15 Greatest Issues To Do in The Grand Canyon in 2023

There’s actually no different place just like the Grand Canyon. On this article, I’ll record the most effective issues to see and do on the Grand Canyon for every type of vacationers.

I used to be fortunate sufficient to stay on the Grand Canyon for 4 months and had the prospect to discover a lot of its magnificence. Even now, as I stay only a few hours away from it, I by no means run out of issues to do within the Grand Canyon at any time when I’m capable of return. That is considered one of my favourite destinations in the USA.

Whether or not it’s mountaineering the rugged purple filth trails, catching the purple and pink sunsets, using a mule, or studying in regards to the historical past of the canyon at a museum, the choices of issues to do and locations to go to within the Grand Canyon are countless. Even higher, there are actions for households, {couples}, or out of doors lovers. There’s one thing for each sort of customer.

The Grand Canyon Nationwide Park is taken into account to be one of many seven natural wonders of the world, and is certainly on the record of the best things to see in Arizona.

There are 4 completely different areas you may go to; the North, South, East, and West Rims. The South Rim is the preferred space to go to because it provides essentially the most when it comes to issues to do, however you may’t go incorrect with any space you select to spend time in.

Greatest Issues To Do within the Grand Canyon

For those who’re planning a visit to the Grand Canyon, you could be overwhelmed by the variety of issues to do and the varied locations by which the actions are situated. No trip to the USA is full with out a go to to this pure magnificence. Here’s a record of the 15 greatest issues to do within the Grand Canyon that can assist you plan your journey:

1. Helicopter Tour

Guide this helicopter tour and soar above the Grand Canyon, getting views that most individuals won’t ever have the prospect to see. The tour covers loads of floor in the course of the 45 minutes within the air. You’re taking off from the South Rim, fly above the Kaibab Nationwide Forest, climb in direction of the North Rim, and comply with the Little Colorado River again to your place to begin.

This tour is nice for anybody who desires to expertise the Grand Canyon from all views and angles. Come ready with snug garments and your digicam. I’ve heard individuals say nothing however optimistic issues in regards to the expertise, and I can’t wait to e-book this tour for myself. Click here for directions to the tour, and be taught extra in regards to the tour here.

Handle: 107 Corsair Dr, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023

2. Experience The Grand Canyon Railway

Driving the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams, Arizona, to the South Rim is likely one of the most unusual issues to do within the Grand Canyon. This nine-hour tour begins in Williams with a traditional Western shoot-out scene. After the leisure, you’ll board the prepare for the 64-mile journey to the Grand Canyon. Alongside the best way, actors and musicians deliver Western methods to life.

When you arrive on the Grand Canyon, you’ll have three hours to discover and sightsee earlier than making the journey again to Williams. Driving the Grand Canyon Railway is the most effective factor to do in Grand Canyon for households.

One among my favourite reminiscences from residing on the Grand Canyon was listening to the prepare whistle each afternoon because it entered the station. Click here for directions to the railway, and be taught extra in regards to the tour here.

Handle: 281-279 N Grand Canyon Blvd, Williams, AZ 86046

3. Take a Mule Experience

Essentially the most well-known residents of the Grand Canyon may need to be the mules – they’re a significant side of the Canyon. Not solely do they pack provides out and in of the Canyon each day, however in addition they present a approach for guests to expertise the underside of the Grand Canyon with out mountaineering out and in.

Taking a mule ride, both on the North or South Rim, may simply be the highest factor to do within the Grand Canyon.

For those who’re eager to e-book this expertise, you should definitely plan early as they typically promote out shortly. From the South Rim, you may journey alongside for just a few hours or take a 2-day journey to the underside of the Canyon by way of mule. Click here to book South Rim rides.

From the North Rim, you may journey alongside for just a few hours or take a 3-hour journey into the canyon. Click here for directions for the North Rim Excursions, and be taught extra here.

I like seeing the mules heading up and down the path each time I hike the Grand Canyon. It’s a really distinctive expertise alongside the canyons’ rims that you just’re positive to recollect without end.

Handle: South Rim – 2 Mule Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, North Rim – AZ-67, North Rim, AZ 86052

4. Watch the Sundown at Level Imperial

Point Imperial is situated on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and is likely one of the most stunning locations to observe the sundown from. As a result of it’s the best level on the North Rim, (sitting at 8,800 toes), guests are handled to majestic views of the Canyon because the fading gentle modifications the looks and colours of the encircling space with every passing second.

Pack a blanket, your digicam, and some snacks and drinks to get pleasure from a peaceable night on the canyons’ rim. That is undoubtedly among the best issues to do within the Grand Canyon for {couples}. I’ll always remember the evenings I spent taking within the magnificence at sundown; being blown away by the pink and purple colours that coated the canyon. Click here for directions to Sunset Level.

Handle: North Rim, AZ 86052

5. Take a Guided Hike on the South Kaibab Path

If you wish to expertise essentially the most stunning mountaineering path within the Grand Canyon, book this tour for a half-day guided hike alongside the beautiful South Kaibab Path. The tour is custom-made to your group dimension, age, and talent. Even higher, the tour offers an knowledgeable information, backpacks, mountaineering poles, water, and lunch.

Come ready with light-weight clothes that gives safety from the solar, and mountaineering sneakers with good traction. Keep in mind to deliver your digicam as you’ll be stopping typically to seize the great thing about the South Kaibab Path alongside the best way. Mountain climbing this path is my favourite factor to do on the Grand Canyon because it provides essentially the most wide-open views of the Canyon from all instructions.

Whether or not touring alone or with household, that is considered one of your greatest choices so far as Grand Canyon South Rim actions go. Discover out extra here.

Handle: Decide up location is determined upon reserving the tour. View the South Kaibab Trail on AllTrails here.

6. Bike up Hermit Highway

For those who’re visiting the South Rim and need to escape the busyness and crowds, I recommend you hire some bikes and journey up Hermit Highway. The route follows the rim of the Canyon and is dwelling to many pull-outs with stunning overlooks. As you get additional and additional up the highway, you may even see the roaring Colorado River from the rim.

Hermit Highway is closed to automobiles for a lot of the yr, so that you’re solely prone to share the highway with shuttle buses and different bikers. You possibly can hire bikes from Bike Grand Canyon or Bright Angel Bicycles and Cafe.

Renting bikes and exploring Hermit Highway makes for a terrific half-day exercise and provides a number of the greatest sightseeing within the Grand Canyon. Come outfitted with water, snacks, and a digicam to seize the sweetness alongside the best way. Click here for directions to Hermit Road, and search for bike leases here.

Handle: Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023

7. Get pleasure from a Sundown Hummer Tour

Guide this Hummer sunset tour to marvel on the magnificence from the most effective lookout factors and take heed to an expert information inform you tales, details, and historical past in regards to the Grand Canyon.

Throughout the two-hour tour, you’ll journey in an open-air Hummer and cease to take beautiful pictures because the solar units throughout golden hour. This is likely one of the greatest issues to do within the Grand Canyon at night time.

In addition to seeing the solar taking place, you may even spot some wildlife resembling elk or deer. You don’t should deliver a lot alongside on this tour apart from your digicam and layers to placed on because the temperature drops. Decide-up out of your lodging is obtainable in Tusayan and the Grand Canyon Village.

Click here for directions to the Sundown Hummer Tour, and be taught extra in regards to the tour here.

Handle: 469 AZ-64 Suite A, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023

8. Go to the Yavapai Geology Museum

The Yavapai Geology Museum sits proper on the finish of the South Rim and is dwelling to an enormous image window, academic shows, historical past on the carving of the Grand Canyon, and a bookstore and customer museum store.

The Grand Canyon is spectacular to have a look at alone, however studying extra in regards to the varied rock layers and geologic historical past will solely improve your appreciation for the canyon. The museum is open 8 am-7 pm each day and is free to enter. Plan to spend an hour studying the varied shows and taking within the view from the massive home windows.

After I lived on the Grand Canyon and had a night free from work, I at all times liked strolling the Rim Path to the museum and enjoyable inside. Click here for directions to the Yavapai Museum and discover up-to-date data here.

Handle: Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023

9. Go On a River Rafting Journey

You possibly can discover the Grand Canyon in so some ways; by helicopter, mule, bike, foot, or by raft on this guided full-day river rafting tour. For those who’re in search of issues to do close to the Grand Canyon, this float down the Colorado River is an ideal possibility.

Beginning on the Glen Canyon dam and ending at Lee’s Ferry, this rafting tour offers you an opportunity to see the East Rim of the Grand Canyon and the infamous Horseshoe Bend.

One distinctive characteristic of this guided journey is that in the course of the 15.5-mile float, you’ll cease and hike to some historic petroglyphs. Come ready for this tour with water, closed-toe sneakers, sun shades, sunscreen, and your digicam. A boxed lunch is offered in the course of the tour. Click here for directions to the rafting tour, and be taught extra about it here.

Handle: The tour will go away from Maswik Lodge. 202 Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023

10. Climb Up the Desert View Watchtower

Desert View Watchtower is situated on the far japanese aspect of the South Rim of the Canyon. The watchtower was in-built 1932, and its structure is influenced by the Ancestral Puebloan people of the Colorado Plateau. Visiting the watchtower is a enjoyable, free factor to do throughout your go to to the Grand Canyon.

As you enter the view room of the watchtower, you’re met with some wonderful views of the Grand Canyon – together with views of the Colorado River because it leaves the slim Marble Canyon and turns into wider. For those who go to on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, it’s also possible to observe cultural handicraft demonstrations.

It’s uncommon to get a view of the Colorado River with out mountaineering to the underside of the Canyon, so don’t move up this distinctive viewing cease, because it is likely one of the greatest points of interest within the Grand Canyon. Click here for directions to the watchtower and find out about it here.

Handle: Desert View Watchtower, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023

11. Tour the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend

For those who occur to be staying in Las Vegas and need to take a day journey to see the Grand Canyon, think about booking this tour that not solely takes you to the Canyon but in addition to different notable landmarks within the space.

A full day’s journey will get you to some of essentially the most memorable locations close to the Grand Canyon, resembling Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend close to Web page, AZ. The day will conclude with sightseeing on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Alongside the best way, your guides will cease and take two quick hikes and also you’ll be supplied with lunch. This tour is the right method to see a number of the most beautiful destinations in Arizona all in at some point.

A few of my greatest reminiscences from residing on the Grand Canyon weren’t solely exploring the Canyon itself but in addition being inside driving distance of so many beautiful areas like these within the Southwest. The impressions Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon left on me will final a lifetime. Search for extra data here.

Handle: Decide up location from the lodge in Las Vegas will probably be confirmed after the tour is booked.

12. Hike to Ribbon Falls-North Rim

From the highest, the Grand Canyon might seem like only a large dry gap within the floor with out a lot life. Nevertheless, as you step into the Canyon, your thoughts is bound to be blown, as you notice how a lot wealthy vegetation and water are actually current. One of the crucial stunning issues to see within the Grand Canyon is Ribbon Falls.

This waterfall oasis is situated 8.5 miles into the Canyon from the North Kaibab Path (leaving from the North Rim) and 5.2 miles from Phantom Ranch. I’ll always remember the primary time I noticed Ribbon Falls – it’s fairly breathtaking.

At first, I might simply hear the waterfall dashing down the rocks, after which I noticed the massive mossy rock with the waterfall rippling down the perimeters. Stopping on the falls was the right method to cool off and reinvigorate in the course of a large hike.

It’s attainable to hike to Ribbon Falls from the North Rim in at some point (17 miles, 4,800 ft. of elevation acquire), however it’s most advisable to mix it with tenting within the Canyon. The closest campgrounds/lodging are Cottonwood Campground, Phantom Ranch, and Bright Angel Campground (all requiring reservations and permits).

Click here for directions to the trailhead, and browse in regards to the hike on AllTrails here.

Handle: North Rim, AZ 86052

13. Guide a Skilled Photoshoot

While you go to the Grand Canyon, your digicam will most probably be out all the time, making an attempt to seize all the sweetness in a single body. Booking this photo shoot will make sure you get the right pictures of your self and your family members, in addition to the spectacular surroundings. This tour means that you can select your shoot time, size, and a number of areas alongside the South Rim.

Whether or not you need a timeless household photograph, enjoyable pictures with your folks, or new pictures of you and your vital different, this tour will seize precisely what you need and give you photos to cherish without end.

Click here for directions to the South Rim. The precise assembly location is confirmed with the photographer after the reserving. Be taught extra in regards to the photoshoot here.

Handle: Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023

14. Go to Phantom Ranch

Phantom Ranch is dwelling to a number of the most unusual cabins in all the United States. Not solely is it a lush oasis tucked into the underside of the canyon proper beside Shiny Angel Creek, however it may possibly solely be accessed by hike or mule journey.

For those who get the prospect to remain in considered one of their cabins and eat considered one of their steak dinners, you may depend your self very fortunate. Phantom Ranch is 7.5 miles from the South Kaibab trailhead, 10 miles from the Shiny Angel trailhead, and 14 miles from the North Kaibab trailhead.

Staying at Phantom Ranch is feasible by getting into the lottery system months prematurely and ready to see in case your most popular dates can be found. You possibly can keep in a 4-person cabin or a dormitory-style constructing. All lodging is heated within the winter and air-conditioned in the summertime. They’re additionally outfitted with loos.

It’s a daring assertion, however Phantom Ranch could be my favourite place in all the world. There’s nothing extra rewarding than sipping on a chilly lemonade from the canteen whereas dipping your toes into the chilly Shiny Angel Creek after an extended hike.

Staying at Phantom Ranch is certainly one of many high issues to do within the Grand Canyon. Click here for directions to the trailhead, and be taught extra in regards to the hike here.

Handle: N Kaibab Trail, North Rim, AZ 86052

15. Go to a Grand Canyon IMAX film

For those who’re in search of issues to do across the Grand Canyon, catching the Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time movie at the IMAX theatre in Tusayan may very well be a terrific exercise so as to add to your record. This explicit film explores the historical past, science, and great thing about the epic geological marvel.

Throughout the film, you’ll be taught in regards to the earliest individuals who inhabited the realm and the primary crew who rafted down the Colorado River by means of the Canyon.

I’ll always remember the primary time I watched this film within the IMAX theater. The pictures and imaginative and prescient displayed on the enormous display screen took my breath away. Plus, it was a terrific factor to do on a scorching summer season’s day to get out of the warmth.

The film is performed each day and hourly every half-hour (9:30, 10:30, 11:30, and so forth.). Tickets may be bought forward of time on-line or on the ticket sales space. Click here for directions to the theater, and be taught in regards to the theatre here.

Handle: 450 AZ-64, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023

Fast Journey Itineraries For the Grand Canyon

There are a lot of other ways to go to the Grand Canyon. You possibly can go to for a complete week to soak in all of the actions, or you may go to in at some point and nonetheless get a full expertise. Listed here are just a few urged itineraries to your subsequent journey:

1 Day within the Grand Canyon Itinerary

You could be stunned by what number of issues you are able to do in at some point on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. To start out your day, take a guided hike down the South Kaibab Trail. This is likely one of the greatest methods to soak up a lot of the Canyons’ magnificence and expertise the magic of it.

After your morning hike, proceed the bodily exercise by renting bikes and taking over Hermit Highway. Alongside the best way, cease on the varied viewpoints to relaxation and take photos.

For dinner, head to El Tovar to refuel after your adventurous day open air. To cap off your full day visiting the Grand Canyon, e-book this guided sunset tour. This enjoyable but informational tour will is the right method to shut out your day – particularly as you’ll get to see the Canyon at its most stunning hour.

2-3 Days within the Grand Canyon Itinerary

Most individuals select to spend 2-3 days exploring the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, so listed below are just a few ideas on easy methods to fill your time:

On day one, e-book a morning helicopter tour and soar above the Canyon, taking within the distinctive perspective. Within the afternoon, stroll the rim path to the Yavapai Geology Museum and be taught in regards to the complicated layers of rocks that make up the Canyon and are stuffed with historical past.

To conclude the day, hire bikes and head up Hermit Highway. For those who time it proper, you may journey the bikes throughout sundown and watch the Canyon change colours from one of many many pull-outs alongside the route.

Day two is one other journey, beginning with a mule journey alongside the Canyons’ rim. This exercise is nice as a result of not many individuals get to say they’ve ridden a mule – plus it’s one of the vital enjoyable issues to do within the Grand Canyon. After your mule journey, drive to the japanese a part of the South Rim and discover Desert View Watchtower.

On day three of your journey, you’ll alternate the mule for a river raft. Head out on this full-day guided raft tour from Glen Canyon to Lee’s Ferry. After just a few busy days and a full day on the water, end your journey with dinner on the Arizona Steakhouse.

1 Week within the Grand Canyon Itinerary

Listed here are a number of the greatest issues to do within the Grand Canyon throughout your week-long journey:

On day one, begin with the helicopter tour that gives you with a birds-eye view of the Canyon from the South all the best way to the North Rim.

Within the afternoon, pack a picnic lunch and spend just a few hours at Desert View Watchtower gazing by means of their viewing window and admiring the Colorado River.

Day two is your likelihood to get on the South Kaibab path throughout this guided hiking tour. Spend the morning mountaineering and the afternoon enjoyable on the Grand Canyon IMAX movie show.

This rest will probably be needed as a result of, on day three, you’ll be mountaineering all the best way to the underside of the Canyon to (hopefully) keep at Phantom Ranch – one of the vital well-liked Grand Canyon points of interest. Day 4 will probably be spent mountaineering out of the Canyon, and when you’ve freshened up, get pleasure from digging into a giant dinner on the Yavapai Tavern. Spend the night on this sunset tour.

Now that you just’ve explored a lot of the South Rim, it’s time to make the 4-hour drive to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. In your first night right here, head to Imperial Level to catch the sundown.

On day six, take a three-hour mule journey down the Canyon and comply with up with a scrumptious dinner on the Grand Canyon Lodge dining room. Day seven will probably be spent making the four-hour drive again to the South Rim however don’t overlook to cease at Jacob’s Lake Inn for some recent cookies.

The place to Keep within the Grand Canyon

These are just a few of the most effective locations to remain within the Grand Canyon for vacationers:

Vacation Inn Categorical Grand Canyon – Greatest for First-Time Guests

Positioned in Tusayan, Arizona, this hotel is barely quarter-hour from the doorway to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Included along with your keep on the Vacation Inn Categorical is an indoor pool, complimentary breakfast, and WiFi.

Even higher, there’s a shuttle that runs from Tusayan into the Grand Canyon each day from Might to September. It is a good spot for first-time guests to remain because it’s in a handy location and has many eating places and actions shut by. Discover it right here on Booking.com

Inn Historical past Grand Canyon Themed Cabin – Greatest for Households

This Grand Canyon-themed cabin is situated in Williams, AZ, which places you simply an hour south of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Staying right here offers you the true Grand Canyon expertise together with all of the facilities you can ever want – a kitchenette, lavatory, WiFi, and privateness.

Select to remain right here in case you’re in search of a quiet and delightful place that’s additionally situated near loads of issues to do. Williams is dwelling to many eating places, the historic Grand Canyon Railway, lakes, and mountaineering trails. Discover it right here on Booking.com

Grand Canyon Western Ranch – Greatest for Out of doors Fans

For those who’re selecting to go to the West Rim and the Grand Canyon Skywalk, this might be such a enjoyable place to remain. The Grand Canyon Western Ranch is dwelling to genuine outdated western-style cottages that embody warmth and air con, a piece desk, a fire, and an en suite lavatory.

Additionally on the property are horseback using, wagon rides, and home-style cooking. Keep right here in case you’re in search of an genuine and rustic out of doors journey that places you solely 25 minutes away from the Grand Canyon Skywalk. Discover it right here on Booking.com

Greatest Eating places within the Grand Canyon

Listed here are just a few of the most effective eating places in and across the Grand Canyon:

El Tovar – South Rim

The El Tovar Dining Room is each historic and chic. The structure, massive murals, and big home windows that enable spectacular views of the Grand Canyon make for an unforgettable eating expertise. The breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus comprise scrumptious dishes with a Southwest affect.

Strive the El Tovar Pancake Trio with Prickly Pear syrup for breakfast, the Conventional Navajo Tacos for lunch, and the Southwestern-Rubbed Ribeye for dinner. Instructions to the restaurant may be discovered here.

Arizona Steakhouse – South Rim

Like El Tovar, the Arizona Steakhouse is situated proper on the rim of the Grand Canyon. This restaurant prides itself on sourcing its substances from native farmers to craft a menu that tells a narrative of Arizona. A few of these native substances are inexperienced chili and tepary beans.

You possibly can’t go incorrect in ordering their bison rib eye steak or the inexperienced chili corn tamales. Get pleasure from a scrumptious dinner with a shocking view on this open and spacious restaurant. Instructions to the restaurant may be discovered here.

Yavapai Tavern – South Rim

If I might decide the most effective place to eat after a giant hike within the Grand Canyon, I’d select the Yavapai Tavern. Their menu options traditional objects resembling burgers, avenue tacos, pizza, and craft beer.

Select to take a seat inside close to a TV or take your food and drinks exterior to their patio with a hearth pit and stay music. It is a good spot to hang around and eat after an extended day of out of doors exploration. You’ll find instructions here.

Jacob Lake Inn – North Rim

For those who’re staying on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, I extremely recommend you try the Jacob Lake Inn Dining Room and Cafe. It’s a 45-minute drive from the North Rim, however I promise it’s value it for the well-known fresh-baked cookies and wealthy milkshakes.

For lunch or dinner, get pleasure from some traditional do-it-yourself dishes of their cozy eating room. The pulled pork sandwich and nice bull sandwich are highlights on their menu. Discover the instructions to the restaurant here.

Grand Canyon Lodge Eating Room – North Rim

One other nice restaurant possibility for these visiting and staying on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is the Grand Canyon Lodge Dining Room. The Eating Room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day, (reservations are wanted for dinner).

Sit down and luxuriate in an expansive view of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and tuck into some American consolation meals, southwest dishes, or wholesome choices. After an extended day of mountaineering, order their signature dish – the Ponderosa Smoked Brisket Platter. Discover instructions to the restaurant here.

Attending to the Grand Canyon

There are a lot of other ways to get to the Grand Canyon. For those who plan to go to the South Rim, one of the simplest ways to get there’s by flying into the Phoenix Sky Harbor airport, renting a car, and making the 230-mile drive north. Click here for the most effective charges on rental automobiles from Phoenix Airport.

An alternative choice for attending to the South Rim is by flying into the Flagstaff airport and both renting a car or taking a shuttle bus to the Grand Canyon. Seek for the most effective value on rental automobiles from the Flagstaff airport here.

For those who’re planning to go to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, I’d recommend flying into the Las Vegas airport, renting a car, and making the 275-mile drive west. Click here for the most effective charges on rental automobiles in Las Vegas.

Alternatively, you can fly into the St. George, UT airport and drive 150 miles to the North Rim. Lastly, if you wish to go to the West Rim and the well-known Skywalk, it’s greatest to drive there from Las Vegas, as it’s only a 2-hour journey.

When you’re on the Grand Canyon, most issues are both inside strolling distance from one another or there are free shuttles that transport individuals across the park. For instance, when you arrive on the South Rim, you can park your automotive and get round by foot or shuttle for the remainder of the day.

Issues To Do within the Grand Canyon: FAQs

Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting the Grand Canyon:

In Closing

The Grand Canyon is a spot of attract and journey. Whether or not you need to sit and stare upon its magnificence or hike into it to search out extra, there are lots of issues to do within the Grand Canyon.

The Grand Canyon has left a everlasting mark on my life, and I depend down the times to each likelihood I get to return. Put together to start out planning your subsequent exploration of this majestic place.