This year, one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders celebrates its 100th anniversary as a designated national park. The Grand Canyon, with its vast and beautiful landscape, receives over 6 million visitors every year. Located in the western United States in the northwest corner of Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park is a destination everyone should visit at least once in a lifetime. Divided into the West, South and North Rims, there are many areas in which to enjoy the Grand Canyon. Whether you want to gaze at its immense beauty from its numerous lookout points, fly over it in a helicopter, hike to the bottom on a scenic trail, or float through it on the Colorado River, you’ll find great deals on a variety of tours and activities throughout the park. Here are some helpful tips to get you started.

Grand Canyon Facts

Considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon is 277 miles (446 kilometres) in length and stretches 18 miles (29 kilometres) across at its widest point. It is around 6,000 feet (1,800 metres) deep. The rock found at the bottom is estimated to be around 2 billion years old!

Getting to the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a few hours drive from a number of major American cities. Due to its remote location, it’s a popular destination to reach via motorcoach. Here are some of the most popular tour routes:

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon

Combine the “City that Never Sleeps” with a day trip to the Grand Canyon for an unforgettable vacation. There are a variety of tours to the West, South and North Rims departing from Las Vegas. Many of these tours also include options to visit Antelope Canyon, a stunning slot canyon featuring unusual ribbon-like sandstone.

Los Angeles to Grand Canyon

Although a bit farther, Los Angeles is also a great starting point for multiday tours that include the Grand Canyon. Roughly a four-and-a-half-hour drive to Las Vegas, tours starting in LA also feature many top California attractions. Visit Universal Studios, Disneyland, popular beaches, Yosemite National Park and more!

Sedona to Grand Canyon

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Sedona, Arizona before departing on a scenic two-and-a-half-hour drive to the Grand Canyon. Tours from this area typically visit the South Rim, with a scenic drive through Oak Creek Canyon along the way.

Phoenix to Grand Canyon

A popular flight hub, Phoenix is a convenient location to kick off a tour to the Grand Canyon and other national parks in the western United States. Find a variety of tours from Phoenix that include Sedona and Utah’s famous Bryce and Zion National Parks.

Best Way to See the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is beautiful any way you look at it. Here are the most popular ways to see it:

• By air: Fly over this vast natural wonder in a helicopter or small airplane. Whether you want a 30-minute excursion or a longer flight that visits multiple rims, you’ll find a variety of air tours to make your visit unforgettable.
• By water: There’s nothing like looking up at the Grand Canyon from the Colorado River. Try a tour that takes you river rafting as you travel down 18 miles and 200 million years of spectacular scenery.
• On foot: The Grand Canyon offers an abundance of scenic trails for hikers. Both the South Rim and the North Rim offer trails with spectacular views of the inner canyon, some on paved trails, as well as day hikes that go to the canyon floor. Or, try a guided day hike of the North Rim with pick up and drop off in Utah. The West Rim features the moderate Highpoint Hike which rewards hikers with a beautiful panoramic view of the canyon and river.
• In a Jeep or Hummer: Go off-roading on a guided Jeep or Hummer tour to see some of the canyon’s most beautiful secrets.
• By Train: Starting outside Flagstaff, Arizona, the Grand Canyon Railway is a historical train which takes passengers to the South Rim. Enjoy a train tour that includes cowboy tales and a scenic ride through Ponderosa pine forests and alpine tundra
• By donkey: The Grand Canyon has a long history of mules, including the iconic Brighty who used to bring visitors water from the Colorado River. Although very limited in availability these days, there are mule rides from the South Rim that take visitors to the bottom of the Canyon where they can stay overnight at the famous Phantom Ranch.

Grand Canyon West Rim

Nearest to Las Vegas, the West Rim of the Grand Canyon features popular viewing spots Eagle Point, Guano Point and Highpoint Hike. Discover a variety of West Rim tours that include flying over the West Rim in a helicopter or floating through it on a river raft. Other popular attractions include:

Grand Canyon Skywalk

This glass bridge juts out near Guano Point and provides spectacular views of the canyon floor from over 4,000 ft. (1.2 km) in the air! There is an extra admission fee to see the Skywalk but it’s well worth the experience. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed on the Skywalk but there is a professional photographer who will snap your picture for a small fee.

Hualapai Village

Learn about the history and culture of the local Hualapai tribe that inhabit the area. Established in 1883, the Hualapai Reservation includes the West Rim of the Grand Canyon. While here, enjoy lunch or an overnight stay at Hualapai Ranch.

Zip Line at Grand Canyon West

Located at Hualapai Ranch, this zip line reaches up to speeds of 50 mph! This is a fun way to experience some of the beautiful nature that surrounds the Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon South Rim

Considered by some to be the most beautiful part of the Grand Canyon, the South Rim is a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Las Vegas, a two-hour drive from Sedona and a four-hour drive from Phoenix. Here you can find historical Hopi buildings, hotels, shops, restaurants, an IMAX theater and many scenic trails and lookout spots.

Grand Canyon North Rim

Less visited than the other parts of the Grand Canyon, the North Rim is a picturesque destination from both Las Vegas and Sedona and features a variety of activities including hiking, helicopter tours and open-air Hummer tours at sunset. Popular lookout spots include Point Imperial, Cape Royal and Bright Angel Point.

Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon

While its beautiful year round, spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are the best times to visit since the weather is cooler and dryer. Summer, although hot, is the most popular and crowded time. Much of the park closes for winter after the first snowfall (the North Rim gets as much as 200” of snow a year), except the South Rim which is open all year. For the latest weather and road conditions, click here or call 928-638-7496.

With so many ways to see this natural wonder, the Grand Canyon is a destination you don’t want to miss. For more Grand Canyon vacation ideas, click here.