How To Plan A Great Trip To Grand Canyon National Park

One of the most spectacular places to visit is the Grand Canyon in Arizona.

Grand Canyon National Park is over a million acres of rugged canyon country that was carved by the fast flowing Colorado River.

Located in extreme northern Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long and in some places is over 6,000 feet deep and provides a look at two billion years of the Earth's history.

Planning your vacation to Grand Canyon National Park can be a lot of fun and we know just how to help you. There are a lot of decisons that you need to make when you plan for any trip and your Grand Canyon vacation is no exception.

The basic decisions you will make include how you are going to get there, what is the weather going to be like, where are you going to stay, what tours and activities are available, where are the great places to take photos, and how do you find your way around the Grand Canyon and not get lost... with a map!

We have provided you with information and links to help make your trip to the Grand Canyon a great experience you will remember forever!

The Grand Canyon is a popular destination for people that are visiting Las Vegas. In fact, several companies provide tours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. Likewise, visitors to the Grand Canyon often plan their vacation to travel through Las Vegas to spend a few days to experience the excitment of Las Vegas. The distance between the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas is about a 300 mile drive, which takes around 5 hours. If you plan to drive from Vegas to the Grand Canyon, you will definitely need a place to spend the night.

Grand Canyon Hotels and Lodging

There are some great places to stay while you are at the Grand Canyon and our best advice is to make your lodging reservations early! There really are some unique places to stay in and nearby Grand Canyon National Park.

Two of the most unique lodging experiences would be El Tovar Hotel and the Phantom Ranch. The Phantom Ranch is only accessible by hiking, rafting, or by riding mules. Each of these locations are popular destinations with a lot of history.

Another popular lodging choice is the Bright Angel Lodge on the South Rim.  The Bright Angel Lodge is the place to check in for a world famous Grand Canyon mule ride.

There are a lot of lodging options in the Grand Canyon area that include many of the popular hotel chains like Best Western and Holiday Inn. Click here for more Grand Canyon lodging information.

Grand Canyon Camping

For many visitors to the Grand Canyon, camping provides another way for you to experience the Grand Canyon. Developed campgrounds that are accessible to vehicles can be found at the North Rim, South Rim, and Tuweep. Backcountry camping is also quite popular with hikers and you will need to get a backcountry camping permit. Follow this link for more information about camping in Grand Canyon National Park.

Grand Canyon Tours

A great way to experience the Grand Canyon is by booking one of the many Grand Canyon Tours that operate out of Las Vegas or the nearby towns. Tours of the Grand Canyon vary from a few hours in length to more than two weeks. Make sure you spend time visiting the Grand Canyon Tour websites to compare trips and prices. The Grand Canyon tour companies offer you the ability to see the Grand Canyon by foot, horseback, boat, bus, airplane, and helicopter. One of the most popular Grand Canyon tours is the helicopter round-trip tour from Las Vegas to the bottom of the Grand Canyon below the West Rim. Find out more about Grand Canyon tours!

Grand Canyon Rafting Trips

 Rich in Native American history and loaded with fun and adventure, a Grand Canyon rafting adventure is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whitewater rafting is an exciting outdoor experience and can be enjoyed by all ages.  Exploring the Grand Canyon on a river raft is an experience unlike any other vacation. You will discover hidden waterfalls and magical side canyons.  You will listen to the sound of the mighty Colorado River as you lie down under a blanket of endless stars each night after your day of rafting the Grand Canyon.  There are numerous Grand Canyon rafting and whitewater companies that are available to you as a visitor. Be sure to watch the Grand Canyon rafting video below and then click here to get more information about Grand Canyon raft trips!

Hiking the Grand Canyon

All hikers should remember that the most enjoyable and safest seasons for hiking in Grand Canyon National Park are spring and fall. It is advisable to schedule at least two nights in the Grand Canyon.  This will allow a rest and recovery day before the hike out and reduces the distance to be covered each day. Hikers should consider elevation gain and loss, not just mileage, when researching possible itineraries as the canyon is over 6,000 feet deep in places. 

Sixteen trails and numerous obscure routes provide hiking access to the canyon. Access to the bottom is possible from both the South Rim and the North Rim and none of these trails are easy.   Only the South Kaibab, Bright Angel, and North Kaibab trails are maintained and patrolled by trail crews on a regular basis. Click here for more important Grand Canyon hiking information and videos.

Havasu Falls on Havasupai Tribal land is adjacent to Grand Canyon National Park and is one of the most beautiful waterfalls and desert oasis you will ever see. Take a look for yourself and enjoy the serenity of Havasu Falls...

Grand Canyon Skywalk

The Grand Canyon Skywalk is a man made addition to Grand Canyon National Park that has brought mixed feelings. The skywalk extends out over the edge of the Grand Canyon and has a glass floor so it feels like you are walking over the edge. Some people like the new addition as a tourist attraction and others see the skywalk as an eyesore. Take a look for yourself at the Grand Canyon Skywalk.

Wildlife of the Grand Canyon

Wildlife viewing is exciting in the Grand Canyon which represents some of the best reptile habitat in the lower forty eight.  There are over 47 species of reptiles in Grand Canyon National Park, primarily lizards and snakes.  Most of the reptiles live in the desert scrub and riparian zone.   In the higher coniferous forest zone visitors may catch a glimpse of mule deer or elk or if you are very lucky you may observe a mountain lion.  The rare and elusive desert bighorn sheep also call the canyon rim home.   Be sure to check in with a park ranger to learn more about wildlife viewing opportunities.

One of the great wildlife success stories related to the Grand Canyon has been the reintroduction of the endangered California Condor. This magnificent bird now makes the cliffs of the Grand Canyon its home. Visitors to the Grand Canyon often have the opportunity to watch these huge birds ride the canyon thermals. Watch the short video below to learn more about the return of the California Condor!