How To See The Grand Canyon in One Day
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Here is how to see the Grand Canyon in one day. The Grand Canyon National Park is a breathtaking marvel, that attracts people from all over the world. Its vast expanse, vibrant colors, and geological history make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an awe-inspiring experience. In our opinion, if you don’t plan to stay inside the park at one of the lodges to take in the full experience then one day is plenty of time. When we visited we had no intentions of doing anything other than seeing the Grand Canyon, and this honestly does not take more than half a day or so. Without doing any other activities or lodging in the park there was not much more to do other than to see the canyon which honestly is what we wanted but at the same time made visiting a bit anticlimactic for us. So to get the experience we have heard our whole lives about, we are sure it would be best to plan to spend more time here and truly indulge in what is offered here. But if you are traveling more quickly and are on a budget like we are then here is how to see the Grand Canyon in one day without spending much money.
A more dog-friendly park
Pets are welcome in the Grand Canyon, they must be leashed at all times and of course, keep them with you at all times. Be sure to keep an eye on the temperature and ensure you don’t leave them in your vehicle for too long especially not without proper ventilation when it is too hot. Pets are not allowed on the park shuttle buses and are not allowed below the canyon rim which means not on trails that go below the rim. All of the viewpoints and paths we walked on allowed pets which was great to be able to take Chloe with us everywhere. Make sure to clean up after your pet while visiting the park and deposit it in one of the many trash cans located around the park.
When to Visit
In our opinion, the best time to visit would be April-October. The summer months will be busier, just like with other National Parks but still enjoyable since a lot of the day will be spent in the car going from site to site. Spring and Fall would be the best time to visit if you’re looking for milder temperatures. We visited in October and was actually a bit chilly in the morning and the evening!
Things to Consider
Consider purchasing the America the Beautiful Interagency Annual Pass for $80, this pass grants you access to all U.S. National Parks for a year. Since most National Parks charge a $30-40 entrance fee, purchase the America the Beautiful Pass could pay for itself when you visit just two to three parks!
You can purchase the America the Beautiful pass below from REI!
What to Pack
Keith’s Recommendations:
Hannah’s Recommendations
(in addition to what Keith has)
How to get there
There are some regional airports nearby but the closest international airport is Phoenix at about 3 and a half hours away. From one of these you could rent a car or an rv to travel in. The best option in our opinion would be renting or taking a Camper Van/RV road trip to the park especially if you plan to visit other parks while on your trip. You can find rental vans on platforms like RVshare and Outdoorsy. Taking your own camper or renting one would be our top recommendation, especially being in the southwest because there are so many cool places to go in the area.
Where to stay
If you want to stay inside the park at one of the lodges be sure to look at the National Park Service website for lodging locations and to make reservations. Here you can find a list of all the lodges on the south rim and the 2 on the north rim. This is also updated daily for any closures and hours of operation.
One more tip before entering the park is to make sure to bring food and water, and make sure that you fill up your tank because there is a lot of driving to get around and through the park to the next town. There is a gas station in the park and places to eat but the prices are going to be much higher here than what you will find out of the park so no reason to spend more money than you have to.
Planning Your Day
1. Early Start or Sunset
Early mornings offer the best lighting for appreciating the Canyon’s beauty and fewer crowds to contend with. Aim to arrive at the park entrance before sunrise to catch the first light breaking over the horizon. For fewer crowds sunrise would be best but both are beautiful so if you dont have the full day to see both then it may be best to plan accordingly to see one or the other.
2. Breakfast and Packing
Before you venture into the park, ensure you’ve packed water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes. A hearty breakfast at a local diner or from your accommodation will fuel you for the adventures ahead.
Exploring the Grand Canyon
3. South Rim or North Rim?
Choose between the South Rim and North Rim based on your preferences. The South Rim is more accessible and offers various viewpoints, while the North Rim provides a more secluded experience but may have limited accessibility based on the season. We personally chose the South Rim because this is the more popular one and we usually figure there is a reason for that lol.
4. Must-Visit Viewpoints
South Rim:
- Mather Point: A fantastic introduction to the canyon, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
- Yaki Point: Accessible by shuttle bus, this quieter spot provides serene vistas.
- Hopi Point: Famous for its spectacular sunsets, but equally stunning during the day.
North Rim:
- Bright Angel Point: Provides a stunning perspective of the canyon and is easily accessible from the Visitor Center.
- Cape Royal: Offering a breathtaking panorama, especially during sunrise or sunset.
5. Hiking Trails
If time permits and you’re up for a hike, select a trail suitable for your fitness level:
- South Rim: The Rim Trail, which stretches for 13 miles along the edge, provides varying perspectives without intense elevation changes.
- North Rim: The North Kaibab Trail takes you to Roaring Springs, a 4.7-mile round trip with a cascading waterfall view.
6. Lunch with a View
Enjoy a packed lunch or dine at one of the park’s designated picnic areas or eateries. The Canyon View Plaza or El Tovar Dining Room on the South Rim and Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim offer spectacular vistas while you savor your meal.
Other Activities
7. Ranger Programs and Visitor Centers
Explore the visitor centers and attend ranger-led programs to learn about the geology, history, and conservation efforts within the park.
8. Helicopter Tours or River Rafting (Optional)
Consider taking a helicopter tour for a unique aerial perspective or book a river rafting experience for an adventurous touch.
9. Sunset
Cap off your day by watching the sunset from one of the designated viewpoints. The ever-changing colors across the canyon during sunset are a sight to behold.
As your day in the Grand Canyon National Park comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on the immense beauty and history that surrounds you. While a day is merely a glimpse of this natural wonder, it offers an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impression.
Remember to respect the park’s rules, leave no trace, and take nothing but photographs, ensuring the preservation of this remarkable place for generations to come.
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