Grand Canyon Itinerarygreat for arizona locals or visitors if you have 1-3 days at the grand canyon!!Authorsdanielleoutdoors
DestinationsGrand CanyonItinerary

Hikes

Rim Trail
The Grand Canyon Rim Trail is a fantastic and accessible way for new visitors to experience the canyon's grandeur without a strenuous hike below the rim. This mostly paved and relatively flat trail meanders along the South Rim, offering continuous, breathtaking views into the vast expanse. You can easily hop on and off at various viewpoints, allowing you to customize your walk and take in different perspectives. It's perfect for leisurely strolls, families with strollers, and those wanting iconic photo opportunities. Shuttles frequently service the Rim Trail, making it easy to explore different sections at your own pace. Trust me you’ll get lots of steps in on your trip!
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Ooh Aah Point
Ooh Aah Point is on South Kaibab about 0.9 miles down (but can be hard because of the elevation on the way up, so wear grippy shoes. The South Kaibab Trail is accessible by the shuttle! It is a gateway trail to the base of the Grand Canyon!
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South Kaibab Trail
The South Kaibab Trail is a fantastic choice for first-time visitors to the Grand Canyon looking for breathtaking panoramic views. This well-maintained dirt trail descends steeply into the canyon, offering an immersive experience from the rim. While it's a popular trail, remember there's no water available beyond the trailhead, so carry plenty. For a moderate day hike, consider a round trip to Cedar Ridge, which features restrooms and stunning vistas. More adventurous hikers can venture further to Skeleton Point for incredible views of the inner canyon and the Colorado River. Be prepared for a challenging uphill return, as it typically takes twice as long to hike out as it does to hike down. Access to the trailhead is via a free shuttle bus from the visitor center.
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Bright Angel Trailhead
For new visitors seeking a more gradual descent into the Grand Canyon, the Bright Angel Trail is an excellent option. This well-maintained and popular trail offers shade and water availability at several rest houses along the way, making it a more forgiving choice for less experienced hikers. The views are still spectacular, showcasing different perspectives of the inner canyon as you descend. A popular day hike destination is Indian Garden, about halfway down, offering a pleasant oasis with shade and water. Keep in mind that the return uphill hike will take longer than the descent, so pace yourself and enjoy the journey. The Bright Angel Trailhead is conveniently located near the Grand Canyon Village. There are beautiful tunnels just a few steps down which are a great photo op!
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Bright Angel Trail
bright angel trail in the morning is STUNNING
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Viewpoints

Grand Canyon Visitor Center
A trip to a national park isn’t complete without a trip to the visitor center of course!!!
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Mather Point
Mather Point, located just inside the South Rim entrance near the visitor center, offers many first-time visitors their initial awe-inspiring panorama of the vast Grand Canyon, showcasing a significant portion of its immense depth and colorful formations.
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Hermit Road
Hermit Road offers access to several stunning viewpoints, each providing unique perspectives of the Grand Canyon's vastness and the winding Colorado River below, with some being particularly popular for sunset viewing. During certain times of the year, access to Hermit Road is by free shuttle bus, allowing you to hop on and off at your leisure to explore each vista.
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Trail View Overlook
Located along Hermit Road, Trailview Overlook offers super cool perspectives of the winding Bright Angel Trail as it descends into the canyon- a fantastic spot to appreciate the vastness and the intricate layers of rock formations.
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Hermit's Rest
Hermits Rest is at the END of the Hermit Road shuttle, with really cool canyon views & a gift shop & this iconic archway people like to take photos with!
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Powell Point
Located along Hermit Road, Powell Point offers expansive and colorful panoramic views of the Grand Canyon, particularly towards the east, and features a memorial to John Wesley Powell, the first to navigate the Colorado River through the canyon.
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Hopi Point
Located along Hermit Road, Hopi Point extends further into the canyon than other overlooks, offering expansive east-to-west panoramic views and making it a particularly stunning location to witness the vibrant colors of sunrise and sunset over the vast landscape.
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Grandview Point
Located along Desert View Drive, Grandview Point lives up to its name by offering expansive and colorful panoramic vistas of the Grand Canyon, including views of prominent buttes and a glimpse of the Colorado River far below, from one of the highest points on the South Rim
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Grand Canyon Village
Grand Canyon Village has amazing views itself! Grab some lunch and sit on the edge staring over the canyon :)
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Trip Highlight
seeing elk in the park is always a highlight :)
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Places to Eat

El Tovar Dining Room
A beautiful, higher end place to eat, whether you lodge here or not! Amazing views from the windows too.
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Harvey House Cafe
This place was so good! Had a girls trip & ate here after & it hit the spot! In Grand Canyon Village :)
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Grand Canyon Lodge Dining Room
Another amazing place to eat!
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The Fountain
For quick meals like sandwiches, snacks, and ice cream! Right on the rim of The Grand Canyon!
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Big E Steakhouse & Saloon
Another amazing option with fantastic reviews a few minutes out of the park!
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Experiences

If you want to extend your trip, this is an amazing bucket list opportunity!
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Canyon Adventures Bike Tours & Café
I haven’t done this, but I would love to ride bikes along the rim!!
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Places to Stay

El Tovar Hotel
Staying at the historic El Tovar Hotel, perched right on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, offers an elegant and immersive experience with unparalleled views just steps from your door, allowing you to soak in the canyon's beauty at any time of day. Its charming ambiance and prime location provide a unique opportunity to connect with the canyon's grandeur in a comfortable and memorable setting.
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The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon
The Grand Hotel, nestled in Tusayan just outside the South Rim entrance to the Grand Canyon, provides comfortable and convenient lodging with easy access to the park's wonders via a short shuttle ride. Its modern amenities and proximity to the canyon make it a practical base for exploring the breathtaking landscapes.
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Kachina Lodge
Kachina Lodge, located right on the South Rim within Grand Canyon Village, offers comfortable and convenient accommodations with stunning canyon views just a short walk away, providing an ideal base for exploring the South Rim's attractions and trails. Its proximity to the rim allows for easy access to sunrise and sunset viewing, enhancing the overall Grand Canyon experience.
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Clear Sky Resorts - Grand Canyon - Unique Sky Domes
Clear Sky Resorts, while not directly on the South Rim, offers a unique and memorable lodging experience near the Grand Canyon with its distinctive Sky Domes featuring panoramic views of the night sky, providing a comfortable and stargazing-focused alternative to in-park lodging. Its location still allows for convenient access to the Grand Canyon's South Rim via a scenic drive.
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Mather Campground
The main campground in the park if you’d rather camp!!
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