Visiting the Grand Canyon

During a trip to the American West, you'll definitely want to explore some must-see places like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Monument Valley, and Mount Rushmore. However, the most iconic site of all could very well be the Grand Canyon. This grand symbol of America, which is among the most visited natural sites in the world, will undoubtedly mark an unforgettable stop on your journey! To help you make the most of this experience, in this comprehensive guide, I have gathered all the tips and practical information that may be useful if you want to visit the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. Stretching approximately 450 km, with widths ranging from 5 to 30 kilometers and a depth of 1,300 meters, this gigantic canyon in Arizona attracts around 5 million visitors each year.

Exploring the Grand Canyon is primarily about taking in the breathtaking views from its various iconic viewpoints, mostly found on the South Rim, but also on the North Rim and the West Rim. Some majestic panoramas are accessible by car, particularly along Desert View Drive and Hermit Road. Others can only be discovered through magical hikes, generally done on foot, but sometimes also on horseback or by bike. Some trails are quite short and particularly accessible, while others are more strenuous and even allow for descents to the very bottom of the canyon!

You'll be able to create beautiful memories by engaging in memorable experiences, notably during a helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon, undoubtedly one of the best ways to appreciate the vastness of this exceptional site. Other, more affordable attractions are also available, like the famous Grand Canyon Skywalk, a large glass platform that extends over the void and allows for breathtaking views, more than 1,200 meters above the canyon floor. No matter what experiences you choose, I highly recommend booking your activities in advance to better organize your visit to the Grand Canyon!

If you have already started preparing for your visit to the Grand Canyon, you know that this immense natural site is divided into several parts. The two main parts, the North Rim and the South Rim, are nearly 350 km apart, which is why you'll likely need to choose which one to visit.

Let's get straight to the point: the South Rim is the most iconic part of the Grand Canyon, and for a first visit, if you have to choose, I strongly recommend discovering this part of the canyon, where most of the famous viewpoints and popular activities are located (I will detail this in the rest of this guide).

The South Rim extends all around Grand Canyon Village, making it accessible year-round. Visitors are not mistaken; there are far more people on this side! That's why the tourist infrastructure is also the most developed here, by far!

The North Rim is far less touristic, more isolated, and wilder. For evidence, there is only one lodging option (plus a campground), and it is only accessible for part of the year (generally from May to October). However, that doesn't mean that it's not a beautiful place to discover, but rather that this visit is more suited for those who have already been to Arizona and are familiar with the South Rim or for those who want to feel truly alone in the world

Note that a third option is also available: visiting the West Rim of the Grand Canyon. This part of the Grand Canyon is located in a Native American reservation belonging to the Hualapai, with private access and different entry conditions (it is not accessible with the America the Beautiful pass). This area is quite easily accessible on excursions from Las Vegas, where the main attraction is the Skywalk.

The South Rim is undoubtedly the part to prioritize for a first trip to the Grand Canyon. From Grand Canyon Village, you can easily reach several viewpoints, which offer spectacular panoramas.

This area can be divided into two main parts, each housing a good number of exceptional viewpoints, Desert View Drive and Hermit Road.

Hermit Road is located on the west side of Grand Canyon Village. Here are the most beautiful views that can be discovered:

Mather Point, one of the spots that offers the widest view; from here, you can admire about a quarter of the Grand Canyon at a glance. It is the most visited site in the Grand Canyon since it is directly adjacent to the village.

Powell Point, a site where you can see the canyon from east to west, named in honor of John Wesley Powell, who is considered the first explorer of the Grand Canyon.

The Abyss, perhaps the best spot to appreciate the canyon's depth.

Yavapai Point, a must-see site in the park, a panoramic viewpoint that extends all the way to Desert View. There is also a small geological museum here.

Hopi Point, an adjacent site to Powell Point offering an iconic open view. It's a prime spot to witness the sunset.

Maricopa Point, a unique and clear viewpoint, from which you can discover an old mine and abandoned equipment.

Trailview Overlook, a viewpoint where you can see Bright Angel Trail below, one of the most famous hiking paths in the Grand Canyon.

Monument Creek Vista, a stunning view overlooking Monument Creek, the Colorado River, and the Granite Rapids.

Mohave Point, one of the most spectacular views of the Colorado River. Here, you can spot the Salt Creek rapids and Granite rapids, making it another perfect site for watching the sunset.

Pima Point, a beautiful view of the Colorado River that stretches more than 60 km away on clear days.

Desert View Drive is approximately 40 km of AZ64, going from Grand Canyon Village to Desert View Tower to the east. Here too, you'll find unmissable panoramic views:

Yaki Point, one of the most appreciated panoramas in Grand Canyon National Park, a quickly accessible spot to admire a beautiful sunset.

Pipe Creek Vista, the first view of the canyon accessible from the visitor center, a preview that will surely make you want to see more.

Grandview Point, a spectacular viewpoint of the canyon from east to west and several meanders of the Colorado. This is where the historic Grandview Trail begins, a popular but challenging hiking route!

Navajo Point, one of the highest viewpoints on the South Rim, offering beautiful views of the river and a stunning view of Desert View Tower to the east.

Desert View Tower, located at the end of this part of AZ64, is a free-access observation tower near the eastern limit of the Grand Canyon that offers superb sweeping views.

Lipan Point, one of the widest and most expansive viewpoints on the South Rim, from which you can see a large portion of the Colorado River. It's a great spot for enjoying sunrises or sunsets

Moran Point, a unique viewpoint that showcases the different colors of the Grand Canyon rocks as per the geological layers.

If your budget allows, taking a helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon will undoubtedly be an experience that will leave you with a memory for a lifetime, perfectly complementing a traditional visit to the iconic park From the sky, the Grand Canyon appears entirely different, and it is really through this means that you can appreciate its size (over 400 km long and 30 km wide in places!).

There are many options for flying over the Grand Canyon, including both helicopter and plane flights. However, if you must choose, even though prices are higher, I recommend helicopter tours of the Grand Canyon, as it's on this type of craft that you can enjoy the clearest views!

Depending on your choice, flights generally last between 25 and 45 minutes. Departures are from Tusayan (the closest airstrip) or from Las Vegas. Prices start around $160 for plane flights and around $220 for helicopter flights.

If you opt for a helicopter flight, I recommend the helicopter flight with optional Hummer tour, allowing you to admire the North Rim and South Rim from the sky starting at around $248 per person

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is a region much more isolated, receiving about 10 times fewer visitors than the South Rim. Here are the must-see spots on the North Rim:

Bright Angel Point, the most famous viewpoint in this part of the Grand Canyon. It is quite easily accessible as it is less than half a kilometer from the visitor center. From here, you can see the Colorado River, Roaring Springs Canyon, and the Deva and Brahma temples.

Point Imperial, accessible from the North Rim Scenic Drive (or Cape Royal Road), the iconic scenic route that runs along the North Rim. Located at the northernmost part of the park, it is the highest point at the edge of the Grand Canyon, standing at 2,683 m. The view is superb, overlooking the Painted Desert and a very wide, open part of the canyon.

Cape Royal, stunning views from east to west with a steep overlook into the depths of the canyon. The views here are truly breathtaking, and you can even see Desert View Tower across the way, nearly 30 km away.

Whether on the North Rim or the South Rim, you'll have the opportunity to embark on truly exceptional hikes in Grand Canyon National Park. Here are some examples of hiking routes in the Grand Canyon:

Bright Angel Trail is undoubtedly the most famous hike in the Grand Canyon. This trail on the South Rim is 13 km long, relatively challenging, with an elevation gain of over 1,200 meters, and allows you to reach the Colorado River at the bottom of the canyon.

South Rim Trail is also one of the most followed routes. This long path stretches over 20 kilometers and starts very close to the South Rim visitor center. It passes through a good part of the most beautiful sites on Hermit Road, such as Mather Point and Hopi Point. Since the path is mostly paved and with minimal elevation gain, it is suitable for everyone. Of course, you're not required to walk the entire length-you can take the shuttle to start midway. The section from Hopi Point to Mojave Point is just over 1.5 km and offers unforgettable views.

North Kaibab Trail is the most difficult hike from the North Rim of the canyon. This all-day hike starts at the US67 road and allows access to the bottom of Bright Angel Canyon and the source of Bright Angel Creek. It can be continued the next day by ascending to the South Rim via Bright Angel Trail or South Kaibab Trail for a Rim-to-Rim trek.

The Trail of Time is a hiking trail that offers not only breathtaking landscapes but also some insights into the geological history of the Grand Canyon. This two-hour route, just under 5 km long along the South Rim, can be done with a guide. It passes through Yavapai Point, where the geological museum is located.

South Kaibab Trail is an easily accessible route on the South Rim, as you can reach the starting point via the shuttle. However, the route will not be a walk in the park. This beautiful 10 km round trip descends to the Colorado River and offers truly stunning views of the canyon, but the descent is significant (nearly 1,500 m) and there is very little shade. It is also possible to return via Bright Angel Trail or even North Kaibab Trail to reach the North Rim.

There aren't just hiking trails at the Grand Canyon; you can also enjoy wonderful bike rides along Hermit Road, which extends about 17 km from Grand Canyon Village to Hermit's Rest with very minimal elevation gain of less than 400 meters. Paved bike paths also connect to other sites like Yaki Point along the Desert View Drive, roughly 11 km from Grand Canyon Village.

In this mythical land of cowboys, what better way to experience it than with a little horseback ride? Horseback riding is offered all over the American West, but in Grand Canyon National Park, you'll find mule rides, as these animals are better suited for walking in this type of environment. If you want to visit the Grand Canyon in a more fun and original way, this is the activity for you.

These equestrian outings are possible year-round on the South Rim, to be booked at Phantom Ranch, a hotel located next to Bright Angel Creek. Be aware that only 10 mules are available daily, so spots are extremely limited; you'll need to register for the lottery on the official hotel site at least 15 months in advance for a chance to book your spot!

It is also possible to take mule rides on the North Rim between May and October, with reservations starting at $50 per person on the official Canyon Rides site

Witnessing the sunrise or sunset over the Grand Canyon is a truly unparalleled experience. When the sun is lower, the shadows stretch out, allowing you to appreciate the reliefs better, and the warmer colors give the landscapes a unique appearance. This is truly the number one reason to stay overnight at the Grand Canyon.

There are several spots that are perfect for admiring a sunrise or sunset, and it's important to know them, as accessing them takes some time. It would be a shame to miss this opportunity, so it's best to prepare by knowing how to get there, as well as what time the sun rises and sets on the date of your visit.

Here are the most appreciated sites for enjoying a sunrise or sunset at the Grand Canyon:

Hopi Point, perhaps the most sought-after spot, located along Hermit Road heading towards the west rim from Grand Canyon Village (it's about a 15-minute shuttle ride).

Mohave Point, also accessible via the red shuttle that runs along Hermit Road, or by following the iconic Rim Trail, the hiking path.

Yaki Point and Lipan Point, along Desert View Drive, sites accessible with the orange shuttle.

Grand Canyon West may be located on the south rim, but it is a completely separate area from the South Rim, which is nearly a 4-hour drive away and is not part of Grand Canyon National Park. It is situated within the Hualapai Indian Reservation. The Skywalk is the main attraction of this site, a unique glass structure at the Grand Canyon, a massive horseshoe-shaped platform (with walls and a transparent floor) that juts out over the void at 1,219 meters above the canyon!

To visit the Grand Canyon Skywalk, you'll first need to obtain an entry ticket for Grand Canyon West. This ticket costs about $50 and grants access to the reservation and two magnificent viewpoints: Eagle Point remarkably close to the platform, and Guano Point, one of the most impressive views of the canyon.

Visiting the Indian reservation also allows hiking from Guano Point, visiting the Native American village, and discovering very interesting exhibitions on Hualapai culture.

Accessing the Skywalk can be obtained separately or via a complete package; it will cost about $25 extra. Other activities, such as helicopter tours, rafting on the rapids, and a thrilling zipline ride at 65 km/h along a nearly one-kilometer long line at 150 meters above ground, are also available for additional fees

This part of the Grand Canyon is about 200 km and a bit over 2 hours by car from Las Vegas. Therefore, some companies also offer day excursions to the West Rim of the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas.

I recommend the Grand Canyon tour with Skywalk starting at €72 per person, if you wish to discover the Grand Canyon West Rim. The journey is by bus departing from Las Vegas. The 4-hour excursion includes visits to several key locations on the west rim, including Eagle Point, Guano Point, Hualapai Ranch, and you can additionally choose to gain access to the architectural wonder of the Grand Canyon Skywalk. Along with the tours and transport, you can enjoy lunch at the Sky View Restaurant at Grand Canyon West.

Did you know that the United States has over 2,000 federally managed sites? A good number of these sites (parks and monuments) have paid access, and there is a pass that allows you to visit them all without needing to pay an entry fee each time!

The Grand Canyon National Park is among these sites, along with Bryce Canyon National Park, Death Valley National Park, and Yosemite National Park, to name just a few, but there are dozens upon dozens more... The America The Beautiful Pass costs $80. It allows two people to have unlimited access to national sites for one year (access is free for all those under 16 years old, so one pass can sometimes be sufficient for a family). You can obtain it online at the official USGS site.

The best time to visit the Grand Canyon is from May to October. It is during this part of the year that the weather conditions are the most favorable; it's also the only time when the North Rim is accessible.

The South Rim and the West Rim, on the other hand, are generally accessible throughout the year, but all seasons are far from equal:

The period from November to March is really unfavorable in terms of weather, especially between late November and late January, which is the coldest time of the year.

April and October are transitional months with fairly average conditions, but they represent a very good alternative for those who want to visit the Grand Canyon during a quieter time.

From May to September, conditions are very favorable; from June to August, the weather is fantastic, but the heat can sometimes be excessive for hiking!

The Grand Canyon is a site of astonishing scale, where one inevitably feels small. However, you won't necessarily need to spend a lot of time to discover it. Generally, to explore one of the rims of the Grand Canyon, a day is sufficient. However, this does not account for the round trip travel time, and since sunset is an integral part of the experience, it is often best to split the visit into two half-days, thus spending a night at the Grand Canyon.

This amount of time will be enough to explore a good part of the viewpoints along the two iconic roads, take a short hike, witness a sunrise and sunset, and even fit in an additional activity like the Skywalk or a helicopter tour. In short, a fairly complete discovery of the Grand Canyon!

If you plan to visit both sides of the Grand Canyon during your trip to the American West, you'll obviously need to allocate more time, but in this case, nothing obligates you to do these two visits consecutively.

Access to the South Rim by road is possible through two entrances, one from the east and one from the south:

From the east, access is via US89, then from the town of Cameron along AZ64 E on the portion named Desert View Drive.

From the south, access is through I40, then from the town of Williams along AZ64 N, or from the town of Flagstaff via US180 W and then AZ64 N.

The North Rim is located near the Utah border. About 50 km south of Jacob Lake is the entrance to this section of the Grand Canyon, accessible via AZ67 (Arizona State Route 67).

To travel between the North Rim and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, while the distance as the crow flies is only 34 km, the driving distance is 340 km. This route can also be made via the Trans Canyon Shuttle, which runs once a day between mid-May and mid-October; this trip takes about 5 hours, and tickets can be reserved on the official Trans Canyon Shuttle site. It will cost about $120 per passenger. Reservations open one year in advance, and spots are limited, so I recommend planning ahead!

From the town of Williams, which is about an hour south of the Grand Canyon and known as the 'Gateway to the Grand Canyon,' you can also reach the South Rim by another means: the Grand Canyon Railway.

This historic and tourist train, pulled by a steam locomotive of the time, operates daily starting at 9:30 AM along the century-old railroad connecting the town and the canyon, passing through the enchanting landscapes of Grand Canyon National Park. More than just a trip, it's a fun experience offered to travelers. The ride costs about $100 per traveler and takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes, during which small shows are performed by actors in costume (cowboy duel, train robbery...)

Transportation within Grand Canyon National Park on the South Rim is possible thanks to free shuttles that loop between various sites.

The purple shuttles operate only in summer, running between Grand Canyon Village and Tusayan.

The blue shuttles (Village Route) connect the various points of interest within Grand Canyon Village.

The red shuttles (Hermit Route) link the points of interest along Hermit Road.

The orange shuttles (Kaibab Trail Route) connect points of interest along Desert View Drive to the east of Grand Canyon Village.

For getting around during a visit to the North Rim, there is no shuttle system. The various points of interest are quite far apart, so having a car is necessary. While it's also possible to reach certain points on foot during long hikes that can last several days, access to the starting point itself must be made by vehicle.

While planning your visit, you'll definitely need to ask yourself an essential question: where to stay at the Grand Canyon? The choice will, of course, depend on which rim you decide to visit. On the South Rim, accommodation options are far more numerous, with the three main options being:

Staying in Grand Canyon Village. This is the best choice geographically, and you'll find quality hotels and lodges there. However, prices are quite high, and I recommend booking well in advance.

Staying in Tusayan, just about ten kilometers from Grand Canyon Village. There are also some good establishments with often quite interesting price-to-quality ratios.

Staying in Valle, about 45 km south of Grand Canyon Village. In this slightly more distant town, hotels are more affordable, and access to the park remains fairly quick.

Regardless of the season you are traveling (though this is even more true during peak tourist season), it's essential to book your accommodation. Hotels are often full, and if you wait until the last minute, you might end up with the least desired places or hotels and hostels that are further away. Additionally, prices tend to rise sharply for reservations made too late. To book without delay, I recommend using a comparison site like Booking.

Staying farther away isn't necessarily a bad idea, especially if you want to save money. Besides Valle, cities like Williams (about an hour's drive, on the iconic Route 66) and Cameron (about a 40-minute drive) can be interesting alternatives.

The Lodge on Route 66: If you decide to stay in Williams, I recommend this establishment located in the heart of the city. You'll be immersed in a western ambiance with beautifully decorated and cozy rooms. Accommodations are equipped with flat-screen satellite TV, a coffee machine, and a private bathroom. The price for this lodging starts at around €153 per night for two people, breakfast included

Hampton Inn By Hilton Williams: If you're looking for a hotel with an indoor pool and fitness center, the Hampton Inn by Hilton Williams, located in the heart of the town, is the place for you! The rooms are spacious and modern, with cable TV, air conditioning, and a private bathroom. Prices start at around €112 per person, breakfast included.

On the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, there is only one lodging option within the park: the Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim. It's a luxurious lodge right at the heart of this exceptional site, offering classic rooms and wooden cabins. Just like this part of the Grand Canyon, it is only open from mid-May to mid-October, while Arizona State Route 67 is passable. Here, perhaps even more than anywhere else, it is very important to book well in advance.

To visit this part of Grand Canyon National Park, it is also possible to stay in one of the nearby towns, but you will need to budget at least 1.5 hours of travel time to reach the Grand Canyon. The town of Kanab is probably the best option in this case, as even though the trip is long, there are particularly affordable quality hotels available.

That's all for this article! I really hope it helps you plan your upcoming trip to the United States if you're planning to visit the Grand Canyon. You now know everything about the most iconic site in Arizona, the activities to do there, and the must-see places to visit! If you enjoyed this article and are looking for more unmissable spots in the area, I recommend you visit Antelope Canyon, an iconic canyon that will surely amaze you with the colors of its rocks and its impressive shapes!