Article Overview: Best Things to Do in the Grand Canyon

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or the thousandth time, there’s a whole host of incredible things to do at the Grand Canyon. Visiting the Grand Canyon is a life-changing experience that you’ll remember forever – there’s no place in the world like it.

Sure, we could go on and try to describe to you the singular beauty and majesty of one of the great wonders of the world – or we could let one of America’s greatest presidents do it:

“In the Grand Canyon, Arizona has a natural wonder which is in kind absolutely unparalleled throughout the rest of the world. I want to ask you to keep this great wonder of nature as it now is.

I hope you will not have a building of any kind, not a summer cottage, a hotel or anything else, to mar the wonderful grandeur, the sublimity, the great loneliness and beauty of the canyon.

Leave it as it is. You cannot improve on it. The ages have been at work on it, and man can only mar it.”

Theodore Roosevelt

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In this article we’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting the Grand Canyon including:

• Facts About the Grand Canyon
• Things to Know Before Visiting Grand Canyon National Park
• Best Things to Do at the Grand Canyon
• Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon
• Getting to the Grand Canyon
• South Rim vs North Rim of the Grand Canyon
• Park Fees & Hours of Operation
• Where to Stay

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Things to Do in the Grand Canyon

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Interesting Facts About the Grand Canyon

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How deep is the Grand Canyon?

At it’s deepest point the Grand Canyon is 6,000 feet deep while it averages a depth of 4,000 feet.

How wide is the Grand Canyon?

At it’s widest point the Grand Canyon is 18 miles across from rim to rim.

How long is the Grand Canyon?

Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, the Grand Canyon is 277 miles long with varying widths and depths throughout.

How big is Grand Canyon National Park?

Grand Canyon National Park consists of 1,218,375 acres making it one of the largest national parks outside of Alaska.

How far is the South Rim from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon?

Despite being roughly 10 miles as the crow flies across the canyon, the drive to the north rim from the south rim takes about 4 hours.

More fun facts about the Grand Canyon

• The Grand Canyon is an official UNESCO World Heritage site, one of only 24 in the United States.
• Originally saved by Theodore Roosevelt as a national monument, the Grand Canyon was designated as a US National Park on February 26, 1919.

For more Grand Canyon Facts check out our article: 16 Fascinating Grand Canyon National Park Facts

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Things to Know Before Visiting Grand Canyon National Park

Entrance Fees

$30 per vehicle OR if you plan to visit more National Parks within the next 12 months I suggest you go ahead and purchase the America the Beautiful Pass (which can be found at the entrance gates to most national parks). This pass gets you into all National Parks, Forests, Monuments, and more including 2,000 sites for free after a one time $79 fee.

Guide Book

The Best Guide Book: James Kaiser is the proverbial bees knees in this department. I love all of his National Park guides and his Grand Canyon Guide is no exception.

Map

The Best Grand Canyon Map: I like this map best for Grand Canyon National Park.

Sunscreen

Use it. Lots of it. Especially this one which I never leave the house without because it plays nice with our dear friend, earth 🙂

Know the Four Regions of the Grand Canyon

Most folks think of the Grand Canyon in terms of North Rim / South Rim. There’s also an area referred to as Grand Canyon East and Grand Canyon West.

• South Rim: The most popular and most heavily visited section of Grand Canyon National Park is the South Rim area located just beyond the South Rim Entrance Station which includes Mather Point & Grand Canyon Village
• East Rim: The east section refers to the area near the east entrance to Grand Canyon National Park which includes the Desert View Watchtower.
• North Rim: Located across the canyon from the south rim, the north rim of the Grand Canyon has become increasingly popular in recent years as visitation continues to surge. Despite being roughly 10 miles as the crow flies across the canyon, the drive to the north rim from the south rim takes about 4 hours.
• West Rim: Accessed via the South Entrance followed by Hermit Road or West Rim Drive and includes many of the best overlooks in the park.
• Grand Canyon West: Grand Canyon West is the most recently developed section of the Grand Canyon and managed by the Hualapai Tribe rather than the National Park Service. The famous Grand Canyon Skywalk is located here.

Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon

The best time to visit the Grand Canyon is in the Spring and Fall. I recommend the months of April and September when crowds will be down and temperatures will be pleasant.

Hours of Operation

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is open 24 hours a day all 365 days of the year. The North Rim however is closed to all vehicles between December 1st and May 14th with no services offered. From October 15 to December 1 on the North Rim services are limited.

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Top 20 Best Things to Do in Grand Canyon National Park

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20. Visit the Desert View Watchtower

Location: Grand Canyon East Rim

Features: Overlook, Historical

Must see at the Grand Canyon because:

Desert View Watchtower is one of the most iconic sites at the Grand Canyon offering some of the best views in the park. Visiting this incredible site is one of the my favorite things to do at the Grand Canyon.

Designed by one of the southwest’s most influential architects, Mary Colter West, Desert View Watchtower was constructed in 1932 and remains in place today.

Her buildings at Grand Canyon include: Desert View Watchtower, Lookout Studio, Hermits Rest, Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Lodge, Hopi House, and two employee dormitories – Colter Hall and Victor Hall.

The design is intended to reflect elements of the native tribes and blend with the natural environment of the Grand Canyon. Inside the tower you’ll see beautiful, recently restored murals featuring tribal artwork and pictographs.

At one point the Desert View Watchtower was turned into a gift shop but has since been restored to its original purpose as a scenic rest station for visitors.

The tower is 5 stories tall with different experiences on each level.

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19. Discover the Tusayan Ruin

Location: Grand Canyon East Rim

Features: Historical

Must see at the Grand Canyon because:

Seeing the Tusayan Ruin is a great add on to your list of things to do at Grand Canyon National Park East for cultural and historical buffs. Believe it or not, the Grand Canyon is home to more than 4000 recorded archeological sites dating as far back as 12,000 years ago!

Today, just the base of the construction that happened here is still visible but is a great connection point for people of all ages to the incredible cultural history of the park. It’s estimated that 16 – 20 people lived in this small community.

Be sure to check out the Tusayan Museum while you’re in the area for more great details and to help connect the dots about these amazing people.

Getting to this site is easy as it’s located just off Desert View Drive, 7 minutes driving (3.4 miles) down the road from the Desert View complex.

Check out this handy brochure for more information about the Tusayan Ruin at Grand Canyon National Park.

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18. Ride a Mule into the Grand Canyon

Location: South Rim & North Rim

Features: Adventure

One of the most adventurous things to do at the Grand Canyon is riding a mule down into the canyon itself, perhaps all the way to the bottom if you’re up for it. There are mule ride concessionaires located at both the South Rim and North Rim.

South Rim Mule Rides

At the South Rim, two different mule rides are offered by Xanterra:

• 2 Hour Canyon Vistas Mule Ride – $155.77 per person
• Overnight Mule Ride to Phantom Ranch – $705.13 for the first person or 2 people for $1226.40

While the whopping price tag for the overnight mule ride might have your wallet reeling, interested parties should know that it does come with overnight accommodations at Phantom Ranch (located at the bottom of the canyon, sack lunches, a steak dinner, and breakfast. There’s also a 2 night option for the mule ride as well.

Book here: Check out Xanterra’s website for more information and to book your South Rim mule ride down into the Grand Canyon.

North Rim Mule Rides

At the North Rim, there are three different mule rides offered by Canyon Trail Rides:

• 1 Hour Rim of the Grand Canyon – $50 per person
• 3 Hour Rim Ride to Uncle Jim’s Point – $100 per person
• 3 Hour Ride to Supai Tunnel – $100 per person

These rides are far more affordable than the ones offered by Xanterra on the more popular South Rim but none of them take you to the bottom of the canyon for an overnight trip.

Book here: Check out Canyon Trail Rides website for more information and to book your North Rim mule ride.

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17. Take a Guided Ranger Tour

Location: South Rim, North Rim, East Rim

Features: Family Friendly

Must see at the Grand Canyon because:

Ranger talks and guided tours are the kinds of memories one savors for a lifetime. If you’re looking for a great family friendly activity at the Grand Canyon then look no further than a classic ranger guided tour.

Every season the National Park Service changes up their offering of ranger guided tours at the Grand Canyon. Availability varies by season with summer and fall being the most popular times to participate in a ranger program.

Examples of the ranger-led activities in the Grand Canyon include:

• Rim walks
• Stargazing
• Coffee with a ranger
• Ranger talks at an amphitheater

Check out the NPS website for current ranger-led activities at the Grand Canyon.

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16. Take a Helicopter Flight Over the Grand Canyon

Location: South Rim, West Rim, Las Vegas

Features: Adventure

Must do at the Grand Canyon because:

For those looking for unparalleled aerial views and adventure, add taking a helicopter flight to your list of things to do at the Grand Canyon. Helicopter tours can be taken from the West Rim, South Rim, and even directly from Las Vegas.

Best Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas: Golden Eagle Tour by Papillion – $379 per person

The Best Helicopter Tour from South Rim: Imperial with Ecostar – $339 per person

Best Helicopter Tour from West Rim: GCW Helicopter Landing with Park Entry – $339 per person

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Top 15 Best Things to Do at Grand Canyon National Park

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15. Watch the Grand Canyon IMAX Movie

Location: Tusayan, Arizona (South Rim)

Features: Air Conditioning, Family Friendly, Accessible

Must do at the Grand Canyon because:

One of the best things to do at the Grand Canyon for folks looking for a little air conditioning and relaxing is watching the epic Grand Canyon IMAX Movie.

While the theater is technically located outside of the park, about 10 miles (15 minutes) south of the South Entrance in Tusayan, it’s a great addition for families and folks looking for a bit more understanding and appreciation for the Grand Canyon.

Ticket Prices: Adult(Ages 11+ to 54) $13.59 Youth Tickets(6-10) $10.33 Senior(55+) $12.50 Military $12.50

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the official Grand Canyon IMAX website.

https://youtu.be/SM0GW109bhA

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14. Drive Hermit Road (West Rim Road)

Location: West Rim

Features: Overlooks, Hiking Trails, Accessible

Must do at the Grand Canyon because:

Located on the West Rim, Hermit Road holds some of the best viewpoints and overlooks in Grand Canyon National Park. From March 1 to November 30 the road is only accessible by the park shuttle (red line). During the winter, however, the road opens up to the vehicles of regular visitors like you and me.

Hermit Road is 7 miles long and takes about 15-20 minutes to drive each way depending on how many stops you take. At the end of Hermit Road you’ll reach Hermits Rest which is a great spot to pop out and check out the amazing views.

Grand Canyon viewpoints on Hermit Road include:

• Trail View Overlook
• Maricopa Point
• Powell Point
• Hopi Point
• Mohave Point
• Monument Creek Vista
• Pima Point
• Hermits Rest

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13. Visit the Yavapai Geology Museum

Location: South Rim

Features: Historical, Geological, Accessible, Family Friendly, Air Conditioning

Must see at the Grand Canyon because:

The Yavapai Geology Museum is one of the many great things to do at the Grand Canyon if you’re exploring the South Rim due to its central location and, let’s face it, air conditioning!

Here at the Yavapai Geology Museum you can learn about the epic geological history of the grand canyon with massive graphics and reliefs while marveling at canyon itself through giant windows. Visiting the museum is a great activity to couple with the Trail of Time (more on that below).

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12. Walk the Trail of Time

Location: South Rim

Features: Historical, Geological, Family Friendly, Accessible, Hiking Trail,Overlooks

Must do at the Grand Canyon because:

The Trail of Time is one of the really great interactive things to do at the Grand Canyon that gives you a real appreciation of the canyon’s epic formation over billions of years. The paved trail starts just behind the Yavapai Geology Museum and is completely accessible.

The first portion of the trail (about 150 yards) covers a span of one million years. The second portion is approximately 2.8 miles and transports you through 2 billion years. Every meter on the second part of the trail represents 1 million years of geologic time in the Grand Canyon.

The trail takes about an hour to complete and provides you with sweeping views of the canyon along the way.

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11. Experience the Grand Canyon Skywalk

Location: Grand Canyon West (outside the park)

Features: Family Friendly, Accessible, Overlooks

Must do at the Grand Canyon because:

While this one is located outside of Grand Canyon National Park, it’s still an amazing activity worth adding to your list of things to do at the Grand Canyon (if you have the time). The Grand Canyon Skywalk is a 10 foot wide, horseshoe-shaped, glass bridge that extends 70 feet over the rim of the Grand Canyon. Looking through the glass at your feet visitors can peer 4,000 feet below to the bottom of the canyon.

While this activity is not for acrophobics, the Hualapai Tribe that manages the site boasts the glass bridge is strong enough to hold “seventy fully loaded 747 passenger jets.” How’s that for a bold claim?

Buy Tickets: For more information and tickets to the Skywalk check out the official Grand Canyon Skywalk site.

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Top 10 Best Things to Do at Grand Canyon National Park

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10. Hike the South Kaibab Trail

Location: South Rim

Features: Hiking Trail, Adventure, Overlooks

Must do at the Grand Canyon because:

I still remember my first time hiking down the Grand Canyon’s South Kaibab trail as a strapping 18 year old lad. While I certainly got in way over my head back then having no clue what I was doing, backpacking to the bottom of the canyon for the night with essential items like my trusty 10 gallon cooking pot, it was a very memorable time to say the least.

The entire trail is 7.1 miles long with over 4500 feet of elevation gain but visitors should not attempt it without first visiting the rangers at the backcountry office for a required permit and honestly evaluating their own capabilities.

What makes this trail incredible is the dramatic views available here unlike any other trail in the park. The descent is steep with sweeping panoramas at places like Ooh Aah Point (more on that below).

Popping on the trail for a mile or so, however, is a great way to get down into the canyon and experience some incredible vistas. Just keep in mind that every step down means a step back up!

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9. Cruise the Scenic Desert View Drive

Location: South Rim & West Rim

Features: Overlooks, Driving, Hiking Trails, Family Friendly, Wildlife

Must do at the Grand Canyon because:

The first time I realized that there were elk at the Grand Canyon was seeing one cross the road while driving Desert View Drive. In fact, I didn’t even realized there was more to the national park than Grand Canyon Village and the South Rim the first time I visited.

Desert View Drive has some of the park’s most beautiful scenery and attractions including Desert Viewpoint (one of the best in the park), Desert Watchtower, Navajo Point, Lipan Point (another great one), The Tusayan Museum, Moran Point, Grandview Point, Shoshone Point, Yaki Point, & access to the South Kaibab Trial including Ooh Aah Point.

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8. Visit the North Rim of the Grand Canyon

Location: North Rim

Features: Overlooks, Hiking Trails, Family Friendly, Wildlife

Must do at the Grand Canyon because:

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is a totally different and personally speaking, better, experience than what you’ll find at the South Rim. If you don’t mind a little extra driving (4 hours each way) then consider adding a visit to the North Rim to your list of things to do at Grand Canyon!

Driving in you’ll be treated to groves of beautiful quaking aspen that turn brilliant gold in the fall. Trails on the North Rim are calmer than those you’ll find on the packed South Rim which can feel a bit like Disneyland at times! On top of that, there are bison herds at the North Rim which you can see grazing in meadows on your way in.

The North Rim is situated at a higher elevation than the south, less crowded, more forested, more laid back, and has more wildlife.

Be sure to check out the beautifully situated and appointed Grand Canyon Lodge which is perched just on the rim itself with dazzling views of the canyon.

There are cabins available to rent and campsites which can be reserved at the North Rim as well.

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7. Catch a Sunrise at Point Imperial

Location: North Rim

Features: Sunrise, Overlooks

Must do at the Grand Canyon because:

I’d argue that the best place to see a sunrise in the Grand Canyon is at Point Imperial on the North Rim. Point Imperial is the highest of all the North Rim overlooks at 8,803 feet and the highest point in Grand Canyon National Park. It is also the northernmost viewpoint in the Grand Canyon. This gives you a really unique perspective which I really like.

Looking out you’ll see a very distinct prominence called Mt Hayden named for the former Arizona senator.

Getting to the overlook is easy as the overlook itself is just a few steps away from the parking area.

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6. Catch a Sunset at Cape Royal

Location: North Rim

Features: Sunset, Overlooks

Must do at the Grand Canyon because:

The best place to see a sunset on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is undoubtedly Cape Royal. As the southernmost viewpoint on the North Rim, Cape Royal has the greatest panoramas of any of the overlooks.

Sunsets here are absolutely magical and seem to last forever. Looking out you can see the epic Walhalla Plateau immediately before you and the South Rim in the distance.

From the Cape Royal parking area the hike to the overlook is about .4 miles down a paved trail which amounts to a 10 – 15 minute stroll.

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Top 5 Best Things to Do at Grand Canyon National Park

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5. Hike the Famous Bright Angel Trail

Location: South Rim

Features: Hiking Trails, Adventure, Overlooks

Must do at the Grand Canyon because:

The Bright Angel Trail is the ultimate Grand Canyon trail and one of the greatest, most famous trails in the entire world. Hiking at least a small portion of this trail should be in consideration for everyone’s list of the best things to do at the Grand Canyon.

This trail has been used for a very long time – first by Native Americans, then miners, pioneers, and finally tourists. At one point, a toll gate charging $1 admission to the trail was set up on Bright Angel by a nefarious fortune seeker who went on to become a US Senator.

The trail is 8 miles long (nearly 10 to Phantom Ranch) with a staggering 4,380 feet of elevation each way. For reference, that’s significantly more than two One World Trade Centers in elevation!

Hiking any extended (or not so extended) portion of this trail is strenuous and should be done with caution. The way down is deceivingly easy and the way back up can be grueling. Water stations are available at the 1.5 mile and 3 mile rest stations as well as Indian Gardens which is basically the halfway point to the Colorado River.

As compared to the South Kaibab Trail which as wide open, panoramic views, the first several miles of Bright Angel offer a more narrow view of the canyon, albeit still spectacular. The good news is that the trail is shaded in the morning and afternoons providing hikers with coverage from the sun.

NOTE: Keep in mind when hiking Bright Angel is that every step down is one that must be taken up. A good rule of thumb is that however long it takes you to hike down it will take at least double that amount of time to hike back up.

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4. See Ooh Aah Point

Location: South Rim

Features: Hiking Trails, Adventure, Overlooks

Must do at the Grand Canyon because:

Ooh Aah Point is one of the coolest overlooks in the Grand Canyon that has a cool and most fitting name. From here, sweeping panoramic vistas can be achieved unlike any others in the park as the views here are from within the canyon itself.

Getting to Ooh Aah Point requires a bit of effort and returning from it requires about twice as much as it’s all uphill. The point itself is located about .9 miles down the South Kaibab Trail from the trailhead, roughly 600 feet below the canyon rim. A wooden sign marks the spot that can’t be missed.

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3. Camp (or Lodge) at the Bottom of the Grand Canyon

Location: Canyon Floor

Features: Hiking Trails, Adventure, Overlooks

Must do at the Grand Canyon because:

The ultimate Grand Canyon adventure is hiking all the way down to the bottom, and then of course back up. To do so requires an overnight trip on the canyon floor which can be really epic and the memory of a lifetime.

For me, I attempted this many moons ago as a strapping young 18 year old not having any clue what I was doing and now have all the wisdom of what not to do, which includes: starting late in the day, packing 80lbs of mostly useless junk in your backpack, wearing terrible sandals, jumping in the river at the bottom, and more!

We hiked down the incredible South Kaibab Trail which features a steep descent with dramatic sheer drop offs and back up the historic Bright Angel Trail. I’d recommend this route for folks with good knees!

Staying overnight at the bottom of the Grand Canyon requires a special permit and lots of planning. If you’re interested you should first chat with a ranger at the backcountry office!

You can either camp at the bottom or rent a room/cabin at the historic Phantom Ranch lodge.

NOTE: Temperatures at the bottom of the canyon are often 20 degrees hotter than those at the rim so plan accordingly!

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2. Soak in the Epic Overlooks at Mather Point & South Rim Viewpoints

Location: South Rim

Features: Overlooks, Family Friendly

Must do at the Grand Canyon because:

Stepping out onto Mather Point for the first time and getting “the view” of the Grand Canyon is a right of passage for every national park lover out there. Mather Point is a quintessential American viewpoint featuring one of our most prized national treasures. As far as the best things to do at the Grand Canyon go, this is an absolute must for everyone visiting the Grand Canyon for the first time.

With that being said, the South Rim is chocked full of stunning overlooks and viewpoints, most of which are far less crowded than Mather Point which can feel like the opening seconds of Walmart on Black Friday.

Other South Rim Viewpoints include:

• Mary Coulter’s Lookout Studio
• Bright Angel Trailhead
• Yavapai Point
• Pipe Creek Vista
• South Kaibab Trailhead
• Yaki Point
• Shosone Point
• Grandview Point

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1. Sunset from Desert View

Location: East Rim

Features: Overlooks, Family Friendly, Sunset

Must do at the Grand Canyon because:

Maybe this one is a bit sentimental for me but I think there’s no better way to cap a day at the Grand Canyon than soaking in an epic sunset from Desert View. I recall doing this with my brother and dad many years back and thinking that it was the absolute perfect evening.

From Desert View you can see all the way down to the Colorado River in the distance. During sunset the canyon lights up with vivid hues of red and purple that seem to last forever.

For the best views I recommend going just past the Desert View Watchtower where you’ll see benches and a railing. Be sure to show up about 30 minutes before sunset to soak in the whole show and get the best spot.

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Map of the Best Things to Do at the Grand Canyon

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Where to Stay at the Grand Canyon

Depending on which parts of the Grand Canyon you’re trying to see will determine the best place place to stay in the park. There are hotels, lodges, and campgrounds located on the North Rim and South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

South Rim Campgrounds & Lodging Options

There are two campgrounds at the South Rim run by the National Park Service:

• Mather Campground – Reservations
• Desert View Campground (East Rim) – Reservations

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South Rim Lodging Options

At the South Rim of the Grand Canyon there are two options if you’re looking for hotels. The first, more expensive option is staying at one of the premiere lodges that are located inside the national park at Grand Canyon Village. For those Grand Canyon hotels see the Xanterra page.

The more affordable option is getting a hotel in Tusayan (5-10 minute drive). I’ve compiled a full listing of the best Tusayan hotels.

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North Rim Camping Options

The North Rim has one beautiful campground:

• North Rim Campground – Reservations

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North Rim Lodges

At the North Rim of the Grand Canyon there’s only one game in town when it comes to lodging and that’s the Grand Canyon Lodge. In my opinion this is the most beautiful and best hotel at the Grand Canyon. They’ve got standard hotel room options as well as cabins.

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Summary of Best Things to Do at the Grand Canyon

1. Sunset from Desert View
2. See Mather Point & South Rim Viewpoints
3. Camp or Lodge at the Bottom of the Grand Canyon
4. See Ooh Aah Point
5. Hike Bright Angel Trail
6. Sunset from Cape Royal
7. Sunrise at Point Imperial
8. Visit the North Rim
9. Desert View Drive
10. South Kaibab Trail
11. Skywalk at Eagle Point (West Rim)
12. Trail of Time Walk
13. Yavapai Geology Museum
14. Hermit Road
15. Watch the Grand Canyon IMAX Film
16. Helicopter Flight over the Grand Canyon
17. Ranger Guided Tour
18. Ride a mule into the Grand Canyon
19. Tusayan Ruin
20. Visit the Desert View Watchtower

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Pin Things to Do in Grand Canyon National Park

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