Wonder

Grand Canyon

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.

Grand Canyon
Credit: Omer Nezih Gerek

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 Grand Canyon 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.

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.

3 Perfect Days in the Grand Canyon

This three-day itinerary in Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim covers all the must-see stops and gives you the scoop on where to photograph the sunset.

3 Perfect Days in

The Grand Canyon

This three-day itinerary in Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim covers all the must-see stops and gives you the scoop on where to photograph the sunset.

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Ways to explore

Plan Your Trip

Getting to the Grand Canyon

Find the best routes to reach the North and South Rims of the Grand Canyon.

Places

South, North, and West Rims

The Grand Canyon is like a paintbrush, dipped in golds and pinks and oranges and purples, swept over narrows and crags in an area that’s an...

Arizona's Must Sees

Around the Rim Tours

Explore the Grand Canyon with a guided tour or ride – on a bike, on foot or perched atop a friendly mule.

Outdoor Adventures

First-Timer's Guide to the Grand Canyon

For those making their first trip to the Grand Canyon, here's an expert take on when to go, where to stay, and how to get around.

Arizona's Must Sees

Grand Canyon Air Tours

See the canyon from high above with a helicopter or airplane tour.

Outdoor Adventure

Hiking the Grand Canyon

Explore the Grand Canyon by foot. From the most popular hike on the Bright Angel Trail to many more hikes that offer a scenic view.

Outdoor Adventure

Rafting the Canyon

Choose from motorized or oar-powered expeditions ranging from four days to two weeks for a new perspective.

Family Activities

Grand Canyon for Kids

Find out how your kids can become Junior Rangers during your Grand Canyon vacation.

Plan Your Trip

Accommodations

Historic lodges, hotels to rugged campgrounds, the Grand Canyon has a wide range of places to stay – book early.

Family Activities

Awesome Grand Canyon Fun for Families

Experience Arizona's world-famous landmark through the eyes of a child (although these family friendly activities promise fun for all ages).

Grand Canyon
For in-depth information and videos on the Grand Canyon, check out the Pocketbook guide.

More to Discover in Arizona

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Cities & Regions

From the abundance of Saguaro cactuses and unique wildlife in the Sonoran Desert to the high country and forests of the White Mountains to the breathtaking Grand Canyon, Arizona’s regions are full of experiences that don’t disappoint.