Never been to the Grand Canyon and I'm planning on going with some pals. Where do I go? What do I do?

Question

Been to Vegas...

Answer 1

The Grand Canyon is a great place to visit, especially if you are into hiking, history, nature or photography. Note that the park is divided into the North and South Rims, which are very different places (and a 4-5 hour drive apart).

The South Rim is easier to reach (3-4 hour drive from Phoenix) and much more developed with a number of lodges, stores, cafes and a little collection of chain hotels and tourist attractions outside the park boundary at Tuysan. Because it is more developed and easier to reach, it is much more crowded, especially in summer where there can be lines at the park gate and troubles finding parking spots.

If you visit the South Rim, I would recommend staying at one of the historic park lodges (ran by Xanterra) rather than the chain hotels outside the park. The lodges are very nice and nothing beats being able to walk from your room to the rim for sunrise or sunset (they are also not much more expensive than the chains). Bright Angel is the cheapest, El Tovar the most grand and expensive and Maswik a good compromise of price and convenience.

As for things to do...
The canyon is famous for hiking and backpacking. For day trips, I would recommend going 1.4 miles down the South Kaibab trail to Cedar Ridge reststop (excellent views) or along the Hermit Trail to Dripping Springs. You can also follow the Rim Trail along the edge for a more leasurely walk. You can also make overnight backpacking trips to the bottom (or half way at Indian Gardens), but these require permits from the backcountry office. Whatever hiking you do, wear comfortable shoes, be prepared for changes in weather, give yourself plenty of time and always carry lots of water and a few snacks. Don't try to go to the bottom and back in day.

There are also many overlooks to visit, each with a slightly different view of the canyon. My favorites are Yavapai (near the entrance, good river view), Grandview (more solitude with trees) and Desertview Watch Tower (very different view of east canyon). There is a nice shuttle service running from the main lodges along the west rim to Hermits Rest (with stops along the way) which is a great way to get an easy view of the canyon.

You should also check out the many historic buildings including the grand 1905 El Tovar hotel, the Hopi House gift shop, Kolb's Photostudio and Hermit's Rest.

Other famous Grand Canyon activities include mule rides to either Indian Gardens or all the way to the bottom. Both require reservations and going to the bottom requires reservations at the Phantom Ranch lodge (at the bottom) which must be made a year or more in advance. River trips are also very popular and exciting, but are quite expensive, require reservations and take multiple days.

Lastly, you could go to Williams, AZ (west of Flagstaff on I-40) and ride the train to the canyon and back. Many people visit the IMAX theater outside the park boundary which often has canyon-related films. I personally would not recommend air tours - they are short, expensive and due to safety/noise laws, they are NOT allowed to fly over the famous central part of the canyon and will thus take you over less famous/dramatic areas (something they are not clear to point out).

As for the North Rim, it is much less developed, less crowded, and cooler due to the higher elevation and remote location. I personally prefer the intimate beauty and solitude of the North Rim during summer over the hectic and sweaty South Rim. Note that the North Rim is only open mid-May to mid-October and has only one lodge (again - reservations well in advance).

Like the South Rim, the North offers mule rides, overlooks and excellent hiking. If you are roaming around the area, Zion and Bryce National Parks and Lake Powell (near Page) are also worth checking out.

Where ever you go, I highly recommend hiking at least a little ways into the canyon - it is a very different and more rewarding experience than standing on the rim. Also get away from the crowds on some of the side trails or less popular outlooks and just sit for a while to take it all in and see the play of light on the ocks. The canyon rewards contemplation and patience.

Have fun!

Answer 2

The South rim of the Grand Canyon is where most tourists go. It has a large visitors' center, ranger walks, and other tourist facilities like shops and parking.

The nearest major town is Williams, AZ, about 60 miles south. However, there is another town outside the park's entrance. I think it's name is Tusayan. Both have hotels and restaurants.

Expect to spend about 6 hours at the Grand Canyon, more if you plan to hike on some trails.

Things you should do are:
Ride the tram to visit many areas along the South rim.
Depending upon the time of year, join a ranger walk. We joined a sunset ranger walk when we visited in the summer. There was a beautiful sunset on that day. It colored the skies and cast long shadows into the canyon. Great for photographs.
Go to the visitors' center.
Identify the major landmarks in the canyon.
Find the Colorado River winding its way through the bottom.
Look for California Condors flying in the canyon.
Look for elk among the trees outside the park.

Take binoculars.

have fun...

Answer 3

I was just there in November. Outside of the park, I was surprised how there was really NOTHING to do.

So, I would suggest that you stay at one of the hotels in the park. Get a hiking book and take a day hike. You can also take the Bright Angel trail down to Phantom Ranch and stay over night. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express outside of the park. It was only $65/night, but you get what you pay for.

I hear the mule tours are fun, but they are pricey, and you need to reserve well in advance. Also, you need to weigh-in under 200 pounds with all of your gear.

If you have some extra time, go to Flagstaff. It's about 60 or 70 miles west. Get the national park annual pass for $50 and go see Walnut Canyon, Wapatki and Sunset Crater. We had some great food in Flagstaff including a Mexican breakfast at a place called Martine's. It was the best breakfast i have ever had.

Answer 4

My one holiday to the Grand Canyon replaced into in the direction of the start of March. We purely did a time accessible - drove up from Phoenix the day in the previous and stayed in Williams, AZ (it is approximately 2 hours north of Phoenix) and took a prepare to the canyon and then did a bus excursion around the rim and drove back to Phoenix (relatively Scottsdale) that nighttime. i think of they have something observed as the Ghost hotel (or something like that) suitable down interior the canyon the place you are able to desire to stay. there is likewise a number of accommodations around the canyon.

Answer 5

forget the Grand Canyon go to Vegas