The Grand Canyon is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world. This gigantic gorge in the state of Arizona offers spectacular views and unique geological formations that are millions of years old. With its impressive size and extraordinary beauty, the Grand Canyon attracts millions of visitors from all over the world every year.
You can visit a lot of stunning viewpoints by car. For part of the park, you’ll rely on a shuttle bus, which is totally doable. Later in this blog, I’ll tell you more about it.
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A quick history lesson about the South Rim of the Grand Canyon
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon has a rich history that goes back thousands of years. Indigenous peoples, such as the Pueblo and the Havasupai, lived in this area for centuries before European explorers arrived. In the late 19th century, pioneers began exploring the South Rim and building tourist infrastructure. In 1919, the Grand Canyon was declared a national park, ensuring the protection and preservation of this breathtaking landscape. Today, the South Rim attracts millions of visitors from all over the world every year. Visiting the Grand Canyon does cost money, but you can use your America the Beautiful pass for entry.
Viewpoints in the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon offers countless breathtaking viewpoints where you can enjoy panoramic vistas. Some of the most popular viewpoints include Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Desert View Point. These spots are perfect for taking photos and soaking in the vastness and beauty of the canyon.
| Viewpoint | What makes this spot unique? |
|---|---|
| 1. Mather Point | Offers a breathtaking panoramic view over the canyon. |
| 2. Yavapai Point | Known for its spectacular vistas and geological exhibits. |
| 3. Desert View | Home to the iconic Desert View Watchtower and beautiful far-reaching views. |
| 4. Lipan Point | Enjoy a panoramic view of the Colorado River and surrounding cliffs. |
| 5. Moran Point | Offers a unique perspective on the rock formations in the Grand Canyon. |
| 6. Grandview Point | Known for its wide-open views and historic mines. |
| 7. Hopi Point | Popular for spectacular sunsets and panoramic views. |
| 8. Pima Point | Offers a panoramic view over the river and surrounding canyons. |
| 9. Hermit’s Rest | A rest stop at the end of Hermit Road, with beautiful views and souvenir shops. |
| 10. Shoshone Point | A less crowded viewpoint with serene beauty |
Hiking trails in the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon has an extensive network of hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the canyon up close. Popular trails include the Bright Angel Trail, South Kaibab Trail, and North Kaibab Trail. These trails vary in length and difficulty, so it’s important to choose the right route based on your experience and physical condition. Are you doing a day trip to the Grand Canyon? Then these trails are actually
My favorite hike: Ooh Aah Point, a 1.5-hour hike
If you’re looking for an exciting hiking experience in the Grand Canyon, then the hike to Ooh Aah Point is an absolute must! This hike starts at the South Kaibab Trailhead, where you can park and begin your adventure. The trail to Ooh Aah Point is about 1.6 kilometers long and takes on average around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your walking pace and breaks. The way back is tougher than the way there — simply because you descend first and then have to climb back up.
What makes this hike truly special is the spectacular view that rewards you once you reach Ooh Aah Point. As you hike along the winding trails, you’ll be treated to a gorgeous view over the breathtaking Grand Canyon. The name “Ooh Aah Point” basically says it all — it’s hard not to be impressed and amazed by the view stretching out in front of you. By the way, it’s also the perfect spot for a fun selfie.
The hike to Ooh Aah Point is a challenging, but achievable walk for most hikers. We did this one early in the morning, so you’ll be walking in the shade at first.
So, park your car at the South Kaibab Trailhead, get ready for an awesome adventure, and hike to Ooh Aah Point. This hike will definitely reward you with breathtaking views and a sense of wonder that will stay with you for a long time.
From viewpoint to viewpoint on the free shuttle bus to Hermit’s Rest
You can use the free shuttle bus that departs regularly from Grand Canyon Village. The bus stops at several viewpoints, such as Pima Point and Mohave Point, with Hermit’s Rest as the final stop, and the route is about 18 km long.
You have the flexibility to hop on and off whenever you like and enjoy the breathtaking views the Grand Canyon has to offer. Of course, you can also walk between the different viewpoints. You’ll find one roughly every 2 km, and there’s a trail along the rim. Done walking? Just hop back on the bus.
The shuttle route to Hermit’s Rest is a great way to go deeper into the Grand Canyon, especially if you’re limited in time or mobility. It gives you the chance to experience the stunning views and highlights along the route without worrying about finding parking spots, navigating the winding roads, or working up a sweat to reach the best viewpoints. In high season, this is also very popular with local Americans.
Can you spot animals in the Grand Canyon?
Absolutely. There’s a good chance you’ll see elk and mule deer. With a bit of luck, you might even have an encounter with one of the iconic residents of the Grand Canyon: the endangered California condor. There are many more special animals living here, but if you stick to the touristy areas, you usually won’t spot them. In this blog you can read more about the special animal species in the Grand Canyon.
By the way, bad news if you want to bring your dog: it’s not allowed.
Best time to visit the Grand Canyon
The best time to visit the Grand Canyon is in spring or fall, when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller. Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) offer mild temperatures and a beautiful color palette in the surrounding nature. In summer, it can get very hot, so if you visit during this time, make sure you bring enough water and protect yourself from the sun. The winter months can be cold, but often offer quieter conditions for those who want to avoid the crowds.
Are you visiting the North Rim or the South Rim?
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon offers a remote and peaceful vibe, with a cooler climate and lush forests. Hikers can enjoy deep gorges and colorful rock formations. The South Rim, on the other hand, is the most visited part and offers plenty of facilities, mild temperatures year-round, and spectacular viewpoints. The choice depends on personal preferences. In this blog, we focus on the South Rim.
By the way, it’s not like you can just “quickly” visit both. Even though they look close on the map, you have to drive quite a distance to get from one side to the other. Don’t be surprised: it’s well over 300 km.
Staying overnight near the Grand Canyon
Book your accommodation well in advance, especially during peak season. We stayed in the town of Tusayan. It’s very close to the entrance of the Grand Canyon. The closer you stay, the more expensive it will be in practice.
Practical tips for your visit to the Grand Canyon
- Bring enough water, snacks, and sunscreen during your hikes. It can get very hot.
- Wear comfortable shoes (with ankle support if you’re going hiking) and clothing suitable for the weather.
- Be careful when approaching the canyon edges. This isn’t the Netherlands, where there’s a fence everywhere.
- If you’re arriving by car, make sure you have enough fuel, as gas stations are limited near the canyon.
- There is a large train station at the Grand Canyon. It’s mainly used by locals.
- Visiting the park isn’t free. You can visit the park with your America the Beautiful pass.
| Quick facts about the Grand Canyon South Rim |
| National Park: Grand Canyon (South Rim) |
| State: Arizona |
| Campgrounds: Desert View, Trailer Village and Mather |
| Open: Year-round |
| Annual visitors: ~6 million (second-highest in the US) |
With these tips and info, you’re ready to explore the Grand Canyon and enjoy an unforgettable nature experience. Have fun!
