Grand Canyon National Park
Exploring Grand Canyon National Park: Scenic Drives, Epic Hikes, and Camping Under the Stars
Welcome to one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders: Grand Canyon National Park! Millions of years in the making, this geological marvel stretches 277 miles across the Colorado Plateau, measuring over a mile deep in certain areas. It's a place of massive, colorful rock formations, sweeping views, and the kind of grandiosity that just stops you in your tracks.
Declared a national park in 1919, Grand Canyon has since attracted adventurers, families, and nature lovers from across the globe. With countless ways to explore, including scenic drives, iconic hiking trails, and fantastic camping options, there’s something here for everyone, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned canyon explorer.
Let’s hit the road and check out the best scenic drives, hikes, and camping spots that Grand Canyon National Park offers.
Scenic Drives: The Best Vistas Without Breaking a Sweat
One of the best ways to experience the Grand Canyon’s jaw-dropping vistas is from the comfort of your car. Whether you’re short on time or just want a leisurely way to soak in the views, the park’s scenic drives offer some fantastic options.
1. Desert View Drive
This 25-mile drive along the South Rim is packed with viewpoints that will make your jaw drop. Starting from Grand Canyon Village, Desert View Drive ends at the historic Desert View Watchtower, an iconic structure designed by Mary Colter. The views along the way are nothing short of extraordinary.
Must-Stop Viewpoints:
Moran Point: Known for its striking geological layers, Moran Point offers expansive views that showcase the canyon’s depth and beauty.
Lipan Point: A photographer’s paradise, Lipan Point offers one of the most complete views of the Colorado River as it winds through the canyon.
Navajo Point: This is the highest point on Desert View Drive and offers panoramic views, including some distant vistas of the Painted Desert.
The best part? Desert View Drive is open year-round, and you can access it with your vehicle at any time, so you’re free to stop and admire each breathtaking view at your own pace.
2. Hermit Road
For a more secluded experience, head to Hermit Road, a 7-mile scenic drive along the South Rim that’s perfect for sunset views. This road is open to private vehicles from December to February, and the rest of the year, it’s accessible via the park’s free shuttle service.
Must-Stop Viewpoints:
Maricopa Point: Get a close-up view of the Bright Angel Trail and enjoy sweeping canyon views.
Hopi Point: Considered one of the best sunset spots, Hopi Point offers a variety of angles to capture the sun as it paints the canyon walls.
Hermits Rest: End your journey at Hermits Rest, a rustic stone building with a snack shop, gift store, and nearby picnic spots.
Whether you choose Desert View Drive, Hermit Road, or both, these scenic drives are an easy and rewarding way to experience the Grand Canyon’s magic!
Hiking: Discover the Canyon’s Beauty Up Close
If you’re ready to lace up your hiking boots, Grand Canyon National Park has trails to suit all skill levels, from leisurely walks along the rim to challenging hikes into the canyon. And while the views from the rim are fantastic, there’s nothing like getting closer to the action on a trail.
The Rim Trail: A Scenic Stroll for All
For an easy, accessible way to enjoy the views, the Rim Trail is your go-to hike. This 13-mile trail stretches from South Kaibab Trailhead to Hermits Rest and offers mostly flat, paved sections with incredible views along the entire route.
Highlights:
Mather Point: A classic Grand Canyon viewpoint, it’s one of the most popular spots to catch the sunrise.
Yavapai Point and Geology Museum: Stop here to learn about the canyon’s geology and get a view that stretches miles into the distance.
Trail Overlooks: With countless overlooks along the trail, you’ll have ample opportunities to take in panoramic vistas without the strenuous uphill battles of other trails.
The Rim Trail is ideal for families, beginners, and those who want to soak up the beauty of the canyon without a challenging hike. And because it follows the South Rim shuttle route, you can hike as much or as little as you want!
This incredibly scenic trail is also dog friendly. We loved the views from this trail so much I included it in my 5 favorite dog-friendly hikes in national parks!
Bright Angel Trail: A Canyon Classic
If you’re ready for a more intense hike, Bright Angel Trail offers an iconic experience that descends from the South Rim into the canyon. You can hike a shorter distance to 1.5-Mile Resthouse or 3-Mile Resthouse for a taste of the canyon’s depths, or, for the truly adventurous, continue all the way to the river (but only with careful planning and permits).
This trail is challenging but offers multiple resting points, stunning views, and a fantastic way to experience the Grand Canyon’s layered beauty up close.
South Kaibab Trail: Jaw-Dropping Views
For another challenging but rewarding hike, South Kaibab Trail provides some of the best vistas along its steep path. Popular turnaround points include Ooh Aah Point and Cedar Ridge, both offering striking views. Just remember, there’s no water on this trail, so pack plenty!
Camping in and around Grand Canyon
Camping in the Grand Canyon is an unforgettable experience. From developed campgrounds to backcountry sites, the park offers a range of options to fit your adventure style.
South Rim Campgrounds
Mather Campground
Located in Grand Canyon Village, this year-round campground is close to amenities and the Rim Trail.
Great for families, with restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings available. Reservations are highly recommended, especially from March to November.
Desert View Campground
Located 25 miles east of the village, Desert View Campground offers a quieter setting with basic facilities.
Open seasonally, it’s first-come, first-served, so arrive early to secure a spot!
North Rim Campground
On the quieter North Rim, the North Rim Campground is open from mid-May to mid-October and offers a more secluded experience. Nestled among tall pine trees, this campground is perfect for those seeking a cooler, less-crowded area.
Backcountry Camping
For the ultimate adventure, backcountry camping is available with a permit. Popular sites include Bright Angel Campground near the Colorado River and Indian Garden Campground along Bright Angel Trail. These campgrounds give hikers the chance to truly immerse themselves in the canyon’s beauty, but permits are required and highly competitive.
Camping Outside Grand Canyon National Park
If you don’t mind driving to get to the park, there are a few towns with campgrounds including Williams which is where we stayed. Known as the "Gateway to the Grand Canyon," Williams sits along historic Route 66 and has a charming, nostalgic downtown area with restaurants, shops, and attractions. It’s a good spot if you’d like to explore both the Grand Canyon and Route 66. We enjoyed the quirkiness of Williams, which is brimming with Route 66 nostalgia, kitschy diners, vintage neon signs, and classic Americana charm that makes Williams feel like a trip back in time.
Legendary Trailblazers: Mules!
A unique aspect of Grand Canyon are the mules. Mules are a big part of the Grand Canyon's charm and history! They’ve been carrying visitors, supplies, and mail up and down the canyon’s steep trails for over a century. Known for their strength, sure-footedness, and calm demeanor, mules are ideal for navigating the rugged and narrow paths, making them a safer choice than horses on the canyon’s tricky terrain.
Visitors to the Grand Canyon can book mule rides along trails like the Bright Angel and South Kaibab, which offer an adventurous, guided journey into the canyon without the physical demands of hiking. And for something extra unique, Phantom Ranch at the canyon floor even receives its mail by mule—making it one of the few places in the U.S. where this traditional method of mail delivery is still in use!
A Grand Adventure Awaits!
Whether you're driving along scenic overlooks, hiking into the heart of the canyon, or camping under a starlit sky, Grand Canyon National Park offers a treasure trove of experiences that truly live up to the park’s name. So pack your sense of adventure, and let the Grand Canyon amaze you at every turn. From iconic views to unforgettable hikes with sweeping vistas, this is a place you’ll remember forever.
Relive your best travel adventures to Grand Canyon National Park! When generic graphics just won’t do, check out our souvenirs crafted from a real photo of the Grand Canyon. Wear your memories!
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