Article Overview: Visiting the Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon Itinerary
It’s no wonder that the Grand Canyon is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, and visiting Grand Canyon National Park is on many people’s bucket lists. Over 4 million visitors come each year, making the Grand Canyon one of the most popular national parks.
This 1,217,262-acre park provides a lot to see, so plan a few days to see as much as you can! From gorgeous vistas and epic hikes to cultural wonders and helicopter rides, there are plenty of different ways to enjoy this amazing park.
Grand Canyon Itinerary
Table of Contents: Visiting the Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon Itinerary: Visiting the Grand Canyon
A Quick Overview of This Grand Canyon Itinerary
Though the park is open year-round, visiting Grand Canyon National Park is best during the spring and fall. Many vacationers visit in the summer, and this is when the park is the most crowded AND the hottest. If you’re considering hiking into the canyon, definitely avoid summertime. In the winter, trails into the canyon can also be more icy, cold, and (yikes!), slippery.
The Grand Canyon has 2 main rims: the North Rim and the South Rim.
The South Rim is the most popular and the most accessible, while only 10% of visitors go to the North Rim. Though the North and South Rim are literally 10 miles apart, the driving distance between them is 215 miles! For this Grand Canyon itinerary, we will mainly be focusing on the South Rim.
Some also refer to the “East Rim” — which has its own entrance (a little less crowded), is an extension of the South Rim, and is known for its Desert View Watchtower.
A “West Rim” also exists, but it is not technically part of Grand Canyon National Park. It has its own entrance fee and is located on the Hualapai Indian Reservation. The West Rim is the easiest to reach from Las Vegas (about 125 miles) – making it a popular side trip — and is best known for the Skywalk.
Things to Know Before Visiting Grand Canyon National Park
Entrance Fees
$35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass ($20 for motorcycles and $20 for bikes or walk-ins) 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.
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 🙂
Insect Repellent
If you’re looking for a good insect repellent that plays nice with our good friend Earth, we recommend this one or this one if you’re a DEET person.
The Best Guide Book for Grand Canyon National Park is this one, which we’ve marked up and highlighted quite a bit.
The Best Map: I like this map best for Grand Canyon National Park.
National Parks Checklist Map: This beautiful National Parks Checklist Map can be ordered to your house.
Framed National Parks Map: We’re a sucker for maps, this framed national parks map is the best.
Where to Stay: This is our favorite hotel in/around Grand Canyon National Park (near the South Rim).
How to Get to the Grand Canyon (South Rim)
By Plane:
| Airport | Distance | Approximate Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) | 90 miles | 1.5 hours |
| Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) | 230 miles | 3.5 hours |
| Harry Reid International Airport Las Vegas (LAS) | 275 miles | 4 hours |
By Car:
From Flagstaff: Take Interstate 40 to State Route 64.
From Phoenix, AZ: Take I-17 North to Flagstaff then I-40 West to State Route 64.
From Las Vegas, Nevada: Take US Route 93 to Interstate 40 to Route 64.
By Train:
The Grand Canyon Railway provides a scenic journey from Williams, Arizona to the South Rim.
By Bus or Tour:
You can find bus tour companies that provide guided tours to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Flagstaff
Additional Resources:
If you’re looking to do an Arizona road trip that includes the Grand Canyon, check out our in depth guide to creating the best Arizona road trip!
Nearby Parks
Petrified Forest National Park – 203 miles from Grand Canyon Village
Zion National Park – 249 miles from Grand Canyon Village
Bryce Canyon National Park – 284 miles from Grand Canyon Village
Grand Canyon Shuttle System
A unique feature of Grand Canyon National Park is its shuttle service. Shuttle rides are free and unlimited with your entrance fee. We recommend taking advantage of this unique service because parking is limited, particularly during the summer and holiday seasons.
Check out our Complete Guide to the Grand Canyon Shuttle System Here
A Few Notes on Shuttles:
Buses arrive every 15-30 minutes. Look for the bus stops throughout the park. There are 3 main shuttle lines and 5 total.
For stays, shopping, and connecting to the Orange Route:
Blue “Village” Route (Open Year-Round) — Runs from 4:30am-9:30pm and connects the Visitor Center to the lodges, campgrounds, Backcountry Information Center, and Market Plaza
For the main South Rim overlooks:
Orange “Kaibab Rim” Route (Open Year-Round) – Runs from 4:30am to 30 minutes after sunset and connects the Visitor Center Eastbound to South Kaibab Trailhead, Yaki Point, and Pike Creek Overlook. Westbound travels to Mather Point and the Yavapai Geology Museum
For even more gorgeous views of the Canyon:
Red “Hermit Road” Route (Open from March 1-November 30) – Runs from 4:30am to 30 minutes after sunset. It starts near the end of the Blue “Village” Route by the Village Historic District and travels along a 7-mile scenic road.
Did you know there’s an alternative entrance into the South Rim?
Purple “Tusayan” Route (Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day) – Runs from 8am-9:30pm and takes visitors from the nearby town of Tusayan to the South Rim Visitor Center. (Parking and/or staying in Tusayan is another option for visiting the park.) It includes 4 stops in Tusayan.
For those ready to get hiking!
Hikers’ Express Shuttle (Year-Round) Connects Bright Angel Lodge to the South Kaibab Trailhead. Runs in the morning and drop-off times vary from 5am to 9am seasonally.
You can find even more details about Grand Canyon Shuttles here.
Grand Canyon Shuttle Map
1 Day Grand Canyon Itinerary
Is it your first time visiting Grand Canyon National Park — but your time is limited?
No problem!
Just being in the presence of this incredible natural wonder is worth the drive, and you can get a great view from various lookout points within walking distance of the Visitor Center. (Mather Point, the most popular lookout, is just a 5-minute walk.) If you have a full day – so much the better!
Morning
The Grand Canyon is open 24 hours a day, and it is recommended to arrive before 9am to avoid long lines and a full parking lot. Check out a webcam of the entrance line here!
Psst! Are you an RVer? Early bird RVers (RVs 22 ft or less) can find parking spots for the day here: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/rv.htm
Once you arrive, you might stop by the Visitor Center or start immediately enjoying the views! Beat the crowds at Mather Point and then take a leisurely walk, bike, or shuttle from viewpoint to viewpoint along the South Rim Trail (with plenty of photo ops all along the way)!
If you head out east on the Orange Shuttle Route you can catch some great views along the way, including favorite overlook Yaki Point. If you’re feeling up for hiking a little ways into the canyon, Ooh Ah Point is another good one along the South Kaibab Trail, a quick 1/4-mile round-trip hike. (Beware that this trail is both very popular and very exposed — NOT a great option for those with a fear of heights!)
Note: Take precautions if deciding to head further down the South Kaibab Trail, and heed the warnings along the way. This trail heads all the way down to the rim and is NOT recommended to be completed as a down-and-back experience in just one day. (Over 250 people are rescued from the Grand Canyon each year!)
There are plenty of great spots for photo ops and breathtaking views along the Kaibab trail that still leave enough turn back time. Cedar Ridge, the first 1.5 Mile Resthouse, is a 3-hour round trip and recommended turnaround spot for first-time canyon hikers. Skeleton Point is a 3-mile resthouse for a 6-mile round trip. (For the full experience, check out the 3-Day Grand Canyon itinerary below!)
Midday
After you’ve gotten in enough walking/biking, it’s time for a lunch break! If you’re on a budget, why not pick your favorite spot along the Rim Trail and enjoy your sandwich and chips with a breathtaking view?
Or if you’re looking to grab a bite, take the shuttle west to the Grand Canyon Village Historic District, where you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. The historic El Tovar Hotel is a popular choice, and you can enjoy anything from pizza and burgers to steak at the other lodge restaurants.
Afternoon
As you let your food settle, continue your journey along the rim.
If you’re up for more walking, experience the 3-mile Trail of Time, the world’s largest geoscience exhibition. Every marked meter is another 1 million years in time! Viewing tubes, wayside panels and other visuals bring history to life! One entrance is right near Grand Canyon Village, or you also might enter from Yavapai Point.
Take advantage of Yavapai Point as another great lookout along the way, and if you’d prefer a little less walking, the next-door Yavapai Geological Museum is another great option for the afternoon, where you can enjoy a large, sculpted relief map, rock column models of the North and South Rim, a gift shop, and more.
Evening
If you’re visiting Grand Canyon National Park, you MUST watch the sunset. It’s one of the best spots to see one in the world! Some great places to catch them are Hopi Point (just west of Grand Canyon Village and one of the best spots for sunset photography), Mather Point (near the Visitor Center and offering a dramatic panorama of the canyon), and Yaki Point (on the eastern side of the South Rim and a less-crowded, more serene sunset option). OR if you’re not too tired and up for a little drive, Desert View Watchtower is another great option on the far eastern side of the South Rim, and you can enjoy the golden hour from a higher vantage point on the tower’s 360-degree observation deck (and check out the tower’s Native American and Art Deco architecture while you are there)!
Whew! What a day! But there’s a lot to do and see! Why not spread it out over 1 or 2 more days. . . .?
2 Day Grand Canyon Itinerary
If you have time and means to spend two days visiting Grand Canyon National Park, so much the better! (Remember, your entrance pass is good for 7 days!)
Day 1
Early Morning
Be sure to get an early start to beat the crowds at the park. Aim to arrive at least before 9am, but keep in mind that the park is open 24 hours!
Spend the morning enjoying some of the best scenic viewpoints on the South Rim, such as Mather Point, Yaki Point, and Ooh Ah Point (a ¼ mile down the Kaibab Trail). Take a leisurely walk, bring or rent a bike, and hop on a free Kaibab Rim Orange shuttle. (Be sure to get some good pics!)
Late Morning
It’s a bird. . . it’s a plane. . . no, it’s a helicopter! Experience the Grand Canyon from a bird’s eye view in a 30-45 minute helicopter ride. Depending on your tour, you have an opportunity for an unmatched view of the entirety of the Grand Canyon: the North and South Rim, the Kaibab Forest, the Colorado River, the Dragon Corridor, and more!
This is a popular way to see the canyon, so be sure to book in advance. The experience can get a little pricey, but it’s an unforgettable excursion! The helicopter tour companies are not associated with the National Park Service, and you can learn more about your options here.
Afternoon
After your flight of a lifetime, grab a bite at one of the restaurants in Grand Canyon Village Historic District. Enjoy the gorgeous historic architecture, panoramic views of the canyon, and culinary excellence at El Tovar’s restaurant. If you’re in the mood for pizza, try Maswik Food Court and Pizza Pub or check out Arizona Steakhouse or Fred Harvey Burger.
It’s worth taking a little time in the Village, a national historic landmark district. Be sure to stop by the Hopi House, with its unique indigenous architecture, souvenirs, and Native American Art, learn more about the canyon’s pioneer history at Verkamp’s Visitor Center, and peruse the photography at Kolb Studio and Lookout Studio.
While you’re in the area, walk the 3-mile Trail of Time, stop at Yavapai Point, and explore the Yavapai Geological Museum. Learn about the history of the Grand Canyon as you walk this unique route along the Rim. Then, enjoy another gorgeous lookout point, and check out the museum’s fascinating features, such as a large, sculpted relief map, rock column models of the North and South Rim, a gift shop, and more.
Evening
Return to Yaki Point for a gorgeous, peaceful sunset. Experience the glorious outbreak of colors across the canyon as you reflect back on your amazing day!
Night
Still up? How about some stargazing? The Grand Canyon is officially designated a Dark Sky Park. Stake out a good spot at Mather Point on the South Rim. Stargazing is best at least 1.5 hours after sunset, and avoid fuller moons.
Day 2
Morning
It’s Day 2 and time for an adventure! Take a mule ride, hike part of the 13-mile South Rim, or hike partway down the Kaibab Trail. Remember to start your Grand Canyon adventure before 9am to beat the crowds!
The mule rides are run by one exclusive company and have been running for over 100 years with millions of riders! Pick between a one-hour and two-hour trail ride through the pines of Kaibab National Forest. (Consider a ride into the canyon for your 3-day stay!) Find information on booking here.
Want to get a taste of the canyon below the rim? You can enjoy some great in-canyon views by going even a little deeper.
Hike partway down the Kaibab Trail or Bright Angel Trail. Take note of the turnaround points — Cedar Point and Skeleton Point for the Kaibab Trail and the 1.5-mile and 3-mile Resthouses for the Bright Angel Trail — and be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks. Pay attention to your body, and keep in mind that the 2nd half is all uphill!
Midday/Afternoon
Hungry yet from all that holding or riding? Grab lunch at Grand Canyon Village or Tusayan (right outside the South Rim entrance). Then, give yourself a little more rest and catch the 35-minute IMAX movie in Tusayan.
Late Afternoon
Ready for more? Don’t forget the West side some love! (The views are well worth it!) Take the Red “Hermit Road” shuttle route and visit some of the lookouts along this 7-mile stretch along the Rim. Some great lookout points include Powell View Point, Hopi Viewpoint, Mohave Viewpoint, The Abyss, Pima Point, and Hermit’s Rest. You can drive or shuttle to these spots, and be sure to take into account the shuttle wait between points, and leave plenty of time.
Evening
As always, be sure to catch the sunset, and why not end with the east side? Enjoy a 360-degree panoramic sunset view at Desert View Watchtower. (A car ride is the only option for this.) If you have a little time to spare before the sun goes down, get some eastern views of the canyon at Grandview, Lipan, Moran, and Navajo Points. (Shoshone Point is great, too, but it requires a 2-mile round trip hike.)
Note: If you’re interested in learning more about the Native People in the area, you might try to catch a cultural demonstration anytime during your two-day stay to learn more about the 11 tribes of the Grand Canyon area: the Diné (Navajo), Havasupai, Hualapai, Hopi, Yavapai-Apache, Kaibab band of Southern Paiute, Las Vegas band of Southern Paiute, Moapa band of Southern Paiute, Paiute Indian Tribes of Utah, San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, and Zuni.
A schedule of events can be found here. Demonstrations are free and generally take place between 9am and 4pm at the Desert View Watchtower.
3 Day Grand Canyon Itinerary
Three whole days in the Grand Canyon? NOW you’re talking! As it is generally NOT recommended to hike in and back out of the canyon in one day, your multi-day trip is a great opportunity to tackle this challenging walk!
Note: The “Rim to Rim” hike (North Rim to South Rim or reverse) is another exciting bucket-list experience while visiting Grand Canyon National Park, but this is a VERY challenging hike that requires at least 2-3 days of hiking and careful planning. (You may want to consider a hiking tour group for this.) We’d recommend extending your trip even longer for this one so that you have additional time for preparation and recovery.
Day 1 & Day 2: Hiking (or Riding) Into the Canyon
There are 2 main trail options for hiking into the canyon:
- The Kaibab Trail
- The Bright Angel Trail
The (South) Kaibab Trail (8 miles each way) is known for its stunning and exposed views and has a steeper grade. The Bright Angel Trail (7 miles each way) is the most popular, safer, and more shaded trail with a convenient trailhead located by Bright Angel Lodge. Both have access to amenities and campgrounds, and the main camping options include Bright Angel Campground and the Indian Garden Campground.
Important! Permits are required and are to be requested during a specific time frame, months in advance. Be sure to display your permit prominently on your pack for the rangers to see. Learn more and apply for your permit here.
Be sure to check weather conditions before you set out, and get going early each morning to make sure you have plenty of time for each half of this exciting journey.
Be prepared for the way up to take twice as long as the way down. Pack PLENTY of water (2-4 liters) and a water filter — you are not always guaranteed access to refills. Just as importantly, bring plenty of salty snacks (pretzels, beef jerky, etc) and electrolytes. Not enough water can lead to dehydration and not enough salt can lead to a seizure-producing electrolyte disorder. Take breaks whenever you need to — particularly if you are experiencing headaches or nausea — and replenish your nutrients frequently.
On Day 1, after reaching the bottom, and before getting some shuteye at camp, be sure to take some extra time to gaze at that amazing star-filled sky.
Alternate Option: Want to experience the trip in and out of the canyon without all the hiking? Take a 2-day mule ride down into the canyon! This is a pricey but VERY popular excursion and books up as early as 15 months in advance! Find more information and booking here.
Day 3
Time for a break! You’ve spent a lot of time walking, so take a load off!
Mix and match from these One-Day and Two-Day Options on your 3rd day of visiting Grand Canyon National Park:
- Enjoy the many overlooks from Hermit Road to the west and Desert View to the east.
- Take a helicopter tour!
- Visit Yavapai Geology Museum
- Walk the 3-mile Trail of Time
- Have a picnic or grab some grub at Grand Canyon Village
- Watch the IMAX movie
- Visit Desert View Watchtower and check out their cultural demonstrations
And, as always, wrap up your Grand Canyon itinerary with an awe-inspiring sunset! (View it from the 360-degree panoramic sunset view at Desert View Watchtower!)
Visiting the Grand Canyon: FAQ’s
April and September are the best times to visit the Grand Canyon. Both months are in what is called the shoulder season, offering mild weather and fewer crowds.
We recommend 2 days (1 night) to visit the Grand Canyon if you don’t plan on hiking into the canyon. If you want to hike into the canyon we recommend 4 days (1 to get down, 1 to recover, 1 to get back up, and 1 to explore the rim).
Absolutely! The Grand Canyon is accessible by car and well worth visiting even if you only have an hour – and it’s easy! The Grand Canyon is one of the wonders of the world and even spending 20 minutes peering into it’s depths is time and money well spent.
The nearest airport is Flagstaff Pulliam airport, which is 90 miles or 1.5 hours away. However most people opt to fly into Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas (275 miles or 4 hours away) or Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (230 miles or 3.5 hours away).
No. Grand Canyon National Park is open year-round and has all the necessary parking and infrastructure to handle plenty of people at the South Rim. No planning ahead required if you just want to stop in and gaze at the canyon!
Though it’s up for debate, most agree that the best views of the Grand Canyon are from the South Rim. We have the best viewpoints ranked here.
The Grand Canyon is for Everybody
One of the great things about the Grand Canyon is its accessibility as one of the most sought after outdoor destinations in the world. The South Rim of the park is open 24/7 year-round and is accessible to people of nearly any disability thanks to it’s paved paths and ample infrastructure.
Some parks get a lot of hype for specific hiking trails or backpacking opportunities and the Grand Canyon certainly has amazing opportunities for those looking to do get out there. But the best views in the park are accessible to all, right from the South Rim parking lot – and there’s something pretty great about that.
No matter where you’re from or what kind of athletic ability you have, you can see the majesty of the Grand Canyon, thanks to the National Park Service.
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