Exploring the Grand Canyon — Best Views, Trails, and Activities

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Podcast Episode Overview

Ready to explore the Grand Canyon? 

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are sharing our favorite hikes and things to do while exploring Grand Canyon National Park. 

The Grand Canyon is such an iconic location. It’s known all over the world, even by people who don’t usually visit national parks! It’s on virtually everyone’s bucket list, which is why we are so excited to be diving into this episode and sharing what we love about it. 

In this episode, we cover: 

• Things to see on the South Rim
• The coolest trails you have to check out
• Tips for escaping the crowds
• Our must-see viewpoints 
• Cultural demonstrations you can see in this park
• Wildlife you can see in the area
• Our favorite trail in the park
• Hiking to the bottom
• What we love about the North Rim
• What you need to know about the puddles and mud at the Grand Canyon

We love both rims of the Grand Canyon – they each have so much to offer. We can’t wait for you to get out there and enjoy this park too. 

Get on the trail, even just for a second, because it will change the way you see it! 

Ready to make your trip to Grand Canyon a reality? Get your Grand Canyon Itinerary here!

Exploring the Grand Canyon Overview

Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most iconic landscapes in the United States. Even people who have never set foot in a national park have heard of it. With its sheer cliffs, dramatic colors, and unbelievable depth, it’s a place that tops many bucket lists. But seeing the Grand Canyon South Rim from a viewpoint is one thing. Experiencing it is another!

There is so much to explore, from hiking trails to scenic drives, mule rides, and backcountry hiking. We’re here to help you make the most of your Grand Canyon adventure. Let’s talk about what makes this park so special and how you can have an unforgettable trip!

Ready to explore the Grand Canyon?

The Grand Canyon: A national park, but not the whole canyon

Grand Canyon National Park doesn’t actually cover the entire canyon. The canyon itself stretches for 277 miles, but the park protects the most famous sections. Other parts of the canyon are managed by different agencies or are on tribal lands, such as Havasu Canyon, home to the famous turquoise waterfalls.

Most visitors head to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, which is open year-round and has the most amenities. The North Rim, located in Northern Arizona, is quieter, more remote, and only open seasonally due to heavy snowfall in the winter. Each has its own unique charm, so whether you’re looking for convenience or solitude, there’s a perfect spot for you.

The canyon is also home to Grand Canyon West, a separate section outside of the national park that features the famous Skywalk. And for those planning a road trip, nearby destinations like Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, and Capitol Reef are incredible additions to any itinerary.

The Grand Canyon South Rim is where most visitors start their trip. With hotels, restaurants, and the bustling Grand Canyon Village, it’s a busy place, but the real magic happens when you step away from the crowds.

Grand Canyon Village

At the center of the park is Grand Canyon Village, home to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, Bright Angel Lodge, Yavapai Lodge, gift shops, and historic sites. This is where you’ll find Mather Point, one of the most popular viewpoints, as well as El Tovar Hotel, a stunning lodge with a history of hosting famous guests.

Kolb Studio is another must-see, telling the story of early canyon photographers who risked their lives to capture its beauty. The Trail of Time offers a fascinating look at the canyon’s geologic history while guiding you along the Rim Trail.

We love to grab an ice cream cone and stroll along the rim, watching first-time visitors react to the unbelievable views.

Hiking Below the Rim

Looking down into the Grand Canyon is breathtaking, but stepping onto a hiking trail changes everything. The two most popular routes below the rim each offer a unique experience.

The Bright Angel Trail is the park’s most famous hike, starting right in the village. It’s well-maintained with water stations and shaded rest areas, but don’t let that fool you. It’s steep, and the climb back up is a serious workout!

The South Kaibab Trail is steeper and lacks water stations, but the views are unbeatable. Unlike Bright Angel, which follows a canyon wall, South Kaibab takes you out onto exposed ridgelines with jaw-dropping 360-degree scenery. Even a short hike to Ooh Aah Point will give you a whole new appreciation for the canyon’s vastness.

For those looking for an even bigger challenge, backcountry hiking is an option, but you’ll need to check the Backcountry Information Centers for permits and safety tips.

If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, hop on a shuttle bus to Hermit Road, a scenic route along the South Rim with some of the best viewpoints in the park. Many visitors take the shuttle from stop to stop, but walking a section of the Rim Trail is an even better way to soak it all in. The path is peaceful, the views are stunning, and you won’t be packed onto a shuttle.

Take a Scenic Drive on Desert View Road

Unlike Hermit Road, Desert View Drive allows private vehicles, making it easier to plan your own adventure. This scenic route takes you past some incredible viewpoints, including Grandview Point and Moran Point. Lipan Point is one of the best places to see the Colorado River winding through the canyon. At the end of the road, the Desert View Watchtower offers the highest viewpoint on the South Rim and a glimpse into the architectural influence of Mary Colter.

Along this route, you’ll also find Yavapai Point, another fantastic location for panoramic canyon views. For those interested in geology, this area provides some of the best places to see the canyon’s many layers up close.

The North Rim

Only about 10% of visitors make it to the North Rim, which means fewer crowds and a more peaceful experience. Sitting 1,000 feet higher than the South Rim, the North Rim has cooler temperatures, dense forests, and dramatic cliffs that make it feel like an entirely different world.

While the North Rim has fewer services and accommodations, it’s well worth the effort. Bright Angel Point offers a stunning introduction to the area, while Cape Royal and Angel’s Window provide panoramic views of the canyon’s unique rock formations. The North Kaibab Trail is the only maintained path into the canyon from this side and takes hikers through a variety of landscapes as it winds toward the river below.

Don’t Just See the Canyon, Experience It!

If there’s one thing to take away from this, it’s that the Grand Canyon isn’t just something to look at; it’s something to experience. Get on a hiking trail, take a shuttle to a quieter overlook, or drive Desert View Road to discover new perspectives of this incredible place.

For those who want a truly immersive experience, mule trips down into the canyon offer an unforgettable way to explore. These guided rides take visitors along historic trails, following the same paths used by explorers and early visitors.

There’s something magical about stepping below the rim, where the canyon walls tower above you and the layers of time feel more real. Whether you hike for a few minutes or commit to a full-day adventure, you’ll walk away with a whole new appreciation for the Grand Canyon.

So lace up your hiking boots, avoid the mule puddles, and get ready for an adventure you’ll never forget at Grand Canyon National Park!

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