Grand Canyon National Park
For millions of years, the Colorado River has carved its way through the Colorado Plateau, forming this expansive, awe-inspiring landscape that we call the Grand Canyon. And it certainly is grand. Words cannot describe what it is like to gaze across the Grand Canyon for the first time.
Grand Canyon National Park is enormous. With millions of acres of land, four rims to visit, plus the options to hike below the rim and raft the Colorado River, there is a lot to do here.
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is the most accessible and most popular section of the canyon to visit and this is where the most visitors spend their time. But if you are craving adventure or solitude, visit the more remote North Rim or journey below the rim.
Grand Canyon National Park Stats
Founded: February 26, 1919
Annual Visitors: 4.7 million in 2023, making it the 2nd most visited national park in the USA that year
Size: 1.2 million acres
Location: Arizona
Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days
Notable Facts: The Grand Canyon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Natural Wonders of the World
Top Ten Experiences in the Grand Canyon
Visit the South Rim Viewpoints. The South Rim viewpoints are the easiest way to get jaw-dropping views of the Grand Canyon. There are dozens of overlooks to choose from, all located along the 32 miles of road from Hermit’s Rest to Desert Watchtower. Each one of these viewpoints offers a spectacular view, but some viewpoints are just better than others. Some offer panoramic vistas, some are less crowded, and some make fantastic sunrise and sunset destinations.
Hike the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim. If you are up for a big adventure, hiking the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim is one for the bucket list. Over the course of 24 miles, you will descend below the level of the rim, cross the mighty Colorado River, and climb back up the other side. This is typically done over two days, spending the night next to the Colorado River at Phantom Ranch or Bright Angel Campground. However, if you are fit and fast, it is possible to hike rim-to-rim in one day.
Watch the Sunset from the South Rim. Watching the sunset over the Grand Canyon is magical. The top sunset viewpoints on the South Rim are Mather Point, Hopi Point, and Yavapai Point.
Watch the Sunrise at Ooh Aah Point. Hike the South Kaibab Trail to one of the most stunning viewpoints of the Grand Canyon. Not only is Ooh Aah Point a great place to watch the sunrise, but you also get to journey below the rim. The hike is 1.8 miles round trip and it is a strenuous walk back up to the rim.
The Bright Angel Trail. The Bright Angel Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Grand Canyon, due to its trailhead location next to Grand Canyon Village and drinkable water sources along the trail. It starts on the rim and ends 9.5 miles later at the Colorado River. Most people hike just a few miles of the trail, turning around at the 1.5 Mile Resthouse, 3 Mile Resthouse, or Indian Garden.
Raft the Colorado River. This is one of the most famous rafting trips in the world. Over the course 6 to 7 days, you will raft down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, covering a distance of 190 miles. Those who do it say that it is a trip of a lifetime.
Visit the North Rim. The North Rim may only sit 15 miles away from the South Rim but it takes 4 hours to drive here. For the best view, visit Cape Royal Point for sweeping views across the Grand Canyon.
Take a Helicopter Ride over the Grand Canyon. Another way to truly appreciate the sheer size and grandeur of the Grand Canyon is by taking a helicopter ride. Flights last 30 to 45 minutes and leave right from the South Rim. It’s also possible to fly from Las Vegas to the South Rim but these trips come with a hefty price tag.
Climb the Desert View Watchtower. Located at the east entrance of the South Rim, climb 85 steps to the top of the Desert View Watchtower for panoramic views of the Grand Canyon.
Toroweap Overlook. This final recommendation is off-the-beaten-path, but for one of the best views of the Grand Canyon, make the journey to Toroweap Overlook. This remote overlook is located on the North Rim. To get here, you must have a high clearance 4×4 and experience driving rough, dirt roads.
ULTIMATE ADVENTURE
For the ultimate adventure in the Grand Canyon, you have two options. Cross the Grand Canyon by foot to truly appreciate the immensity and beauty of this place. The hike from the North Rim to the South Rim is 24 miles long and is typically done in two days, with an overnight stay at Phantom Ranch or Bright Angel Campground. We did this in 2018 and it is an unforgettable experience. Rafting the Colorado River is another bucket list adventure to have in the Grand Canyon.
Learn More About the Grand Canyon
One Day in the Grand Canyon Itinerary: Things to Do, Map, Photos
If you only have one day in the Grand Canyon, what should you do? Grand Canyon National Park is enormous. With thousands of acres of land, four rims to visit, plus the option to hike below the rim, there is no way that you will get to everything in just one day. However, with one […]
11 EPIC Things to Do on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon
For millions of years, the Colorado River has carved its way through the Colorado Plateau, forming this expansive, awe-inspiring landscape that we call the Grand Canyon. And it certainly is grand. Words cannot describe what it is like to gaze across the Grand Canyon for the first time. On a visit to the Grand Canyon, […]
Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour: Everything You Need to Know
A Grand Canyon helicopter tour can be a thrilling way to experience the awe-inspiring views and stunning beauty that the Grand Canyon has to offer. Soar across the Grand Canyon like an eagle and be amazed by the sheer size and grandeur of the canyon. Helicopter tours depart from Las Vegas, the West Rim of […]
Grand Canyon Skywalk: What to Expect & Is It Worth It?
Located on the West Rim of the Grand Canyon, the Skywalk is an easily accessible viewpoint from Las Vegas. It looks and sounds thrilling…a glass walkway perched high above the canyon floor, offering spectacular views of the Grand Canyon. But is the Grand Canyon Skywalk worth it? What to Expect at Grand Canyon West and […]
17 Breathtaking South Rim Viewpoints in the Grand Canyon
Epic, awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping…these are all words that describe the Grand Canyon. But in all honesty, words, and even photos, cannot quite capture what it is like to stand on the rim and gaze out across the canyon. There are dozens of viewpoints along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Each one of these viewpoints […]
Hikes in the Grand Canyon
How to Hike the South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trail in One Day
The South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails are two of the Grand Canyon’s classic hiking trails. You can combine these two trails together to create one massive day hike or a two-day backpacking trip. It is a long, challenging hike but it makes for some incredible memories. With its long distance and nearly a mile […]
Rim-to-Rim Hike in One Day: Everything You Need to Know
Awe-inspiring, challenging, exhausting, unforgettable…these are all words to describe the trek across the Grand Canyon. If you are up for a big adventure, hiking the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim is one for the bucket list. This is the land of extremes. In the summer months, the temperature can fluctuate along the trail as much as 80 […]
Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Hike: Planning Guide and Checklist
Hiking the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim is a bucket list adventure. Over the course of nearly 24 miles, hikers descend below the level of the rim, cross the mighty Colorado River, and climb back up the other side. It’s challenging, it’s exhilarating, and it is truly an unforgettable experience. However, this is a massive hike and […]
When To Visit Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon can be visited year round. Peak season is during the summer months and during the holiday seasons of Easter and Christmas. During these times, expect large crowds, traffic jams to enter the park, and hotels booked to capacity.
Spring and fall are great times to visit the park. The weather is pleasant and the park isn’t overly crowded.
From June through September, expect hot conditions and large crowds.
Winter is the off-season. Crowds will be low, but so will the temperatures. Snow is a possibility, but that will only make the Grand Canyon look more magical.
Grand Canyon National Park appears in our Best US National Parks Month-By-Month series as a great park to visit in January, April, June, November, and December.
12 Best National Parks to Visit in January 2024 (USA)
Planning a trip to the US national parks in January but don’t know which ones to visit? In January, much of the country is cold and covered in snow, but there are plenty of parks you can visit to escape the wintry conditions. In this article, we cover the best national parks to visit in […]
14 Best National Parks to Visit in April 2024 (USA)
Which are the best national parks to visit in April? In this guide, we list 14 wonderful parks in the USA. On this list are a few of the most popular parks in the USA, several great spring break destinations, and a few remote, quieter parks to visit. About this National Park Series This article […]
15 Best National Parks to Visit in June 2024 (USA)
The list of US national parks to visit in June is wonderfully long and diverse. Visit the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, go hiking in the Rocky Mountains, spend some time in the tranquil forests in Olympic and Sequoia National Parks, and explore one of the most underrated US national parks, Wrangell-St. Elias. About […]
12 Best National Parks to Visit in November 2024 (USA)
Planning a trip to the US national parks in November and don’t know which ones to visit? The cooler weather in November makes this one of the best times of the year to visit the parks across the southern part of the USA. Road trip through Utah’s Mighty 5, go sledding on sand as white […]
10 Best National Parks to Visit in December 2024 (USA)
Which are the best national parks to visit in December? In this guide, we list 10 beautiful national parks in the USA. Whether you are planning a family getaway during winter break or a vacation before the holiday season rolls around, we have lots of great ideas for you. Go hiking in Utah, gaze across […]
How Many Days Should You Spend in the Grand Canyon?
We recommend spending two to three days on the South Rim, to visit the highlights. Three days gives you enough time to visit the best overlooks along the South Rim, go on a helicopter ride, and spend one day hiking the Grand Canyon. If you have more time, consider adding on the North Rim, which takes at least one full day with an overnight stay. For those who like the idea of hiking rim-to-rim, this takes lots of advance planning, so make sure you read our posts for important planning information.
One Day in the Grand Canyon
With one day in the Grand Canyon, you have enough time to visit many of the South Rim viewpoints and do a short hike. Make sure you stick around for sunset…it is magical.
Did You Know?
The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, 1 mile deep, and up to 15 miles wide.
Almost 2 billion years ago, the first rocks in the Grand Canyon were formed. These igneous rocks were later covered by layers and layers of sedimentary rocks. Approximately 30 to 70 million years ago, the entire plateau was uplifted through plate tectonics. And then, just 5 to 6 million years ago, the Colorado River began working its magic, slowly and steadily carving its way through these rocks, forming the Grand Canyon. If you hike from the rim to the Colorado River, you will literally walk past almost 2 billion years of geologic history.
Grand Canyon National Park Map
Grand Canyon in Photos
US National Parks List
In our US National Parks List, get information on all of the US national parks, including interesting facts, the most and least visited national parks, and a FREE printable national parks checklist with map.
Ultimate US National Parks List for 2024 (+ Printable Checklist)
National Parks Reservations
US National Parks that Require Reservations – 2024 Guide
More and more national parks are requiring advanced reservations, either to enter the park, drive a particular road, or hike a select trail. We cover the parks that have require these reservations and how to get them in this guide.
