When President Teddy Roosevelt designated the Grand Canyon as a national monument in 1908, he called it “the one great site every American should see.” I will never forget the emotions I experienced when I first saw the Grand Canyon. It is truly breathtaking. There are so many ways to experience Grand Canyon National Park. From hiking one of the many trails, biking along the rim, or rafting down the Colorado River, there seems to be something for everyone here. In this travel guide, you will find all of the best things to see and do during your visit to the Grand Canyon. You will also find a free Grand Canyon National Park travel itinerary to help you plan your next adventure.
When to Visit
The park is truly spectacular to visit any time of the year. Summer and spring break bring the heaviest crowds. Visiting the park during these peak times requires a bit of patience and advanced planning when booking accommodations. It is important to note that if you are planning on hiking into the canyon, summer daytime temperatures can reach over 100° F. Fall and winter at the south rim are beautiful and far less crowded. The north rim shuts down from mid-October through mid-May due to weather-related conditions.
Where to Stay
Grand Canyon Lodging
Bright Angel Lodge
This Registered National Historic Landmark was first designed in 1935 and has undergone many changes since that time, transforming from a hotel to a camp to a lodge. Today it maintains its southwest rustic charm with cozy historic rooms and cabins. The lodge sits within a few yards of the south canyon rim, making it a great value for the location. Make sure to book far in advance as the lodge often sells out before other accommodations in the park.
El Tovar Hotel
This National Historic Landmark first opened its doors in 1905. With a mix of historic and elegant charm, El Tovar is the crown jewel of the National Park Lodges. It sits directly on the rim of the Grand Canyon and features a fine dining room, full bell service, lounge, and a gift shop. When you book a room at El Tovar, be prepared for a unique experience as each room is individually designed. Book your stay at El Tovar in advance as it is a popular spot to stay, especially during peak season.
Kachina Lodge
Given that Kachina Lodge sits directly on the rim of the Grand Canyon, many of the rooms offer partial canyon views (called canyon-side rooms). It is an ideal spot for families due to its prominent location in the center of the historic district. It is within walking distance of restaurants, gift shops, Kolb Studio, Verkamp’s Visitor Center, Bright Angel Trailhead, and the Rim Trail. To make reservations, visit the Xanterra website.
Maswik Lodge
Tucked away within several acres of Ponderosa pine forest, Maswik Lodge is a 280-room lodging complex located just a short quarter-mile walk or bus ride from the canyon’s edge. The units are modern and spacious, making it a good option for families. To make reservations, visit the Xanterra website.
Thunderbird Lodge
This family-focused lodge offers ample amenities to make for a memorable stay in the park. Many of the modern rooms offer canyon views while others overlook Historic Village streets. The lodge is within walking distance of restaurants, gift shops, Kolb Studio, Verkamp’s Visitor Center, Bright Angel Trailhead, and the Rim Trail. Because of its proximity to many Grand Canyon sights and amenities, it is a great option for families. To make reservations, visit the Xanterra website.
Yavapai Lodge
The largest motel-style lodge in the park within close proximity to Market Plaza in Grand Canyon Village. It is the farthest lodging from the rim, approximately one mile away. Yavapai Lodge is the only pet-friendly lodging on the south rim. To make reservations, visit the Grand Canyon website.
Grand Canyon Campgrounds
Desert View Campground
Located at the East Entrance to the Park, Desert View Campground is known for its peaceful setting with spectacular views of the canyon from a nearby watchtower. The campsites here accommodate tents or smaller RVs and travel trailers (i.e. up to 30 feet in total length). The campground is open from April through October and campsites are available by reservation only up to six months in advance. No hookups are available. To make reservations, visit the Recreation.gov website.
Mather Campground
Mather Campground is located in Grand Canyon Village. Each campsite includes a campfire ring/cooking grate, picnic table, parking space, and room for up to six people, three tents, and two vehicles. There are no hookups available. The campground is open year-round. If you are visiting during peak season (March 1 – November 30), make reservations for your stay at Recreation.gov.
Trailer Village RV Park
Trailer Village RV Park is the only in-park campground with full hookups. It offers paved pull-through sites for vehicles up to 50 feet long. The location is excellent as it is close to the south rim and visitor center. The free park shuttle stops near the campground office. It is open year-round. To make reservations, visit the Visit Grand Canyon website.
What to See and Do
Scenic Viewpoints
The best time of day to see the canyon is before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. when the sun brings out the colors of the rock. Along the south rim, there are several viewpoints, each offering a unique feature.
Moran Point
A favorite spot of photographers and painters, Moran Point is a good spot to watch the shadows and changing light throughout the day. It is one of the most visited spots on East Rim Drive.
Grand Viewpoint
This popular viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon from east to west, as well as several bends of the Colorado River to the east.
Yaki Point
To reach Yaki Point, visitors must take the free Kaibab/Rim Route (Orange) shuttle which departs from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. The overlook at Yaki Point extends over the canyon, providing clear views of the inner canyon rock formations. It is one of the best places on the south rim to watch the sunrise and sunset.
Mather Point
A short walk from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, Mather Point is one of the most impressive viewpoints on the south rim. On a clear day, you can see over 30 miles to the east and over 60 miles to the west. From this spot, you can also see the Colorado River at the bottom of the canyon and numerous trails crisscrossing the landscape below. It is a popular place for both sunrise and sunset.
Trailview Overlook
To reach this overlook between March and November, visitors can take the free Hermit Road (Red) Route shuttle bus (you can also bike or hike to the overlook). This is the best location for aerial views of the popular switchbacks of the Bright Angel Trail.
Powell Point
At this viewpoint, you will find the Powell Memorial, which pays tribute to Major John Wesley Powell and expedition crews’ first exploratory trips down the Colorado River in the late 1800s. This is a great viewpoint with excellent panoramas of the canyon. It is also a good option for sunrise and sunset.
Hopi Point
This viewpoint provides exceptionally beautiful views of the canyon along the scenic Hermit Road. From here, you can also spot the Colorado River. From March to November, Hopi Point is only accessible by the park’s free shuttle bus service. It is an excellent spot for sunrise and sunset.
Mohave Point
This viewpoint offers great views of the Colorado River deep in the canyon below. It is also a good spot for watching the sunset. From March to November, take the free park shuttle to reach this viewpoint.
Pima Point
Pima Point is one of the best points on the rim to see the Colorado River. Not only will you be able to see it, but if you are fortunate enough, you may be able to hear it too.
The Abyss
The unique feature of this viewpoint is the sheer vertical drop of 3,000 feet down into the canyon. It is the longest drop found anywhere along the South Rim. From March to November, take the free park shuttle to reach the viewpoint.
Lipan Point
This is the canyon’s widest point, providing a spacious panorama of the canyon and the Colorado River below. Lipan Point is an ideal spot to enjoy the sunrise, sunset, and the night sky.
Desert View Watchtower
The Desert View Watchtower was constructed in 1932 and has been recognized as a National Historic Landmark. On a clear day, the view from the 70-foot watchtower provides panoramic vistas for well over 100 miles. From here, you can see the Colorado River make a big bend to the north, the muted hues of the Painted Desert, and the north rim.
The lower floor of the tower (the View Room) is modeled after a traditional Native American Kiva. In the View Room, you can scan the canyon using reflectoscopes, a viewing instrument that highlights the canyon’s multi-colored layers. The View Room also hosts cultural handicraft demonstrations and is home to a gift shop.
Grand Canyon Visitor Center
The park’s main visitor center provides resources to help plan your visit. A daily schedule of ranger-led hikes and evening lectures is available, as well as a film regarding the history, geology, and wildlife of the park. The bicycle rental office, a small cafe, and a gift store are also here. It is well worth a stop to become oriented with the park’s landscape and features. This is also a good spot to board one of the park’s free shuttles, a relatively easy way to explore the village and scenic viewpoints.
Yavapai Geology Museum and Observation Station
Located on the edge of the canyon, Yavapai Museum provides a deeper look into the geology of the Grand Canyon with interactive displays. The museum features large panoramic windows with signs pointing out where to find various rock layers. It is a great place to learn about the geological history of the Grand Canyon. This area is also a popular spot for watching the sunset.
Take a Hike
There are several excellent trails in the park. As always, it is important to be prepared for the weather conditions. Weather in the canyon can be drastically different from the rim. Here you can find helpful hiking recommendations and tips from the National Park Service.
Rim Trail
This hike extends from the village area to Hermits Rest for 12.7 miles. The canyon views along the way are breathtaking; in some spots, you will have the views all to yourself. When we did this hike, we got an early shuttle bus from the village to the last stop on Hermits Rest. We then hiked back to the village. Although long, it was a relatively easy hike with only a slight elevation gain. Here you can find trail information and a map from the NPS website.
Bright Angel Trail
The most popular hiking trail in the park, the Bright Angel Trail leads hikers down into the canyon’s depths. Breathtaking views are the highlight of this trail. Be prepared for steep climbs on the way back up. It is a 15.3-mile out-and-back challenging trail with almost 5,000 feet in elevation gain. To complete this trail in its entirety, plan for a two-day trek and obtain a backcountry permit in advance. Only 1% of visitors actually reach the bottom of the canyon. Many will only complete a small stretch before turning around and hiking back up. For more information and a trail map, visit the NPS website.
South Kaibab Trail
Another trail that takes you down into the canyon and up close to the roaring waters of the Colorado River is the South Kaibab Trail. This trail is much steeper than the Bright Angels Trail and provides less protection from the sun. Many hikers will descend South Kaibab and ascend Bright Angels Trail. If you plan to hike down into the canyon, plan for a two-day trek and obtain a backcountry permit in advance. To experience South Kaibab with less time, hike to Ooh-Aah Point and return the way you came (1.8 miles out and back with 685 feet in elevation gain). For more information and a trail map, visit the NPS website.
Biking
Biking is a popular way to experience the South Rim. Bicycles are permitted on all park roads and the multi-use greenway trail system. Bring your own or rent a bike from Bright Angel Bicycles, adjacent to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. In addition to rentals, Bright Angel Bicycles also provides guided bicycle tours between mid-March and October 31. Check their website for current availability and hours of operation. You can also find bike trail information and maps here.
Rafting
The National Park Service restricts the number of visitors allowed on the Colorado River each season. Reservations for multiday trips should be made a year or two in advance as seats often fill up quickly. Most trips begin at Lees Ferry. Trips range anywhere from half and full-day tours to trips that run from 3 to 18 days. The National Park Service authorizes 16 concessionaires to run rafting trips through the canyon. You can find more information here.
Sample Itinerary
Ready to start your Grand Canyon adventure? Start by downloading our free Grand Canyon sample itinerary. Like our other sample itineraries, this one is packed with things to do and see. Easily make changes to the template to make it fit your schedule and interests.