Updated on by Lohanna Reis
There are few places in the world that compare to the grandeur of Grand Canyon National Park. Explore this unforgettable destination to the fullest with this list of the best things to do in Grand Canyon National Park!
What to know before you go
Location: Grand Canyon National Park (North and South Rims), Arizona
Hours: Open 24 hours a day, every day (North Rim closed mid-October to mid-May)
Entrance fees: $35 per vehicle
Pet policy: No pets allowed
Distance between Rims: Approximately 4 hours’ drive
Nearest cities to the South Rim: Tusayan, Williams, and Flagstaff, AZ
Nearest cities to the North Rim: Jacob Lake, Page, and Kanab, AZ, and UT
Nearest airports to Grand Canyon National Park: Flagstaff Pulliam Airport
Best time to visit Grand Canyon National Park
The answer to this common question is dual, because there are two rims you can visit at Grand Canyon National Park, the North Rim and the South Rim.
The North Rim and the South Rim are separated by a 4-hour drive. Being further north and at higher altitude, the North Rim receives more snow than the South Rim, affecting the best time to visit this specific region of Grand Canyon National Park.
Best time to visit the North Rim:
The best time to visit the North Rim is summer. Trails, park roads, lodges, and facilities are open and operating at full capacity. Temperatures are moderate and welcoming. Arguably, the best reason to visit the North Rim in summer is that there are far fewer visitors compared to the South Rim.
Note that North Rim roads are closed mid-October to mid-May, so while it is possible to visit during the in-between seasons, your options are early fall and late spring.
Best time to visit the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park:
The South Rim is open daily, which means you can experience all the highlights of the South Rim year-round, but there are still some things to consider when choosing the season to visit.
Summer months are the busiest time of year on the South Rim. Park roads, trails, visitor centers, lodges, and other facilities are all open, which is great for accessibility, but it means busier trails, crowded buildings, and difficulty finding parking spots.
When it comes to hiking on the South Rim in summer, it’s important to keep in mind that temperatures at the top of the South Rim can be drastically different from temperatures inside the canyon, for those interested in popular hikes inside the canyon. Temperatures inside the Grand Canyon in summer can easily exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. However, there are also several fantastic rim hikes to enjoy with more moderate daytime temperatures, especially if you plan to start early in the day.
The in-between seasons of fall and spring are also great times to visit the South Rim, although temperatures may be a bit cooler during early morning and evening hours. The main advantage of visiting the South Rim during fall and spring is avoiding the majority of summer crowds.
It is possible to hike on the rims and inside the canyon on the South Rim in winter, but it’s important to consider environmental elements before committing. This desert environment sees a surprising amount of snow, ice, and cold temperatures during winter, which are not ideal conditions for hiking on steep terrain or trails along high canyon walls. Luckily, there are many other things to do on the South Rim during winter, in case trail conditions are not ideal, as all Visitor Centers, park buildings, and other facilities remain open during winter.
Tips for visiting Grand Canyon National Park
- Check the weather forecast – The Grand Canyon has it all: extremely high temperatures, sudden floods, ice, freezing rain, snow, thunderstorms, and even tornadoes!
- Leave pets at home – pets are not allowed!
- Always stay on designated trails
- Bring plenty of water
- Supervise children at all times
- Plan accommodations in advance
- Bring all necessary hiking equipment for the trails
- Use sun protection
- Have a pre-planned itinerary
- Do not swim in the Colorado River!
Best things to do in Grand Canyon National Park
One of the best ways to experience Grand Canyon National Park is by exploring its many thrilling and impressive trails. These trails vary in length and difficulty, as well as in the type of hiking experience. There are rim trails offering views of the Grand Canyon gorge, shaded trails through the dense Kaibab National Forest, and inner canyon trails that will test your endurance, allowing you to see an unexplored side of the park.
Here are the 6 best trails in Grand Canyon National Park:
1. Bright Angel Trail
Length: 19 miles round trip
Rating: Very difficult
Elevation gain: 4,478 feet
Estimated time to complete: 10 to 12 hours
While Bright Angel Trail is perhaps the most challenging hike on the South Rim, it is also a park favorite for several reasons. It is easily accessible, practical, and located in the heart of Grand Canyon Village, close to parking, facilities, bus stops, lodges, restaurants, and other amenities. It is well-maintained, easy to follow, and has restrooms and water refill stations. But most importantly, it is thrilling!
Bright Angel Trail has the unique ability to cater to the needs of various visitors. A rim-to-rim hike is perfect for those looking for a full-day challenge, hiking to the bottom of the canyon at the Colorado River and back!
For those seeking a small taste of the inner canyon, it is possible to hike to various great “turnaround” points with panoramic views, such as the 1.5 or 3 Mile Resthouses.
For overnight campers, there is the lush oasis tucked within the canyon at the Havasupai Gardens Campground on the Bright Angel Trail or the Bright Angel Campground, located within view of the Colorado River at the bottom of the canyon!