Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most iconic natural wonders in the United States, offering a wide range of activities and breathtaking sights. More than 4 million visitors visit this park every year.
Whether you want to explore the jaw-dropping beauty, enjoy magical views, or explore famous rock formations, there are countless things to do and see in Grand Canyon National Park.
Get ready to make your Grand Canyon vacation memorable with our ultimate list of 15+ unique things to do in Grand Canyon.
15+ Things to Do and See in Grand Canyon National Park
Want to enjoy hiking or biking? Or you are in search of rafting & exploring magical wonders? We have something for every type of traveler. So, read our comprehensive list till the end to get ready for the experience of a lifetime.
Must-See Attractions
1. South Rim
Grand Canyon South Rim is the scenic & easily accessible part of the park. The fabulous views, amazing viewpoints, adventurous trails & amenities makes this park a hub spot for tourists. Exploring Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Grand Canyon Village is one of the best things to do in Grand Canyon South Rim.
Address
- Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
Phone
- +1 928-638-4095
2. North Rim
North Rim is less crowded as compared to South Rim. Worth visiting this place in USA for travelers who want to enjoy roadless travel. Inside the park, you will find one lodge named “Grand Canyon Lodge” with food & beverage services. For reservations, contact them 6 months prior.
Address
- Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
Phone
- 928-638-7888
3. Sunrise and Sunset
Nothing is better than capturing beautiful sunrise & sunset views at Grand Canyon National Park. You can enjoy these views from Hopi Point, Yavapai Point, and Hermit Road. To enjoy the sunset, arrive 30 minutes prior, and for sunrise, go one hour earlier.
How to Get to Viewpoints?
- Through shuttle bus.
Available Facilities at Viewpoints
- Restrooms
- Accessible overlooks
- Water
4. Phantom Ranch
It is located at the bottom of the canyon. You can accessible to this spot through hiking trails or by taking a mule ride. At Phantom Ranch, you could explore scenic hiking trails, enjoy dining options & make your stay memorable at cabins or lodges.
Address
- N Kaibab Trail, North Rim, AZ 86052
Phone
- (888) 297-2757
5. Bright Angel Trail
Among the top 10 things to do in Grand Canyon, exploring Bright Angel Trail will be one of the best experiences for you. Trail directly leading from the South Rim down to Phantom Ranch famous for its well-maintained path & magical views.
Difficulty Level
- Strenuous
Elevation
- 6,850 feet
6. Desert View Drive
A scenic road located on the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. Desert View Drive runs through the Grand Canyon Village to 64 route, where you can see various historic viewpoints & views. After some time, this road is named Desert View Watchtower where you can stop at various points.
What’s Along the Desert View Drive?
- 6 developed canyon viewpoints
- 4 picnic areas
- 5 unmarked pullouts
- Famous Viewpoints
- Lipan Point
- Navajo Point
- Grandview Point
Activities
7. Hiking
Want to go hiking at the Grand Canyon National Park? Various options for you. From easy hikes to challenging hikes, there are various trails where you can hike. Rim Trail, the Bright Angel Trail, and the North Kaibab Trail are some of the famous hikes here. Must check trail conditions earlier.
South Rim Day Hikes
- Bright Angel Trail
- Hermit Trail
- Grandview Trail
- North Rim Day Hikes
- Transept Trail
- Ken Patrick Trail
- Uncle Jim Trail
8. Mule Rides
Mule rides are a unique way to explore the park & free things to do at the Grand Canyon. The guided mule rides are available from both the South & North rims. There is no other Grand Canyon adventurous experience more enticing than enjoying a mule ride.
Restrictions for Mule Rides
Riders must be:
- Minimum of 9 years of age.
- At least 57 inches (4’9″) tall.
- Weigh less than 200 lbs. or 225 lbs.
- Easily understand instructions in English.
- Under 18 children must be accompanied by parents.
9. Whitewater Rafting
Explore the Grand Canyon from below through a whitewater rafting trip. The Hualapai River Runners comes with a 1-day whitewater rafting trip of the Colorado River. While rafting, you can enjoy lunch along river banks, hike to the Travertine Cavern Falls & spot local wildlife.
Rates
- One-day rafting: Starts from $429
- Two-day rafting: One-day rafting: Starts from $799
10. Scenic Drives
Hermit Road and Desert View Drive offer stunning views and multiple viewpoints along the South Rim. It’s one of the best cheap things to do at the Grand Canyon. The North Rim has its scenic drives, including the Cape Royal Road.
Other Scenic Drives
- Kaibab Plateau
- East Rim
- Sothern Rim
11. Star Gazing
A trip to Grand Canyon National Park is incomplete without exploring the canyon on a moonlit. The Grand Canyon’s dark skies make it an ideal place to stay and enjoy stargazing. During stargazing peak season, ranger programs are also being offered to visitors.
Upcoming Night Sky Events Dates
- 30th & 31st August 2024
- 1st September 2024
- 6th September 2024
12. Camping
Camping is one of the best things to do in the Grand Canyon. There are various campgrounds within the park, including Mather Campground on the South Rim and North Rim Campground. Backcountry camping is also available with a permit.
Tips
- Book your reservations in advance.
- Reservations should be made 6 months prior.
- Make your booking online.
Educational and Cultural Experiences
13. Grand Canyon Visitor Center
It’s one of the best place to get all information about park in terms of trails, park history & weather conditions. There are a total of 3 Grand Canyon Visitor Centers, out of which 2 located on the south rim & 1 on the north rim. Easily accessible by foot or through a free bus ride.
Opening Days & Hours
- Daily: 8 am to 3 pm.
14. Ranger Programs
Ranger Programs are free of cost so don’t skip the opportunity to get free access led by park rangers. With these programs, you can get valuable insights into the park’s natural and cultural history. If you are with your kids, you go for Junior Rangers Program.
Covered Things
- Grand Canyon’s geology
- Fossils
- Native American cultures
- Educational tours
15. Grand Canyon Museum
Located near the South Rim, offering exhibits on the park’s geology, history, and wildlife. Grand Canyon Museum was completed back in 1999 to provide study & research facts. The staff museum is friendly & will guide you regarding artifacts, exhibits & history.
Address
- 2 Albright Ave, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
Phone
- (928) 638-7769
16. Native American Ruins
If you want to explore Native American history, must-visit sites are Tusayan Ruin and Museum, and the Grand Canyon Village. Tusayan Ruin is a more than 500-year-old Pueblo Indian site located within the park and considered as major Archaeological sites in Arizona.
Address
- Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
Phone
- (928) 638-7888
Final Thoughts!
With these 15+ things to do and see in Grand Canyon National Park, you can experience the full majesty and diversity of Grand Canyon National Park. Also, you can go for different adventurous & cultural experiences that you can’t forget ever. Always plan ahead, stay safe, and respect the park’s natural and cultural resources.
FAQs:
What not to miss around Grand Canyon?
When visiting Grand Canyon, not to miss activities are:
Hike Bright Angel Trail
Sunset from Cape Royal
See Ooh Aah Point
Sunrise at Point Imperial
What is the most beautiful part of the Grand Canyon?
The South Rim is the most beautiful & most visited part of the Grand Canyon so must visit this place.
What is the most interesting thing about the Grand Canyon?
The Grand Canyon is famous for its geological formations as it contains ancient & old layers of stones.
What is one thing to keep in mind when visiting the Grand Canyon?
When visiting the Grand Canyon, keep in mind that there’s no way to cross the canyon by car & you have to drive the whole way.
What is the best way to see the Grand Canyon?
The best way to see the magical beauty of the Grand Canyon is to see the Canyon from the South & North rim. Also, you can take an aerial tour or enjoy a boat ride along Colorado.