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Grand Canyon, United States of America - Things to Do in Grand Canyon

Things to Do in Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon, United States of America - Complete Travel Guide

The Grand Canyon stands as one of America's most iconic natural wonders, carved by the Colorado River over millions of years into a breathtaking chasm stretching 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep. Located in northwestern Arizona, this UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts over six million visitors annually who come to witness the dramatic layers of red rock revealing Earth's geological history through stunning vistas that change color throughout the day. While technically not a city, the Grand Canyon area encompasses several key locations including Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim, the more remote North Rim, and nearby gateway towns like Tusayan and Williams. The South Rim remains open year-round and offers the most accessible viewpoints, visitor services, and accommodations, while the North Rim provides a more secluded experience with equally spectacular but different perspectives of this natural masterpiece.

Top Things to Do in Grand Canyon

South Rim Scenic Drive and Viewpoints

Experience the most accessible and popular section of Grand Canyon National Park with stops at iconic viewpoints like Mather Point, Yavapai Observation Station, and Hermit's Rest. The Desert View Drive extends 25 miles east offering additional spectacular overlooks and the historic Desert View Watchtower. Each viewpoint provides unique perspectives of the canyon's immense scale and ever-changing colors.

Booking Tip: Park entrance fees are $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days) or $70 for an annual Grand Canyon pass. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Free shuttle buses operate along the Hermit Road during peak season (March-October).

Hiking the Rim Trail and Below-Rim Trails

The paved Rim Trail offers an easy 13-mile walk along the South Rim with multiple access points and stunning canyon views, perfect for all fitness levels. For more adventurous hikers, below-rim trails like the Bright Angel Trail and South Kaibab Trail descend into the canyon, offering closer encounters with the geological formations and desert ecosystem. These trails range from day hikes to challenging multi-day backpacking adventures.

Booking Tip: Rim Trail is free and requires no permits, but below-rim overnight camping requires advance reservations ($10 permit fee plus $8 per person per night). Start early for below-rim hikes, carry plenty of water (1 gallon per person per day), and remember that hiking back up takes twice as long as going down.

Colorado River Rafting Adventures

Experience the Grand Canyon from its heart by rafting the Colorado River through the canyon's depths, offering unique perspectives of towering canyon walls and access to hidden waterfalls and beaches. Options range from half-day smooth water floats near Glen Canyon Dam to multi-day whitewater expeditions through the entire canyon. These trips provide unparalleled views of geological formations and wildlife not visible from the rim.

Booking Tip: Half-day trips cost $90-150 per person and require advance booking, especially March-October. Multi-day trips ($1,500-5,000+ per person) book up to 2 years in advance. Choose between motorized rafts (faster, more trips daily) or oar-powered boats (quieter, more intimate experience).

Helicopter and Airplane Scenic Flights

Soar above and through the Grand Canyon for breathtaking aerial perspectives impossible to achieve from ground level, with flights ranging from 25-minute overflights to extended tours that include landings on the canyon floor or rim. These aerial tours provide comprehensive views of the canyon's vast scale and intricate geological formations. Some tours combine air travel with ground activities like champagne picnics or river rafting.

Booking Tip: Prices range from $200-600+ per person depending on duration and inclusions. Book directly with operators in Tusayan or Las Vegas for better rates than hotel concierges. Morning flights offer clearer air and better photography conditions, while sunset flights provide dramatic lighting.

North Rim and Point Imperial

Discover the Grand Canyon's quieter, more elevated North Rim (1,000 feet higher than South Rim) offering dramatically different perspectives and cooler temperatures surrounded by dense forests. Point Imperial provides the highest viewpoint in the park at 8,803 feet, while the North Rim Lodge offers rustic accommodations and dining with spectacular canyon views. The area features excellent hiking trails through aspen and pine forests to canyon overlooks.

Booking Tip: North Rim is only open mid-May through mid-October due to snow. Accommodations book up months in advance ($200-400+ per night). The drive from South Rim takes 4-5 hours (215 miles), so plan for at least a full day or overnight stay. No shuttle service available.

Getting There

The Grand Canyon South Rim is accessible by car via Highway 64 from Flagstaff (80 miles, 1.5 hours) or Highway 180/64 from Williams (60 miles, 1 hour). The nearest major airport is Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (90 minutes drive), though most visitors fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor (3.5 hours drive) or Las Vegas McCarran (4.5 hours drive) for better flight options and rental car availability. Amtrak serves nearby Flagstaff and Williams, with shuttle services and the historic Grand Canyon Railway connecting Williams to the South Rim. Several tour companies offer day trips from Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Sedona.

Getting Around

Free shuttle buses operate year-round on three routes within Grand Canyon National Park: Village Route (blue line), Kaibab Rim Route (orange line), and Hermits Rest Route (red line, March-October only). The shuttle system reduces traffic congestion and provides easy access to major viewpoints, trailheads, and visitor facilities. Personal vehicles are allowed on most park roads except Hermits Rest Road during peak season. Biking is permitted on rim trails and park roads, with bike rentals available at Bright Angel Bicycles near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.

Where to Stay

Grand Canyon Village (South Rim)
Tusayan
Williams
Flagstaff
North Rim Lodge
Desert View Area

Food & Dining

Dining options within the park range from casual cafeterias to upscale restaurants, with El Tovar Dining Room offering fine dining with canyon views and Arizona Room providing Southwestern cuisine in a rustic setting. The Grand Canyon Village has several quick-service options including Bright Angel Restaurant and Maswik Food Court serving American fare and grab-and-go items. Outside the park, Tusayan offers additional restaurants and fast food chains, while Williams and Flagstaff provide more diverse dining scenes with local breweries, Mexican restaurants, and classic American diners. Pack snacks and water for hiking, as food services below the rim are limited to Phantom Ranch (reservations required).

Top-Rated Restaurants in United States

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

Peppermill and Fireside Lounge

4.5 /5
(19043 reviews) 2
bar night_club

Moonshine Grill

4.6 /5
(7161 reviews) 2
bar

The Southern Gentleman

4.8 /5
(4877 reviews) 2

The Guenther House

4.5 /5
(4678 reviews) 2

Canlis

4.6 /5
(2800 reviews) 4
bar

Whiskey Bird

4.8 /5
(2525 reviews) 2

When to Visit

The South Rim is accessible year-round, with each season offering distinct experiences. Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) provide the most comfortable weather with mild temperatures and fewer crowds, making them ideal for hiking and photography. Summer (June-August) brings peak crowds and hot temperatures but offers the longest daylight hours and all facilities open. Winter (December-February) sees fewer visitors and occasional snow creating dramatic scenery, though some services may be limited and weather can be unpredictable. The North Rim is only open mid-May through mid-October due to heavy snowfall.

Insider Tips

Purchase the America the Beautiful Annual National Parks Pass ($80) if visiting multiple parks, as it pays for itself after three park visits
Stay for both sunrise and sunset if possible - the changing light creates completely different canyon experiences and colors throughout the day
Book accommodations inside the park well in advance (up to 13 months) as they fill quickly, or consider staying in Williams or Flagstaff for more availability and lower prices

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