10 Best Things to Do in Grand Canyon National Park
What is Grand Canyon National Park Most Famous For?
The best things to do in Grand Canyon National Park combine the most spectacular viewpoints with rewarding hiking trails and historical landmarks. Stretching for 278 miles (447 km) along the Colorado River, Arizona’s vast and beautiful canyon has been named 1 of the 7 natural wonders of the world, pulling millions of visitors from across the globe.
The Grand Canyon is famous for its breathtaking scenery, with tourists competing for the best views of the colorful towering cliffs. Self-drive, shuttle bus, hike, or cycle along the North or South rim to find endless viewpoints offering panoramic vistas. You can also discover bucket-list-worthy experiences such as white-water rafting or staying overnight in the depths of the canyon under star-strewn skies.
1. Rim Trail
The Grand Canyon’s most popular hiking trail
Good for: Adventure, Families, Couples
The Grand Canyon is best discovered on foot, and the Rim Trail serves up some fantastic views of the national park. The trail stretches for 13 miles (21 km) and is moderately challenging but is one of the easier trails in the park with child-friendly, paved, well-maintained paths.
The Rim Trail starts from South Kaibab Trailhead and ends at Hermits Rest. It takes around 4.5 hours to complete, and you can take a shuttle bus to the starting point. Hiking the rim of the canyon offers some of the most splendid views but make sure you bring sunscreen and drinks for the soaring temperatures. There are plenty of places to stop, rest, and rehydrate along the route.
Location: Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA
Rim Trail
2. Desert View Drive
A scenic drive on the South Rim
Good for: Adventure, Photo
If you prefer to explore the Grand Canyon from the comfort of your own car, head to Desert View Drive, the only route offering showstopping views from the South Rim. The scenic drive starts near Grand Canyon Village at the South entrance and stretches for 23 miles (37 km) along the rim to the east entrance of the park.
There are viewpoints, picnic areas, and toilet facilities along Desert View Drive and a self-drive tour allows you to go at your own pace. It’s less busy towards the east entrance, with better opportunities to shake off the crowds for stunning clifftop photos. Don’t miss the Desert View Watchtower towards the end of the route.
Location: Arizona, USA
Desert View Drive
3. Mather Point
A famous stopping point for sunset views
Good for: Adventure, Photo
Mather Point is one of the most well-known Grand Canyon viewing points, just a 5-minute walk from the visitor center on the South Rim. With parking lots available at the visitor center, it’s easy to access making it one of the most popular viewpoints at the park but also one of the most crowded.
The views from Mather Point are not to be missed and look particularly dramatic at sunrise and sunset. There are different vistas to enjoy from this vantage point so even during peak times you should be able to find space to take in the epic scenery. The visitor center is open from 8 am to 4 pm daily.
Location: Rim Trail, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA
Mather Point
4. Bright Angel Trail
Into the depths of the canyon
Good for: Adventure, Photo, Couples
Hike the Bright Angel Trail to get up close to the natural wonder of the Grand Canyon. One of the most popular hiking trails in the national park, you can descend into the depths of the canyon for beautiful views of the vivid landscapes as well as seeing the nature and plant life.
There are plenty of spots to rest as well as rest houses and toilet facilities along the Bright Angel Trail. Be aware as you hike down, you’ll have to return uphill, and the heat can make it more challenging. Only go as far as you feel comfortable. You should find plenty of shady spots further down in the canyon.
Location: Arizona, USA
Bright Angel Trail
5. Rafting the Colorado River
Towering canyon cliffs from the water
Good for: Adventure, Families, Couples
Rafting the Colorado River is an unforgettable way to see the Grand Canyon National Park. There are a multitude of trips and tours to choose from, and you can use a motorized or manual rowboat. If you’re not experienced at water rafting, you can take a tour with a professional guide.
Whether you want to float along peacefully or try some thrill-seeking white-water rafting, you’ll get a unique perspective of the towering cliffs of the Grand Canyon from the water. Rafting the entire Grand Canyon stretch of the Colorado River can take 7 to 18 days but you can take shorter trips. Look out for hidden waterfalls, choppy rapids, and secluded coves.
Location: Arizona, USA
Rafting the Colorado River
6. North Rim
An authentic Grand Canyon experience
Good for: Adventure, Photo
Grand Canyon’s North Rim is more remote and harder to access than the South Rim but if you make the trip, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views and fewer crowds. At a higher elevation, you can enjoy cooler temperatures too, and many claim it to be a more authentic, unspoiled Canyon experience.
You can self-drive the North Rim, stopping at viewpoints to take in the scenery and take photos. Be sure to stop off at the Visitor Center, Jacob Lake Inn, and Grand Canyon Lodge. You can also find easy hiking trails at Bright Angel Point and Cape Royal. Be aware that the North Rim is closed during the winter, from October to May.
Location: Arizona 86052, USA
North Rim
7. Phantom Ranch
The only lodging beneath the canyon rim
Good for: Adventure, Unusual
Situated in the depths of the Grand Canyon, on the north bank of the Colorado River, Phantom Ranch is a truly unique place to stay. The only lodging available below the canyon rim, the location is hard to beat. The accommodation consists of rustic cabins with bunk beds and toilets, plus shared shower facilities and a canteen.
If you’re lucky enough to secure a stay at the Phantom Ranch, you can watch the sunset over the Colorado River, as the cliffs change color, and some incredible stargazing after dark. Reservations are allocated via a lottery system as the ranch is in such high demand. It is extremely remote and can only be accessed by hiking, mule rides, or river-rafting.
Location: N Kaibab Trail, North Rim, AZ 86052, USA
Phone: +1 888-297-2757
Phantom Ranch
8. Grand Canyon Village
A tourist hub with restaurants, shops, and historical sights
Good for: Adventure, History, Photo
Located on the South Rim, Grand Canyon Village is one of the most popular destinations in the national park with lodgings, restaurants, and access to the most breathtaking views. It is also steeped in history with landmarks, buildings, and businesses dating back to 1905.
Grand Canyon Village is home to El Tovar Lodge, which is one of the most famous places to stay in the park. Other highlights include the Bright Angel Trail and Lodge, the historic Railway Depot, Hopi House, and the Lookout Studio. Grand Canyon Village is a tourist hub and a great place to kick off your tour of the national park.
Location: Arizona 86023, USA
Grand Canyon Village
9. Desert View Watchtower
A historical landmark on the South Rim
Good for: Adventure, History
A must-see on the South Rim, the Desert View Watchtower is one of the most well-known historical landmarks in the Grand Canyon National Park. The circular structure was designed by architect Mary Colter in 1932, and the tower now houses a famous viewpoint, as well as a museum, shop, and rest area.
The tower is the first stopping point from the southern entrance to the park. Climb to the upper floors for incredible panoramic views of the eastern part of the canyon. The tower is open daily, and admission is free, but tickets are allocated on a first come first served basis. Keep an eye out for local artisan demonstrations here in peak season.
Location: Desert View Watchtower, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Phone: +1 800-858-2808
Desert View Watchtower
10. Yaki Point
A remote and secluded viewing point
Good for: Adventure, Photo
Situated on the South Rim, Yaki Point is the only viewpoint on Desert View Drive that cannot be accessed by cars. It’s therefore one of the more remote, secluded spots from which you can experience the serene beauty of the canyon.
You can access Yaki Point by shuttle bus on the orange route or by hiking along the Kaibab Trail. You can also rent bikes and ride the route to the viewpoint. With panoramic views to the east and west, it’s a particularly popular place to see the colors of the canyon change at sunrise and sunset and can be accessed all year round.
Location: Yaki Point Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA
Yaki Point
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.