Grand Canyon Travel Guide

The Grand Canyon has many options for the adventurous traveler. There are trails and historic places to explore and photograph, and there is of course the Canyon itself, undeniably one of the country's most popular features.

Grand Canyon Village Take the scenic drive along the South Rim. Both the East Rim Drive and the West Rim Drive take you along the edge of the great gorge. The West Rim Drive follows the rim for eight miles to Hermit's Rest. The East Rim Drive runs along 26 miles east of Historical District/Grand Canyon Village to the east entrance to Grand Canyon National Park. Hike the Rim Trail, when you've finished taking photos. You'll find the Phantom Ranch Canteen on the East Rim, so be sure to stop in for a meal.

Mather Point Regardless if you are driving or hiking, try to catch the Grand Canyon IMAX Theater Show show in Tusayan, the tourist town close to the south gate. It is a great introduction to the Grand Canyon, and one of the best films in the nature/adventure genre. Then, after taking a first glimpse of the real thing at Mather Point, explore Historical District/Grand Canyon Village and its various attractions. Start at the Visitor Center for an overview of the region's geology and history, and attend one of the ranger talks. Walk at least a small stretch of the West Rim Trail, which runs parallel to the drive by the same name, only closer to the cliff.

Bright Angel Trail If you want the total canyon experience and have plenty of time and energy, you will have to hike from one rim to the other. The most popular route is the Bright Angel History Room, descending to the Colorado River to meet the North Kaibab Trail, which will take you out of the canyon on its northern edge. The Bright Angel Restaurant is a good dining option nearby. This is a two- or three-day trip and requires some advance planning, such as making reservations months in advance for overnight accommodations at any of the inner canyon campgrounds, such as the Bright Angel Lodge, or at Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon.

Grand Canyon Lodge The focal point for all North Rim activities is definitely the Grand Canyon Lodge at the end of Highway 67. Here you can have a nice meal, relax and explore the rustic interior. Then walk down to Bright Angel History Room, which is another great place to witness sunrises and sunsets. From there, drive down the paved road to Point Imperial, the highest point in the park, which offers a grand sweep of the eastern canyon all the way to the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument and the Painted Desert. Beyond that is Cape Royal, another spot where you can take in stunning panoramas.

North Kaibab Trail Near the Grand Canyon Lodge, the North Kaibab Trail takes you into a steep descent 15 miles to the river. Do not try to hike to the river and back, unless you have made reservations at Phantom Ranch or one of the inner canyon campgrounds. The 9.4 mile round trip to Roaring Springs provides sufficient exercise for the average visitor, and only hikers in great shape should try to do the 14-mile round trip to Cottonwood Campground in one day.

There are as many ways to see the Grand Canyon as there are means of transportation. How you experience this natural wonder all depends on how much time, money and energy you have to spare. You can view it driving in a car or riding a shuttle bus, biking, hiking along an easy Rim Trail or on a strenuous cross-canyon hike. Others choose to view it from a plane or helicopter, by floating down the Colorado River on a raft, or by approaching it on a historic steam train.

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