100 Cool Ways to Enjoy the Grand Canyon

Did you know that Grand Canyon National Park has already celebrated their 100th Anniversary of becoming a National Park? Here are 100 ways to enjoy the Grand Canyon no matter when you visit in the months and years to come. I’m sure you’ll find things to do and places to go that you never knew about at both the South Rim and North Rim.

I do all I can to provide up-to-date information, but sometimes things change on the spur of the moment. Be sure to visit the Grand Canyon National Park website here for the latest information about any visiting restrictions, construction projects, fires, or park announcements.

I’ve lived in Arizona for over 20 years and loved visiting the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, North Rim, and even nearby Havasupai Canyon (not actually part of the National Park). This is a region for anyone who loves spectacular beauty, history, science, nature, quiet, and exploring the outdoors. I thought I’d share some of the many ways to enjoy the park. I hope this helps you plan your next trip there. These are just the beginning of the list of reasons how and why you should visit this gorgeous natural wonder.

“In the Grand Canyon, Arizona has a natural wonder which, so far as I know, is in kind absolutely unparalleled throughout the rest of the world.”

President Theodore Roosevelt

Know the Rules Before You Go

Review the park and trail maps so you’re prepared to know where to go to hike the trails in the park around the canyon

Take your favorite pet out for a walk, but be sure to follow the rules to keep pets safe and wildlife.

It’s very important to remember that you’re intruding on the homes of wildlife when you visit most National Parks. It’s so exciting to see wild animals like huge bison, deer, and even tiny chipmunks, but know the rules of wildlife viewing before you arrive. This keeps you, your family, and the animals safe from harm.

Plan ahead for visitors with accessibility needs with the GCNP Accessibility Guide.

Bring your camera and plan the best spots to capture the spectacular views. Be sure to keep your eye on the path and keep a proper distance from the rim and wildlife for your own safety

If you want a momento, DON’T steal from nature – stop and shop at one of the bookstores or gift shops

Desert View Drive – East Entrance

For visitors coming into the park via the East Entrance, a stop at Desert View provides the first views of Grand Canyon, but everyone should visit the Desert View Settlement

Climb 85 steps for a 360 degree view from the Desert View Watchtower

Enjoy a picnic lunch along the 25-mile Desert View Drive

Take time to smell the flowers. There are approximately 650 types of wildflowers found in Grand Canyon National Park. Throughout spring and summer, lots of pretty flora are in bloom, including yellow ragweed, pink toadflax, red Indian paintbrush and purple Rocky Mountain Iris.

Explore on Foot, Bike, Raft, Train, Mule or Helicopter

The South Rim is the most popular part of the park. If you’re visiting there you’ll have access to the park’s Shuttle Bus services. Check here for schedules and updates.

If you’re visiting the South Rim, get a bird’s eye view on this Grand Canyon helicopter tour.

Take a train ride from Williams, AZ to the South Rim of the Canyon. Grand Canyon Railway trains offer a variety of options including snacks, drinks, luxury first-class cars, serenading cowboys, and even an occasional train heist. Train rides to the park are available year-round. You can book a day trip to the Canyon or go one way then spend the night and ride the train back from the South Rim a day or so later.

Take your high clearance vehicle to the remote Toroweap/Tuweep area of the canyon.

Make a reservation to experience an iconic mule trip before they’re discontinued.

Float on a river raft for a river trip on the Colorado River

Let someone else plan your trip – river rafting with your grandchildren for 6 days

Human-Powered Transportation

For those who are in great shape and well prepared – Hike rim-to-rim-to-rim. Wow!

Grab 12 to 29 of your favorite friends and hike (or run) rim-to-river-to-rim – but be sure to buy a permit for the group

Cover more terrain at the Canyon on two wheels. Check out these excellent Bike Routes

Can’t bring your bike? Rent a street bike of any size, road bikes, and bike trailers at Bright Angel Bicycles. Do you have limited mobility? Rent a wheelchair at Bright Angel Bicycles

Experience the natural beauty on a guided tour by foot, bike, mule, horse, van, jeep, bus, whitewater raft, plane, or helicopter

Discover Great Places to Eat and Drink

South Rim Dining Options

One of the most iconic and popular dining experiences at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is a meal at the El Tovar Dining Room – Located inside the El Tovar Hotel overlooking the edge of the Rim. They offer Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Dinner reservations are recommended due to its popularity. Make at El Tovar dining reservations online here or call 928-638-2631.

Here’s a full list of the eateries available at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Savor a meal that tastes better, just because of the views.

Discover new craft brews and Southwestern cuisine at Yavapai Tavern. You’ll find it inside Yavapai Lodge – 11 Yavapai Lodge Road at Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023

Pick up your morning coffee at Grand Canyon Restaurant. Order your picnic food and drinks in advance, so they’re ready to pick up when you arrive at the Grand Canyon Restaurant at Mather Point, 10 South Entrance Road.

North Rim Dining Options

Grand Canyon Lodge Dining Room is a rustic but grand space with vaulted ceilings and towering windows that overlook the north rim of the canyon. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Reservations are required for dinner. Dinner reservations open on January 15th for the upcoming season. For questions, call 928-638-8560 – (9 am to 4 pm MST Monday – Friday) or email [email protected]

Your best bet is to book your reservation at the same time that you book your lodging at least one of the nights. Here’s a tip. Look up the time for sunset when you’ll be there and book your reservation so you can see the sun setting over the canyon. Or if you’re hoping to take sunset pictures, plan to sit outside on the veranda to watch the colors change and book your dinner reservation just after the sun goes down.

Roughrider Saloon – Located in the Grand Canyon Lodge complex. Offers adult beverages, coffee, and baked goods.

The Deli in the Pines is in the same Lodge complex as the Dining Room. They offer salads, sandwiches and snacks to eat there or take with you. They’re open from mid-morning until 9 pm in case you’re exploring the park past dinner time.

There’s a casual Coffee Shop that’s open in the mornings from about 5:30 to 10:30 am, so you can grab a hot cup of coffee and a pastry or breakfast burrito before heading out for a hike.

A General Store can be found near the entrance to the North Rim Campground. A variety of groceries are available there if you want to pack a picnic or some snacks for the road.

Learn About the History in the Park

The journey of national protected status for the Grand Canyon began in the 1880s. After making multiple visits to the area, Theodore Roosevelt declared the Grand Canyon a National Monument in 1908. The bill to grant national park status to the area was passed in 1919 and signed by then-President Woodrow Wilson. It was also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

Stroll through Kolb Studio to find out more about the history of the park.

Uncover stories about early settlers and adventurers at the Pioneer Cemetery

Explore an 800-year-old Puebloan site on a Tusayan Ruins Tour

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center – attend a Native American Heritage Celebration with special presentations and demonstrations recognizing the many accomplishments, contributions, and sacrifices made by America’s first people. The Park’s extensive Native American histories make it an ideal place for the public to learn about, acknowledge, and appreciate Native American culture. This event is free and open to the public.

Learn about Mary Colter’s buildings – she was the master architect and interior designer at the Canyon from 1902 to 1948

Interact with the culture of the indigenous Indian tribes through Cultural Demonstrations

Explore the Outdoors

Check out the best viewing spots to watch the sun rise or set over the canyon

Everyone knows that nature is the star at Grand Canyon National Park. But did you know that different seasons bring a variety of experiences?

• Summer brings warmer temperatures at the rim and extremely high temperatures down in the canyon.
• Sometimes spectacular monsoon thunderstorms explode over the canyon throughout the park in the evenings. These can be gorgeous if you can find shelter or potentially dangerous if you’re out on the trails.

Fall Foliage at GCNP North Rim

• If you visit the Grand Canyon North Rim in late September or early October you’ll see gorgeous golden Aspen trees as you drive into the Park and sprinkled elsewhere. The Grand Canyon Conservancy even offers a Fall Colors hiking and camping trip at the North Rim.

Enjoy diverse wildlife, like deer, mountain lions, California Condors (endangered species), javelina, bison, bobcats, cougars, hawks, bald eagles, geckos, lizards, trout, and hundreds of other species

Participate in a National Park Ranger-led Program

Visit the bookstore to learn more about every facet of the park, its history, people and cultures

Take hand-on classes, backpacking trips and educational tours with the GC Conservancy Field Institute

If you’re a scientist, you may be able to conduct research at the park – the Grand Canon hosts 80 projects each year

Bring your own telescope to observe the heavens anytime in this officially designated Dark Sky Park

Havasu Falls is NOT in the Grand Canyon, but Nearby

If you want to see this famous waterfall that’s not far from the National Park, you’ll need to make reservations online NOW at Havasupai Falls and Indian Reservation – but you MUST plan ahead to reserve a spot at the limited site campground or tiny motel and the hike isn’t easy. No day hiking is allowed and it gets quite hot along the trail in the summer. Don’t take this trip lightly. Do plenty of research, learn from others who’ve gone, and get in shape. It’s a magical place and well worth a visit if you’re up for the hike and rustic camping, but it’s best to plan it as a trip all its own.

Learn Something New

Learn how to be a Wilderness First Responder.

Become a Junior Ranger and receive a Grand Canyon Junior Ranger badge

Submit an application to attend the GCNP Helicopter Training Academy

Bring your Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts to Scout School to earn merit badges

Youth can attend the Canyon Field School

Learn about the North side of the Canyon at the North Rim Visitor Center

Pursue your craft through a photography workshop

Create a masterpiece at the edge of the canyon – plein air painting and more

Learn why the canyon is so colorful at the Yavapai Museum of Geology

Relax at a Grand Canyon Yoga Retreat

Attend an Advanced Wilderness Life Support Conference

Annual Grand Canyon Celebration of Art

Visit the park between September – January

Enjoy the Annual Grand Canyon Celebration of Art – Celebration of Art is a wonderful tradition at the Park. Plein Air Artists are inspired by the canyon and look for ways to translate their inspiration into art. This provides an intriguing experience for visitors to watch art being created. The partnership creates a unique fundraiser that benefits a dedicated art venue at the South Rim.

Celebration of Art Activities

Artist Demonstrations and Plein Air Painting

Quick Draw – artists have 2 hours to complete a painting of the canyon while viewers watch

Quick Draw Auction – Can’t draw? Buy a painting for a good cause.

Celebration of Art Exhibition Grand Opening

View and buy at the Art Exhibition and Sale

Spend More Time at the Park

Find out ways to get to know the park more by volunteering during your visit

Best reason to visit the park – you can work for the park service, so you don’t have to leave – Find jobs here

Work for the Grand Canyon Conservancy at the park

If you still have questions about Grand Canyon National Park? Check out these FAQs from those in the know.

If you’ve never visited, set aside time to go soon. It’s a trip you’ll never forget. If you HAVE visited, let me know below, what I missed in my list. I’m sure there’s so much more.

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