Getting There
Phoenix and Las Vegas are the closest major airports. Rent a car and drive the 200-plus miles or look for jet service to Flagstaff or Grand Canyon National Park Airport. Buses run to the park from both.
Seeing the Park
Both the North and South Rims have overlooks, visitor centers and interpretive exhibits. Take a ranger-led hike, mule or horse trip or bus tour. The South Rim is most accessible, and open year-round. From there, the North Rim is a 220-mile drive.
Hiking
Day hikes include the nearly-flat 12-mile Rim Trail and the steep 12-mile Bright Angel Trail to the canyon bottom. Make the 21-mile trek from rim to rim (backcountry permit required).
River Trips
Private outfitters raft the Colorado River's whitewater through the Grand Canyon. Enter the park's weighted lottery for a permit to run the river unguided. Trips take between 3 and 25 days.
Lodging
South Rim accommodations include historic lodges and cabins (El Tovar and Bright Angel), contemporary hotels and campgrounds. Grand Canyon Lodge is the only hotel at the North Rim.
Dining
Bright Angel Lodge has two restaurants, an ice cream shop and a coffee house. Yavapai and Maswik Lodges have cafeterias. Find fine dining with rim views can be found at El Tovar Dining Room.
Article Written By Kelly Aspen
Kelly Aspen's writing focuses on natural places, cultural sites and wildlife. She has nine years of experience as an editor and writer for magazines, books and websites, including Trails.com, Travels.com and Weekendnotes.com. She attended Vassar College and now lives in the mountains of Colorado.
