Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon is one of the most jaw-dropping natural wonders on Earth—277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep. You really can’t grasp how massive it is until you’re standing on the edge, staring into millions of years of rock layers carved by the Colorado River.

It became a national park in 1919, but people have called this place home for thousands of years, including the Hopi, Navajo, Zuni, and Havasupai tribes.

The park is incredibly popular and was the third most visited US national park in 2024 with 4.91 million visitors!

Grand Canyon National Park At a Glance

$35 per vehicle for 7 days. Or FREE with the America the Beautiful Pass.

Located in Northwestern Arizona, to get to the Grand Canyon, there are two major airports you can fly into. There’s Phoenix (3.5 hours) and Las Vegas (4.5 hours).

Reservations are not required to enter the park.

We’d recommend a trip to the Grand Canyon during April-May or September-October. The daytime temperatures are mild and the crowds are a bit lighter than other times of the year.

different areas of the park

The park spans 1.2 million acres, with two sections, the North Rim and the South Rim. Most visitors head to the South Rim which is open year-round and packed with lodges, campgrounds, restaurants, shuttles, and iconic viewpoints like Mather Point and Desert View. If you’re up for a hike, trails like Bright Angel and South Kaibab offer epic canyon views!

The Best Things to do in Grand Canyon National Park

Dreaming of a trip to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon? This guide will help you make the most of your visit, whether you’re coming for a day or staying for a few. We’ll cover the best things to do on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, where to stay, how much time you’ll need, and more!

READ THE TRAVEL GUIDE

1 Day at the Grand Canyon South Rim Itinerary

Visiting the Grand Canyon South Rim? Our Grand Canyon itinerary includes everything you need to know before you go, where to stay, how to get around, and the best things to do at the Grand Canyon!

READ THE TRAVEL GUIDE