How to Find Cheap Hotels in Grand Canyon, Arizona

One of the oldest national parks in the U.S. and one of the natural wonders of the world, Grand Canyon, Arizona, can be aptly described as one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places on earth.

Things You'll Need

• Appropriate footwear and clothing
• Internet access

Instructions

Know Your Destination

1. Avoid confusion. Many Grand Canyon addresses in zip code 86023 are actually located in Tusayan, Arizona, which is situated near the South Rim of the canyon. There is no official address for the Grand Canyon itself.

2. Think big--really big. The Grand Canyon is 5,000 feet deep, 277 miles long and about 18 miles wide.

3. Learn about human history from rock. There is evidence that humans lived in and around the canyon for at least 4,000 years.

Choose Your Grand Canyon Accommodations

1. To book accommodations, contact National Park Service at [phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources below). Accommodations run the gamut from sleeping under nature's roof in the canyon to first-class hotels.

2. Get cozy accommodations at a cheap rate in one of the family-friendly lodges in the canyon area. Rates vary according to season.

3. Get first-class accommodations and still take advantage of cheap rates at one of the hotels in nearby Flagstaff or Sedona.

4. Book a room at a nearby bed and breakfast. You can enjoy an intimate atmosphere when you return from your daily treks into the Grand Canyon.

5. Pack up the RV. You'll find cheap rates at Grand Canyon RV parks.

Come to the Grand Canyon

1. Travel by air. Phoenix Sky Harbor International and Las Vegas McCarran International Airports are serviced by commercial flights and are 231 and 238 miles from the South Rim of the canyon respectively.

2. Ride the train into the Flagstaff Amtrak station.

3. Check a map for the best route from I-40 which runs east to west through Arizona.

4. Explore other air travel options. Take US Airways/American West Airlines into Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (81 miles distance) or fly charter or private aircraft to either Sedona Airport (119 miles distance) or to the Grand Canyon Airport near Tusayan at the South Rim entrance.

Tips & Warnings

• Plan to dress in layers. Temperatures and weather can be erratic.

• The prime tourist season is May through September, with fewer crowds and possible snow during the months of October through April.

• Bring a backpack that will hold sufficient water, energy foods and first aid supplies.

• Bring warm clothing and sleeping gear if camping outdoors.

• Be aware that traveling here may take a combination of transportation options.

• Check with your doctor if you intend to set out on a strenuous canyon hike. You should be of appropriate weight, be comfortable breathing at high altitudes and not have any underlying medical conditions.

• Be aware that while many scenic points in the area are accessible to the physically challenged, the elderly and the very young, the trails inside of the canyon are not.