Visiting Grand Canyon National Park for the first time? There are a few things you need to know that might just save your life! Here are the most important Grand Canyon tips for first-timers.
Know North Rim vs. South Rim
The first Grand Canyon tip you need to know before your trip is that Grand Canyon is spilt into two parts: North Rim and South Rim. Both rims are huge, and you cannot see both Grand Canyon rims in one day. In fact, it takes 4 hours to drive from rim to rim at the Grand Canyon because you have to drive around the entire canyon. South Rim is a whopping 211.5 miles away from North Rim.
South Rim is the most popular side of the Grand Canyon, offering iconic hikes like Rim Trail, Bright Angel Trail, South Kaibab Trail, Mather Point and more. The best things to do in Grand Canyon’s South Rim include:
1. Rim Trail.
2. South Kaibab Trail.
3. Bright Angel Trail.
4. Mather Point.
5. Yavapai Point + Geology Museum.
6. Yaki Point.
7. Desert View Watchtower.
8. Grand Canyon Village.
9. Grand Canyon Railway.
10. And more.
I personally recommend South Rim over North Rim. But, if you’re planning on visiting the North Rim instead, perhaps coming from Kanab or elsewhere in Utah, the best things to do in Grand Canyon’s North Rim include:
1. Cape Royal Scenic Drive.
2. Bright Angel Point.
3. Walhalla Glades.
4. North Rim Lookout Tower.
5. Point Imperial.
6. Angel’s Window.
7. Cliff Spring Trail.
8. Ribbon Falls.
Book accommodations as soon as possible
Hotels near Grand Canyon National Park book out months in advance, especially if you’re hoping to stay at a lodge or camp inside the national park. If you want to stay inside the national park during a busy park week like spring break, make reservations as soon as you have your trip dates solidified.
Hotels inside Grand Canyon National Park:
1. El Tovar Hotel ($$$$).
2. Thunderbird Lodge ($$$).
3. Kachina Lodge ($$$).
4. Maswik Lodge ($$$).
5. Bright Angel Lodge ($$).
6. Yavapai Lodge ($$$).
Otherwise, you can stay outside of the national park borders in a nearby city, such as Grand Canyon Junction or Flagstaff. Here, you’ll find plenty of boutique hotels, chain hotels, Airbnbs, glamping tents, campgrounds and more.
Book flights in advance
Likewise, the prices of flights into national park airports become a lot more expensive the closer to your travel date. You’ll want to make sure you book your flights as soon as possible. I highly recommend using Google Flights to find the cheapest flights available. Or, you can use credit card points to book your flights at a major discount or even free.
The closest airport to Grand Canyon National Park is Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG). However, the closest major airports to Grand Canyon National Park are Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS), which typically offer much cheaper flights from more departure cities.
Drive times to the Grand Canyon park entrance from the airports:
1. Flagstaff (FLG): 1 hour and 20 minutes.
2. Phoenix (PHX): 3 hours and 20 minutes.
3. Las Vegas (LAS): 4 hours and 5 minutes.
The Grand Canyon National Park Airport is just 7 minutes outside of the national park boundaries in Grand Canyon Village, but this airport is used primarily for private charters, scenic flights and helicopter tours.
Plan 2-3 days to see the whole park
How much time do you need at Grand Canyon? Grand Canyon National Park is massive. As previously mentioned, the North Rim and South Rim of the canyon both require an entire day just to see the main viewpoints with minimal hiking. If you wish to see both rims and/or to do multiple hikes on your trip, you will need at least 2-3 days or more. Moreover, if you want to hike to the base of the canyon, you need to plan to spend the night at the base of the canyon. You cannot hike to the base of the canyon and back in one day. Likewise, if you want to participate in another adventurous activities, such as pack rafting or camping at the base of the canyon, you should add an additional day to your trip.
Arrive early for a good parking spot
Next, it should come as no surprise that Grand Canyon is one of the most popular national parks in the United States. Therefore, Grand Canyon is one of the busiest national parks in the United States. If you are driving into the park, arrive as early in the day as you can so that you can find a reasonable parking spot. Because you will be walking a hiking a ton during your park day, the closer the parking spot to the visitor center the better. Trust me, you won’t want to walk a mile to your car after a day of hiking if you don’t have to.
Park at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center
The best parking lot at Grand Canyon’s South Rim is the parking lot next to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. It is located right next to the main free Grand Canyon shuttle bus stop, which is very easy to use. We’ll talk more about the free shuttle bus service next. The visitor center is also fairly centrally located, with restaurants, convenience stores and souvenir shops next door. It’s a great place to stop for shade, a quick snack, light lunch, souvenir or bike rentals.
Take the free South Rim bus (it’s easy)
Navigating buses can be stressful even for travelers (myself included), but trust me when I say that the South Rim bus is easy to navigate and definitely worth it. It’s completely free for all park visitors. Most of the viewpoints have very limited parking available if any, so this is why I suggest parking at the visitor center and taking the bus. Plus, it’s much more sustainable. The drivers are great about announcing next stops, but if you’re still worried about navigation, check out the bus route here before you trip. All of the routes are also pictured on the interior walls of each bus. There are three bus lines on the South Rim inside the park: the orange line, blue line and red line. The orange and blue lines are both accessible at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. However, if you wish to go all the way to Hermit’s Rest, you will have to transfer from the blue to the red line at the Bright Angle Trailhead.
Enjoy the walkable viewpoints
In addition to the great free shuttle bus system, there are a plethora of accessible walkable viewpoints from Grand Canyon Visitor Center too. Just behind the visitor center, you’ll find the iconic Mather Point, located along the Rim Trail. From Mather Point, there’s an easy 1.4 mile walk (about a 30 minute walk) along the rim to Yavapai Point And Geology Museum. This portion of the Rim Trail is completely paved and flat, making it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. You are on the rim the entire trail, so the canyon views are endless.
Never get close to the edge
That being said, no matter if you’re on the paved trail or on a strenuous Grand Canyon hike, never get close to the edge. Approximately 12-19 tourists die in Grand Canyon every year, and falling is one of the biggest causes of death. Even if you’re an avid climber, the trill of tiptoeing the edge is not worth it — not for clout, not for likes, not for the adrenaline rush. You never know when loose rocks or a heat-induced fainting spell could hit. I can assure you that you don’t want to be near the edge for either.
Be careful of the heat
Now, you need to be very careful of the heat in Grand Canyon National Park. I know us bloggers probably sound like a broken record here as you research your first time in Grand Canyon, but people die from heatstroke and dehydration every year in Arizona. The desert heat is not to be taken lightly. If you start to feel agitated, dizzy or have a headache, take a rest and drink water ASAP. If you start to feel cold sweats, a rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, nausea, vomiting, fainting, confusion or slurred speech, seek shade and rehydrate immediately. To prevent yourself from overheating, consider visiting Grand Canyon around the winter months for cooler temperatures.
Here’s what to pack to prevent overheating in Grand Canyon:
1. Sunscreen. I like bringing a spray sunscreen at isn’t a hassle to reapply.
2. Sunglasses.
3. Hat.
4. Handkerchief or cooling cloth for sweat.
5. Plenty of water. I suggest a water bladder with ice if you plan to hike.
6. Portable handheld fan. I overheat easily, so this handheld fan is a livesaver.
7. UV blocking and/or summer clothes. Avoid wearing all black.
Drink plenty of water
Similarly, it should go without saying that you need to drink plenty of water while wandering the Grand Canyon. Again, the desert heat and sun exposure are extremely dangerous, especially around the summer months. Your body’s hydration will deplete fast. If you’re hiking in the Grand Canyon, bring enough water to sustain you for the duration of your hike. According to the National Park Service, you need to drink 0.5-1 quarts of water per hour of hiking in the heat in order to stay adequately hydrated. Again, I highly recommend filling a water bladder like this one with water and ice the morning before you hike.
Pack salty snacks
Likewise, in order to absorb said water and stay hydrated, your body needs to have adequate electrolytes. Salty snacks contain sodium chloride, or table salt, which are vital substances that replenish electrolytes after sweating. Therefore, snacking on something salty, such as salty nuts or crackers, will help your body absorb water and rehydrate. Moreover, if you get motion sickness from buses or road trips, these salty snacks will also help settle your stomach. Of course, snack in moderation if you’re sensitive to high sodium foods.
Hike early in the morning
Furthermore, hiking early in the morning will shield you from the dangerous midday sun and heat. If you have any long hikes you would like to do during your first time at Grand Canyon, plan your hardest hikes for the early morning. Try to start your hike before 7:00 a.m. at the latest. The normal shuttle buses start fully operating at 7:00 a.m. most days, but there are select routes that operate even earlier on the Hikers’ Express Shuttle. We hiked the South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Ahh Point early one morning during our trip, and I’m so glad we started early. Otherwise, those steep switchbacks back up would have been brutal in the sunshine.
Hike South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Ahh Point
Speaking of which, one of my top Grand Canyon tips is to hike the South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Ahh Point. This stunning yet somewhat challenging hike leads to a rewarding canyon viewpoint, rightfully named Ooh Ahh Point. While the hike is only 1.8 miles down from the South Kaibab Trailhead, the trail is steep with quite a few switchbacks. I think anyone in decent physical condition can accomplish the hike with a few breaks here and there. Although, if you’re not an avid hiker, the switchbacks will definitely leaving you huffing and puffing. You can find everything you need to know about the hike on AllTrails here.
Do not hike to the base of the canyon in one day
The South Kaibab Trail is one of the trails that eventually leads to the base of the Grand Canyon. However, you do not need to hike the whole trail in order to enjoy Ooh Ahh Point. In fact, most people hike only to the point and back, including myself on my first trip to the Grand Canyon. On the trail, you’ll see a variety of signs warning against the extreme dangers of attempting to hike down to the base and back up in one day. Do not attempt to hike to the base of the Grand Canyon and back up in one day. As the signs say, this is hazardous and can be fatal. If you want to hike to the base of the canyon, you need to backpack and spend the night at the base.
Bring a handheld fan
As previously mentioned, I recommend bringing a handheld rechargeable mini fan, especially if you’re visiting in the hot months and are prone to overheating. I swear by this handheld fan whenever I’m traveling in hot destinations. It truly keeps me sane. It’s rechargeable, too, meaning I can plug it into my portable charger to run it all day long. Although, its charge does last several hours on high on its own too. Also, if you’re used to sleeping with a fan on at home for white noise, this fan will be a game changer for your sleep in hotels.
Use trekking poles
Did you know hiking with trekking poles burns at least 20% calories than hiking without trekking poles? Yep! There’s no guilt in hiking with trekking poles. In fact, they protect your knees and joints from too much impact and increase your hiking endurance. If you don’t own trekking poles, I have this affordable pair of Cascade Mountain trekking poles, and they work fantastic. Trekking poles are especially useful with steep elevation gain, which you’ll definitely encounter in Grand Canyon.
Wear comfortable walking shoes
You will be doing a ton of walking in Grand Canyon National Park. While parts of the park are very accessible, particularly near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, and the shuttle bus can take you from viewpoint to viewpoint, you should still plan to get your steps in if you are physically capable. Wearing comfortable walking shoes is imperative in Grand Canyon National Park, as in most national parks. I love my Hoka Bondi 8 tennis shoes for light hiking activity. But, if you plan to hike down into the canyon at all, wear hiking shoes. I love my Newton Ridge hiking boots from Columbia, because they provide sturdy ankle support without looking too bulky.
Bring extra sun protection
Did I mention that the sun is dangerous in the desert? If you’ve read this far, you’ve been warned several times about the extreme sun in Grand Canyon. Here, in this next Grand Canyon tip, I’m warning you again. Without exaggeration, it is vital to bring extra sun protection in multiple forms with you into Grand Canyon. At the very minimum, bring sunscreen. I personally prefer a spray sunscreen that’s quick and easy to reapply so I have no excuse not to reapply. If you’re looking for an easy facial spray sunscreen that you can reapply over makeup without touching your face, I recommend the Sun Bum Facial Mist. (If anyone knows of a good non-toxic, acne-safe facial sunscreen spray alternative, please let me know in the comments!) In addition to sunscreen, bring sunglasses, a hat and maybe even UV-blocking clothes to further protect you.
Walk the Trail Of Time
Looking for another accessible and kid-friendly activity in Grand Canyon National Park? Walk the Trail Of Time! The Trail Of Time is a 2.8 mile paved walking path along the canyon that has a variety of signs and infographics detailing the geology of Grand Canyon. The trail begins at Yavapai Geology Museum and continues past Grand Canyon Village. You can walk as much or as little of the trail as desired and learn more about the history of the canyon along the way.
Visit the free Yavapai Geology Museum
Speaking of Yavapai, you can’t miss a chance to stop in the Yavapai Geology Museum if you’re visiting the South Rim. Like I said, it’s only a half hour walk from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and Mather Point. The museum is free to visit, offers a spectacular view of the canyon, shade out of the sun, an interactive museum exhibit and more. The museum is fairly small, so a stop here can be quick if necessary.
Bring a telephone camera lens
For all my photographers out there. You’ll probably want a telephoto or zoom camera lens (70mm or higher) in Grand Canyon. A telephoto lens will allow you to compress the background of your photo, AKA the distant canyon walls, to make the canyon walls look grander in your pictures. This is a phenomenon called lens compression. I love incorporating lens compression into my travel photos. If you want more travel photography tips, check out my beginner guide to travel photography here.
Bring a wide angle lens
Next, you may also want to bring a wide angle lens, depending on the look you’re going for. If you want the canyon walls to look bigger and grander, bring a telephoto lens. If you want to get a wide shot with as much of the canyon in the photo as possible, bring a wide angle lens (35mm or lower). When in doubt, bring both lenses.
Watch sunrise at Yaki Point
Finally, for our final Grand Canyon tips, we’re going to talk about the best places to watch sunrise and sunset. So, regardless of whether you’re an early bird or night owl, you’ll know where to see the best views. For starters, Yaki Point is known as one of the best places to watch sunrise in Grand Canyon National Park. As the sun rises, the canyon lights up in bright blue, purple, red and orange hues. Plus, because it is the only viewpoint on Desert View Drive that is not accessible with your own car, it’s typically less crowded than other sunrise spots.
Or, watch sunrise at Mather Point
Or, for an easier yet still spectacular sunrise, you can park at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center first thing in the morning and walk straight to Mather Point for sunrise. Not only will you get to sleep in a little more, you’ll also get to snag a good parking spot before the lot fills up. Although Mather Point may be busier than some viewpoints because it’s so easily accessible, there is plenty of room to spread out at the viewpoint itself as well as along the paved walkway next to it.
Watch sunset at Mohave Point
As for sunset, we watched sunset at both Mohave and Hopi Points, and they were both beautiful. My favorite was Mohave Point. You get to see the base of the canyon and the Colorado River from Mohave Point, which is really exciting. Although, Hopi Point is known to be the best place to watch sunset in Grand Canyon’s South Rim. However, this comes at a price. It is also the most crowded place to watch sunset.
Or, watch sunset at Hopi Point
Lastly, I know I said my favorite Grand Canyon sunset spot was Mohave, but Hopi Point is known to be the best place to watch sunset for a reason. You get uninterrupted views of the sun setting behind the canyon walls. Deep purple and blue hues emerge as the sun disappears. Hopi Point at sunset is breathtaking. It’s the perfect way to end your day in Grand Canyon. And, therefore, the perfect way to end these Grand Canyon tips. Just note that the shuttle buses do stop running one hour after sunset. Needless to say, don’t linger too long, and expect the shuttles to be packed with other sunset spectators!
Now that you have these Grand Canyon tips, you’re fully prepared to visit this iconic USA road trip spot. Need to know what to pack? Check out my Arizona packing guide here.
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