Travel Tips for Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is located in Arizona, United States. The park spans over 277 miles, is up to 18 feet wide, and reaches depths over a mile. Grand Canyon's breathtaking views have captivated millions of visitors, making it a popular destination for all. The Grand Canyon is a geological marvel, and rock formations date back to being formed a billion years ago. The Colorado River played an important role in the formation, cutting through rocks and giving us the beautiful landscape we see today.  Here are some tips and tricks to make your trip to the Grand Canyon amazing! 

Most people getting to the Grand Canyon will fly into one of the three nearby airports. Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport is the closest major airport to the canyon. Flagstaff is a smaller international airport and is 1.5 hours away from the south rim of the Grand Canyon. The south rim of the Grand Canyon has the most options for travelers. South Rim offers shuttles, tours from a few outlying cities, a train, and even flights. The North Rim has a seasonal shuttle that runs once daily and certain tours that include transportation. Overall, the best transportation would be to bring your car or rent if you are flying. This will give you the full freedom to follow your itinerary and explore the park with no restrictions. Because the Grand Canyon is so large there is not a specific address for the canyon. The canyon is broken up into South, North, and West Rims 

Many previous visitors believe South Rims is the best of the rims and provides visitors with a more authentic and comprehensive experience of the Grand Canyon. The South Rim is open year-round and is closest to Las Vegas and Phoenix. The South Rim has a wide range of activities and provides visitors with lots of lodging and restaurant accommodations. The North Rim is a less crowded and more remote area of the Grand Canyon. This rim is only open from May to October because of harsh weather conditions. North Rim is known for its peaceful and calm vibe. North Rim has many activities offered such as hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The North Rim is also the hardest to get to because it is more wild and secluded. A few restaurants and lodging accommodations can also be found here. The West Rim is open year-round and has many adventurous activities like white water rafting, skywalk excursions, and helicopter tours. West Rim is best for visitors who want to experience the canyon in a more adventurous way. 

Camping and RVs are allowed in the park. If you plan to camp or bring your RV, it's important to make reservations ahead of time because sites fill up fast. South Rim has two year-round campgrounds and two seasonal campgrounds. The North Rim has two seasonal campgrounds. If you are traveling with an RV, you will be staying at Trailer Village RV Park, which is the only RV park in the Grand Canyon.  If you are not someone who enjoys camping, there are other options to accommodate you. Grand Canyon National Park Lodge offers eight different lodges for guests to stay. All of the lodges have a shuttle service running during the day for guests to get to the South and North Rim entrances. Many different restaurants are located in the lodges, with options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Reservations for the lodges are open 13 months in advance, with some lodges being on a lottery system for booking. It's important to plan your trip and make reservations as early as possible.  If you are looking for a more private place to stay outside of the park, then check out b0arding.com. 

There are many things you must check out while visiting Grand Canyon National Park. Here are a few to start your list. Mather Point, located in the South Rim, is where most visitors get their first glimpse of the canyons. Four large parking areas are located here, making it one of the most popular stops in the park. The Dessert View Drive, also located in the South Rim, is a scenic road that connects Dessert Drive with Grand Canyon Village and is popular amongst visitors who have their own vehicles. Located in the North Rim is the Remote Tuweep. This remote area is on the northwest rim of the Grand Canyon and the Arizona Strip. A visit to Tuweep can be challenging, but the view is very rewarding. 

Hiking trails are very popular in the canyon but can be dangerous if you do not prepare. During May through September, always make sure that you are hydrated. There are numerous trails with exact distances posted for both the South and North Rims hikes to prepare you. Many people are rescued each year, so it's important to stay on course. The Grand Canyon is home to many animals, and there is a great chance you may encounter some of these species on your trip. Bighorn sheep are considered an iconic animal of the canyon and can be seen scampering up cliffs. Mule deer can be seen in the Kaibab forest or hanging out in grassy areas. The Grand Canyon is home to one of the highest bat diversities anywhere in the United States, with 22 species of bats.

Numerous tours are offered to view the canyon. One of the more unique options is a helicopter tour. The helicopter tours will allow you to see the widest and deepest parts of the park, as well as the Kaibab Forest, the Colorado River, and tons of unique rock formations. The Grand Canyon Skywalk is a great destination for all ages. Skywalk is a 10-foot wide horseshoe-shaped bridge extending 70 feet out over the rim of the Grand Canyon. These attractions offer one-of-a-kind views that you won't find anywhere else in the park.

  Rafting in the Colorado River is great for those wanting a fun, adventurous activity. During the adventure, you'll learn about the culture and lifestyle of the indigenous people who call the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River home. 

Visiting a new place that is unfamiliar to you can be daunting. Here are some tips to get you well-prepared for your trip to Grand Canyon National Park. Bring a reusable water bottle. The trails will not have water fountains or water for purchase, so it's important to bring a water bottle to keep you hydrated. Take advantage of the free shuttle buses. Especially when parking far away, these buses will pick you up and take you to the entrances. If you plan on visiting another national park in the United States in the same year, look into buying the America the Beautiful pass. This will get you into every national park for a one-time purchase of $80. For one car to get into the Grand Canyon it will cost you $35, and if you take a shuttle into the canyon it will cost $20 per person. If you’re looking to save a little bit of money, consider visiting the park on specific days to gain free entry. April 20th is the first day of National Park Week, and it costs no charge. The best time to Visit the Grand Canyon is during the spring and autumn seasons. During the summer months, the park experiences extremely hot temperatures, and it is recommended that you do not visit unless you’re an experienced hiker and have the right gear.

 The weather in spring and autumn is much milder. The spring and autumn seasons also experience fewer visitors. The park rangers are there to help you and make sure everyone is safe. If you are unsure about what hikes you should do, what areas you should explore, or even where you should eat, ask the park rangers. They want to help you and make your time more enjoyable. Visit the visitors center to get more information about the park and chat with the park rangers. The Grand Canyon experiences around 5 million visitors a year, making it decently crowded each day. Getting to the park early will give you the best chance of seeing some of your attractions without huge crowds. And finally, you need at least two days to explore to park. The Grand Canyon is massive. Even in a week, it would be impossible to see everything. Two days gives you time to see a few of your must-see spots. Always remember to not get too close to the edge of the canyons when taking photos. Sadly, many people have slipped and died during their visit to the park. My last and most important tip is to have fun! Being able to visit the Grand Canyon is an amazing experience, 

The Grand Canyon is truly an amazing place to visit and see. There is something for everyone in the park. I hope some of these tips and attractions give you a sense of direction for planning your vacation to this beautiful place!