You’ve finally made the long journey to the Grand Canyon, a place that has been on your bucket list for years, and now you’re gazing across the vast, 18-mile gash in the earth. After spending an hour marveling at its ombre of colors, the Colorado River a ribbon of green cutting through its core, you might start wondering, “Now what?” The Grand Canyon is one of the most visited places in the United States, but many tourists simply snap a photo and leave without exploring everything else this magnificent site has to offer. This is your ultimate guide on what to do at the Grand Canyon...besides stare at it.
Raft Down the Colorado River
A rafting trip of the Colorado River reveals the heart of the Grand Canyon and takes visitors to places that simply aren’t possible to reach otherwise. Most trips last somewhere between 3 to 18 days, although there are 1-2 day trips as well. This is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of trip as some tours feature more intense rapids and itineraries, while others are leisurely and allow you more time to relax. Vessels also vary from motorized rafts to traditional paddle rafts. No matter your pace, you’ll want to choose an itinerary that offers a good mix of time on the water and time exploring the hidden nooks and crannies of the canyon. Rise with the sun, enjoy coffee on the riverbanks, and eat dinner as the sun paints the canyon in sepia tones. Sleep beneath a quilt of twinkling stars with the towering walls of the canyon on either side of you. This is one of those trips that’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Go Hiking
Hiking in the Grand Canyon is one of the best ways to experience this incredible natural wonder — but be warned. Some of its many trails are intense and not for beginners. The most famous trail is the Rim to Rim route that spans the entire Grand Canyon, which takes most hikers at least 2-3 days to complete. There are, however, more tame trails like the 1.2-mile Trail of Time which details the area's geologic history. One of the shortest trails with the best views is the Bright Angel Point Trail. Located on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, this hike offers panoramic views and is especially memorable at sunset.
Any trail that dips beneath the rim and heads along the switchbacks to the canyon bottom can be dangerous for inexperienced hikers. While a trail down might seem easy, coming back up is grueling and can easily take twice as long. Additionally, the area experiences extremely high temperatures in summer which can reach 120°F. Make sure to read through the park ranger’s recommendations before planning your hikes.
Stay in a Cabin…or a Historic Lodge
There are some seriously cool places to stay in and around the Grand Canyon, though some accommodations are harder to reach than others. Several historic cabins are situated along the North Rim, all a part of the stunning North Rim Lodge (which is also an incredible spot to grab lunch). This rustic stay is isolated in nature with fun novelty shops to explore like the Roughrider Saloon, Deli in the Pines, and Post Office. Bonus points for the chance to wake up with the sun rising over the canyon every morning.
If you’re up for a challenge, you can’t beat staying at the Grand Canyon’s crème de la crème of lodging: Phantom Ranch. Tucked away at the very bottom of the canyon, cabins here are rough and ready but offer hot water and striking natural scenery. Plus they serve up a delicious fireside dinner from their Canteen. Reaching Phantom Ranch takes either a 7.5-mile hike from the South Rim or a 10-mile hike from the North Rim. It’s also possible to reach via one of the famous mule rides. Whatever option you choose make sure to plan and book well in advance.
Drive From Rim to Rim
The Grand Canyon’s North and South Rims are worlds apart in terms of climate and experiences offered. While the South Rim is a desert beauty with plenty of scrub brush and sunset colors to go around, the North Rim is wreathed in pretty pines and sees snow in the winter months. The North Rim even closes for part of the year due to snowfall. Make the four-hour drive between the two to see their differences and choose your favorite. There’s plenty to see along the way including Vermilion Cliffs National Monument and the pine-covered Kaibab Plateau with its roaming herd of bison.
If this long drive isn’t quite what you had in mind, take one of Grand Canyon National Park’s scenic driving routes. Desert Drive follows State Route 64 for 23 miles along the rim of the canyon with six different places to stop for beautiful views and several picnic areas. One of the best pullouts is Navajo Point where visitors can see the Desert View Watchtower. The Cape Royal road is another great option for those at the North Rim with highlights like the highest tip of the Grand Canyon, Point Imperial.
Check Out Grand Canyon Village
Located on the South Rim, the Grand Canyon Village is a historic town at the heart of the park. At the dawn of the 20th century, this little village began to boom following the arrival of the Santa Fe Railroad. Today you can explore the Hopi House, Bright Angel Lodge, the old Train Depot, and one of two art studios perched on the edge of the canyon. While expensive, this is also a wonderful spot to spend a night or two if you want to explore more in-depth or see an iconic Grand Canyon sunrise. If you’re looking for a bite to eat nearby, head just seven miles down the road to the Hermit’s Nest.
Visit the Grand Canyon Skywalk
Experience the Grand Canyon from 4,000 feet above its floor on the Grand Canyon Skywalk. Step onto the cantilever glass bridge and make the trek out to its edge if you dare. You’ll be able to see iconic formations like the Princess and Eagle Rock, all below the clear, glass bridge. The best way to experience the Skywalk is right when it opens as it can get busy later in the day. Keep in mind that this adventure is not actually located within the Grand Canyon National Park or associated with it, but rather run by the Hualapai Tribe.
Ride the Grand Canyon Railway
Taking off from the heart of the Grand Canyon Village, the Grand Canyon Railway is a vestige of a bygone era. The same era that brought some of the first tourists to the Grand Canyon. Guests can choose from six different cars, all lovingly restored, including the Observation Dome and Luxury Parlor. There’s only one route that runs from the town of Williams, AZ, 65 miles almost directly north to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Each trip takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes but entertainment ensues along the way including cowboy shenanigans, live music, and sweeping scenery.
Go Cross-Country Skiing
While you might think of the Grand Canyon as a desert destination, the North Rim can see upwards of 8 feet of snow in winter. Experience rare snowy views of the canyon and dense pine forests from a pair of skis. The North Rim Lodge once held Nordic ski classes but has since shuttered its doors for the winter from October 31st on. Your only way of reaching the park and its trails is either on ski or foot from the Highway 67 gate. It’s a 30-mile ski from Jacob’s Lake to the North Rim but the experience is worth the toil.
Get a Bird’s Eye View
Want the very best views of the Grand Canyon? A helicopter tour is just the thing. You’ll have the chance to fly over not only the Grand Canyon but also beautiful surrounding areas like the Hoover Dam, Kaibab National Forest, the Desert Watchtower, and the Dragon Corridor, one of the widest areas of the canyon. Helicopter tours are also great if you have a limited amount of time and are trying to fit in all of the incredible scenery. Most flights last 45 minutes to an hour but pack a big punch in terms of views.
