How to Plan a Visit to the Grand Canyon

Expect crowds at the Grand Canyon in the summer.

U.S. News Rankings and Reviews lists the Grand Canyon as the premier choice for a United States family vacation. Described as "the outdoors version of Disneyland," the national park offers all-ages appeal and endless sights and activities. Almost 5 million visitors a year are drawn to this natural wonder, formed over the course of 6 million years. As each side of the canyon offers its own distinctly different climate, wildlife and view, careful planning is required to see even a notable portion of this park, which takes up more than 1 million acres.

Instructions

1. Set your budget. Allot amounts for transportation, lodging, food, souvenirs and so on. Include the admission fee to Grand Canyon National Park. If yours is a tight budget, you can forgo elegant, in-park meals and lodgings; if you can afford it, you can enjoy a peak-season summer trip complete with a jaw-dropping helicopter tour and Navajo souvenirs.

2. Choose your time frame. Decide on sights you can't miss and activities you want to do. These will dictate the time of year or time of day for your visit. Allow several days if you plan to visit both the North Rim and the South Rim, a drive of 215 miles from one another. Plan a summer trip if the North Rim is your must-see; it's closed between late October and mid-May. Arrange an evening visit or a daybreak arrival to view one of the canyon's noteworthy sunsets or sunrises, respectively.

3. Select your method of transportation. You can fly directly to Grand Canyon National Park Airport from Nevada or fly into Flagstaff, 80 miles to the south. Ride the historic Grand Canyon Railway to the South Rim from Williams, Ariz.; employees provide entertainment during your 65-mile journey. Drive into the park via highways 180 and 64 or the more scenic and less traveled 89.

4. Select your lodgings. Reserve one of the 2,000 rooms within Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim or the few summer-only lodgings on the North Rim. Choose from in-park accommodations beginning at less than $100 and ranging to more than $400 per night. Find luxury or budget accommodations in Tusayan, with free summer transportation from the park, and in nearby Williams and Flagstaff. Stay at one of the park's two campgrounds for a more adventurous experience.

5. Choose your method of viewing the canyon. Take one of the South Rim's scenic drives, such as the popular 23-mile Desert View Drive or hairpin turn-filled Hermit Road; stop along the latter for viewpoints such as "The Abyss" with striking views of sandstone columns. Plan a physically demanding hike along the North Rim or a backpacking trip into the Inner Canyon. Take the daring, overnight South Kaibab Trail to cross the river on foot. Arrange a memorable mule ride into the canyon if your group does not contain young children.

6. Plan a guided tour. Choose a scenic air or jeep tour, or join a guided hike. Be your own guide and make use of the materials offered at park headquarters on the South Rim in lieu of pricier options. Find one of the park's free family-friendly tours, which may include hands-on children's activities.

7. Take a trip down the river. Opt for a motorized boat ride, beginning around $300 per person, if you have children. For teens and adults, choose a smooth rafting or more thrilling whitewater rafting trip, available both professionally- and self-guided in durations ranging from 1 to 25 days.

8. Be safe. Avoid hiking in the afternoon; summer temperatures are known to break 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the Inner Canyon. Check your vehicle's condition and fuel tank before attempting a scenic drive, as mechanics and fuel are sparse in the park. Bring plenty of water, especially on hikes; eat frequently and rest often when attempting a hike. Do not approach any wild animals you may encounter. Keep away from edges on trails or overlooks.

Tips & Warnings

• Make your arrangements well in advance. Book river trips and mule rides six months to a year early and campgrounds up to six months early. Settle your lodgings as soon as possible especially for summer accommodations, lodgings within the park limits or campgrounds and hotels along the North Rim during its short open season, as they are in high demand.

• Obtain permits as necessary for your visit. Permits are required for overnight hiking trips, non-commercial river trips and more. Check with the National Park Service for a full list, and book as far in advance as you can up to four months because permits are limited.

• Save money by purchasing a National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass instead of a park-specific Vehicle or Individual Permit if you're planning another trip to a U.S. national park within the year.

• Visit the park during the winter for lower prices, smaller crowds and views of the snowy canyon.

• Take extra precautions, even on easy hikes, if members of your party are not in good health. Do not attempt any hike or extended walk if you have respiratory or heart problems, as breathing may be difficult at the 7,000-foot elevations at the South Rim and the 8,000-foot elevations at the North Rim.

References

• Arizona Leisure: Grand Canyon Vacation Trip Planning
• National Park Service: Grand Canyon -- Plan Your Visit
• Disney Family Fun; The Magnificent Grand Canyon; Rani Arbo, et al.; July 2005
• Fodor's: Grand Canyon Travel Guide
• Disney Family Fun; Explore the Grand Canyon; Diane Bair, et al.; June 2006
• Grand Canyon National Park Airport: Airlines Serving GCN

Resources

• City of Flagstaff: Airline Information
• U.S. News Rankings and Reviews: Best Family Vacations in the USA