Top Things to do in Grand Canyon National Park
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The 10 Best Things to do in Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon National Park
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1. South Kaibab Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,687 reviews
One of the two superhighways into the Canyon, the other being the Bright Angel Trail, this path runs along a ridge offering stunning views. During the summer, visitors are advised to bring at least two quarts of water along because it can get very hot and the trail offers no shade.
Reviewed By Traveling007Texan
My son and I hiked down the South Kaibab Trail and spent the evening at Phantom Ranch before hiking up the Bright Angel Trail the next morning. Hiking the the S. Kaibab was relatively easy as it is downhill the entire way. THERE IS NO WATER so you must carry enough with you. We took 3 liters each and that was plenty. We made it in 4.5 hours taking our time at a steady pace without breaks. It is a beautiful trail with breathtaking views around every turn. I would recommend hiking down the South Kaibab and back up the Bright Angel, as it has water along the middle and upper trail. It's very hot in July but downhill all the way!
2. Grand Canyon North Rim
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,349 reviews
Word of mouth has that the more remote, harder to get to and therefore less crowded North Rim offers a more authentic Canyon experience and better views. However, there is no bus service on this rim and it is closed during the winter.
Reviewed By 751morganb - San Francisco, United States
A lot of people told us about the beauty of the North Rim. After a visit, we understood why. Words like spectacular and marvelous would not describe it good enough. At the same time, a lot of people told us this is worth a trip because of its remote location. We loved it, not because it was less crowded than the South Rim, but because of its beauty. When that is said, if you will not get the chance to go here, but will get the chance to visit the South or West Rim, we would say: GO! All places are amazing. If you visit the North Rim, make sure also to drive over to Cape Royal and stop on the way on the Walhalla overlook, Roosevelt Point overlook, Vista Encantada and Point Imperial. We also recommend to do the hikes Cape Royal Trail as well as Bright Angel Point.
3. Bright Angel Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,318 reviews
One of the two superhighways of the Grand Canyon, this well maintained and popular trail offers breathtaking vistas, some shaded areas.
Reviewed By 60Kelly - Sydney, Australia
We started the walk down at 5am knowing we'd be returning in the heat of the day. After 2.5hours we reached Indian Gardens, a luscious oasis on the canyon floor. We replenished our water bottles, ate snack and at 9am started off to the rest house about 4 miles back up the trail. The sun rose high in the sky,l shade became less and our pace slowed on the very steep climb up. we found any shade we could to take refuge and rehydrate although this slowed our return.. At the 3 mile rest house we found a little shade, slight breeze, and fresh water for our bottles, had another snack and wet our bandanas and hats and set off for the next resthouse 1.5 miles further up the trail. We found ourselves, along with many others, stopping every few hundred feet under any amount of shade. We drank more water and pushed on to the final resthouse 1.5miles from the rim to drink more water and cool down. By the time we reached the rim 10 hours after starting out we could barely put one foot after the other. So to anyone wanting to go down to the canyon floor I'd say do it, start as early in the day as possible if you go in summer, prepare well, take notice of all the warning signs about the hike, take plenty of water and snacks then enjoy the vistas on the way down, the welcoming Indian Gardens at the bottom and appreciate the friendships you will make on the way back up as you encourage each other to get back to the rim safely. It is definitely worth every step.
4. Grand Canyon South Rim
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23,049 reviews
The most developed area of Grand Canyon National Park, the South Rim offers amenities such as bus service, hotels and water stations, but is also more crowded than the North Rim. Scenic highlights include Pipe Creek Vista and Yavapai Point.
Reviewed By E9542BPjeffh - Toronto, Canada
Just came back from 3 days at the Grand Canyon. We did 3 wonderful tours, including the Sunset tour along the south rim to see the spectacular sunset on the canyon, the desert view tour to explore the native history, and the all day 4 by 4 inner rim tour from Williams down into the canyon to the Colorado river. What an experience....rugged beauty, hiking and wildlife....not to be missed in your lifetime!
5. Rim Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,503 reviews
Scenic and level walking trail, which is easy enough to bring the kids.
Reviewed By royv647 - Traralgon, Australia
This is truly a great walk to do , there are so many beautifull viewspots for taking photos, We spent a couple of nights in the Village and walked the trail a lot , it is easy going , a lot of it is paved .. We walked some and also used the shuttle buses that are going along the route all the time. There is a lot of information to read along the way, helps you understand the history of the place and learn about the people who made it all happen Their are toilet facilities at some of the main view spots which are very handy. This is a must thing to do , you will take home visions of a lifetime , do it
6. Hopi Point
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 625 reviews
Reviewed By TutinsPony - Phoenix, United States
We went on our bikes and it is a great short ride along the road, only 3 miles, with an early hill up the Hermits Road. There are places to stop on the way, Maricopa Point and Powell Point. Hopi is a good Sunset spot, during Covid-19 conditions it was really very quiet. This is also a good walk/hike along the paved footpaths.
7. Grand Canyon National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 758 reviews
Reviewed By allisonhelene - Brownsburg, United States
Drove here from Phoenix to the south rim, and this is a great park!! Plenty of wildlife outside in natural habitat and the views of the canyon are amazing!!! $35 gets you in and can come back for one week with receipt. Would definitely come back to see north rim in the future!!
8. Grand Canyon Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 674 reviews
The hub of activity at the Grand Canyon's South Rim, this busy village offers hotels, shops and restaurants from fast food to fine dining.
Reviewed By MelissaClaire93 - Wilmington, United States
After viewing the canyon we drove around the village. It has some lodging and a really nice General Store. The General Store has a lot of super cute souvenirs and also groceries for if you’re staying there. It was really adorable. It’s a little hard to find the park exit (it was also heavily snowing when we were there) but overall it’s a really nice little village in the park.
9. Mather Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,566 reviews
Reviewed By KosherAndGlutenFree - New Jersey, United States
Mather Point is the closest spot on the South Rim to the parking lot for the Visitors' Center, so when you first arrive at the park, this is likely your first view of the canyon. And a great one it is....
10. Grand Canyon Desert View Watchtower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,222 reviews
Reviewed By RICART75 - Peru, United States
We spent about an hour here, as part of a 4 hour Park tour originating at the Grand Canyon Village. The views are wonderful, and Mary Colter's architecture is absorbing, providing a true step back in time. Whether one climbs the stairs within, or sits at one of the ground level window seats, (or walks the outside perimeter) the scenery is magnificent. This facility also overlooks the site of a historic plane crash, which was the catalyst for our current FAA. The Watchtower is the focal point of a complex including a gift shop, restaurant and restrooms. The staff throughout were friendly and informative. Less crowded than some other areas along the rim, this was one of the highlights of our 2 days at the south rim.
