Nestled in the picturesque Arizona, the Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Sprawling over an immense land of 4,930 sq km, it is also home to the iconic Colorado River. It is renowned for its astonishing reddish-brown rock formations, dramatic landscapes and intriguing geological history.
The Grand Canyon is divided into separate sections like South Rim and North Rim, making it easier for you to explore this vast land. There are several exciting ways of exploring the Grand Canyon such as hiking, river rafting, mule riding, bicycling or a helicopter tour. Additionally, there are plenty of attractions to explore like Tusayan Ruin & Museum, Hopi House, Desert View Watchtower, Angel’s Window and Yaki Point.
The Grand Canyon also offers a wide range of accommodation options, allowing you more time to explore the attraction. You can either choose a cosy lodge or an outdoor camp for a more thrilling experience.
Highlights
• Embark on an adventurous journey to explore one of the most fascinating Seven Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon.
• Put on your hiking shoes to explore some of the most rewarding hiking trails like South Kaibab Trail and Phantom Canyon.
• Enjoy the thrilling experience of whitewater rafting through the rapid course of the famous Colorado River.
• Go on a fun helicopter tour to enjoy unobstructed and mesmerising views of the canyon.
• Spend the night camping out in the canyon, lighting bonfires, enjoying BBQs and stargazing with your loved ones.
How To Reach
- By Car: The Grand Canyon is located at a distance of around 360 km from the city centre of Phoenix in Arizona. You can reach the canyon in approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes via the I-17 N route. You can either hire a local taxi or rent a car to enjoy a scenic self-drive to the Grand Canyon.
- By Bus: You can also choose to travel to the Grand Canyon by local buses in Arizona. Hop on the Flixbus from the 44th Street Station in Phoenix and get down at Flagstaff Train Station. At the station, you will find several regular buses for the Grand Canyon. The total journey takes around 5 hours to reach the Grand Canyon from Phoenix.
- By Air: To make your journey more exciting and fun, you can opt for a helicopter ride to reach the Grand Canyon. There are several helicopter tour operators in Phoenix from where you can board the flight. On average the tour takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour and takes you to some of the best spots in the Grand Canyon.
Best Time To Visit
The Grand Canyon is a must-visit tourist attraction which can be visited throughout the year.
- Best Season: You can visit the canyon between March to May and September to November to experience cooler temperatures and pleasant weather conditions.
- Best Day of the Week: You can visit the canyon throughout the week as per your itinerary and travel plans.
- Best Time of the Day: It is advisable to visit in the early hours so that you will have sufficient time to explore the canyon.
Other Essential Information
Visitor's Tips
- Obtain the necessary permits in advance for hiking and camping in the area.
- Wear sturdy shoes and dress in layers so that you can easily adjust to the change in temperatures.
- Carry sufficient water, light snacks, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, and a basic medical kit.
- Avoid getting too close to the wild animals or offering them any food item for your own safety.
- Consider booking your camps or rooms in advance to ensure availability.
- Collect a guided map from the Visitor’s Centre to easily navigate your way through the canyon.
- Consider opting for a Ranger Program to learn about the fascinating facts and geological features of the canyon.
Go hiking
The Grand Canyon is a hiker’s paradise, offering numerous hiking trails, ranging from easy to moderate and challenging. Two of the most popular hiking trails at the South Rim are the Bright Angel Trail and South Kaibab Trail, both of which are 11-15 km difficult level hikes. The North Kaibab Trail is the most popular hiking trail at the North Rim which is a strenuous 22 km one-way hike. The Phantom Canyon is the best hiking trail of the Inner Canyon which comes along with a package of lodging and meals.
Try river rafting on the Colorado River
The Colorado River is a gem of the Grand Canyon where you can try several exciting water sports. One of the most thrilling experiences is whitewater rafting through the speedy rapids of the river. However, if you are looking for a more peaceful way of exploring the river, you can try activities such as boating, kayaking and canoeing. Additionally, there are guided boat tours available during which you will be enriched with fascinating geological history and facts about the canyon.
Spend the night camping
The Grand Canyon offers the best camping experience on its secluded and rugged terrains. There are several campgrounds such as the Mather Campground, Desert View, Trailer Village and North Rim Campground. These campsites offer basic amenities such as cosy tents, restrooms, water, meals and showers. For a more primitive experience, you can opt for backcountry camping which comes with fewer amenities like water, food and tents. To make your stay more memorable, you can light up a bonfire and enjoy singing, dancing and sharing exciting stories with your group.
