As a top destination in the U.S., the Grand Canyon is a sight that most yearn to see. During the summer, visitors from around the globe stand on the edge of this majestic landscape and stare in awe. After visiting the Grand Canyon countless times, it still amazes me with its scale and colors. Load up the family this year and see what to do at the Grand Canyon with kids.
Grand Canyon National Park at a Glance
| Year Established: 1919 |
| Located: Northern Arizona |
| Size: over 1.2 million acres |
| Top Features: Mather Point, Bright Angel Trail and the Historic Grand Canyon Village |
Top Sites at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim
Stop by the Grand Canyon Visitors Center
Grab a Junior Ranger Booklet for Kids
Watch the Grand Canyon movie at the Visitor Center
Walk along the Rim Trail
Or rent bikes to explore
See a sunset or sunrise at Yaki or Mather Point
Tour the Historic Grand Canyon Village
Walk through El Tovar Hotel
Shop for traditional crafts at the Hopi House
Walk through Kolb Studio
Look over the Grand Canyon edge’s at the Lookout Studio
Find the Bright Angel Trailhead, it heads to the bottom of the canyon
Visit Desert View or Hermits Rest on the Shuttlebus
The Grand Canyon Visitors Center
Most visitors will park near the Grand Canyon Visitors Center (open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Head inside and walk around then watch the Grand Canyon introductory movie. Grab Junior Ranger booklets for the kids, if they’re interested. Take a moment to look over the Junior Ranger booklet to see what’s required to earn a patch.
Grand Canyon Conservancy’s Park Store sells books and gifts covering the Grand Canyon. Located across the from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
After exploring the Grand Canyon Visitor Center area, walk outside and head to the edge of the Grand Canyon. This where to pick up the Rim Trail to walk to Mather Point, both must-dos.
Kids want see the Grand Canyon on a bike? Rent bikes next to the Visitor Center, all bike sizes and helmets are available. If you packed a picnic, find several picnic tables throughout the Mather Point area.
Surprisingly Grand Canyon National Park offers amazing sunsets, or sunrises for the early risers. The best spot to witness a symphony of nature, stop at Yaki or Mather Point. I’ve seen visitors moved to tears at the beauty of this experience.
If time allows, tour the Historic Grand Canyon Village. Additionally save time and take the shuttle bus or walk along the Rim Trail.
Other Places along the South Rim
Yavapai Geology Museum
Built in 1928, learn about the geology of the canyon and how it was formed. Also look out of the large windows and it’s especially popular at sunset.
Located along the rim between the visitor center and Grand Canyon Village. Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Historic Grand Canyon Village
As the original visitor area along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, take a walking tour of the Historic Grand Canyon Village.
Verkamp Visitor Center
Built in 1906 by the Verkamp family, it was a kurio shop for decades. Now it’s a smaller visitor center located in the historic village.
Located in the Grand Canyon Village. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Grand Canyon Depot
Walk by the train depot to see how visitors visited the Grand Canyon 100 years ago and still do. It’s made of logs and one of three remaining log depots still in existence.
The Grand Canyon Railroad train is in the station most days from noon to 3 p.m. The Grand Canyon Railroad offers daily departures from Williams, Arizona, along Interstate 40.
Located in the Grand Canyon Village and it’s a separate stop on the blue Village shuttle bus.
El Tovar Hotel
See the rustic elegance of the historic landmark hotel. If the kids are up for it, take a walk through the lobby or sit in the rocking chairs on the front porch.
Hopi House
Built in 1905, the building resembles a traditional Hopi structure. Designed by Mary Colter, find traditional arts-and-crafts from the Hopi People inside.
Located in the Grand Canyon Village. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Kolb Studio
Built in 1905, this was a studio for the Kolb brothers, turn-of-the-century photographers.
Located in the Grand Canyon Village. Open daily.
Lookout Studio
Positioned along the rim, the Lookout Studio was built in 1914 of rock. Mary Colter designed it to blend in with the environment. Find an amazing view along with rocks and fossils to buy as souvenirs.
Located in the Grand Canyon Village. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bright Angel Lodge
Find the brightly painted details in the hotel built by Mary Colter as you walk through the lobby. Inside find the Geologic Fireplace with the layers of rock displayed each as found along the walls of the Grand Canyon. Lots of dining inside the Bright Angel Lodge
Pass the Kolb Studio to find the Bright Angel Trailhead. It’s a well-maintained trail that the famous mule train uses to descendon the bottom of the Grand Canyon and Phantom Ranch.
Shrine of the Ages
This is a multi-purpose building used for ranger programs and religious ceremonies.
Located in the Grand Canyon Village and is a separate stop on the blue Village shuttle bus.
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Other Places to Explore on the South Rim
Desert View Area
Take a scenic drive 25 miles (41 km) east of the Grand Canyon Village. Along the route, you will pass Pipe Creek Vista, South Kaibab Trailhead, Yaki Point, Grandview Point, Moran Point, Lipan Point, Navajo Point and Desert View. The South Kaibab Trailhead is an end point for the Rim Trail and Greenway Trail that runs along the rim.
In the Desert View area, find Mary Colter’s Desert View Watchtower built in 1932. Designed using traditional southwest architecture, the tower is 70-feet (21m) tall and offer a 360-degree view from the top. Many consider it her Grand Canyon masterpiece.
Look through the tiny square windows that dot the exterior to see the Colorado River at the bottom, a ribbon of green. Colter framed each view to enjoy the dramatic landscape, like a painting. After emerging from the tower, take a moment to absorb the surroundings, like the desert perfume of pinyon pine and sage after an afternoon rain.
The Desert View area offers a ranger station, general store and deli, bookstore and gas station.
The Tusayan Ruins and Museum are also located in this area. Explore the remains of an ancient Puebloan village and find a kiva with interpretive signs. The museum walks visitors through ancient life along the Grand Canyon. Also find a bookstore, restroom and a picnic area.
Hermits Rest
Seven miles (11 km) west of the Grand Canyon Village, find another Mary Colter building along with nine viewpoints. Stop at Trailview Overlook, Maricopa Point, Powell Point, Hopi Point, Mojave Point, The Abyss, The Monument Creek Overlook and Pima Point.
Hermits Rest was built in 1914 to resemble a miners cabin and part of the structure is buried in the earth. The massive fireplace is made of local stone.
Hermits Rest is the end point of the Rim Trail and Greenway Trail that runs along the rim. The Hermits Trailhead into the canyon is nearby.
From March until the end of November, reach the area with a red Hermits Rest shuttle bus and it’s closed to private vehicles. During the winter, private vehicles can drive along the scenic route.
Top Day Hikes on the South Rim
Rim Trail—Easy and level 13-mile (20-km) one way paved trail with frequent shuttle stops along its route. Runs from Hermits Rest to the South Kaibab Trailhead.
Trail of Time—Part of the Rim Trail, the 2.83-mile (4.56 km) one way paved trail runs from the Yavapai Geology Museum to the Grand Canyon Village. The interpretive signs explains the passage of time in the Grand Canyon’s rock layers.
Bright Angel Trail—A difficult 18-mile (28 km) roundtrip hiking path into the canyon. Find rest houses with water along the trail though water supply is cut off in winter.
Tip: Wear appropriate clothes and shoes then pack water and snacks no matter how the length of the hike.
River Trips on the Colorado River
From one day calm water float trips to 18 days of red water adventure, floating the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon is a bucket list item. Find authorized concessionaires that offer river trips through the Grand Canyon National Park.
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What to do at the Grand Canyon with Kids
The Junior Ranger Program is the go-to program for families to learn more about this UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s free and takes about two hours to complete. My kids love the patches that the Park Rangers present them after completing their booklet.
The Grand Canyon Junior Ranger Program hands out a booklet specially designed for each age group. To earn the Junior Ranger badge, families are required to attend a Ranger Program and find a program list at the visitors centers.
Raven Award–kids aged 4 to 7, though I’ve been helping my youngest since he was 3
Coyote Award–kids 8 to 10
Scorpion Award–kids 11 and older
For night owls, the Grand Canyon offers the Night Explorer Junior Ranger Patch. Kids attend a special Night Skies Ranger Program and complete the booklet that’s available at the visitor centers.
If a trip to the bottom of the canyon is on your itinerary, a special Junior Ranger badge is rewarded at Phantom Ranch. Phantom Rattler Junior Ranger Patch has its own booklet and activities.
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Wildlife on the South Rim
Find animals during your trip to the Grand Canyon.
- Mule Deer
- California Condor
- Desert big horn sheep
- Coyote
- Elk
Animals shy away from people and are less active during the middle of the day.
Mule Rides at Grand Canyon
Since the late 1800s mules have climbed in-and-out of the Grand Canyon carrying cargo and passengers. A mule trip to the bottom of Grand Canyon is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for many travelers.
The overnight trip to Phantom Ranch departs from the Bright Angel Corral and switch backs down the Bright Angel Trail. Riders enjoy a steak dinner at Phantom Ranch and can swim in Bright Angel Creek. Following breakfast, riders climb out of the canyon via South Kaibab Trail.
Mule trips require advance planning and reservations are rewarded by lottery for a year in advance. Prices start at $692.59 per person.
Though with less planning, take a two-hour ride near the canyon rim on a mule. The mule trip departs at 10 a.m. with two departures from March through October. Prices start from $152.85 per person and reservations required.
Riders must be at least 9-years-old, four feet, nine inches tall (1.44 m) and weigh less than 225-pounds (102 kg) or 200-pounds (90 kg) for Phantom Ranch trip. South Rim mule rides are offered year-round, regardless of weather so dress accordingly.
The History of the Grand Canyon National Park
The first human artifacts found in Grand Canyon National Park date back 12,000 years. Though the Colorado River started carving the Grand Canyon nearly 2 billion years ago. To date, the canyon measures 18 miles wide, one-mile deep and 277 river miles long.
First protected in 1893, the Grand Canyon became a national park in 1919. In 1979 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The canyon is surrounded by the Grand Canyon National Park, Kaibab National Forest, Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, Hualapai Indian Reservation, Havasupai Indian Reservation and the Najavo Nation.
People of the Grand Canyon
Since the Grand Canyon crosses half of northern Arizona, many people call it home and have for thousands of years. The Ancestral Puebloans were the first people to live in the area.
The Hualapai People live on the southern side of the Grand Canyon. For 800 years the Havasupai People have lived on the southern portion of the canyon next to the Hualapai. The Hopi People and the Navajo People live east of the canyon. The Grand Canyon is a sacred place to all.
The Spanish conquistador García Lopez de Cárdenas saw the Grand Canyon in 1540. Mormon missionaries helped establish a ferry across the Colorado River at the area later named Lees Ferry in the 1850s.
In 1869 John Wesley Powell set out to explore the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon from Wyoming. The Atkinson, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad arrived at the South Rim in 1901 spurring tourism.
The Fred Harvey Company and Mary Colter
In 1876, Fred Harvey opened restaurants and hotels catering to train passengers in Kansas for the Atkinson, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad. Soon the Fred Harvey Company became a standard in hospitality while traveling on the train in the Southwest.
The Fred Harvey Company and the Santa Fe Railroad built several buildings along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon since it was a major destination for the train. Mary Colter, an architect for Fred Harvey from 1904 to 1949 designed many of the notable buildings, like the Hopi House, the Bright Angel Lodge along with Hermits Rest and Desert Tower.
Using design elements from the desert landscape, Colter wanted her buildings to look each grew from its surroundings. This was a central element of the National Park Service at the time and is known as National Park Rustic.
The CCC
A group of young men arrived at the Grand Canyon in 1933. Part of President Roosevelt’s Works Progress Program, the Civilian Conservation Corps worked on conservation projects across the U.S.
During their tenure, the men of the CCC constructed the stone wall along the edge of the canyon in the Grand Canyon Village National Historic Landmark District. They improved the Bright Angel trail and built resthouses along the route.
The CCC developed camps the North Rim and Desert View in addition to constructing several trails. And the CCC ran the trans-canyon telephone line to connect the north and south sides of the canyon.
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Where to Eat at the Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon Visitor Center–Find a grab-n-go items along with a coffee bar.
Grand Canyon Market Plaza–Find a deli along with a well-stocked grocery store.
Camper Services Area at Mather Campground–Find grab-n-go items along with coffee and ice cream.
Yavapai Lodge–Find the Yavapai Lodge Coffee Shop, Yavapai Lodge Restaurant and Yavapai Lodge Tavern.
El Tovar–Find the El Tovar Dining Room and El Tovar Lounge.
Bright Angel Lodge–Find the Arizona Room, the Bright Angel Restaurant, Bright Angel Fountain, Bright Angel Bar and Canyon Coffee House.
Maswik Lodge–Find the Mastik Lodge and Pizza Pub. (closed until Spring 2021).
Desert View–Find a Desert View General Store and Deli.
Hermits Rest–Find a snack bar.
Note: Some facilities might be closed in early 2021.
Picnicking at the Grand Canyon
Find picnic tables near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, Market Plaza, the Historic Village, Hermits Rest, Desert View and along Desert View Drive.
Where to Stay at the Grand Canyon
El Tovar Hotel
Opened in 1905, El Tovar Hotel was designed by Charles Whittlesey for the Atkinson, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad. Built of local limestone and Oregon pine, find log walls, limestone arches along with Arts and Crafts furniture. It’s a National Historic Landmark.
As the premier property on the South Rim, it features a dining room along with a lounge and in-room dining. Find standard rooms to suites and reservations are required. Rooms start at $270.
Bright Angel Lodge
Opened in 1935, the Bright Angel Lodge was designed by Mary Colter, an architect for the Fred Harvey Company. It features log construction, abode and local limestone. Inside, find the geological fireplace along with the hand-caved and painted doors.
Surrounding the main lodge, find log cabins, some with rim views. It’s near the Bright Angel Trail and part of the Grand Canyon Village National Historic Landmark District. Find historic lodge rooms and semi-detached cabins, reservations required. Rooms start at $124 and cabins start at $174.
Kachina Lodge and Thunderbird Lodge
Both designed in the late 1960s, the Kachina Lodge and Thunderbird Lodge offer rim views and partial rim view along with modern conveniences, like TVs and full baths. A good choice for families wanting a standard hotel room with a convenient location in the historic landmark district.
Find standard rooms with king beds or two queen beds. Rooms start at $278 and reservations required.
Maswik Lodge
Another lodging option with modern rooms. This property is closed until Spring 2021 for a renovation.
Yavapai Lodge
Located near the Market Plaza area, this is largest lodging property on the South Rim. The Yavapai Lodge offers a cafeteria and some rooms feature air-conditioning, not standard at NPS properties.
Find rooms with king beds, two queen beds and accessible and pet-friendly rooms. Rooms start at $105 and reservations required.
Phantom Ranch
Designed by Mary Colter and built in 1922, the lodging at the bottom of the canyon used rock found on-site along with Oregon pine. The mule train brought the building materials to the site and the area is still serviced by a mule train.
It takes about five hours to reach Phantom Ranch on the mule train or hiking a canyon trail. Lodging and meals are provided and rooms are awarded on a lottery system, 14 months in advance. Meals can be arranged in advance for those camping with a few days notice.
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Camping at Grand Canyon’s South Rim
Mather Campground
- Year-round
- Reservations Accepted except in Winter
- 258 sites with a 30-foot RV limit, 6 group sites
- Potable water and flush toilets
- Camper services building with hot showers and laundromat
- Dump station nearby
Trailer Village RV Park
- Year-round
- Reservations recommended
- Pull Through sites with full hook-ups with a vehicle limit of 50-feet.
- Potable water and flush toilets
- Dump station nearby
Desert View Campground
- Open from mid-April to mid-October
- No reservations accepted
- 50 sites with a 30-foot RV limit, no hook-ups.
- Potable water and flush toilets
Where to get Necessities
If you are staying more than a day or two at the Grand Canyon, chances are you forgot something. If you’re traveling with kids, something needs to be washed.
You don’t have to leave the national park, head to the Market Plaza, near Mather Campground. Find a well-stocked general store (grocery), ATM, post office, laundromat, pay showers and the Grand Canyon clinic.
Where’s the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is divided by the North Rim (open seasonally) and the South Rim. I’ve visited both and recommend the South Rim for your first visit.
The Grand Canyon South Rim is located 59 miles north of Williams, Arizona, on Highway 64. The South Entrance is the most popular gateway taking visitors through Tusayan, a tourist town full of food, lodging and gas.
For the East Entrance, drive north from Flagstaff on U.S. Route 89 to Highway 64. This route is a great alternative to the South Entrance and provides a scenic drive along the rim from Desert View Watchtower to the Grand Canyon Village. (Closed until futher notice as the Navajo Nation is closed to visitors.)
Make it a National Park Vacation. Grand Canyon National Park is 250 miles from Zion National Park, 280 miles from Bryce Canyon National Park and 200 miles from Petrified Forest National Park.
Williams (WMA) is an Amtrak destination and a stop for a regional bus service. The closest airport with commercial flights is Flagstaff, Arizona (FLG), 80 miles away.
For a unique experience, visitors can take a historic train into the park with the Grand Canyon Railroad. With several packages available, the GCRR offers daily departures from Williams. Arrive at the historic Grand Canyon Train Depot, located across from the El Tovar Hotel. The Grand Canyon Train Depot is a log building train station, the only one in the U.S. still in operation.
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Gateways Towns on Grand Canyon’s South Rim
Tusayan—Located right outside the south entrance to the Grand Canyon National Park. This town is one-mile long though offers the most convenient lodging and dining outside of the Grand Canyon Village. Also Tusayan is a base for commercial tours and flightseeing operations.
Williams—Located along Interstate 40, Williams is a larger community than Tusayan and it’s 53 miles south of the Grand Canyon South Rim Entrance. Additionally it’s the departure point for the Grand Canyon Railways.
Flagstaff—Located southeast of the Grand Canyon National Park, this mountain destination offers easy access to the Grand Canyon along with the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and southern Utah. It’s 72 miles from the South Rim entrance.
Las Vegas—For air travelers, Las Vegas offers the most flights along with The Strip. It’s the closest city to the Grand Canyon SkyWalk on the western side of the Grand Canyon (not at the South Rim).
Weather at Grand Canyon’s South Rim
Winter: Highs 40sF (8 to 9C), Lows mid 20sF (-4 to -2C)
Spring: Highs mid 50s to mid 70sF (15 to 25C), Lows low 30 to mid 40sF (0 to 8C)
Summer: Highs mid 80sF (26 to 29C), Lows 50sF (11 to 15C)
Fall—Highs low 50s to mid 70sF, Lows mid-40s to upper 20s (6 to -3C)
Average Rain and Snow averages about 1 inch per month.
Getting Around Grand Canyon
While exploring the Grand Canyon, consider using its free shuttle. It’s color-coded and easy-to-use. Parking is limited at popular points on the South Rim and find the most parking at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.
Spend as little or as much time as you want. The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is open 365-days a year, 24-hours a day. A 7-day private vehicle pass is $35 and you can purchase a digital pass at recreation.gov.
Las Vegas offers the largest international airport (LAS) in the southwest. Find dining, lodging and entertainment options on The Strip along with the surrounding city. Las Vegas is about 274 miles from the Grand Canyon’s South Entrance.
Know Before You Go
- Make reservations for lodging and tours as soon as possible. Lodging reservations can be made 13 months in advance.
- Since the cabins are cool in the summer they don’t feature air conditioning for summer guests.
- The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is closed from October 15 to May 15 due to seasonal road closures.
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