Grand Canyon (Visitor Guide, Activities & Tours) | Visit Arizona (2024)

FAQs

Should I get a tour guide for Grand Canyon? ›

If you are feeling confident in your knowledge and exploration skills, you are 100% able to explore the Grand Canyon on your own. Hiking, driving, and biking can all be done without a guide! Grand Canyon National Park can be reached by car or by train (the train only goes to the southern entrance).

The best times to visit the Grand Canyon are March through May and September through November, when daytime temperatures are cool and crowds are thin. If you decide to visit during the summer (the park's peak season), be prepared for hordes of tourists and very limited lodging availability.

A three-day trip to the Grand Canyon really gives you an appreciation for the nuances of the Grand Canyon's natural beauty, geology and history. See the canyon from above and below, go on a ranger-led tour, take an extended hike, explore the rich Native American culture in the Desert View area and more.

The South Rim is the most popular area of the Grand Canyon, with the greatest number of viewpoints, visitor services, and hotels. More than 1,000 feet higher, the North Rim gets a good deal of snow and closes down from October to May. (Backcountry camping is still available, though a permit is required.)

Canyon Dave Tours Are Perfect for Seniors as well as Families. Although not restricted to seniors, all our Grand Canyon trips are perfect for seniors. There are no long walks or hiking, just short paved paths to exquisite viewpoints.

July and August are the worst months to visit the Grand Canyon due to larger crowds and hotter, wetter weather. You can get cheaper deals on lodging and activities between November and February.

Cheapest Month to Visit Grand Canyon

If you're looking for a budget-friendly period that still gives you the chance to experience the Grand Canyon at its fullest, visit from March to May or September to November. These months offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices compared to the peak season of summer.

Advantages of Staying Inside Grand Canyon National Park

Sunrise is especially beautiful at the Grand Canyon. The convenience of being just steps away from the park's iconic trails and attractions is unparalleled. Staying inside the park helps you beat the crowds, especially during peak season.

The South Rim is the most popular and accessible rim of the Grand Canyon. It is open year-round and is the closest to Las Vegas, at about a 4.5-hour drive. The South Rim offers breathtaking views of the canyon, as well as a wide range of activities and amenities for visitors.

If you want an adventurous trip without the hassle of planning, think about visiting the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon. You can explore both famous places in just one day, starting from Las Vegas. It's an amazing opportunity you won't want to miss!

Which rim is better in Grand Canyon? ›

Because it's home to many of the most memorable viewpoints, the South Rim is the ideal destination for first-time Grand Canyon Visitors. If you have small children, you may prefer to visit the South Rim for its many amenities and activities.

You will not have to do a lot of walking unless you choose to participate in the hiking options. There are many areas where you can sit down at each point of interest and the Hop-On, Hop-Off shuttle can transport you between points quickly.

Where should you stay while visiting the Grand Canyon? If you want to be close to the best hikes and viewpoints in the park, try to stay in the Grand Canyon Village area. If you're looking for something outside of the park, the town of Tusayan is a great option.

Hands down, the South Rim is THE place to visit at the Grand Canyon. It's often described as "the real Grand Canyon" and it's the part of the National Park that you've undoubtedly seen in movies, photographs and magazines.

A walk on the sky is only available at the Skywalk at the Grand Canyon West Rim. This 10-foot wide, horseshoe-shaped glass bridge extends 70 feet out over the rim of the Grand Canyon. Peering through the glass platform, visitors can see 4,000 feet to the canyon floor.

One of the best ways to take in the Grand Canyon's beauty is to view the Canyon from its north and south rims, hike down to the Inner Canyon, take a boat ride along the Colorado and finally, take an aerial tour to get a bird's eye view of the splendor that lies below.

This self-guided driving tour takes you to all the best vistas, hikes, and attractions along Grand Canyon's South Rim and tells you the secret history behind this famous landscape. Walk the scenic South Rim Trail, catch a sunset at Mather Point, and much more. Welcome to Grand Canyon National Park.

The best way to tour the village is to park your vehicle once, then ride the Village (Blue) Route Shuttle around the Village. It connects the Visitor Center, lodges, campgrounds, Backcountry Information Center, and Market Plaza (Market, deli, and U.S. Post Office).

For people looking to book a Grand Canyon tour, it's best if you do it in advance. This will give you the chance to be more selective, searching for the best tour for your tastes. The popular tours won't be sold out yet and you'll have a wide range of dates to choose from. Plus, you're more likely to get discounts!