Located in Arizona, this expansive park is one of the greatest wonders on Earth. The Grand Canyon is one of the most incredible sights you can ever behold, and every adventurer should make it a point to cross the Grand Canyon off their bucket list at some point.
Because of the Grand Canyon’s immense popularity, visiting this natural wonder does require a bit of careful planning and forethought. Today, we’re going to cover the ins and outs of how to plan a trip to the Grand Canyon, so you can worry less about planning and more about enjoying an incredible trip!
What is the Grand Canyon?
The Grand Canyon is a natural canyon in northern Arizona that’s been carved by the Colorado River. Grand Canyon National Park is located about 75 miles north of Flagstaff, 115 miles south of the Utah border.
While geologists had long debated when exactly the canyon was formed, the accepted hypothesis is that the Colorado River began carving its path somewhere between five and six million years ago.
The flowing action of the river and its tributaries have cut into the rock, widening and deepening the canyon in the process. This process coincided with the uplifting of the Colorado Plateau, which helped create the incredible canyon that millions of tourists have flocked to.
Looking down into the canyon, nearly two billion years of our geological history is visible.
This impressive canyon spans 277 miles, and it’s 18 miles across at its widest point. At a maximum depth of 6,093 feet, the canyon is over a mile down at its deepest points.
Geologically, it is significant because of the thick sequence of ancient rocks that are well preserved and exposed in the walls of the canyon. These rock layers record much of the early geologic history of the North American continent.
Theodore Roosevelt loved the area and often visited to hunt and take in the beautiful scenery. Through his presidency, he was a major advocate for the preservation of the Grand Canyon, and his work on the issue is one of the main reasons why we’re able to enjoy the park in all of its beauty today.
Parts of the Grand Canyon
Altogether, there are four distinct areas of the Grand Canyon. The North Rim, the South Rim, Grand Canyon East, and Grand Canyon West. Each area offers a distinctly different experience for travelers, and you’re likely to find that one area of the park is a better fit for your trip than the others.
The South Rim
Considered by many repeat travelers to be the “true Grand Canyon,” the South Rim is home to some of the most breathtaking and expansive views you’ll find anywhere in the canyon. When you think of the Grand Canyon, chances are the image your mind conjures is of the South Rim.
This area of the canyon happens to be the most accessible and tourist-friendly, as well. In fact, around 90% of tourists flock to this area for their Grand Canyon trip, in part because of the abundance of visitor services in the immediate area.
The altitude is around 7,000 feet, and there are four distinct seasons at the canyon’s South Rim.
Summer is the busiest season for tourists, and the weather is mostly warm and dry, although afternoon monsoons in July and August aren’t uncommon. In winter, daytime highs are usually in the 30s and 40s, so it’s entirely possible to visit the park during the colder months. In fact, seeing the canyon draped in snow is absolutely moving, and a special treat for winter tourists.
The spring and fall offer the best weather in the area, with highs in the upper 60s and low 70s, and the weather is typically dry, sunny, and beautiful. Visiting the Grand Canyon during these times is ideal, because you’ll be outside of tourist season, so you’ll be able to enjoy all there is to see without the crowds.
The South Rim has been a destination for well over 150 years, long before the Grand Canyon was recognized as a national park. In those days, travelers took an incredibly uncomfortable stagecoach trip, which could take as long as two days before reaching the canyon.
By the early 1900s, it was clear that more comfortable accommodations were needed, starting with the world-famous El Tovar Hotel, which was constructed in 1905 by the Sante Fe Railroad.
After the El Tovar came several other lodges and accommodations, including the Bright Angel Lodge, which was designed by famed architect Mary Jane Elizabeth Colter, the Maswik Lodge, the Kachina Lodge, the Thunderbird Lodge, and most recently, the Yavapai Lodge, which is the largest hotel in the South Rim.
These hotels, along with the gift shops, restaurants, and visitor services stations in the area, have come to be known as Grand Canyon Village.
As the canyon became a premier tourist destination, it was clear that the relatively small lodges of the area couldn’t keep up with demand, and additional accommodations were necessary.
Tusayan, located just outside the park, stepped in to fill the void.
The Red Feather Lodge led the way in 1963, followed by the Best Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn, and Quality Inn Canyon Plaza. Following those hotels were the Holiday Inn Express and the Grand Hotel.
The town of Tusayan is also home to the second busiest airport in Arizona and a famous IMAX Theatre. This town is also where the majority of canyon tours originate from, so chances are, you’ll be spending some time in this quaint little town during your trip to the Grand Canyon.
The North Rim
You can think of the North Rim as the South Rim’s much quieter big brother. Even during peak season, the North Rim is considerably more relaxed and serene than the South Rim, and there’s only about 1/10th as much traffic in the area during peak season.
Unlike the South Rim, which remains open year-round, the North Rim is only open May through October, because the weather during the other months can be unforgiving and especially snowy.
The North Rim boasts an altitude that’s about 1,000 feet higher than the South Rim, which helps to explain why the weather here is so much more severe than it is to the south.
The altitude also translates to significantly cooler temperatures in the area during peak season. While visitors of the South Rim may be met with sweltering heat in July and August, visitors to the north enjoy temperatures an average of 10 degrees cooler.
The cooler temperatures also make the North Rim much more hospitable to plant life than the South Rim, and there are tons of aspen, birch, maple, and oak trees in the area. All these trees make the North Rim especially beautiful from mid-September until the end of the season, as the changing of the leaves in this area is breathtaking.
Compared to the South Rim, the North Rim features fewer lodging options, and less in the way of visitor services. The Grand Canyon Lodge is the only in-park lodging in the area, and it offers a few hundred cabins as well as a restaurant, bar, campground, deli, and gift shop. There are also a few motel rooms on site, and an expansive campground.
The Kaibab Lodge is just a few miles outside the park, and from there, the nearest accommodations are at least fifty miles away.
Unlike the South Rim, which features over twenty different viewpoints, the North Rim offers only three. However, the views are certainly no less breathtaking. You can also witness the gorgeous Colorado River from the North Rim, whereas you’ll only be able to catch a glimpse of a tiny piece of the river from any of the viewpoints to the south.
Travelers who have seen the Grand Canyon in its entirety tend to gravitate towards the North Rim, as it’s quieter, more serene, and more reminiscent of the early days of the national parks system. It’s also the best place to truly experience the depth of the canyon, whereas the South Rim better showcases the canyon’s width.
You won’t find tons of commercial tours here as you would at the South Rim, but there are plenty of informative tours led by park rangers that showcase the canyon in all its glory.
Given the serene setting and the relatively quiet nature of the north side of the park, the North Rim is ideal for couples, adventure seekers, and anyone who has already seen the South Rim on another trip.
Families with small children will want to steer clear of the North Rim, as there just isn’t much in the way of sensory stimulation for the kids. Many of the lodging options don’t even offer television. Given the high altitude, you may want to steer clear of this side of the park if you have respiratory issues.
Grand Canyon West
Grand Canyon West has quickly become the second most popular area of the Grand Canyon, thanks in part to its proximity to Las Vegas, and the recently built Glass Skywalk, which provides a breathtaking new perspective to enjoy the Grand Canyon from. Over one million visitors flock to this area each year to enjoy the beautiful views.
Unlike the North and South Rim of the canyon, which are operated by the National Parks Department, Grand Canyon West belongs to the Hualapai Indian Tribe. This is an important distinction because the entrance fee for other national parks, such as the North and South Rim, does not grant you access to Grand Canyon West. A separate entrance fee administered by the Hualapai nation is required.
The crown jewel of Grand Canyon West is the Glass Skywalk, which extends 70 feet out from the edge of the canyon. From the skywalk, you can look down and experience a breathtaking new perspective, with nothing between you and the bottom of the Grand Canyon except for a piece of glass.
Hualapai Ranch serves as the area’s nearest lodging, and it’s located less than two miles from Grand Canyon West. There are also several motels, lodges, and campgrounds located within about a half-hour drive of the canyon.
Grand Canyon East
Grand Canyon East is a gorgeous yet rarely explored area of the canyon that’s ideal for anyone looking for a unique perspective, and travelers who have already seen the other areas of the canyon.
The Little Colorado River Tribal Park provides some of the best and most unique views of the Grand Canyon, along with Horseshoe Bend. Horseshoe Bend is located just a few miles outside of the Grand Canyon, and it offers a breathtaking view of the Colorado River.
Unlike the other areas of the Grand Canyon, there’s no officially designated area for tourists here. The term “Grand Canyon East” encompasses the area where several famous sites are found, like Horseshoe Bend, the Rainbow Bridge, Marble Canyon, and so much more.
While some of this area of the canyon is located on Navajo land, the majority of the sites in the area are accessible from the Glen Canyon Recreation Area.
For travelers looking for a refreshingly new perspective of the Grand Canyon, a trip to the canyon’s east side is ideal.
Honorable Mention: Havasu Canyon
While not officially part of the Grand Canyon, Havasu Canyon is located between Grand Canyon West and the South Rim. The area offers five world-famous waterfalls: New Navajo Falls, Mooney Falls, Beaver Falls, Rock Falls, and Havasu Falls.
Of course, mother nature expects you to put in a bit of hard work before you’re able to behold the incredible sights of the area. Havasu Canyon isn’t accessible by car, and the only way in is on foot, horseback, or helicopter.
The entrance to Havasu Canyon is at the end of a 12-mile trail that begins at Hualapai Hilltop. In order to enter the trail, you’ll need to purchase a camping permit or a room at the small lodge located in Supai Village at the foot of the canyon. From the village, visitors must trek another two miles before they arrive at the falls.
This beautiful area is perfect for hikers and adventure seekers. Small children and anyone who has mobility challenges will want to steer clear of Havasu Canyon. But, if you’re able to make the difficult and long trek down from Hualapai Hilltop, you’ll be greeted by some of the most beautiful scenery the United States has to offer.
Getting to the Grand Canyon
Before you can soak in the incredible sights of the Grand Canyon, you’ll need to make your way to the area. Here are the best ways to get to each part of the canyon.
The South Rim is served by Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Flagstaff Pulliam Airport in Arizona, and McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. There are shuttle services throughout the area that offer on-demand transportation to the South Rim each day.
The North Rim is considerably more remote, and there aren’t any airports in the immediate area. Kanab Municipal Airport in Kanab, Utah, is the closest option, and it’s about two hours from the North Rim. The airport is tiny, so you’ll want to double-check to ensure you’re able to fly in from your nearest airport.
Trans-Canyon Shuttle offers shuttle service between the North and South Rim, and there is also shuttle service available from Grand Canyon Lodge to the North Rim.
Grand Canyon West is well known for its proximity to Las Vegas, and McCarran International is your best bet if you’re flying into the area. Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport, located just east of the Nevada border, is also a solid option for air travel.
Inside Grand Canyon West, shuttle service operates all day long between major points of interest, including Guano Point and Eagle Point.
When traveling to the East Rim of the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport is the best option for air travelers. From there, it’s about a 90-minute drive to the East Rim. The Zion Adventure Company offers shuttles to various destinations within the East Rim.
Regardless of which area or areas of the canyon you plan on visiting, you’ll notice that there isn’t much in the way of mass transit. The best way to experience the Grand Canyon is to either take a road trip or fly into whichever airport is most convenient for your trip and rent a car.
As long as you have a car, you’ll be able to travel at your leisure without having to worry about when your bus or shuttle is coming to pick you up. Plus, you’ll be able to travel between different points of the Grand Canyon. After all, you’re already going to be here, so why not see as much of the canyon as you can?
When is the Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon?
There’s never a bad time to visit the Grand Canyon, although some areas are only open seasonally. Depending on which area you’d like to visit, you’ll need to plan your trip accordingly.
The South Rim is the most temperature area, and you can visit year-round. The weather is typically beautiful from April through October, but the prime tourist season is during the summer months. If you’re planning a summer trip, you’ll want to book at least a year in advance to ensure availability.
Even during the summer, it can get quite cool at night, so you’ll want to bring a jacket with you, even if you’re going in July or August.
The North Rim is far more seasonal, and the park is closed to visitors from mid-October to mid-May. This area is also busiest during summer, but there are still significantly fewer people touring the North Rim at any time. Of course, there’s also fewer rooms and cabins to go around, so you’ll still want to book your trip far in advance if you’re traveling during the busy season.
Grand Canyon West is also open year-round, and it features the warmest weather of any region in the Grand Canyon. As with other areas, it’s busiest during the summer months, so plenty of advanced planning is necessary.
The east side is also open year-round, barring snowstorms. The weather here is especially temperate during most of the year, with December and January typically being the coldest months of the year; things start to warm up in mid-February. There’s no real “busy season” at Grand Canyon East, so you shouldn’t have much issue planning your trip.
What to See When You’re There
Within the expansive canyon, there are so many incredible sites to visit that showcase the beauty of mother earth, and the power of nature. Here are some must-visit locations at points throughout the canyon.
Grand Canyon Village
As the most popular entrance to the South Rim, the Grand Canyon Village is bustling with plenty to see and experience, including the historic Grand Canyon Railway Depot. This area is also home to Yavapai Point, which offers some of the most gorgeous views the park has to offer.
Inside Grand Canyon Village, you’ll find many historic national landmarks, including the Grand Canyon Railway Depot, El Tovar Hotel, Hopi House, and the Lookout Studio designed by Mary Jane Colter. Many of the other buildings in the village are registered as historic places, as well.
Grand Canyon Village is by far the most popular area with tourists, so you may want to visit outside of the summer to avoid the large crowds. Or, try and plan your trip to the village in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the hordes of tourists.
Bright Angel Trail
The Bright Angel Trail is arguably the most popular trail in the park, and it offers incredible scenery across its full six-mile length down to the Colorado River. While the trail is easy enough for novice hikers, it’s a lot to traverse in one day. Most people suggest you spend the night, especially if you head to the trail’s end at Plateau Point.
You can also tour the trail by mule if you’re looking for a truly unique experience. While the mule is doing all the hard work, it’s several hours each way, and it may be grueling for you if you aren’t accustomed to being in a saddle.
The Skywalk
The Glass Skywalk at Grand Canyon West is one of the most unique ways to experience the Grand Canyon you’ll find. Here, you’ll be able to walk out 70 feet over the canyon’s edge and behold its beauty from 4,000 feet above sea level.
North Kaibab Trail
The North Kaibab Trail is located in the canyon’s North Rim, and it’s a top destination for hiking enthusiasts. This fourteen-mile trail takes you right to the Bright Angel Campground on the Colorado River. It’s a lengthy hike, so you’ll want to spend the night at the campground before heading back up.
There isn’t much shade along the trail, and it can be unforgiving in the summer, so it may be best left to explore during the spring or early fall before the park closes for the season.
Ride the Grand Canyon Railway
An exciting adventure and a sight-seeing trip rolled into one, no trip to the canyon is complete without a ride on the Grand Canyon Railway.
The Sante Fe Railroad company is responsible for many of the lodges and accommodations throughout the Grand Canyon, and their railway was the best method of transportation into the park at the turn of the 20th century.
The railroad was purchased by a couple in the late 1980s, and they restored the line to its former glory, where it now hosts hundreds of thousands of travelers each year. Ride the train from the nearby Williams Station through the canyon and enjoy the scenery while a tour guide explains the area’s rich history.
Point Imperial
One of the most incredible viewpoints in the area, and the highest point of the Grand Canyon, Point Imperial is a must-see if you’re visiting the North Rim. At over 8,800 feet above sea level, Point Imperial provides incredible views of the eastern end of the canyon and the Painted Desert.
From this vantage point, you’ll be able to witness the beautiful layers of Precambrian rock and behold the opening of the Marble Canyon, which are both areas you won’t be able to see from other points along the North Rim.
Final Thoughts
The expansiveness of the Grand Canyon reminds us all of how small we are and just how great that big world of ours is. Thanks to its sheer size, the Grand Canyon also guarantees that there’s always somewhere new to explore, whether it’s your first trip or your tenth.
The tips in this guide are a great jumping-off point for each of the prominent areas both inside and outside of the National Park System. Now that you have a better idea of how to plan a trip to the Grand Canyon, you can start preparing yourself for the trip of a lifetime.