuse #1: “I don’t have enough PTO for this.”

Remember: you can do a Grand Canyon road trip with just a 3 day weekend, no PTO required!

Even if you live on the east coast of the US and have to fly out to Arizona first.

East coasters have the time zone advantage when flying east to west, even without nonstop direct flights.

Flights leave at like 6PM and arrive in Las Vegas at midnight, or if you’re an early bird, leave at 6AM and get in by noon.

That means you could leave Friday after work, arrive in Vegas Friday night to sleep, and then have a full Saturday and Sunday to road trip before heading back Sunday night or Monday morning to Vegas and catching a midday flight home on Monday.

The time zone difference on the way back to the east coast is annoying, but you should be able to catch a noon flight in Vegas and arrive at your home airport by mid-evening.

Excuse #2: “This sounds expensive.”

This excuse irks me. It sounds expensive?

Have you even tried to price it out first, or are you just going back to the safety of your I-can’t-afford-anything-so-I-won’t-try-to-afford-anything-but-I’ll-still-complain-about-it life?

Of course, we understand that having the funds to travel is a privilege, and not everyone is fortunate enough to have the funds or access to travel. That’s not what we’re arguing here.

This excuse is almost always thrown out by people that actually do have some extra income; they just have no idea how to budget or no discipline to save.

Travel is about priorities. You have to prioritize it and then budget for it. It’s not just gonna happen if you don’t plan it.

Yes, it’s going to take some longer than others to save up for it, but there are plenty of travel options to make trips more affordable, if you plan them right.

Excuse #3: “This sounds too complicated.”

Maybe it’s not the PTO or the expense. Maybe you’re just intimidated by the number of stops on the itinerary, having to coordinate it all yourself.

You can do hard things! ( Read that again .)

Choose your favorite itinerary above, and the bulk of the planning is already done.

Now all you have to do is plug-and-play by choosing flights and a hotel or campground in each overnight spot.

Organizing isn’t your forte? No problem. I’m a pro at it, and I have this amazing trip organizer that will keep it all straight for you. ⬇️⬇️

I Found My Perfect Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary! Now What?

Congrats! The hard part is over. Now it’s simple plug and play.

Pick your dates, book your flights and rental car, and choose your hotels in the cities noted on your itinerary.

It really is that easy!

Now that you’ve got the base itinerary, here are some in-depth guides for destinations mentioned.

• Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon: Which is the Best?
• See Everything in Bryce Canyon National Park in One Day
• Where to Stay near Zion National Park
• Everything You Need to Know to See Horseshoe Bend

Happy travels!

About the Author : Rachel Means

With six-figure student loan debt and only 10 PTO days per year, Rachel started traveling the world. A decade later, she’s paid off her loans, changed careers, and been to 36 US states and 14 countries. She’s an expert at planning and budgeting for travel and loves to help others do it, too! Read her full story here.

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The Ultimate Grand Canyon Road Trip Guide

• January 12, 2022

Whether you make the Grand Canyon the centerpiece of your adventure or stop for a short visit en route to another destination, the Grand Canyon is a can’t-miss stop for any Southwest road trip.

There are tons of road trip routes and itineraries that include stops at the Grand Canyon, with a variety of exciting excursions, as well as numerous other nearby locales and National Parks to explore en route. If you’re planning a Grand Canyon road trip, get started with our Ultimate Grand Canyon Road Trip Guide, featuring:

• Sample itineraries for some of the most popular routes, including Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon , and the Grand Canyon to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park
• Suggested routes and stops for other common points of origin, including California, Denver, Phoenix, and Route 66
• Other nearby locations to explore
• Expert advice for making the most of each stop
• Tips for how to plan a road trip that satisfies every adventurer in your vehicle

Get more tips for your Grand Canyon road trip in our comprehensive guide:

Itineraries

• 7 Popular Grand Canyon Road Trip Routes
• Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon
• Grand Canyon to Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park

Tips & Road Trip Hacks

• How To Plan a Road Trip

Grand Canyon Visitor Guide

Our Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Grand Canyon contains all the information you need to know for your Grand Canyon adventure, including:

• Individual guides for the South, West, North, and East Rims
• What to wear and what to pack
• Tips for visiting with kids
• Photography tips

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What to See at the Grand Canyon in One Day

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Grand Canyon Trip Planning

Grand Canyon trip-planning has changed a bit since the pandemic, but trip-planning can never begin too soon. Typically, a Grand Canyon visit requires advance reservations at Grand Canyon hotels sometimes over a year out. These days, national parks are still busier than one would expect, but hotel availability close to the Canyon is far more likely even with shorter notice these days. Your Grand Canyon experience will depend on the time of year you would like to travel, your budget, and your travel and adventure preferences. Hopefully, this guide will help you prioritize to get the most of your visit. So without further ado, let's get started!

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The South Rim accessed typically through Arizona offers the classic national park experience. You can use a National Parks Pass to get in or pay $35/vehicle total for 7 consecutive days of access to the park. This is where the Grand Canyon Visitor Center is located along with many amenities, tours, concessionaires, hotels, dining, educational talks, and a free hop-on/hop-off shuttle. This rim has historically been the most popular way to experience Grand Canyon National Park and is open year-round.

Choosing a South Rim Basecamp

When visiting the South Rim, you'll likely want to get accommodations in Tusayan (nearest to the park entrance), Williams (50 miles from GCNP), Flagstaff (79.5 miles from GCNP), or Sedona (114 miles away from GCNP, but with luxury accommodations and is a destination in its own right!)

See All South Rim Hotel & Lodging Options »

The North Rim is more remote and is only open May-October due to rough winter conditions. The North Rim offers a beautiful lodge with amazing views, smaller crowds and a more rustic, pristine experience of the Grand Canyon. Amenities are limited, but that's part of the charm, especially for true outdoor enthusiasts. The North Rim calls to hikers and backpacking campers during the summer months, especially since it cooler in temperature than the South Rim.

Choosing a North Rim Basecamp

When visiting the North Rim, consider staying at the Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim, or in the nearby towns of Freedonia or Kanab, UT (72-79 miles from GCNP North Rim. Freedonia and Kanab are well within reach of other national parks like Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand Staircase Escalante and Canyonlands (also collectively known as part of the Grand Circle). Staying in Lake Powell/Page is 130 miles away from the North Rim, but is a good hub location for seeing Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend as well.)

See All North Rim Hotel & Lodging Options »

The West Rim has grown in popularity of the last decade, primarily because of its close proximity to Las Vegas. The West Rim is ran by the Hualapai Tribe and is not part of the "National Park". The West Rim offers a perfect day trip away from the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas, yet visitors don't have to forego any of the posh amenities for a day out in nature. Everything from helicopter rides and hummer tours to bus shuttles leave Las Vegas on the clock every day taking city visitors to the Grand Canyon Skywalk, the glass bridge suspended over the edge of the West Rim of Grand Canyon.

Choosing a West Rim Basecamp

When visiting the West Rim, consider getting accommodations in Las Vegas area (125 miles from GC West), Kingman (71 miles from GC West) or Lake Havasu City (130 miles from GC West).

One or two nights on any rim of the Grand Canyon are plenty for most visitors unless you are hiking or on a river rafting trip. If you plan on staying in the area longer, most visitors find venturing outward for lodging much more enjoyable because it allows them to see more of the Great Southwest. Stay in Flagstaff, Sedona, or even Scottsdale/Phoenix for a South Rim visit, and choose Las Vegas for your vacation hub for a West Rim.

If your life's ambition is to backpack and hike rim-to-rim , take a mule ride or hike down to Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the Canyon, start preparing as soon as possible. Get backcountry camping permits and reserve your campsite well in advance of your trip. Likewise, guided Colorado River rafting trips , ranging in length from 3 to 21 nights will include camping arrangements made by the outfitter, but you'll want to choose Flagstaff or Page/Lake Powell accommodations for your pre-trip stay, and perhaps Tusayan, Williams or Flagstaff lodging for your post-trip nights unless your river outfitter chooses a convenient pick-up/drop-off hotel for you.

But as we know, most of us will experience Grand Canyon in a less adventurous way. Taking a train tour? Stay 1 - 2 nights in Williams near the Grand Canyon Railway station. Taking a air tour to the Grand Canyon Skywalk? Stay in Las Vegas where all flights to the West Rim originate. Taking an helicopter tour of the South Rim? Stay in Tusayan near Grand Canyon Airport. Taking a bus, van or jeep tour ? Stay in Las Vegas, Sedona or Scottsdale.

See More Grand Canyon Tours & Attractions »

POPULAR GRAND CANYON HOTELS & TOURS

Papillon Helicopters

What guests like about this place ».

Leaves from Las Vegas | Leaves from Tusayan | Multi-Attraction Tours | Family-Friendly

Best Western PREMIER Grand Canyon Squire Inn

Family-Friendly | Outdoor Pool | Pet-Friendly | Whirlpool Tub | On-site Restaurant | ADA Accessible | Nearest to GNCP | Fitness Center

Grand Canyon South Rim Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale

Marvel at the beauty that is the South Rim during this Grand Canyon Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale. Highlights include a day trip to visit Arizona’s breathtaking Grand Canyon National Park, a scenic drive with views of the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff, and several viewpoints at the spectacular Grand Canyon South Rim. Optional "Colors & Canyons" 45-minute helicopter upgrade available.

Professionally Guided | Hotel Pickup | All Fees Included | Family-Friendly | Private Tours Available | Custom Options Available | Leaves from Phoenix/Scottsdale

Canyon Villa B&B Inn Of Sedona

Sedona Lodging | Outdoor Pool | Romantic

Arizona Private Tours

Family-Friendly | Custom Options Available | Leaves from Flagstaff | Multi-Attraction Tours

Raptor Ranch RV Park & Campground

RAPTOR RANCH Campground is only 20 MINUTES FROM THE SOUTH RIM ENTRANCE!

We are located close to the Grand Canyon. The campground offers 32 RV Sites, 25+ Tent Sites. FREE Raptor Flight Demonstrations to All Campers! and FREE admission to Bedrock City.

There is free WiFi Available in Lounge & Laundry Room. We have a Grocery Store on Site, Campfire Rings, Firewood Available at the Camp Store, Giftshop, Showers, Snacks, Coffee, and an Overflow Parking.

Check-In: 1:00 pm, Check-Out: 12:00 pm

Pet-Friendly | Outdoor Fireplace/Pit | BBQ/Grill | Propane Refilling Station | General Store | Shower | Dump Station | Community Restrooms | WiFi | Family-Friendly

2.5 Acres in the Pines w/ Game Room, Hot Tub, & Space for your family - Flagstaff

Our home is nestled in 2.5 acres of Ponderosa Pines with breathtaking views of Doney Park East ridges & immediate access to hiking/mtn biking. The house is updated with a Gourmet kitchen & all the amenities you might need.

This is the perfect base for all your adventures including the Grand Canyon, skiing Snowbowl, hiking, exploring Sedona, visiting Flagstaff/NAU or exploring the attractions. Its 5 bedrooms, 3 baths comfortably accommodate 12 making this house perfect for large groups/families.

Flagstaff Hotels | Family-Friendly | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Fireplace(s) | Games Provided | Family-Friendly

Best Grand Canyon Day Tour

Private Tours Available | Shuttle Services Provided | Lunch Included | Multi-Attraction Tours | Additional Tour Options Available | Professionally Guided | Family-Friendly

Helicopter Tour of the North Canyon with Optional Hummer Excursion

The Grand Canyon is undoubtedly beautiful, but this helicopter tour of the iconic canyon elevates the views to a whole new level. Soar over Kaibab National Forest and into the Dragon Corridor—the deepest and widest part of the canyon. Upgrade your tour to include a Hummer tour of other essential Grand Canyon sights after the ride; your car is waiting for you for a seamless transition.

• Grand Canyon North Rim helicopter tour
• Bring your camera for unbeatable views of the canyon
• A memorable travel experience great for first-time and return visitors alike
• Upgrade to include a Hummer tour after the helicopter ride

Optional Ground Tour | Family-Friendly

Grand Canyon Expeditions

Professionally Guided | Meals Included | Multi-Day Tours

Grand Canyon Getaway

Family-Friendly | Nearest to GNCP | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen

Grand Canyon South Rim Self-Guided Driving Tour

• Fully Guided Personal Tours
• Professionally Narrated Stories
• Tour Valid Forever
• Works Offline
• Tour At Your Own Pace
• Location Aware, Plays Automatically
• Don’t Miss Any Sightseeing Points
• No Groups. No Tips

Self-Guided | Family-Friendly | Additional Tour Options Available

Backland Luxury Camping

Take your loved ones on a trip they will never forget. Backland is a luxury eco-resort near the Grand Canyon. Completely surrounded by ponderosa pine forests, our one-of-a-kind tents, chef-prepared meals, and secluded location completely redefine the concept of glamping. Dine by the fire in our glass-walled restaurant, relax with a massage in our tented spa, marvel at the grandeur of the universe through our complimentary telescopes, and take advantage of miles of nearby hiking trails.

• Complimentary Breakfast
• Onsite Glass Walled Restaurant
• Onsite and nearby hiking trails
• Close to the Grand Canyon and dozens of local attractions
• Pond with sand beach, fishing, and kayaking
• Snowshoes and sledding onsite when it snows
• Panoramic windows
• Huge stargazing skylights over the beds (Skyview tents only)
• Automatic climate control, fully insulated, and energy-efficient
• King-sized beds
• Full en-suite bathroom with showers
• Luxury linens
• Electricity in tents
• Tentside parking + electric vehicle charging at reception
• Private Outdoor patios
• Coffee makers + mini-fridges
• Ecological toiletries + water conservation fixtures

Pet-Friendly | Fireplace(s) | Family-Friendly | Things to Do in Williams | On-site Restaurant | Outdoor Gear Rental Available | Games Provided | Hot Drinks Provied | Eco-Friendly | Spa | Breakfast Included

Grand Canyon Airlines

Leaves from Lake Powell/Page | Leaves from Las Vegas | Leaves from Lake Powell/Page | Leaves from Tusayan | Multi-Attraction Tours | Optional Ground Tour | Optional River Tour | Optional Ground Tour

Western River Expeditions

Professionally Guided | Meals Included | Multi-Day Tours | Family-Friendly | Leaves from Las Vegas

Private Grand Canyon Hiking Tours

Professionally Guided | Lunch Included | Shuttle Services Provided | Hotel Pickup

Maverick Helicopter Tours

Family-Friendly | Reserve Now Pay Later | Additional Tour Options Available | Leaves from Las Vegas | Leaves from Tusayan | Leaves from Phoenix/Scottsdale | Optional Ground Tour

Canyon Dave Tours

Private Tours Available | Educational | Lunch Included | Family-Friendly | Family Business | Multi-Attraction Tours | Multi-Day Tours

Grand Canyon Railway

Family-Friendly | ADA Accessible | Things to Do in Williams

Grand Canyon National Park Bus Tour from Las Vegas

Explore the natural side of Arizona with a day trip to the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim on our luxury bus tour. Your professional bus driver is trained to provide you with interesting facts about the history, flora, and fauna on one of the great wonders of the modern world.

Once you arrive at the South Rim, enjoy stops along the rim such as Mather Point and Bright Angel Lodge. Explore popular attractions in the Grand Canyon National Park such as El Tovar, Hopi House, Kolb Photo Studio, and the Bright Angel Trail and make memories of a lifetime!

Family-Friendly | Leaves from Las Vegas

Grand Canyon Signature Hummer Tour with Optional Sunset Views

Make the most of limited time and see the highlights of Grand Canyon National Park in just a couple of hours on this sightseeing tour. Ride in a windowless, open-air Hummer and listen to commentary from your guide as you visit some of the canyon’s best lookout points, where you can hop out, take photos, and explore. Since this is a small-group tour, you’ll have plenty of time to ask questions, too.

• Visit multiple lookout points within Grand Canyon National Park
• Enjoy the undivided attention of a private driver/guide
• Ideal for first-time visitors and those with limited time
• Choose from multiple departures to best suit your schedule

Family-Friendly

Signature Tour - Grand Canyon South Rim with Ground Tour from Phoenix

Marvel at the Grand Canyon's vast expanse and some of the American Southwest's most awe-inspiring terrain during a scenic flight from Phoenix. Your pilot flies at the perfect altitude to clearly view the natural beauty of Arizona, including Tonto National Forest, San Francisco Peaks, Montezuma Well, and the Red Rocks of Sedona. Experience this majestic wilderness from the ground and air on a day-long tour that includes a stop in the National Park and the historic village.

• Full-day tour of the Grand Canyon by airplane, from Phoenix
• Soak in spectacular aerial views of the Grand Canyon and other Arizona landmarks
• Fly over Tonto National Forest, the Red Rocks of Sedona and Montezuma's Well
• Learn about the wildlife, geology and history of the Grand Canyon and Arizona

Family-Friendly | Multi-Attraction Tours | Professionally Guided | Educational | Leaves from Phoenix/Scottsdale

Hilton Sedona At Bell Rock

Sedona Lodging | Family-Friendly | Pet-Friendly | Whirlpool Tub | Outdoor Pool | On-site Restaurant | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Golf Course | Fitness Center | Wedding Venue

Small Group Grand Canyon West Rim Day Trip from Las Vegas

Professionally Guided | Family-Friendly | Hotel Pickup | Breakfast Included | Lunch Included

Grand Canyon West, Lunch, Hoover Dam Photo Stop, Optional Skywalk

Visit the West Rim of the Grand Canyon on this full-day tour from Las Vegas. Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle, passing by Arizona’s Joshua Tree Forest on the way. At the Grand Canyon West Rim, enjoy four hours of free time to explore highlights like Eagle Point and Guano Point. On the way back, stop by the Hoover Dam bridge for photos.

• Full-day tour to the Grand Canyon West Rim from Las Vegas
• Includes lunch, granola bar and bottled water
• Skywalk and helicopter upgrades available
• Round-trip transfers from select Las Vegas hotels

Leaves from Flagstaff | Lunch Included | Multi-Attraction Tours

Grand Canyon South Rim, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend Day Tour from Las Vegas

• - Grand Canyon National Park, a must-see World Heritage site in the Southwest
• - Antelope Canyon, a renowned slot canyon whose colors and shapes have captivated photographers from around the world
• - Horseshoe Bend where you can overlook the winding Colorado River below.

On the way back to Las Vegas, we will have a short break in Seligman, a small town on Route 66. This is a nice little stopover where you can enjoy the old American atmosphere.

Leaves from Las Vegas | Family-Friendly | Multi-Attraction Tours

North & East Rim Imperial with Ecostar Family Flight

Recommend for groups of 4+. Take the Imperial Air tour on an aircraft dedicated exclusively for yourself and your family/friends.

Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas with VIP Skywalk & Pontoon Boat Ride

Book the ultimate Grand Canyon getaway with this combo tour that begins with a helicopter flight from Las Vegas. Get a birds-eye-view of Hoover Dam and the Grapevine Mesa Joshua Trees en route to the West Rim. Then descend to the canyon floor for a pontoon boat cruise on the Colorado River. Finish with VIP access to the Skywalk, a glass-bottom deck that hovers above the sandstone walls. A souvenir photo and coach transfers are included. ** Please note: Effective for travel prior to April 1, 2024, the price displayed does not include a USD30 per person fuel fee. This fee is payable direct to the supplier on the day of your tour **

• Grand Canyon helicopter combo tour from Las Vegas
• View Hoover Dam and the sandstone canyon walls on a helicopter ride
• Land on the floor of the Grand Canyon Take a pontoon boat cruise along the Colorado River
• Marvel at the breadth of the canyon from the glass-bottom Skywalk at Eagle Point with skip-the-line admission
• Hotel transport and souvenir Skywalk photo included

Leaves from Las Vegas | Multi-Attraction Tours

In the Spotlight

RELATED TRIP IDEAS

MORE WAYS TO EXPLORE GRAND CANYON

One Day in Grand Canyon (Top Sights, South Rim Itinerary, Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 16, 2024

Are you planning a day trip to the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, USA, and wondering how to best plan your time and how to see the best of Grand Canyon in one day ? This post should answer all your questions and help you make the most out of your Grand Canyon day trip. Take a look!

In this article, we share practical tips and all the information that you need to know when visiting the Grand Canyon for a day. Further below, you can find our suggestions for the best things to do at the Grand Canyon in one day and a map indicating all the main points of interest of the South Rim.

We listed the best things to do for your Grand Canyon day trip in such a way that it allows you to make your own perfect 1-day Grand Canyon itinerary . You’ll find suggestions for some of the best viewpoints, short hikes, and some of the most popular Grand Canyon activities.

In order to help you decide how to best plan your time, we also included an example of a suggested Grand Canyon one day itinerary .

Ultimately, it’s your own choice how you decide to spend your day at the Grand Canyon, but this guide should help you decide what’s worth your time the most and how to best plan your Grand Canyon day trip. Find out!

BEST OF GRAND CANYON IN A DAY: * MUST-SEE:  South Rim viewpoints. * TOP TIP: Arrive early. * BUCKET LIST: Helicopter flight above Grand Canyon. * FUN TO DO:  Hiking, stargazing, IMAX movie . * WHERE TO STAY: Best Places to Stay in Grand Canyon . * IN THE AREA: Top Places to See in Arizona .

TIP: If you only have one day in Grand Canyon and don’t feel like planning your own itinerary or worrying about the practical details, you can also book a Grand Canyon day trip with an organized tour.

I made a selection of some of the best-rated Grand Canyon day tours . Most of them start in Las Vegas , a few others in Sedona , Phoenix and Scottsdale , and other areas nearby. Take a look!

• Most popular day tour from Las Vegas .
• From Sedona .
• From the Phoenix area.
• Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours – from various locations.

1 Day in Grand Canyon – OVERVIEW

Grand canyon – introduction.

• 1 day in Grand Canyon – where to go
• How to get to the South Rim

Where to park at the South Rim

• 1 day in Grand Canyon – what to do and map
• Suggested Grand Canyon 1 day itinerary
• Useful tips
• Best places to stay near Grand Canyon

You’ve waited a lifetime to see it with your own eyes, and finally, you find yourself planning a trip to the magnificent Grand Canyon. From sunrise to sunset, and every precious minute in between, find out where to go, what to see, and things to do as you experience the beauty and splendor of this natural masterpiece.

Grand Canyon is one of the most visited National Parks in the USA . If you’re fortunate enough to find yourself among the other 6 million annual visitors to Grand Canyon National Park, there are several things that you should know ahead of time.

Located in the U.S. State of Arizona, the Grand Canyon is a geological masterpiece formed 5-6 million years ago as the Colorado River eroded a 1-mile deep channel through hundreds of layers of banded red rock.

Along with its awe-inspiring views, Grand Canyon National Park provides abundant opportunities to experience history and wildlife. Several museums and historical sites, as well as hundreds of species of wild animals and beautiful flora, adorn the Grand Canyon National Park.

As one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon is one of the most famous, and most-visited attractions on Earth. Tourists from around the world travel here to take in the breathtaking views of this steep-sided canyon and to experience this natural phenomenon firsthand.

Most visitors come here in summer, so if you are visiting in high season, expect big crowds. And the heat. If you can visit in the shoulder season, you’ll find the canyon more enjoyable. It’s also a great destination for spring break !

TIP: Even if you visit Grand Canyon for one day, you should also consider taking at least one of the shorter hikes or joining one of the activities, like horse riding or a helicopter flight. This will make your visit to the Grand Canyon even more memorable!

Grand Canyon day trip – which Rim to visit

You probably already know that the Grand Canyon is huge. It’s about 277 miles (446 km) long and up to 18 miles (29 km) wide. Needless to say, you won’t be able to experience all of it in a day, not even in a week or two… But you can certainly see some amazing places, even if you are just visiting Grand Canyon as a day trip.

Grand Canyon National Park can be experienced at four general destinations: the North Rim, the South Rim, Grand Canyon West, and Grand Canyon East.

If you only have one day in Grand Canyon, you will most definitely want to spend your time at the South Rim. Considered by many to be the ‘true Grand Canyon’, the wide panoramic views from the South Rim represent the classic image of the Grand Canyon that tourists are most familiar with.

As the least remote of the four general visitor areas, the South Rim has the most lodging options, amenities, lookout points, and historic sites. Unlike its seasonal counterparts, the South Rim is open 365 days a year (including holidays) and is the most convenient and family-friendly location in the park.

On the South Rim, you’ll find that the majority of attractions are accessible to everyone. Its smooth, paved Rim Trail and wheelchair-accessible walkways, shuttle buses, bathrooms, and overlooks, are tailored for people with disabilities and those with strollers. Accessibility guides can be found online or at the various entrances to the park.

What about Grand Canyon Skywalk at Grand Canyon West , you may wonder. Yes, it’s absolutely worth a visit if you find yourself in the western part of the Grand Canyon. In fact, it’s a great day tour to Grand Canyon from Las Vegas . However, if you can make it to the South Rim, I recommend you do that. And yes, there is also a guided day tour to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas.

Grand Canyon North Rim is also well worth a visit and the views are stunning, but it can only be accessed from around mid-May to October, sometimes – weather permitting – also in November. Also, depending on where you’re traveling from, it might be further away or maybe closer – so this really depends on your itinerary on the season when you travel.

But since most visitors to the Grand Canyon go to the South Rim, in this article, we just focus on this part of the Grand Canyon. And of course, you can easily visit the South Rim of the Grand Canyon on your own. Here’s how…

How to get to Grand Canyon South Rim

Approximately 3.5-4.5 hours from either Phoenix or Las Vegas and 1.5 hours from Flagstaff, the South Rim is easily accessible from these three major cities with big airports.

However, if your time at Grand Canyon National Park is limited to one day, I highly recommend that you stay as close to the park as possible. Ideally, you should stay near the Grand Canyon for 2 nights. That way you can minimize the time spent getting to the canyon and have more time to explore this beautiful area. You can find some accommodation suggestions further below.

Popular driving routes originate from Flagstaff (via US Highway 180) and Williams, Arizona (via State Route 64). Likewise, public bus transportation and Amtrak service is available from Flagstaff, while vintage train service is available from Williams .

Admission to Grand Canyon National Park is charged per vehicle (not per person), and includes entrance into both the North and South Rim. Valid for 7 days, a Grand Canyon National Park Vehicle Permit costs $35.

TIP: If you are visiting several National Parks over a period of 12 months, you can get America The Beautiful annual pass for just $80. (Prices are valid at the time of writing.)

You can purchase your Grand Canyon entrance pass online, or upon arrival at the park.

When visiting the Grand Canyon for one day, I recommend that you enter the park via the South Entrance Station or from Desert View Drive (Hwy 64). From there, follow signs to the Visitor Center Parking Complex.

Parking at the Visitor Center Parking Complex in lots 1, 2, 3, or 4 will give you easy access to immediate views of the Canyon. These parking areas are in close proximity to the main Visitor Center, several Grand Canyon shuttle stops, and Bright Angel Bicycle Rentals and Cafe.

You should know that Visitor Center Parking Lot 1 has pull-through spaces for RVs and vehicles with trailers, while lots 2, 3, and 4 do not.

TIP: If you are visiting the Grand Canyon during the busy periods of spring break, summer, or fall, long lines form at the South Entrance Station and parking often becomes limited. To avoid congestion and make the most of your one-day at the Grand Canyon, arrive at the park no later than 9 AM (ideally 6-8 AM).

READ ALSO: How to Avoid Long Queues at the Grand Canyon South Entrance

One Day in Grand Canyon – things to do & map

Due to the enormous size of this National Park and the multiple array of things to do, it is extremely important to have a well-thought-out day plan. In order to help you plan your day at the Grand Canyon, I created a map , indicating all the points of interest mentioned in this article. That way you get a better idea of where everything is located.

Alternatively, if you prefer to use the official Grand Canyon tourist map, you can find it here . Print it out and indicate the places that you are planning to visit.

Further below, after we cover all the things that you can see in Grand Canyon in one day, we also have a short overview of the suggested one day Grand Canyon itinerary. Read on!

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Here’s what you can see and do at the Grand Canyon in a day:

1. See the sunrise at Mather Point

To beat the bulk of the crowds and get a jump-start on your day, plan to arrive early enough to watch the first rays of sunlight spill from behind the canyon walls. If you want to see a sunrise at the Grand Canyon , it’s best to arrive at least 30 minutes in advance (check sunrise times here ). Plan to stay for an hour or longer to take in this memorable event. The rest of the day will be busy enough!

Mather Point is by far the most popular sunrise spot at the Grand Canyon. The extensive viewing area at Mather Point is formed from an enormous point projecting out from the rim of the Canyon. It has two further projecting (railed) overlooks that provide epic panoramic views and unbeatable photo opportunities.

Mather Point is very conveniently located only a 2-minute walk from the main Visitor Center. Alternatively, the park’s free shuttle buses start running at 4 AM (in summer) to accommodate visitors looking to catch an iconic sunrise from this vantage point.

TIP: If catching a 5 AM sunrise isn’t your thing, I still recommend choosing Mather Point as your first viewing area at the Grand Canyon. Once again, aim to arrive at the park before 9 AM (ideally, earlier) to beat the crowds at this popular viewpoint.

2. Explore the main Visitor Center

Before you set to explore the Grand Canyon, put the finishing touches on your one-day itinerary by starting your day off at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center .

Located central to the four parking lots discussed above, the Grand Canyon Visitor Center is the hub for finding out information regarding park activities, attractions, ranger programs, and the free shuttle bus system.

Here you can also purchase Grand Canyon souvenirs from the Park Store, stop at the coffee bar and “grab and go” food counter, or rent a bicycle.

Good to know. The Grand Canyon Visitor Center is open daily from 8 AM – 6 PM. So if you start your day at sunrise, it’s probably not worth waiting for it to open. But if you are here after 8 AM, you may want to take a quick look inside.

3. Ride the shuttle along the rim – Hermit Road

One of the best ways to get the most out of your day in Grand Canyon is to combine walking with a shuttle bus . The extensive Grand Canyon shuttle service is free of charge and operates on four organized routes.

When visiting the Grand Canyon for just a day, I recommend boarding the Hermit Road shuttle bus (Red Route). This road is closed to private vehicles from March 1st through November 30th and is really too long to walk in the summer heat. So taking the shuttle is the best way to see the highlights along this 7-mile (11 km) stretch between the Village Route station and Hermits Rest. It stops at nine canyon overlooks along the way.

With some of the best Grand Canyon views that you can see anywhere, the Hermit Road Red Route gives you the chance to experience breathtaking scenery while someone else does the driving.

TIP: Hermit Road should be a part of any Grand Canyon itinerary, but if you are visiting for just a day, only walk small parts of it. Or, even better, just visit the nicest viewpoints and take the shuttle bus in between. Here are some of the best viewpoints:

• From Trail View Point you can often see mules and hikers below.
• Some of the most scenic viewpoints are Hopi Point and Powell Point , which are located right next to each other. The sweeping views are very similar, but because it is less famous than Hopi Point, Powell Point has fewer crowds.
• Mohave Point is also a great one that offers slightly different views and various photo spots. It looks as if it’s floating over the canyon.

Practical information: Outbound shuttles depart Grand Canyon Village every 15-30 minutes (depending on the season) and travel in a loop format between the nine various points of interest which include Pima, Mohave, Hopi, and Powell Point. More info on the shuttle here . Make note that the last return trip buses depart Hermits Rest 1 hour after sunset.

4. Take a short hike: part of Rim Trail, Bright Angel Trail, or South Kaibab Trail

Without a doubt, one of the best ways to explore the Grand Canyon is hiking. There are quite some really nice day hikes at the South Rim, but if you have just one day at the Grand Canyon, you probably won’t want to spend it all hiking…

The good news is that you can do some shorter sections of some spectacular hikes and still get to enjoy the magnificent scenery, even if you just have a couple of hours.

Many options are available if you are looking to add an official ‘hike’ to your Grand Canyon National Park day trip. The following 3 trails are suitable for a partial day hike for any difficulty level. They can easily be tailored to meet your time constraints or physical ability, so for example, you can opt for a 2-hour hike versus a 4-hour hike. Take a look!

TIP: Any Grand Canyon hike requires careful planning and general knowledge about the route. Read the park’s Hike Smart tips here and, most importantly, don’t forget sun protection, snacks, and LOTS and LOTS of water! See also our practical tips further below.

South Rim Trail

The South Rim Trail is an easy hike with minimal elevation change. Though the total length of the Rim Trail is 13 miles (this includes the earlier mentioned Hermit Road), you do not have to hike the whole distance to experience grand views. You can easily turn around or hop on a shuttle (which stops every 0.5-1 mile) if the walking becomes too tiring.

In fact, it’s best to only do sections of this walk, as it will leave you exhausted. We made the mistake of walking the entire Hermit Road when we visited the Grand Canyon. It was unbearably hot (we were there in July), kids drank all the water just as we were at the furthest point from the nearest drinking water spot, and we definitely regretted not taking the shuttle earlier.

The Rim trail starts at the South Kaibab Trailhead and follows directly along the South Rim all the way to Hermit’s Rest. With the majority of this trail being paved and some of it being shaded, the Rim Trail is easily accessible and accommodating for all ages and abilities.

Bright Angel Trail

The Bright Angel Trail is the most popular hiking trail from the South Rim. It gives visitors a chance to experience going below the rim and “into the canyon”. 12 miles long in its entirety, there are multiple rest houses and switchbacks every 1.5 miles that provide opportunities to turn around when opting for a shorter hike.

Bright Angel Trail starts just west of Bright Angel Lodge and ends at Plateau Point. This is a well-maintained dirt trail with some shade. Due to its mainly unforeseen elevation changes, the danger in hiking this trail lies in underestimating the steepness of the trail and the energy and exertion needed to get back up, especially in warmer Grand Canyon temperatures.

South Kaibab Trail

Another well-maintained dirt trail that takes you below the rim is the South Kaibab Trail . South Kaibab Trail is steeper than Bright Angel Trail. It’s also a bit further away and is only accessible by a free Grand Canyon Shuttle Bus that departs from Mather Point.

Popular options on this 6.5-mile trail include hiking a short distance to Ooh Aah Point and then turning around. The Ooh Aah Point is about 0.8 miles one way and you should count about 2 hours for this hike: 30 minutes down, 20-30 minutes for photos and rest, and about 1 hour to get back. Some people do this hike in about 1-1.5 hours too, so it all depends on how fast you walk and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery or take photos.

If looking to combine a picnic and bathroom break with your hike, go a bit further to Cedar Ridge . Cedar Ridge is 1.5 miles from the trailhead and is a great place for a snack break or lunch before hiking back up. Count at least 2.5 hours roundtrip.

Important to know: The general rule of thumb for both Bright Angel and South Kaibab is to plan on it taking twice as long to hike up as it took to hike down.

TIP: If you have just 1 day in Grand Canyon and choose to do a small part of the Bright Angel Trail or South Kaibab Trail, I recommend hiking just 30-60 minutes down into the canyon. It allows you to see some spectacular scenery, while still keeping enough time for other activities.

5. Walk the Trail of Time

In order to better understand the history, geological significance, and overwhelming age of the Grand Canyon, make sure to walk the interpretive timeline, Trail of Time .

Exhibitions along The Trail of Time display historical information and include actual rock samples that have been collected from all 70-plus geologic layers of the Grand Canyon.

Embedded into the walking path is a representative timeline marked by brass markers placed every 1 meter underfoot. Each marker represents 1 million years of geological time and depicts the depth of the canyon and the rock formed during that time period.

Practical information: The Trail of Time is incorporated into the easily accessible (South) Rim Trail and extends from the Yavapai Geology Museum (30min walk from Mather Point) to Verkamps Visitor Center. It’s 1.7 miles (2.9 km) in length, is completely flat, and takes about 1 hour. More info here .

6. Visit the Hopi House

Hopi House is another landmark located on the South Rim that you probably should include in your one-day Grand Canyon itinerary. It’s located just near the Verkamps Visitor Center, and so it doesn’t take much effort to get there.

Constructed in 1904, the Hopi House was built to serve as a market for Native American crafts made by on-site artisans. The Hopi tribe, as the original inhabitants of this area, were chosen as the featured artisans. Hopi House was crafted out of adobe bricks to closely resemble a traditional Hopi pueblo.

A National Historic Landmark, Hopi House combines retail shopping with museum quality artifact viewing. Here you will find a wide range of native arts and crafts available for purchase, such as hand-crafted kachina dolls, Native American jewelry and pottery, and hand-woven Navajo rugs.

Practical information: Run by the Hopi people to this day, Hopi House is open from 9 AM-5 PM all year round. Count 15-30 minutes for a visit.

7. Attend a ranger-led program

In addition to the Grand Canyon’s historical sites, there are also guided hikes and tours given by park rangers. They might be an excellent addition to your one-day Grand Canyon itinerary, especially if you are not planning to do much hiking.

With titles such as “Guided Rim Walk”, “Canyon Tales”, “Fossil Discovery” and “Geology Glimpse”, Grand Canyon National Park ranger programs are both educational and fun.

Practical information: For a complete list of ranger programs, times, and locations, visit the National Park Service website . Note that all ranger programs are free of charge and that children must be accompanied by an adult. Outdoor ranger programs are subject to cancellation based on weather or when lightning danger is present.

8. Join one of the Grand Canyon tours – helicopter flight, mule ride, and more

There are endless possibilities and ways to experience the Grand Canyon. Your choice will, of course, depend on your personal preference, time constraints, cost, and/or availability.

The athletic and adventurous can choose from guided hiking or biking tours , mule tours, jeep tours , river float tours , or white-water rafting tours . Other fantastic and more distinctive options include sightseeing on a Grand Canyon helicopter tour or a scenic plane ride .

Regardless of which tour you choose, each one of these exciting opportunities provides astonishing viewpoints and memories to last a lifetime.

TIP: Make a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon. It takes just a little time and is, therefore, a perfect choice if you are short on time and have just one day in Grand Canyon. We took this helicopter flight starting at the South Rim when we visited the Grand Canyon and it was an incredible experience, something I’ll never forget. Check it out!

9. Visit the National Geographic Visitor Center

Either before or after your tour of Grand Canyon National Park, make sure to visit The Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center which is located 1 mile outside of the South Rim park entrance in the town of Tusayan.

The National Geographic Visitor Center is home to the world-famous Grand Canyon IMAX movie, “Over the Rim and Beyond, Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets”. The 34-minute IMAX Grand Canyon film transports viewers through time as it depicts the lives of the first inhabitants of the Grand Canyon to the present-day Natural Wonder that the canyon is today.

Taking in the movie from the comfortable and air-conditioned IMAX theater is definitely one of the best things to do after a long day of hiking and outdoor heat, or for those people who are less mobile.

This highly recommended visitor center provides travelers with more in-depth information about the Grand Canyon and includes an expansive souvenir shop and dining area.

Practical information: The Center is open daily from 8 AM till 10 PM from March till the end of October and from 9 AM to 8 PM in winter. Here you can book the IMAX movie tickets in advance .

10. Go dark sky stargazing

If you haven’t had enough and want to get an absolute maximum of your one day at the Grand Canyon, consider ending your day with an epic stargazing experience.

As an honored International Dark Sky Park, Grand Canyon National Park is one of the best places in the world for seeing stars. The canyon’s remote location away from major cities and air pollution make for exceptionally dark skies and crisp nighttime views.

If you’re not too tired come nightfall, head to any of the viewpoints along the South Rim to see the canyon by starlight and find unobstructed views of the nighttime sky. There’s a beautiful silence and stillness that will engulf you making this an unforgettable experience.

TIP: Be prepared to drive your own car and do the walking, as park shuttles only run until 1 hour after sunset. Also, make sure to bring along a flashlight or a headlight to help you walk to and from your stargazing location.

How to see the best of Grand Canyon in one day – suggested itinerary

Following the recommendations above, I created a sample Grand Canyon 1 day itinerary. I assume that you are staying very close to the South Rim and can indeed spend an entire day exploring the Grand Canyon.

Here’s what your Grand Canyon day trip could look like:

• Start your Grand Canyon day trip at sunrise at Mather Point .
• Get a glimpse of the Grand Canyon at Mather Point , if not done yet.
• OPTIONAL: Take the shuttle to South Kaibab Trailhead and hike to Ooh Aah Point and Cedar Ridge . It’s best to do any hiking as early in the morning as possible before it gets too hot. Count +- 3hrs for this. There is a picnic area and bathroom facilities at Cedar Ridge. You can have lunch here or at the Visitor Center (see below).
• OPTIONAL: If you didn’t hike to Ooh Aah Point and have more time, consider joining a Ranger-led tour . Alternatively, do a small part of the Bright Angel Trail .
• Explore the main Visitor Center and have lunch.
• Walk the Trail of Time and visit Hopi House . Count +-2 hrs.
• Take the shuttle along Hermit Road and visit some of the best viewpoints .
• Visit the National Geographic Visitor Center , watch the IMAX movie and/or take a helicopter tour . Be sure to book in advance. Depending on availability, you could either do the helicopter tour first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon.
• Dinner and if you still have some energy, come back to the park for some stargazing .

Practical tips for visiting the Grand Canyon

• Arrive very early!
• Wear comfortable walking shoes as you will do a lot of walking.
• Dress in layers. Sun protection is a must in summer!
• Bring a refillable water bottle (in summer, I would take two bottles per person, especially if you are planning to do any hiking), picnic lunch, and snacks. There are several water bottle filling stations located throughout the park.
• Great picnic spots include Hermit’s Rest (shaded tables and bathrooms), Yaki Point, or Cedar Ridge (on the South Kaibab Trail).
• Be prepared for the weather as it will influence your visit.
• For safety tips, check the Grand Canyon National Park’s safety guidelines .
• Be patient with other tourists and have fun!
• If traveling in the winter months, you may want to read our guide to visiting the Grand Canyon in winter .

PRO TIP: If you are planning to visit several American National Parks, get an annual pass! It’s called America the Beautiful Pass and costs just 80 USD for the whole family traveling in the same vehicle. It is valid in all National Parks and 2,000 federal recreation sites across the United States for one year from the month of purchase.

Where to stay near the Grand Canyon

As I already mentioned, one of the best ways to get the most out of your day at the Grand Canyon is to stay as close to the South Rim as possible. That way you can beat the traffic and the crowds.

There are several hotels at the Grand Canyon Village itself (inside the park). Check out the Bright Angel Lodge , El Tovar Hotel , Maswik Lodge , or Yavapai Lodge ! These accommodations are, of course, more expensive (and usually fully booked) than the hotels outside the National Park. But you pay for the location and often it’s worth it, especially for a short trip where you want to make the most of your experience in a little time.

For more affordable options nearby, check hotels in Tusayan (this is where the helicopter tours start, some 6 miles from the South Rim). For example, The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon is an excellent choice. The Red Feather Lodge is a good budget option.

TIP: Using the map below, you can easily find the best accommodations for your visit to Grand Canyon. Simply insert your travel dates and group size and you’ll see what’s available for your stay. You may have to zoom out a bit more for more options a bit further away from the National Park entrance. Check it out!

Other popular places to stay near the Grand Canyon are the two bigger towns Williams and Flagstaff , within 1-1.5 hrs driving distance from the Grand Canyon South Rim. Both these towns offer a big variety of accommodations at more affordable prices and are easily accessible from the main highways in the area.

LEARN MORE: Grand Canyon Hotels & Lodging Guide

So, these are our suggestions for the best way to spend one day at the Grand Canyon National Park. I hope that this guide will help you make the best of your short time at this beautiful natural landmark.

TIP: If you have more time in this area, you may want to know that it’s quite easy to combine a trip to Grand Canyon with that of the Antelope Canyon, Route 66, and more. Here you can find our suggested 2-day itinerary for Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend . Check it out!

Below, you can find some questions that our readers asked about visiting the Grand Canyon and our answers to them.

Grand Canyon in One Day: FAQ

Grand Canyon South Rim is the best place to visit at the Grand Canyon. The area is open year-round, it offers easy access to the most beautiful viewpoints, and there are also great facilities and visitor services including a shuttle bus that brings you to the best places along Hermit Road.

Grand Canyon National Park is huge and it would take days to explore all four rims and do some hiking inside the canyon. That being said, one day is enough for the main highlights of the Grand Canyon. With just 1 day in Grand Canyon, we recommend visiting the South Rim and getting there as early in the morning as possible.

As already mentioned, you can see the main highlights of Grand Canyon’s South Rim in just one day, but you can also spend a week at the Grand Canyon and still not see everything. So how much time you need will depend on what you absolutely want to see and whether you are planning to do any hiking.

Grand Canyon’s South Rim can be visited year-round. However, the best time to visit the Grand Canyon is spring and fall (March-May and September – November). The weather is pleasant for sightseeing and it’s not as busy as in the summer months. If you plan on visiting in the summer, make sure to book your accommodations well in advance.

We recommend arriving as early in the morning as possible and staying late. Sunrises and sunsets are magical at the Grand Canyon! If you come early in the morning (ideally before 8-8.30 AM), it will also be easier to find a parking spot at the South Rim.

South Rim is open year-round and has better facilities and nicer overlooks. North Rim of the Grand Canyon can only be visited in summer; the road is usually open from around mid-May to mid-October.

Yes, it is possible to visit the Grand Canyon as a day trip from Las Vegas. The closest place to go to is the Grand Canyon Skywalk on the West Rim, but you can also visit South Rim from Vegas. There are also organized tours available from Vegas, including Grand Canyon West & Skywalk , the highlights of South Rim , or helicopter tours that land inside the canyon.

LEARN MORE: Best Day Trips from Las Vegas

If you are traveling to U.S. Southwest, you may also like these travel guides on our blog:

• Best Places to Visit in Arizona (all the musts & so much more!)
• Best Places to Visit in Utah (first-timers’ bucket list)
• Phoenix Itinerary
• Monument Valley Scenic Drive
• Top Sights & Attractions in Las Vegas (Vegas is often combined with a visit to Grand Canyon)
• Las Vegas Travel Tips & Info (a must-read if visiting Vegas!)
• One Day in Las Vegas
• Best Day Trips from Las Vegas
• Best Things To Do in Sedona Arizona
• Sedona Day Trip (perfect combination with the Grand Canyon)
• Hiking in Zion (not to be missed in this area!)
• Zion to Bryce Canyon Itinerary (1, 2, or 3 days)
• Top Places to See in Death Valley National Park
• Best Things to Do in Arches National Park
• Best Things to Do in Canyonlands National Park
• Best Things to Do in Moab
• Moab Itinerary (Arches NP, Canyonlands NP, and more)
• Best of Los Angeles in 3 Days
• San Diego Itinerary Suggestions (a great city trip for all seasons)
• Universal Studios Hollywood
• Warner Bros. Hollywood vs. Universal Studios LA

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

Image credits: GrandCanyon – Anton Foltin/Shutterstock.com// Views from South Kaibab Trail – RonGreer/Shutterstock.com// South Rim – Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com// Grand Canyon sign- Lynn Yeh/Shutterstock.com// Mather Point – Jay Yuan/Shutterstock.com// Bright Angel Trail – CreativeEdge7/Shutterstock.com// South Kaibab Trail – Anton Foltin/Shutterstock.com// Trail of Time – Daniel Dror/Shutterstock.com// Hopi House – OLOS/Shutterstock.com// Mule ride – Roman Khomlyak/Shutterstock.com// Stargazing – Alexey Suloev/Shutterstock.com// Helicopter – Kevin Norris/Shutterstock.com

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Ralph Burrelle

Monday 15th of January 2024

This is such a great, great resource, as for our upcoming trip we will have only one day at the Grand Canyon. Thank you for such a detailed itinerary. There are some parts that I would like to print out so I can further study your recommendations and make some notes, but when I try to use the right click feature on my mouse to access the print option, a pop-up says that "right click is disabled." Is there another way to print out some of this wonderful information?

Tuesday 16th of January 2024

Hi Ralph, you can always use Ctrl+p and print the pages you absolutely need. Or simply bookmark the page and check it back when you need it. Hope this helps. Have a great trip!

Tuesday 16th of May 2023

We're only spending a day and a half this September and were thinking about doing the buck wild hummer tour. Have you heard any good things about that tour?

Thursday 18th of May 2023

Hi Adam, we have no personal experience with this tour, but I see this tour on Viator (if that's the one you mean) and it has over a thousand of amazing reviews. So I guess you can't go wrong with it. Have a great trip!

Friday 16th of December 2022

Thank you for such a detailed article. I am going to the Grand Canyon tomorrow - so excited!

Glad to help, Hanah. Have a great time at the Grand Canyon! I saw it got snow last week, so it looks really beautiful now.

Wednesday 30th of March 2022

that was an awesome post, thanks a lot. I'm from Brazil and i'm planning a west coast trip for June, it's a dream to visit the Grand Canyon and I chose the South Rim since it's said everywhere to be the best side. I'm spending two nights in Williams so I can dedicate a full day for the visit, and then I'm heading to Page to see the Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. I was having trouble finding a good guide with details on how exactly to visit the Grand Canyon and your page helped a LOT. I even saved the link on my trip planner so I can go back to it. A question, do you know if I have to buy the ticket in advance or if I can just arrive at the GC and pay for the entrance?

again, thanks for the awesome tips!

Friday 1st of April 2022

Hi Luciana, your itinerary sounds good. If you mean the National Park entrance pass, you can indeed buy it on the spot. If you plan on visiting several NPs in the same year, you can get an annual pass too, and just show it at the entrance of any park you visit. If you need more info/ tips for the Antelope Canyon and the area, take a look at this article as well. Have a great trip!

Thank You very much. I was very late planning this trip so time is limited. We’re driving from Vegas, planning on 3-4 hours in Canyon then hotel in Flagstaff. We’re going with three kids, youngest is 9 and two 80 years olds. Based on your site, below is my plan and curious if you would add or delete anything….

-Arrive at lunchtime, picnic at Mather Point -Walk Rim trail to Verkamp’s visitor center. 80 year olds meet us there via bus. -bus to Powell Point. -bus to Hermits Rest? Is that worth it ? -bus back to visitors center.

Hi Ken, your plan looks good to me. You can just decide on Hermits Rest once you are there. Alternatively, you can also just walk a bit more along the rim. A lot depends on the weather too. We once visited in July and could hardly do anything we planned because it was unbearably hot. So it's good to have a plan, and you can then adjust it accordingly depending on how you feel on the day itself. Have a nice trip!

Top 10 Best Ways to Experience the Grand Canyon

Sabrina Taylor

For many, visiting the Grand Canyon is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a single chance to capture as many memories as possible. Over the last century, the area surrounding this massive natural landform has grown and evolved, and today there are dozens of tour operators and activities available to tourists. If you’re planning a visit to this treasured American destination, you deserve the best Grand Canyon tour possible, no matter how much time you have to spare during your trip. Here are our top 10 recommendations for the best Grand Canyon tours and activities.

1. Explore the Surface

Some of the most famous and recognizable rock formations are scattered across the South Rim. To see each of these incredible sights in one day, a Hummer excursion is the best Grand Canyon National Park tour available. Each Hummer is fitted with a convertible roof and air-conditioning, perfect to counteract the sudden weather changes that frequently happen at the canyon. Best of all, Hummer tour guides know the canyon better than anyone! They can answer all of your questions and find the perfect sightseeing spots while avoiding the crowds.

2. Stand Above It

Arguably one of the most popular features at the Grand Canyon is the Skywalk Bridge , located at the West Rim. This impressive piece of architecture allows tourists to literally stand above the rock gorges of the Grand Canyon. The glass floor of this U-shaped bridge offers the opportunity to see all the way to the bottom of the canyon just by looking through your feet.

3. Spend the Night

Located in rural Arizona, Bar 10 Ranch offers guests exciting outdoor activities and sightseeing throughout the eastern Grand Canyon. Guests can experience the vast desert landscape on horseback or on at ATV tour, then enjoy a variety of activities back at the ranch like beach volleyball, tetherball, and billiards. The ranch is known for its home-cooked barbecue and friendly staff. Overnight guests at Bar 10 have a rare and enviable opportunity to spend the night in a converted covered wagon under one of the brightest night skies in the world. The massive amount of bookings that Bar 10 Ranch receives annually proves its place as one of the best Grand Canyon tours available.

4. Raft Through It

Perhaps one of the most all-encompassing methods of exploring the Grand Canyon, rafting through the stone walls down the Colorado River is an extremely high-demand adventure. In fact, rafting outfitters are regularly booked over a year in advance. Rafting tours can last anywhere between 14 hours up to a full 18-day journey through the entire canyon. By day, rafters explore whitewater rapids and waterfalls and by night they camp on the canyon floor, a truly enviable opportunity. Find more information about what  Grand Canyon Rafting has to offer.

5. Float the Colorado River

Whitewater rafting isn’t your only option to experience travelling down the Colorado River. Visitors to the Grand Canyon National Park have the opportunity to float through Glen Canyon on a smoothwater rafting tour. Rafters are transported from the national park to the city of Page, Arizona where the float trip begins. You'll drift between the ancient canyon walls, see Native American petroglyphs, and even float through the world-famous Horseshoe Bend before returning to the Grand Canyon National Park. If you’re planning a visit to the South Rim, this is the best Grand Canyon tour for those who have plenty of time to sightsee.

6. Turn It Into a Road Trip

The Grand Canyon West Rim is just over a 3-hour drive from Las Vegas, while the South Rim is approximately 5 hours. Instead of making the journey in your rental car, sit back and relax on a Grand Canyon bus tour. You can travel from Las Vegas through the incredible landscapes of the Mojave Desert to either the West Rim and the  South Rim . These are the best Grand Canyon tours for those who prefer ground transportation over flight, and who have a good amount of time available or sightseeing.

7. Make It An Outdoor Adventure

The American Southwest is scattered with historic landmarks and hidden gems, one of which being Eldorado Canyon - where Nevada's oldest gold mine can be found. This ghost town offers plenty of Western buildings to explore, as well as ATV tours, and guided tours deep inside the haunted Techatticup Mine! Eldorado Canyon can be visited via helicopter tour or added onto a Grand Canyon tour .

8. Include the Las Vegas Strip

A huge number of Grand Canyon tours depart from Las Vegas and the surrounding area. Additionally, many tours offer an upgrade to include a flight over Las Vegas Boulevard. The sprawling casinos and pools are even more impressive from an aerial perspective - especially when flying over the neon lights at night!

9. Fly Over It

The Grand Canyon is unarguably one of the most photogenic places in the world, but one can only see so much while standing at the edge. Both the  Grand Canyon West Rim and the Grand Canyon South Rim offer a variety of airplane and helicopter tours that fly right over the edge and across the massive stone gorges. The aerial views from the aircraft are simply unmatched from those on the ground!

10. Land at the Bottom

Yes, this is actually possible! By far the most high-demand way to explore the Grand Canyon, the West Rim is the only region that allows  helicopter landings on the floor  - which is convenient as Las Vegas is just a 45-minute helicopter flight away. The entire Grand Canyon is beautiful from every perspective, but seeing the giant stone walls from below is truly an experience unlike any other, possibly the best Grand Canyon tour available.

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Grand Canyon Tours & Trips

Explore the terracotta wonders of America with a Grand Canyon vacation package. Weave through impressive gorges in Lake Powell, step back in time to the Wild West on a road trip through Monument Valley, and finally let your hair down in the Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas!

90 Grand Canyon tour packages with 1,468 reviews

• Sightseeing

Grand Canyon and More 3 day tour

All that I can say is ""THANK YOU"" ! We spent the best few days of our lives touring the West with our guide Chloe. She was an awesome guide with an endless knowledge of the sites , stories and people we visited. She was aware of our limits and likes and made sure that our tours were jam packed and filled with sensory overload. After the tour was over and we parted ways with Chloe and felt that we left a dear friend behind. Your company and Chloe get a solid 10 out of 10 ""Stars"" and talked about with nothing but the highest of praise. Thank you again for a lifetime of memories jam packed into a few short days.

• 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Christmas & New Year

Sedona, Monument Valley & Antelope Canyon – 3 days

Lorenzo was a wonderful guide. Very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Our driver Donald was awesome! Very professional and skilled. My children and I enjoyed our tour very much.

• Cultural Photography

Western Deserts – 3 days

Loved the tour guide and bus driver

• Hiking & Trekking

National Parks Winter Tour

Did the 3-day tour and it was a great experience. This definitely was not an in-depth tour and shouldn't be perceived so prior to the tour. It was intense and schedule was tight throughout the whole 3-day tour. Wish we had more time at each place. However, the tour was perfect to give people a taste of the beauty and wonder of these landmarks. Certainly will come back for more in the future. Our tour guide Paul was very helpful and engaging. He did a great job managing the whole group as well as the busy schedule. Honestly speaking, it would be hard to find a better tour guide than Paul. Overall, a tour worth time and every penny

Incredible Canyons of the West Experience 3D/2N (from Las Vegas)

Great tour!! Our guide, Eduardo, was extraordinary with his knowledge and passion. He was also very entertaining. The 3 day tour was perfect!

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Mountain Hikes

Discover American Canyonlands National Geographic Journeys

Matthew (CEO) was great. As issues/challenges arose (which they inevitably do) Matthew addressed them, and provided options/alternatives, which he presented to the group and the group came to a consensus. A suggestion for Management/Tour Operator, The "meeting" with a Native American who was to talk about his/her Native American culture, should be given "guardrails" and stay within their "Lane". There are those who do not share the presenter's same political viewpoint as the presenter and the presenter should respect that his/her audience may have differing political viewpoint(s) and stay away from brining politics into their presentation. Again Matthew (CEO) was a great ambassador for the Tour Operator and we would definitely take another tour/trip with Matthew!

Sedona, Monument Valley & Antelope Canyon Experience 3D/2N (from Las Vegas)

We had a great time on our tour. It was jammed pack full of fun and information. Our guide Patricia was the best. She knew so much history about the states we travelled to and the parks we visited. I would definitely recommend this tour and Patricia.

Real San Francisco to LA (from San Francisco to Los Angeles)

• In-depth Cultural

USA - Las Vegas, Sedona & the Monument Valley

USA - Sedona, Monument Valley & Antelope Canyon

Canyon Country Adventure

Excellent tour. Great tour guide!

Southwest Family Journey: Sedona, Zion & the Grand Canyon

Southwest Road Trip: Zion, the Grand Canyon & Santa Monica Sunsets

Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and the Grand Canyon

Western Classics

What people love about grand canyon tours.

It was an absolutely stellar tour with great value for money, and I would take another with Bindlestiff, no doubt. Our guide, Charlie, was the buddy you wanted to bring you along, sharing many insights and tales. Meeting the Navajo and enjoying the spectacular landscapes and parks have become memories for life.

Tour guide a great humanist able to reach out to all, domestic and foreign, to first form individual friendships that then led collectively to group bonding to experience nature's wonders. All members of our group became friends sharing the influence of our guide who understands human nature the way God would have it.

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Grand Canyon Tours

Highly recommended grand canyon tours, pink jeep tours.

Helicopter Tours

Airplane Tours

Smooth Water Bus Trip

Incredible Grand Canyon Tours Available

The canyon is home to some of the most incredible tour packages visitors can embark on. Tours provide detailed information about the Grand Canyon National Park and allow you to see the natural beauty and wonder of the canyon while being guided by experts. In addition, experienced guides with in-depth knowledge share the history of the area while showing you artifacts, plant life, wildlife and more. Experience the sunset’s vivid colors during an evening walking tour or jump into an airplane for amazing views of the vistas and plateaus.

Hop on the Grand Canyon Railway Train and enjoy a show of Wild West proportions, including a gunfight and singing actors or take a trip back into the past and ride a mule into the inner recesses of the Grand Canyon and stay at the famous Phantom Ranch.

Dive into the rapids of the Colorado River with a guided rafting trip and stay out among the stars while sitting around a campfire. With such a variety of tours available it can be hard to make a selection.

Guided Bus and Jeep Tours allow visitors to enjoy the views, stop at specific locations and get to more distant places faster than by walking alone. Guides of the driving tours have extensive knowledge of the area and can take you places that you wouldn’t ordinarily see. Ride in the comfort of a Coach Bus or jump into a Jeep “Outback” style adventure.

Learn More about Grand Canyon Bus and Jeep Tours.

Canyon Helicopter Tours

Located in Arizona but not too far from Las Vegas, Grand Canyon helicopter tours offer a number of ways for you to explore the amazing landscape in all of its natural beauty.

Learn More about Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours.

Canyon Airplane Tours

Grand Canyon Airlines is believed to be the world’s oldest and most experienced air tour company in continuous operation since 1927. Proudly owned since 1967 by Elling B. Halvorson and Family, Mr. Halvorson has been credited with truly developing and shaping the Grand Canyon Airplane tours industry.

Learn More about Grand Canyon Airplane Tours.

Canyon Smooth Water Bus Trip

Experience the thrill of a 15.5-mile smooth water float trip down the Colorado River, through Glen Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Ground transport is available to transport guests from their South Rim hotel to Page, Arizona where the guided rafting tour will begin.

Learn More about Canyon Smooth Water Bus Trip.

Grand Canyon Secondary Tours Recommendations

Grand canyon south rim self-guided driving tours.

Explore Grand Canyon the way it was meant to be explored! This self-guided tour takes you to all the best vistas, hikes, and attractions along the canyon’s South Rim and tells you the secret history behind this famous landscape.

Learn More about Self-Guided Driving Tours

Grand Canyon National Park Outdoor Activities

Enjoy a variety of hiking and sightseeing tours through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.  Options range from easy half day tours to private full day tours.  Tours are available  for all levels of experience and fitness.

Learn More about Viator Tours

Grand Canyon Tours from Las Vegas

There are many great Grand Canyon Tours that leave from this location but for those that are looking for exciting & convenient Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas there are also many great options.

Learn More about Grand Canyon Tours from Las Vegas

Western River Expeditions Rafting Tours

Explore the Grand Canyon in an way like no other with Western River Expeditions.  Discovery the hidden treasures of the mighty Colorado River with a variety of Grand Canyon Rafting Trip options.

Learn More about Western River Expeditions

Mule and Horseback Riding Tours

The Mule and Horseback Riding Tours are some of the most well-known iconic trips through the Grand Canyon that every visitor should consider. Breathtaking trails and vista stops leave people saying that these tours make memories that last a lifetime. Make your vacation memory now – you can even pack ride to the historical Inner Canyon Phantom Ranch Cabins if you plan far enough in advance.

Learn More about Grand Canyon Mule and Horseback Riding Tours.

River Rafting Tours

Grand Canyon River Rafting Tours are the only way to see some of the isolated beauty of the Park. Hidden waterfalls, overhanging plants and archaeological history are only some of the things you can see while floating down the Colorado River. Trips vary from lifetime adventures of 7 days and short day excursion trips for guests to enjoy slow rafting or white water splashing!

Learn More about Grand Canyon Rafting Tours.

Railway Tours

From Williams to the National Park, the Grand Canyon Railway offers an absolutely fun ride that includes a Western Style “Shootout” and allows visitors to explore the Canyon for 3 hours before returning back to the depot. Actors tell stories and sing for the passengers while showing off the beautiful views and providing refreshments. The Railway Tour is great for all ages and guests.

Learn More about Grand Canyon Railway Tours.

Group Tours

Group Tours and special rates are available for pre-formed groups of 15 or more with advanced reservations. Consider using Group Tours for bringing your entire family on a vacation they will never forget. Group rates are available for church groups and schools. When ready, contact the group sales department with details on your group and your travel plans and we’ll help in your planning.

Learn More about Grand Canyon Group Tours.

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Float trip recommendations please - Grand Canyon National Park Forum

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Float trip recommendations please

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2 replies to this topic

There is a 1/2 smooth float trip on the Colorado in Page that takes out at Lees Ferry (park boundary). The rafting trips within the park are all white water and multiple days. There is a raft trip out of Peach Spring (to the west of the park that is more than just floating and it ends up being a full day between getting there, floating and returning.

If you decide to go to Page for the float trip, also consider a slot canyon tour.

The Glen Canyon float trip is your only option. Wilderness Adventures is the provider in Page. Book asap.

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The rise and fall of 99 Cents Only

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Good morning. It’s Thursday, April 11 . Here’s what you need to know to start your day.

• 99 Cents Only was an L.A. icon. That couldn’t save it .
• Another cold, wet storm is set to hit SoCal this weekend.
• The unmissable addition to Disneyland’s Star Tours ride .
• And here’s today’s e-newspaper .

You're reading the Essential California newsletter

Our reporters guide you through our biggest news, features and recommendations every morning

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.

Californians love a bargain. For more than 40 years, we’ve found one at 99 Cents Only. But the iconic store announced last week that it will close all of its locations.

99 Cents Only was an L.A. icon.

The first 13 customers who walked into 99 Cents Only at its Grand Opening in 1982 got an extra special deal: 99 cent televisions.

Founder David Gold didn’t look back. Within two years, the family opened two more locations. By 1991, there were two dozen. By 2011, 289 dotted the map across the South West.

“We were jam-packed from the beginning,” Howard Gold, David’s son, told The Times last week .

Two parts to the winning formula:

• The price: “When I put a 99-cent sign on anything, it was gone in no time,” David Gold told The Times in 2003 . “It was a magic number.”
• The quality: “My dad really loved the merchandise,” daughter Karen Schiffer said in his 2013 Times obituary .

Here’s one great example reporters Andrea Chang and Laurence Darmiento found:

Just before the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, the retailer purchased 500,000 authentic Olympic souvenir hats for 37 cents each. It priced them at 99 cents apiece, when other shops listed them at $8. The three 99 Cents Only stores were soon inundated with customers.

The store had been struggling for several years.

Los Angeles private equity firm Ares Management and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board bought 99 Cents Only in 2011, for $1.6 billion.

The sale saddled the company with a huge debt load. COVID changed the nature of shopping. And ultimately, the company couldn’t stick to the 99 cent price tag. Whatever the reason, customers reacted poorly.

Read more about the company’s stunning fall here.

I can’t be the only one with fond memories of 99 Cents Only.

When I think of the store, I’m transported back to high school, when you could get three bars or boxes of your favorite name-brand candy for under $1. This paired nicely with a movie night at the dollar theater across the street — and saved teenage me a fortune by avoiding inflated concession stand prices. You just had to wear the right jacket to sneak in your low-cost contraband.

And as my educator wife can attest, 99 Cents Only stores are invaluable for underpaid, overworked teachers looking to stock up on school supplies and classroom decorations.

The bargain store was a great equalizer.

Proud penny-pincher and Times columnist Gustavo Arellano eulogized the SoCal staple this week .

“Even though it was a multibillion-dollar company, 99 Cents Only operated under a premise straight from the Great Depression: a fair shake for everyone who entered,” Gustavo wrote. “Here, the retiree shopped alongside the hipster, and the only colors that mattered were the bright blue and pink on the marquee of each store.”

Many of the company’s stores operate in “food deserts.” With hundreds of stores preparing to close, thousands of people in communities that lack access to healthy, affordable food will have one less option.

“I make OK money, and buying here helps me. But imagine if you’re on WIC ? If you’re on Social Security? You need a place like this. Are people now supposed to go to Ralphs? Or Target? With what money?” Victor Barrios told Gustavo.

There’s one final bargain.

Going-out-of-business sales began Friday and are expected to end April 19, with prices storewide slashed by up to 30%.

Today’s top stories

California home insurance crisis

• Upscale Westside L.A. neighborhoods are hit very hard by State Farm home insurance cancellations .
• State Farm won’t renew 72,000 insurance policies in California , worsening the state’s insurance crisis.
• California’s home insurer of last resort sees an enrollment surge , raising concerns over its finances.
• California’s home insurance crisis: What went wrong, how it can be fixed and what owners can do.
• California insurer of last resort says it’s not prepared for a big disaster.

Rising water rates

• SoCal will see a spike in water rates and taxes to cover rising costs and conservation efforts.
• As water rates climb , many are struggling to pay for an essential service.

Heists and burglaries in L.A.

• Shattered windows, slashed tires and GPS trackers: L.A. freeway heists shock jewelers .
• Sophisticated ‘burglary tourists’ fly from South America to rob wealthy homes, LAPD says.
• A neighbor heard odd noises amid a heist of up to $30 million from a Sylmar vault.

Coachella 2024

• Coachella was the gold standard of music festivals. Has it lost its shine?
• Why is Coachella headliner Doja Cat L.A.’s only female rap megastar?
• Eighteen acts we can’t wait to see at Coachella 2024 .
• Coachella 2024: Everything you need to know about the festival.
• 2024 Coachella food lineup is stacked with heavy hitters from L.A.’s dining scene.
• Taylor Swift at Coachella? These are the 3 sets where our experts think she could appear.

More big stories

• Summer heat won’t last: Another cold, wet storm is set to hit SoCal this weekend.
• Santa Monica luxury towers, HOA fees, alleged theft : Where did the millions go?
• All-cash offers and wealthy buyers push Southern California home prices to a record.
• Mother who pushed kids from a moving car, and killed her partner was an astrology influencer disturbed by the eclipse.
• Did the Dodgers underestimate the value of Shohei Ohtani’s first homer? It may be worth $100,000.
• William Howell wrote Arizona’s 1864 abortion ban. He modeled it on California’s .
• A truck and a large chain: Thieves make off with Pasadena’s bronze light posts .
• L.A. school district probes inappropriate images shared at Fairfax High. More AI abuse?
• ‘Please leave!’ A Jewish UC Berkeley dean confronts pro-Palestinian activist at his home.
• Cornel West selects L.A. professor and activist Melina Abdullah as presidential running mate.
• A UC Berkeley insider known for questioning the status quo is named new chancellor.
• Two women walking near the Venice canals were clubbed from behind , spurring LAPD patrols.
• Why Biden is getting little credit for the economy , especially in California.
• Former Dodger Julio Urías charged with five misdemeanors stemming from 2023 arrest.
• Why would anyone steal $300,000 in Lego sets? Believe it or not, there’s a booming black market .
• OK, the eclipse was cool, but those glasses aren’t . Now what?
• Pleasing English teachers, pesky typos on Lakers’ Kobe Bryant statue are corrected.
• Photos: Southland celebrates Eid al-Fitr .
• Rod Carew says rift with Arte Moreno is the reason he won’t visit Angel Stadium.

Get unlimited access to the Los Angeles Times. Subscribe here .

Commentary and opinions

• Editorial: Financial literacy is important for teens to learn along with math and science .
• Jackie Calmes: Trump 1.0 made some world leaders laugh. Trump 2.0 terrifies them .
• Bill Plaschke: Lakers’ final stretch filled with headache, nausea and dimming hopes .
• Anita Chabria: Trump is exploiting Ruby Garcia’s death to depict immigrants as ‘animals.’
• Harry Litman: Jack Smith’s latest push to get Donald Trump’s Jan. 6 trial moving before the election .
• Bill Shaikin: The Dodgers should embrace villainy — and Villains Barber Shop’s merchandise .

Today’s great reads

A California border town’s first transgender mayor faces recall. Is gender the reason? In rural Calexico, Raúl Ureña, the town’s first out transgender mayor, faces a recall election. So does most of the City Council.

Other great reads

• Hollywood’s stunt-driving industry is dominated by men. These women are fighting for change .
• A Salvadoran cookbook from a major publisher is finally here. Why did it take so long?
• A little too obsessed with Taylor Swift? It might be a coping mechanism .

How can we make this newsletter more useful? Send comments to [email protected] .

For your downtime

• 🐋 The unmissable addition to Disneyland’s Star Tours ride? Space whales.
• 📚If you love cookbooks, come see us at the L.A. Times Festival of Books .
• 📙 A new Mediterranean cookbook from José Andrés celebrates ‘dishes that belong to the people.’
• 📺 ‘Joker 2’ trailer: Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga lead twisted, musical fever dream.
• 🎥 Renée Zellweger and Hugh Grant are reuniting for a fourth ‘Bridget Jones’ movie — premiering on Peacock in 2025.
• 🧑‍🍳 Here’s a recipe for Joan Nathan’s Ann Arbor Schnecken (Sticky Pecan Rolls) .
• ✏️ Get our free daily crossword puzzle, sudoku, word search and arcade games .

And finally ... from our archives

On this day 54 years ago , Apollo 13 launched but suffered an oxygen tank explosion en route to the moon, threatening the lives of three astronauts. After the loud explosion was heard by the Apollo 13 crew, they radioed mission control: “Houston, we’ve had a problem.”

Have a great day, from the Essential California team

Ryan Fonseca, reporter Kevinisha Walker, multiplatform editor and Saturday reporter Christian Orozco, assistant editor Stephanie Chavez, deputy metro editor Karim Doumar, head of newsletters

Check our top stories , topics and the latest articles on latimes.com .

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Ryan Fonseca writes the Los Angeles Times’ Essential California newsletter. A lifelong SoCal native, he has worked in a diverse mix of newsrooms across L.A. County, including radio, documentary, print and television outlets. Most recently, he was an associate editor for LAist.com and KPCC-FM (89.3) public radio, covering transportation and mobility. He returns to The Times after previously working as an assistant web editor for Times Community News, where he helped manage the websites and social media presence of the Burbank Leader, Glendale News-Press and La Cañada Valley Sun. Fonseca studied journalism at Cal State Northridge, where he now teaches the next generation of journalists to develop their voice and digital skills.

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