The Grand Canyon National Park is perhaps one of the most well-known parks in the whole world. The Grand Canyon, the park’s premier sight to see, has been hailed as one of the Wonders of the World. The gorge of the Colorado River, spanning over 1,217,262 acres, offers plenty of adventure for the curious traveler. The UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site draws over 6 million every year, a testament to its popularity.
Now on its 101st year of operation, the park has welcomed everyone to behold one of Mother Nature’s most complex and intricate creations. The incredible vantage of the surreal expanse of rock formations, gorges, and peaks have left many a viewer breathless. Traverse below the rim and be greeted with a desert landscape full of astonishing sights, surrounded by the towering stone walls, stacked to the sky.
Uncover the secrets of the enchanting wilderness with our guide to the best things to do in the Grand Canyon.
1. Gape at the views of Grand Canyon Village
Grand Canyon Village old watchtower on the south rim of the Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA | Konoplytska, Shutterstock
Your starting point to the wild west is Grand Canyon Village. The Village has everything you need for whatever adventure you seek at the Grand Canyon. For those preferring comfort, it has a great selection of accommodations and tour agencies to guide your trip. For the adventurous, it is a popular shopping destination to get hiking and camping gear ready for the outdoors. And for anyone and everyone, it has some of the best scenic vantage points of the park.
Grand Canyon Village
S Entrance Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, United States
Admission: $20/person, $35 per vehicle or $30 per motorcycle, for a seven-day pass; annual pass $70
Ph: +1 928-638-7888
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge (4.6/5 stars, New American, $$$)
• Bright Angel Bicycles & Mather Point Café (4.2/5 stars, Coffee shop, $$)
• Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar (4.6/5 stars, American, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Grand Canyon Village.
The best hotel to stay near Grand Canyon Village based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn (8.4/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
2. Explore the wild North Rim
North Rim Grand Canyon Cape Royal | Erik Harrison, Shutterstock
People typically overlook the North Rim in favor of other, more popular attractions in the Grand Canyon National Park. In fact, only about 10% of visitors are curious enough to visit the North Rim. However, the undeveloped area has a rugged charm that offers exciting adventures for explorers. You can enjoy hiking, camping, photographing the scenery, rock formations, and wildlife, among others. If you want to see all its sights, a scenic self-drive trip around the area is your best bet. Stop by North Rim’s attractions: Bright Angel Point, Point Imperial, Grand Canyon Lodge, and the Visitor Center.
North Rim
AZ-67, North Rim, AZ 86023, United States
Admission: $20/person, $35 per vehicle or $30 per motorcycle, for a seven-day pass, annual pass $70; campgrounds is between $17 and $25 per night
Ph: (928) 638-7888
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Lito’s Tacos (4.6/5 stars, Taco, $$$)
• Juanita’s Mexican Food (4.5/5 stars, Mexican, $$)
• Gegen (4.9/5 stars, Vegan, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near North Rim.
The best hotel to stay near North Rim based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon (8.5/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
3. Hike the Bright Angel Trail
Footpath at the top of the canyon Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon, South Rim | Roman Khomlyak, Shutterstock
The best challenges in life offer the greatest rewards. It’s best to remember that as you scale the steep and challenging trail of the Bright Angel Trail. The popular and well-maintained South Rim trail covers over 15.6 miles and is steep in places with drop-offs and stairs. It offers different options for each kind of traveler.
Reward your challenging hike with dramatic, sweeping views into the Roaring Springs and Bright Angel Canyons. Stop by the Plateau Point for one of the best Inner Canyon vantage points in the Park. Plan your visit well and bring an adequate amount of water and sun protection. Water sources along the trail are seasonal and the shaded area is limited in the expanse.
Bright Angel Trail
15 Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, United States
Admission: $20/person, $35 per vehicle or $30 per motorcycle, for a seven-day pass; annual pass $70
Ph: 1.888.297.2757
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Bright Angel Bar (4.5/5 stars, Bar, $$$)
• Olive Garden Italian Restaurant (4.5/5 stars, Italian, $$)
• Cracker Barrel Old Country Store (4.3/5 stars, American, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Bright Angel Trail.
The best hotel to stay near Bright Angel Trail based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn (8.4/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
4. Walk the Rim Trail
Ranger walking along the Rim Trail, Grand Canyon National Park | Tomasz Wozniak, Shutterstock
The Rim Trail spans over 13 miles along the edge of the Grand Canyon. It is one of the park’s most popular South Rim Trails, and with good reason. The trail is relatively flat and easy to walk while offering the best way to see South Rim’s attractions and lookout points.
Enjoy a leisurely walk with your family and friends as you soak in the sights and sounds of the Grand Canyon. Stop by Hopi Point, a popular place to watch the sunset, and glimpse the fantastic views of the granite gorge and the Hermit Rapids. For accessibility concerns, note that only certain sections are wheelchair and bike accessible. Also, it’s the only trail in the park you can enjoy with your dog!
Rim Trail
Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, United States
Admission: $20/person, $35 per vehicle or $30 per motorcycle, for a seven-day pass; annual pass $70
Ph: +1 928-638-7888
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Plaza Bonita (3.9/5 stars, Mexican, $$$)
• Arizona Steakhouse (3.8/5 stars, American, $$)
• El Tovar Dining Room (3.7/5 stars, Fine dining, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Rim Trail.
The best hotel to stay near Rim Trail based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel (7.9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
5. Descend into the canyon through the North Kaibab Trail
South Kaibab Trail at sunrise, in Grand Canyon | Anton Foltin, Shutterstock
For an immersive yet physically demanding Inner Canyon experience, plan to take the North Kaibab Trail. This strenuous trail requires prior preparation as the round trip trail covers 28 miles and takes over 3-4 days to complete. The trail is far from easy, especially with the temperature. As you descend into the canyon, the temperature gets hotter and there is little shade against the Arizona sun.
It is worth it, though, as the trail unfolds a whole new world in front of you. Access different ecological areas and two impressive waterfalls, Roaring Springs and Ribbon Falls, along the trail. The trail allows for day hikes too. A trip to the popular Coconino Overlook is 1.5 miles round trip and takes around 2-4 hours.
North Kaibab Trail
North Rim, AZ 86052, United States
Admission: $20/person, $35 per vehicle or $30 per motorcycle, for a seven-day pass; annual pass $70
Ph: +1 928-638-2611
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Grand Depot Cafe (4/5 stars, Buffet, $$$)
• Cliff Dwellers Restaurant (4.3/5 stars, American, $$)
• Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews (4.1/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near North Kaibab Trail.
The best hotel to stay near North Kaibab Trail based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon (8.5/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
6. Experience an oasis at Havasu Falls
Havasu Falls at sunrise | Anton Foltin, Shutterstock
Havasu Falls is one of the Grand Canyon’s best-kept secrets. Located in a remote part of the park, the surreal falls create a striking aquamarine pool of water in contrast to the surrounding deep-orange travertine cliffs and lush greenery. It is a sight to behold, especially after undertaking the arduous multi-day hike to reach the falls.
To maintain the untouched beauty of this desert paradise, access to the reservation is limited. Reservations to go on a multi-day trek and visit the Havasu falls are almost as difficult as getting concert tickets to see Beyonce or BTS live! Reservations generally open once a year and sell out as fast as 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Havasu Falls
Havasupai Reservation, Havasupai, Supai, AZ 86435, United States
Admission: camping fees $35.00/person; campground fee per person per night $17.00; environmental fee per person: $5.00
Ph: +1 928-448-2141
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• The Havasupai Tribal Cafe (4.1/5 stars, Cafe, $$$)
• Grand Canyon Caverns Grotto (4.3/5 stars, American, $$)
• The Roadkill Cafe/O.K. Saloon (4.4/5 stars, American, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Havasu Falls.
The best hotel to stay near Havasu Falls based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Under Canvas Grand Canyon (8.9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
7. Get your adrenaline pumping with whitewater rafting on the Colorado River
Rafting on The Colorado River in the Gran Canyon at sunrise | Jim Mallouk, Shutterstock
River rafting is a life-changing adventure and there’s no better way to live through it than in the Grand Canyon. There’s nothing quite like the sensational thrill of riding the whitewater currents of the Colorado River with the expanse of the Grand Canyon as your backdrop. It is absolutely one of the best ways to experience the grandeur of the Colorado River. For calmer travels on relatively peaceful waters, opt for tours on the northeastern section of the canyon.
Colorado River
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
Ph: +1 800-477-7238
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• JA Johnny’s Café (4.7/5 stars, American, $$$)
• Dos Amigos (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Emerald Cove Resort Restaurant (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Colorado River.
The best hotel to stay near Colorado River based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Best Western Parker Inn (8.7/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
8. Walk the sky at the Grand Canyon Skywalk
Grand Canyon Skywalk, Hualapai Reservation | nootprapa, Shutterstock
Hovering over 70-feet out into the rim of the Grand Canyon, a transparent glass platform fulfills one of man’s greatest curiosities: what if you can fly? The unique cantilever bridge, dubbed the Grand Canyon Skywalk, is the main draw for travelers to the Grand Canyon. The circular platform is a great feat of engineering and design. It is said that the platform can hold up to 70 fully loaded 747 passenger jets. Get on the platform and peer onto 4,000 feet below to the floor of one of the world’s Seven Natural Wonders.
Grand Canyon Skywalk
808 Eagle Point Rd, Peach Springs, AZ 86434, United States
Admission: starting at $26
Ph: +1 928-769-2636
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• The BoatHouse Cafe & Grille (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Culver’s (4.5/5 stars, American, $$)
• FnB Restaurant (4.6/5 stars, American, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Grand Canyon Skywalk.
The best hotel to stay near Grand Canyon Skywalk based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Grand Canyon Western Ranch (8.4/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
9. Step back in time on the Grand Canyon Railway
Vintage Steam Locomotive at the station in Grand Canyon Village, Grand Canyon Railway | kravka, Shutterstock
Welcome to the Grand Canyon Railway | Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel, YouTube
The Grand Canyon Railway is a national treasure. Built in 1901 and restored and reopened in 1989, the 64-mile railroad transports passengers between Williams, Arizona, and the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The journey to the Grand Canyon is a scenic one, with the terrain changing from desert to prairie to pine to towering travertine cliffs. Relive history and experience the transforming scenic views of the wild west in the same perspective Americans of yesteryears did – by train.
Grand Canyon Railway
Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, United States
Train Rates per Class:
• The Pullman Car – Adults: $65.00 | Children $29.00
• Coach Class – Adults: $79.00 | Children: $47.00
• First Class – Adults: $152.00 | Children: $118.00
• First Class – Adults: $152.00 | Children: $118.00
• Luxury Dome Class – Adults: $219.00
• Luxury Parlor Class – Adults: $219.00
Ph: +1 800-843-8724
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Canyon Coffee House (4.2/5 stars, Coffee shop, $$$)
• Restaurant & Gift Store (4.1/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Olive Garden Italian Restaurant (4.5/5 stars, Italian, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Grand Canyon Railway.
The best hotel to stay near Grand Canyon Railway based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn (8.4/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
10. Take a side trip to Tuweep Area
Grand Canyon National Park – Tuweep Area | Nathan Chor, Shutterstock
If you haven’t gotten your fill of the beauty of the Grand Canyon or would like to avoid the crowd of tourists, head to Tuweep Area. The secluded area offers one of the best views of the canyon, with little to no touch of commercialism. With over 3000-foot towering canyon walls and the Colorado River snaking the canyon, the vast and largely undeveloped area preserves the mesmerizing experience of becoming one with nature.
Immerse yourself in the overpowering beauty of nature without the crowds in the park’s hidden gem. The never-ending views of the canyons seem to have been created just for your viewing pleasure. Getting to the area on your own is difficult, as it is a 60-mile drive down a rugged dirt path. Best to book a tour for a hassle-free trip.
Tuweep Area
Littlefield, AZ 86432, United States
Ph: 928-638-7888
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Hawaiian Poke Bowl (4.8/5 stars, Hawaiian, $$$)
• Painted Pony Restaurant (4.5/5 stars, Southwestern, $$)
• Cross Country Diner (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Tuweep Area.
The best hotel to stay near Tuweep Area based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Hampton Inn & Suites, SunRiver, St. George (9.4/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
11. Journey to the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument
The Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument | Bureau of Land Management, Flickr
While few know of the Grand Canyon National Park’s neighboring Parashant National Monument, it is a natural paradise worth exploring. Located in the Colorado Plateau in northwestern Arizona, the isolated reserve area attracts only a fraction of the visitors of the Grand Canyon. However, the largely unexplored landscape of colorful plains, canyons, and mountains are just as breathtaking and impressive.
Getting around the area can prove difficult, so all-terrain vehicles as a means of transportation are encouraged. Exploring on horseback is also permitted.
Grand Canyon Parashant National Monument
Littlefield, AZ 86432, United States
Admission: Free
Ph: +1 435-688-3200
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Chef Hog’s Oyster Bar & Grill | Steakhouse seafood lobster shrimp (4.8/5 stars, Seafood, $$$)
• The Habit Burger Grill (4.6/5 stars, Hamburger, $$)
• Teriyaki Grill (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Grand Canyon Parashant National Monument.
The best hotel to stay near Grand Canyon Parashant National Monument based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Grand Canyon Western Ranch (8.4/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
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