One of the largest canyons in the world, the Grand Canyon is one of those world wonders that truly lives up to the hype. No matter how many photographs you may have seen of the canyon before, nothing can prepare you for its sheer enormity – something that has the power to stop you in your tracks at every turn. The Grand Canyon's expanse opens up a variety of different options for how to get there, where to stay, and how best to experience to the canyon once you have arrived. Our expert team are on hand to help you navigate the logistics of planning a trip to the Grand Canyon, and how to get the very best out of your time once you're there.
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE GRAND CANYON
The Grand Canyon is a destination that can be visited almost year-round. Dry and sunny conditions can be enjoyed here for much of the year, due to the prevailing desert-like climate of Arizona. Those who are not restricted to travelling during the peak summer months of July and August are recommended to avoid this time as this is when the temperatures are at their highest. The national park will still be busy at this time though. If this is the only time you can travel, our expert team you provide you with tips on how to avoid the worst of the crowds. Travelling to the Grand Canyon in the height of the winter is also best avoided. The North Rim of the canyon closes, and it can even be challenging to reach some areas of the South Rim if there has been recent snowfall.
HOW TO GET TO THE GRAND CANYON
The Grand Canyon is located in the US state of Arizona, but there are three major airports often used as a gateway to the national park – and plenty of options to create an exciting self-drive itinerary along the way.
- Phoenix, Arizona - the drive from Phoenix international airport to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon takes around four hours without stops, and if you take a slight detour on Route 89A you pass through stunning Oak Creek. However, if you can spare the time, the picturesque ‘red rock town’ of Sedona is well worth a visit as you travel north. Aside from the stunning natural surroundings, bohemian Sedona is known for its thriving arts scene, and plentiful wellness options for those who seek them. L'Auberge de Sedona is a prime base for absorbing all of the above.
- Las Vegas, Nevada - the South Rim of the Grand Canyon can be reached on a four and a half hour drive from Las Vegas. If you can be tempted by a bit of a detour, travelling north and dipping into Utah will allow you to take in the wonders of the Zion National Park. Here, arresting landscapes of rust-red sandstone cliffs and plunging canyons provide the backdrop for hiking, e-biking and Via Ferrata adventures.
- Salt Lake City, Utah - it would take six and a half hours to reach the North Rim of the Grand Canyon from Salt Lake City airport, but the point of choosing this route is as much about the journey as the destination. In Utah, a number of simply breathtaking national parks unfold on the route south to the Grand Canyon, making this the perfect choice for an epic self-drive adventure taking in spectacles such as Canyonlands, the Capitol Reef National Park, and Zion.
SHOULD I VISIT THE NORTH OR SOUTH RIM OF THE GRAND CANYON?
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is the most visited, and this is for good reason. Access is easier, the infrastructure for exploring the park is excellent, and you also have the widest choice of places to stay here. The main advantage of visiting the North Rim is that it attracts fewer visitors, so you can experience the timeless wonder of the Grand Canyon with a greater sense of serenity. Should you wish to experience both sides of the canyon, a drive of around four hours connects the two.
BEST THINGS TO DO AT THE GRAND CANYON
Absorb the views
Taking in the views from a variety of viewpoints is one of the most accessible ways to experience the Grand Canyon. The South Rim of the canyon has an array of fabulous viewpoints that are easy to access if you are driving. Alternatively, you could take advantage of the complimentary shuttle bus that connects all of the best viewpoints. This is a particularly good option if you would like to do some hiking in between.
Helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon
We cannot recommend this activity highly enough, for giving you the best possible appreciation of the gargantuan scale of the Grand Canyon, as well as for making memories that will last a lifetime. We can arrange helicopter flights from the Grand Canyon's own airstrip, or even from Las Vegas should you choose to base yourself there. The late afternoon is a particularly special time for the experience as the approaching sunset illuminates the canyon rock in a warming glow, and the Vegas strips lights up for night time.
Grand Canyon hiking
As you would expect, the Grand Canyon’s stunning vistas make it a superb venue for some highly rewarding hikes. There are plenty of well-marked trails to choose from. One of the most straightforward is following as much of the13-mile Grand Canyon Rim Trail as you feel able to do, and then simply returning to your start point by shuttle bus. For more challenging - or more unusual hikes - we can arrange for a private guide to assist you on your explorations and discover the canyon from new perspectives.
Grand Canyon sunset
Remaining at the Grand Canyon to watch the sunset is always a popular activity, as the changing sunlight, colours, and the contrast of the shadows brings about a special beauty. With so many other people also wishing to experience this spectacle, you will find the main viewpoints of the South Rim fairly busy. We can arrange a special ‘insider’s access’ tour of the Grand Canyon which includes, amongst other things, information on the quietest places to watch the sunset.
WHERE TO STAY IN THE GRAND CANYON
When it comes to accommodation in the Grand Canyon, it is fair to say that the hotel is never going to be the highlight of your stay – but this is unlikely to be an issue as you will not be spending a huge amount of time in your room. We only work with a small selection of hotels in the area which we can vouch for the quality of, so you will be assured of a very clean and comfortable base. We will also discuss your preferences when it comes to staying inside or outside the national park. Hotels within the national park tend to be simpler, but have the obvious advantage of convenience and getting ahead of the queues. For those seeking more facilities we can organise a stay at a well-equipped resort in the town of Tusayan, which is only a two-mile drive from the entrance to the South Rim.
If you are looking to make your stay in the Grand Canyon extra-special, there is another option. You could spend a night or two under canvas in one of our Luxury USA Mobile Camps where you will not have to share your views or sunsets with another soul. Your sublimely comfortable camp will be set up for you with memory foam mattresses on the beds, a private chef whipping up meals in the most extraordinary places, and passionate guides who will help you discover a whole different side to the region.
HOW TO AVOID THE CROWDS AT THE GRAND CANYON
Opting for an exclusive experience through our Luxury USA Mobile Camps is just one way to avoid the crowds at the Grand Canyon. Even if you choose to base yourself in the more mainstream accommodation in the region, we can still organise ways for you to limit your exposure to the crowds. We can arrange for you to spend the day with an expert guide affiliated to one of the official conservation partners of the Grand Canyon National Park. These guides enjoy 'access all areas' within the park, allowing you to discover some quieter areas that regular visitors are unable to reach. They also provide a completely fascinating source of information about the geology, flora and fauna of the Grand Canyon.
