Vast, magnificent and inarguably beautiful, the Grand Canyon is easily Arizona's most distinguishable landmark — a natural wonder you must see to believe. Stretching 277 miles from end to end, the Grand Canyon's rocky walls descend more than a mile to the canyon’s floor, where the wild Colorado River continues to carve away at the rugged landscape. Everyone should see the Grand Canyon at least once in their lifetime, and area businesses and outfitters make experiencing the canyon accessible to everyone.
THE GRAND CANYON
3’
23”N
112°
7’
30”W
The Grand Canyon from the rims
If you are short on time or prefer to take in fantastic panoramas from paved viewing points, simply visiting the Grand Canyon creates memories that stick with visitors forever. Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim is the most popular visitor area, with plenty of places to eat, shop and stay the night in area hotels or campsites. The Grand Canyon Railway offers a fun family alternate for a short visit to the canyon. It operates turn-around trips from Williams to the South Rim year-round, with a three-hour window to see the canyon. Its annual Polar Express excursions are the stuff holiday traditions are made of.
While less developed with fewer services and closed during the colder months, the North Rim is open from May to October and offers a unique and uncrowded way to explore the Grand Canyon. Grand Canyon West is also a favorite for short visits. Its Skywalk takes visitors out over the rim on a glass bridge that hovers 4,000 feet above the canyon floor. Choose your vantage point and get ready to take pictures you will never delete.
Explore from the canyon floor
If your group leans more toward the adventurous side, find many ways to fully immerse yourself in this natural wonder of the world. Trailheads at any of the entry points lead to steep switchbacks that take visitors into the canyon. Commit to a few hours to hike to plateaus fully encircled by the canyon walls. To hike to the Colorado River on the canyon floor, plan to camp overnight before hiking back up from the river to the rim. Many experienced hikers join seasoned outfitters on grueling rim-to-rim hikes or multi-day backpacking adventures to fully immerse themselves in the splendor of the canyon.
Outfitters also offer Grand Canyon white-water river rafting adventures on the Colorado River, which can last from half a day to two weeks. Helicopter tours, mule rides and mountain bike rim trails offer other memorable ways to see the canyon in person. Survey the adventure level of your travel companions, and then use the following resources to plan the adventure of a lifetime in the Grand Canyon.
Grand Adventures
Hiking
Whether you’re trekking a short rim trail or venturing all the way down to the river, hiking the Grand Canyon is the best way to feel its scale.
Rafting
See the Grand Canyon the way few ever do—feeling the pull of the current, the rise of the rapids and the canyon towering above you.
Guided Tours
From mule rides and bike rides to geology helicopter rides and rugged jeep excursions, there are so many ways to explore the canyon.
Family Fun
With easy rim walks, scenic overlooks and junior ranger programs, it’s simple to turn your visit into an unforgettable family adventure.
Plan Your Visit
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A Guide to the South, North & West Rims
The Grand Canyon is divided into three unique areas that each offer a unique experience and distinct vantage point.
