Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, followed by a designated spot on the "New Seven Wonders of the World” list in 2006, Grand Canyon National Park is home to the Grand Canyon, one of the largest and most popular canyons, drawing visitors from around the world to experience its sheer size and beauty.
Some of the most famous viewpoints include Mather Point, Yavapai Point, Lipan Point, and Grandview Point, where the views are all unique and each of them truly unforgettable. See the canyon's vastness and the vibrant layers of the rock formations.
Bright Angel Trail is the most popular trail that leads into the Grand Canyon, and South Kaibab Trail is one of the most adventurous ones. Other short hikes with paved pathways take you along the rim, making them more accessible for families with children or older visitors.
Spend time at the campgrounds, where you can park your RV, pitch a tent, and enjoy canyon views day and night, as you explore the different sections and attractions within Grand Canyon National Park.
Designed by architect Mary Colter, the Desert View Watchtower is a replica of an ancestral Puebloan tower with views of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. Inside the watchtower, you can admire murals and art that celebrate Native American culture.
Take some time to visit the Yavapai Geology Museum, where you can learn about the fascinating geological history of the canyon through interactive exhibits. Find out how the processes of nature shaped this natural wonder through informative displays.
Grand Canyon Village serves as the hub of activity on the South Rim, with historic buildings, accommodations, restaurants, and shops. The village is perfect for those looking to know more about the park's history while enjoying convenient amenities.
Rafting the Colorado River makes for an adventurous way to explore the Grand Canyon, combining thrilling rapids with serene sections through towering canyon walls. Guided rafting trips vary in length and intensity, catering to both beginners and experienced adventurers.
Take a mule ride to explore the canyon's trails without strenuous hiking and enjoy the views while being guided by experienced wranglers. This is sure to be a memorable adventure for both first-time visitors and seasoned explorers.
The South Rim is open year-round and offers the widest variety of viewpoints, shuttle routes, and services. It’s where most visitors go, and the canyon scenery is consistently panoramic right from the rim. The North Rim feels like a different park, with higher elevation, cooler temps, a quieter forest setting, and far fewer crowds. But it’s only open roughly mid-May to mid-October, and distances between viewpoints are longer, so you see fewer but more secluded overlooks.
Mather Point (classic wide-angle view), Yaki Point (quiet and shuttle-only), and Navajo Point (dramatic shadows) for sunrise at the South Rim. Hopi Point (fan favorite), Pima Point (longer canyon views), and Lipan Point (spectacular color changes) for sunset at the South Rim. North Rim: Bright Angel Point for sunrise; Cape Royal and Imperial Point for sunset.
For Grand Canyon National Park, no timed entry reservation is required. However, lodging, mule rides, Phantom Ranch stays, and campground spots book out months in advance. If you’re planning a peak-season trip, secure accommodations early or stay in Tusayan or Williams.
Great beginner-friendly options include Bright Angel to the 1.5 Mile Resthouse, South Kaibab to Ooh Aah Point, and North Rim’s Transept Trail. The key rule to follow is: only hike down as far as you can safely hike back up, because coming back up takes twice as long and is far harder due to elevation gain and heat.
The temperature at the river can be 20-30°F hotter than the rim. In summer, expect inner canyon temperatures of 100-120°F. Even mornings warm quickly.
Expect elk near the South Rim entrance, mule deer in forested areas, California condors soaring overhead, and bighorn sheep near cliffs. Never approach any wildlife, especially the elk; they can be aggressive. A good rule to follow is to always maintain 100 feet or more distance. Avoid feeding any animals you may encounter at all costs.
Mule rides are a unique Grand Canyon tradition and are not the same as horseback riding, since mules are more stable on steep terrain. You can enjoy a short rim ride at the South Rim.
