Grand Canyon, situated in Arizona is one of the most visited places in the U.S. Welcoming over 6 million visitors every year, this canyon is a prime example of water erosion. The Colorado River started carving it almost 70 million years ago. With a length of 277 miles and width of 18 miles, it’s a nature’s wonder. This place has 4 entrances, the south and the east and north are part of the grand canyon national park, and the west rim is owned by the Hualapai tribe. The south is the most popular one amongst the visitors and the famous skywalk is on the west side of the Grand Canyon. Grand Canyon National park, a world heritage site, and home to 11 tribes is a must visit place in Arizona, USA. In this guide, we are going to cover the 10 best places to visit in the Grand Canyon, Arizona.
Places to visit in Grand Canyon, Arizona
Havasu Falls – Beautiful Hiking place
Havasu falls is part of the Havasu creek and is situated on the south side of the grand canyon. Hiking is the most enjoyed and recommended activity in this place and seeing the falls is completely worth it. There are picnic tables and if you want to plunge into the water, you can go behind the falls and swim. You will have to hike for 10 miles which is pretty brutal and hot as well. There’s another option if you cannot hike, you can take the helicopter ride. The beauty of this water is in its color which is blue green. The brutal hike is worth it when you get to swim in these cool waters .You will have to prebook the reservation as their campsite capacity is only 300-400 people. So visit the best places in Grand Canyon and do enjoy it activities .
Desert View Drive
This is a 4 hour drive on the south rim of the Grand Canyon and is one of the most scenic drives of this place. You are going to pass through many viewpoints. We have listed down 3 of them –
Grand Viewpoint – this is a really popular view point from where you can see the whole view of the canyon and the colorado river.
Moran Point -named after thomas moran, a famous artist. The 3 main rock groups are visible from this point. From here you can also see the tilted layer of the grand canyon supergroup, pink vishnu basement rocks, the orange hakatai shale , and the Shinumo Sandstone.
Lipan Point – one of the best points for sunrise and sunset, this point gives the most extensive and wide ranging view of the canyon and the colorado river.
Explore Grand Canyon Village
From the Grand Canyon, you can access everything, restaurants, shops, shuttles and most of the hikes start from here. This village was built to accommodate and help all the visitors visiting the Grand Canyon. You can explore Verkamps Visitor Centre, Grand Canyon Visitor Centre, and Hopi House here.
And one of the famous resorts the El Tover, is also here. Talking about the Grand Canyon village and not thinking of the El Tovar is not possible. This lodge is known for the views it offers of the Grand Canyon. a designated national historic landmark was opened in 1905 and the rooms, the services, the views this place has a charm of its own. This lodge single-handedly changed the opinions of the people as it was built to keep in mind the taste of European culture. Well-known people such as Albert Einstein, Oprah Winfrey, and Bill Clinton have stayed here.
Grand Canyon Skywalk
The Grand Canyon Skywalk is a must have experience. This horseshoe shaped bridge is 10 feet wide & extends around 70 ft from the rim of the canyon. Opened in 2007, it was at that time one of the world’s biggest glass cantilever bridges that extended at 70 feet. If you want to feel like you are walking on air, walk on this glass bridge. There is nothing that compares to feeling like you are in the air & viewing the canyon. It is located at the Grand Canyon West Eagle Point on the Hualapai reservation, and you will have to buy tickets for it separately. You cannot take any purses, or bags with you to protect the glass surface, they even provide slippers. Do try to visit early as it gets really crowded during the day. The views and the experience is worth the hassle.
Glamping
If you want to see the beautiful sunrise or maybe want to sleep under the stars but don’t want to get into the hassle of camping and the other rough conditions that come with it. Try glamping at the grand canyon. The days here can be pretty hot and the nights pretty cold and not everyone wants to sleep in a camp with little to 0 amenities that too after a day of exploring things. Nowadays it’s not the same as before. These luxe camps have all the amenities like comfortable beds, tasty meals, showers and beautiful night and morning views. You can even have hot tubs, BBQ grills, hammocks, king sized beds, and many such luxuries. There are so many options available for glamping such as backland resorts. All these make this more intertsing places to visit in Grand Canyon.
Historic Navajo Bridge
The historic Navajo bridge was built in 1929 when the people realised the need for a bridge for transportation purposes. This bridge was used for the same for 66 years and after that a new bridge was built near it. Now the old bridge is open only for the pedestrians and if you are visiting Grand Canyons do stop here. This old bridge is the historic Navajo bridge. It is also known as the grand canyon bridge, you can view the colorado river, marble canyon and the vermillion cliffs from here. You can also spot wildlife here such as the California condors on the handles of the bridge. While walking on this bridge, you will have plenty of opportunities to click beautiful pictures.
Mather Point
The Mather point is situated at the south rim of the grand canyon, you can reach here by first reaching the canyon village park and from here or any other parking point you can access their free shuttle services that will help you reach this point. Mather point is one of the most famous point of the grand canyon and is known for giving panoramic views to the people. If you want to see the sunrise or sunset, Mather point, grand canyon is the perfect spot. Other than this you can see the phantom ranch and bright angel canyon but it gets really crowded during the peak hours which is from 10 am to 3 pm. Avoid crowds, you can visit anytime because it is open 24 hours but shuttle services and parking services might vary.
Rim Trail Hike
Most people prefer the rim trail hike. You might be wondering why? Is it that easy? Yes, it is plus this 13 miles long trail has 14 stops for shuttles. 3 different colored bus routes are there that is: blue, orange and red. All these bus routes will help you to take out take you to different viewpoints. The best part about this hike is you can get off and on at any station. So whenever you feel like walking you can get off the bus. There are various viewpoints along the way. Such as –
- pima point
- hermits rest
- mojave point
- powell point
- maricopa point
- bright angel trailhead
- yavapai point
- pipe creek vista
- south kaibab trailhead
- hermits rest
These trails give you the most beautiful views. But please keep yourself and your kids away from the edges as some of them do not have railing. And do not forget to keep a water bottle (atleast 1l),sunscreen and hats, and have comfortable hiking shoes. All these ponts this even more special, so visit these places og grand canyon .
Watchtower
The Desert View Watchtower in Grand Canyon National Park is also known as the Indian Watchtower. It is 21 m in height and located at a desert view. This iconic watch tower can be seen from miles. This place is a recognised national historic landmark, and was designed by the famous Mary Coulter. Watch tower is open from 9am and 4pm They also hold cultural demonstrations in the view room. The view room is on the lower floor of the tower. Want to see the panoramic views of the grand canyon and the colorado river? You can use the viewing instruments inside the tower to see these different views this place has to offer.
Grand Canyon Railway Ride
Operating since 1901, this railway ride from Williams to the Grand Canyon National Park takes you through some of the most iconic scenes of this desert. This 2 hour train ride includes beautiful desert views, the story of this historic place and the railway, and musicians on the train. During the holiday season, their theme changes into the polar express book for the kids. This experience brings so much joy with the carols, the santa on the train and the lit up train with hot cocoa and cookies. If you’re travelling during the Christmas season and have kids, do not miss the grand canyon railway ride.
Conclusion
I hope this blog helps you to give all details regarding the best places that should be visit in the Grand Canyon. This beautiful place is filled with stunning views and attractions that must be explored. Along with that Grand Canyon has a plethora of activities for tourists from all over the world. The Thrilling activities can be enjoyed are such as hiking, biking,& mule rides The attractions & things give you an incredible experience & unforgettable views that should not be missed. Plan your upcoming trip to and visit the best places in the Grand Canyon and make it memorable by visiting here.