100 Ways to Enjoy the Grand Canyon
2019 marked the 100th Anniversary of the Grand Canyon becoming a National Park. Now that we’re into the next 100 years of this amazing place here are 100 ways to enjoy the Grand Canyon in the months and years to come.
Be sure to visit the Grand Canyon National Park website here for the latest information about COVID restrictions or changes.
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
Book Your Lodging as Early as Possible
One of the most important things to do as soon as you decide you want to visit the Grand Canyon is to book your lodging. If you want to stay inside the park it’s even more critical. Nearly all the park’s accommodations, including the lodges, cabins, and campsites can fill up months or even a year in advance. Depending on your budget there are some spectacular options.
Lodging Inside the Park
Accommodations at the South Rim
Please note that I’m not including much information about staying down in the canyon at Phantom Ranch because that’s an entirely different conversation. If you’re interested in that, look for information about hiking the canyon or riding mules down. Phantom Ranch reservations are made through Grand Canyon National Park Lodges (Xanterra Parks and Resorts) via an online lottery 15 months in advance…but you can’t just wander down there with no planning. There’s much more to it than that.
The top of the South Rim offers everything from campsites to hotel room-style lodges to the beautifully historic El Tovar Hotel that opened its doors in 1905. President Theodore Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, Sir Paul McCartney, Oprah Winfrey, and countless others have enjoyed staying there. El Tovar offers 78 rooms all with their own unique character. Some are suites, some have balconies and sitting areas. All have air conditioning. They have a wonderful dining room as well, so if you’re not able to snag a room reservation consider booking a reservation for a meal that looks out over the canyon.
They currently accept lodging reservations for stays up to 13 months in advance. On the first of each month, they begin accepting online reservations for the entire month of the following year at midnight (12:00 am) Mountain time (Denver, CO time). For example, on September 1, they accept reservations through September 30 of the following year. They start accepting reservations via phone at 7 am Mountain time (Denver, CO time) on the first of each month. Advance reservations are strongly recommended for all properties.
Accommodations at the North Rim
My personal favorite place to visit at Grand Canyon National Park is the North Rim. It’s much less crowded and generally has cooler temperatures. There are more trees and the views are just as spectacular. Inside the park, the North Rim offers a campground, cabins, and comfortable motel rooms.
The most important thing to remember though is that the North Rim is closed in the winter due to snow. It is usually open from about May 15th to October 15th each year.
The North Rim Campground is open a little later in the year, until the end of October. The 78 sites, include RV, group, and tent sites and sit at an elevation of 8,200 ft., with comfortable summer temperatures and frequent afternoon thunderstorms, especially in the summer. You might even experience a bit of snow early or late in the season. Some of the spots are just steps from the edge of the rim and you can select your preferred site when you make a reservation through Recreation.gov. Individual sites can be booked 6 months ahead and group sites are available a year ahead. There are no walk-ups available.
Grand Canyon Lodge
The Grand Canyon Lodge offers beautiful cabins (photo above) with rustic rocking chairs on the porches, as well as comfortable motel-style rooms tucked into nature. Reservation timeframes are a bit tricky, but the schedule below gives you an idea of the timeframes. As is the case everywhere in the park, book as early as possible to be sure to get a spot.
Wednesday, September 15, 2021 – Taking reservations for arrivals from May 15 through May 31, 2022
Friday, October 1, 2021 – Taking reservations for arrivals from May 15 through June 30, 2022
Monday, November 1, 2021 – Taking reservations for arrivals from May 15 through July 31, 2022
Wednesday, December 1, 2021 – Taking reservations for arrivals from May 15 through August 31, 2022
Monday, January 3, 2022 – Taking reservations for arrivals from May 15 through September 30, 2022
Tuesday, February 1, 2022 – Taking reservations for arrivals from May 15 through end of season 2022
Lodging Outside the Park
Accommodations Near the South Rim
If you’re not able to secure reservations inside the park, there are still some great options not far away. Under Canvas offers this glamping option for those who want to experience the vast open spaces of the Southwestern plains and secluded piñon and juniper forest. It’s only 25 minutes from the Grand Canyon South Rim entrance. They even have luxurious tents equipped with star-gazing windows that allow you to fall asleep under the dark skies with magnificent views of the stars without being out in the elements. Some tents have private bathrooms and some offer extra space for families.
Budget-Friendly Lodging near the South Rim
Looking for more budget-friendly accommodations near the South Rim of the Grand Canyon? You’ll find a wide range of lodging in and around Flagstaff, Arizona. It’s about 1 1/2 hours to drive to the South Rim of the canyon from there, but it’s well worth it if you’re trying to keep costs down. If you like star-gazing, you can also check out the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff on one of the days you’re in the area.
Another option is to stay in Williams, Arizona along historic Route 66, and drive a little over an hour or make a reservation to take the Grand Canyon Railway train to the South Rim. It’s a fun family day trip or you can stay overnight if you can grab a place at the rim. It never hurts to check and see if there are cancellations at the rim as your trip gets closer. You never know what might pop up.
Lodging Near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon
Places to sleep near the North Rim aren’t quite as plentiful since the area is more remote. Take a look at the suggestions at the bottom of this NPS page for ideas on where to look. It’s probably not a good idea to head to the North Rim without lodging reservations of some sort since it’s doubtful the park rangers will let you sleep in your vehicle overnight.
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
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 gnrfbmgr@gcnr.com
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
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 11, 2021 – January 17, 2022
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.
You might also like…
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Helping at the Parks With Wilderness Volunteers
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Category: Arizona, Camping, Places to Eat & Drink, Southwest States, United States
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I love the idea of a 3-month Naturalist Intern Program, imagine what you would learn in that time. Slow and immersive travel really appeals to me.
Right Natalie. It would be heavenly to be at the Canyon for all those sunrises and sunsets and everything in between.
How beautiful! The Grand Canyon is definitely on my bucket list!
I’m hoping to get to all the National Parks in America, but I have quite a few still on that bucket list. I’m thankful I was able to cross this one off.
Wow – what an epic list! I remember many years ago visiting with my husband. We drove from Las Vegas & didn’t realise how far it actually was. We spent the day walking around the rim & loved it as we didn’t see another soul the whole time, except at the bus stops where it was suddenly really busy! The views were of course stunning. After that, for my husbands 50th we took a helicopter flight which was incredible, along with the Skywalk. Each time I have visited it just takes my breath away. But here there are so many other ways to enjoy it. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome, Sue. I do really love that this and other national parks are offering more and more activities for a variety of interests. I was surprised at how many things I found about the Grand Canyon.
This is the most complete list I have ever seen on how to explore the Grand Canyon. There is certainly something different for everybody, so no excuse not to visit!
Thanks Patri! As I was researching it was so much fun to find such a wide variety of activities. I’m sure there are even more out there for this iconic park.
So many choices and such a good dive into a great destination! Thanks!
Thanks Alexandra! It’s an amazing place.
I sooo need to get back and explore the Grand Canyon! Those views are unbelievable. I’d love to come hiking here. These are such awesome tips – thank you for putting these together! Saving for when we can visit!
Hi Sarah, You are so right. This is the kind of place where hours fly by like minutes because the scenes are constantly changing. If you go, I highly recommend visiting the North Rim if you can. It’s higher elevation, more green, cooler and much less crowded. Many of these shots are from there.
How awesome to know all of these reasons! I would love to visit the Grand Canyon, it’s breathtaking there! Hopefully once we can travel again to the USA I can enjoy it!
Oh, you would love it, I’m sure. It’s not just a big hole in the ground as some describe it. It’s truly magical and the more you explore, the more you fall in love with it.
What a great and detailed guide! My dad visited the Grand Canyon just last year and I’m so jealous. Can’t wait to see it for myself one day 🙂
Charlotte, I do hope you get to go as well! It’s worth the trip.
The Grand Canyon has been on my bucket list for so long and you’ve just reminded me of all of the reasons I want to go. I’m hoping to head there this year!
Oh, I hope you can get there too, Krista. We’re going to be in that general area on a road trip in the coming months and I’m thinking about stopping again, just because it’s so amazing. You will love it, I’m sure!
My husband and I visited the Grand Canyon last fall and just loved it. I had been as a kid, but really didn’t remember anything. This article includes so much great information for planning a trip here. Thanks!
Thanks Wendy! There’s so much more to do than there was years ago. It’s wonderful! Glad you got to go.
We found many reasons to enjoy the Grand Canyon. So I was excited to find some new reasons for our next visit. We certainly want to plan enough in advance to get accommodations inside the park and enjoy the sunrise and sunset views. A helicopter tour would be right up my alley. And a photography lesson sounds like fun.
The cabins at the North Rim are wonderful! I’m sure you’ll love it the next time you visit.
I’ve been to Arizona probably 50 times and I’m embarrassed to say I’ve never been to the Grand Canyon! I think I need to change that! I’ve flown over but I don’t think that counts. I think I’d like to walk down and then take the helicopter up as that would be a cool combo. I like the idea of staying in the North Rim if it has more trees and cooler temps. Thanks for the great tips!
Hi Vanessa, 50 times – yay for Arizona! We lived there off and on for about 20 years and will be moving back soon. There is a LOT to see all over the state. If you love AZ, you will love the Grand Canyon and my favorite is the North Rim. Just to clarify. There’s not a way to hike down in the Grand Canyon and take a helicopter out. You can do that in Havasupai Canyon, which is the one nearby with the turquoise waterfalls. Apparently, visitors can take a helicopter DOWN into the WEST side of the Grand Canyon, take a short boat ride, then helicopter back out, but there’s not an option to hike down and helicopter out in GCNP. At least not that I know of right now. In any case, I hope you get a chance to visit there sometime. Thanks for stopping by.
I love the grand canyon! So beautiful, awesome hikes, unique rock formations. I did the South rim hike many years ago and it was an effort to climb back. Great exercise and feeling of achievement. I would like to re-visit some time and enjoy the experience once again. 🙂
Well done, Jan! I’ve never hiked to the bottom at GCNP, but my husband has and says it was his favorite trip EVER…and we’ve done a lot of things. The park is so amazing for anyone who wants to visit. Even those of us who don’t hike to the bottom.
You chose some great photos! And this is a nice, extensive list of things to do and ways to enjoy the Grand Canyon – if I ever go back, I’ll definitely go to the Falls nearby.
Thanks, MacKenzie. Be sure to do your research on the Havasupai Reservation and waterfalls. It usually takes a year or more of advance planning to get a spot. It’s worth the work though. I went several times back in the ’70s. I wish I had taken more pictures way back then.
Wonderful post. So much great info. We are planning a river trepan 2023 and this will be helpful as we look at other things to do. I’ve been to Grand Canyon a few times and it never ceases to amaze me. Thanks for a useful post.
You’re welcome Laureen! A river raft trip is still on my bucket list. Have an amazing time!
Amazing post! I visited the Grand Canyon for the first time this summer, and it is definitely one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen. I would love to go back again one day!
I agree, Kate! Well worth at least one visit and since the park changes with the weather and the seasons return visits can feel like they’re new.
You compiled a great list! Since I’ve lived in Arizona for over two decades, I’ve visited the Grand Canyon often; my favorite place to stay is on the North Rim, but obviously enjoy all. This is great for anyone who wants to visit the Grand Canyon.
Thank you! I keep learning new things. There’s really so much to do there.
Your photos are fantastic. Makes me wish I had visited for some of the amazing sunset or sunrise photos. You give lots of reasons for a return trip!
Thank you for the kind words. It’s definitely a place that’s new every time and is fun to go back to over and over. Each rim is unique. Thanks for stopping by!
We went to the Grand Canyon maybe 12 years ago on a road trip…and it was raining! We couldn’t see anything from the viewpoint. Would love to go back and go hiking or horseback riding through the canyon.
Aww, sorry you missed all the beauty, but the rain is sometimes a treat too. I hope you have a chance to go back again and experience more of it.
You got me at budget-friendly lodging! I am so excited to use your insight for my trip to the Grand Canyon. Thanks so much for all of the details you gave:)
You are so welcome! Enjoy!
Imagine – arrive at the Grande Canyon by bus, but because your rucksack has been ‘misplaced’ you don’t have the necessary equipment for hiking into the canyon and camping. You feel miserable as you walk from the shop where you can’t afford to hire stuff . . . and the suddenly look up, and there it is. This huge chasm in the ground. As a not-easily-imnpressed twenty-year-old, I was gobsmacked. And even more depressed that I couldn’t explore it further.
Now, I’m gobsmacked to realise that was over 40 years ago!
If I’d known about volunteering back then, I’d have found a way of doing it.
Thanks for the memories.
What a bittersweet story, Annie. I hope you were able to enjoy it from the top. When I started researching things to do at the canyon I was pleasantly surprised that there was so much to offer these days.
I thought I had commented last time but maybe I didnt. I went to the Grand Canyon in 1999 on a trip to the states. My bf at the time decided to go down one of the walks. It was late February so lots of black ice and snow and parts of the GC were closed. I sat in the hire care just napping. He came back about 2-3 hours later. Said “do you want to know the good news or the bad news.” I said uhh good news. “Im alive ..bad news is I fell and slipped on some black ice and nearly went over the edge and I dropped the camera (was my daughters) He made a point of showing me the sign that said every year 12 + people die here. Yes very lucky he survived. I think some other walkers helped him from falling over the edge. Anyway in 1999 there was no actual look out point …you just stood right near the edge lol no hand rails etc. We also did a flight over the canyon it was amazing as we went over the edge we were warned that the plane would drop because of the air currents. Drop it did…I think the view was so amazing that somehow it didnt worry me as normally it would. I would love to go back again one day.
Wow! I’m so thankful that your bf was able to come back and tell the story. Can you imagine if he had fallen? Whenever I hear about tragedies like that I always think of the horrified families who went out for some fun, then encountered heartbreak. The Grand Canyon is nothing to take lightly. Thanks for sharing your story.
A comprehensive read and lots of choice for when an opportunity presents to visit again.
Thanks for sharing the tips. I am using this to make others understand.
We were so glad we visited both the north and south rims of the Grand Canyon when we visited. But we would have liked to spend more time and get down into the canyon. Good reason to plan a return trip.
I agree. We loved our mule ride down into the canyon at the North Rim, even though we couldn’t go all the way to the bottom. The experience was so cool!