10 Best Things to Do in the Grand Canyon

Ever wondered what makes the Grand Canyon the globe’s most awe-inspiring place? Let’s take you on a tour of the Grand Canyon!

Grand Canyon National Park, one of the World's New Seven Wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-see for everyone. Arizona's crown jewel gets millions of visitors every year with over 1.2 million acres of land and so many amazing attractions. The views alone are breathtaking, whether you hike one of the over 130 trails or look out over the big hills. Besides hiking, biking, and stargazing, visitors can explore the rich cultural history at museums like Desert View Watchtower and Tusayan Pueblo. The North Rim is a unique experience; it is colder and less crowded than the South Rim. Don’t miss the Grand Canyon Skywalk at Grand Canyon West for an alternative view. In this blog, we will find the 10 best things to do in the Grand Canyon, each with exciting experiences and adventures for travelers.

The South Rim is where most of the park’s famous activities are, like the Canyon Rim Trail and the mule riding. It gets about 90% of the visitors to the Grand Canyon. If you’re staying longer, the South Rim is the way to go as there are more trails and sights. Hermit Road is a must-see at the South Rim, bikers, sprinters and hikers love it as it’s closed to private cars for most of the year. Along the way you’ll catch a glimpse of great views; be sure to stop at Desert View which is near the east entrance blessing you with the most mind-blowing views and offering a little understanding about the history of the area through the Desert View Watchtower.

One of the best and most striking canyon views can be seen at Mather Point, just 5 minutes from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. On clear days you can see 30 miles east and 60 miles west from the viewpoints and gaze over the mountains and trails below. Mather Point, named in honor of Stephen Tyng Mather, the inaugural director of the National Park Service, is widely celebrated for its stunning sunrises and sunsets. With facilities and a cafe nearby, visitors love its convenience and views. But because it’s so popular, it can get crowded. For a more peaceful experience, check out the other viewpoints nearby.

The Rim Trail is one of the best ways to get to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and is 13 miles from the South Kaibab Trailhead to Hermits Rest. Maricopa and Hopi, two of the most spectacular viewpoints in the canyon, are on this easy, mostly paved path. The Trail of Time runs between Verkamp’s Visitor Center and the Yavapai Museum of Geology. It has rocks and displays that explain the ancient geology of the canyon. As you go through the village, the trail is quieter, but it gets busy on the east side because of the nearby shops and restaurants. The accessibility of the route, which includes areas appropriate for strollers and wheelchairs, is valued by many tourists.

Hikers may enjoy wonderful views of the inner canyon as they follow the Bright Angel Trail, which originates from the Grand Canyon Village just west of Bright Angel Lodge and descends to the Colorado River. Although the return ascent is difficult and can be exhausting, particularly during summer months when temperatures are above 100°F, the descent is quite simple. Shorter treks are possible without committing to the whole 12-mile round journey thanks to a number of tunnels and rest stops along the route. Due to the quick weather changes, rangers advise packing lots of water, food, and suitable clothing. Consider riding a mule to explore the path for a more exceptional experience.

6 magnificent views, 4 picnic spots, and 5 pullouts are accessible via Desert View Drive, which is 23 miles east of Grand Canyon Village. The centerpiece is the Desert View Watchtower, which was created in 1932 by architect Mary Colter and is architecturally influenced by the Ancestral Puebloan. Seasonal cultural displays of Native American arts and crafts are held within the Kiva Room at this destination. Because it offers breathtaking vistas without the throngs of the South Rim, many tourists suggest choosing the east entrance, which is a more sedate path. Visitors must drive themselves to Desert View Drive because the park's shuttle automobiles do not serve here.

One of the best places to visit the Grand Canyon is the South Kaibab Trail! The 6.3-mile South Kaibab Trail provides panoramic 360-degree vistas of the Grand Canyon from its open ridges. Although the path offers spectacular views, it lacks cover and protection, leaving hikers exposed to the heat and storms. The path begins at Yaki Point, which is accessible via park shuttles, and provides shorter walks such as the 1.8-mile round trip to Ooh-Ahh Point and the 3 miles to Cedar Ridge. Beyond Cedar Ridge, the terrain gets more difficult, and water is limited, thus day treks are not recommended. Visitors are advised to pack at least two quarts of water, snacks, and sunscreen, as the trail has limited shade.

The Grand Canyon's North Rim, which is easier to reach from Utah and is less busy than the South Rim, provides a dramatic contrast with its lush foliage and milder temps. The North Rim Visitor Center and the neighboring Grand Canyon Lodge, where guests can grab a bite at the vintage restaurant or unwind on the balcony while watching sunsets, are popular destinations. Highlights include hiking, where well-traveled routes like North Kaibab and Bright Angel Point lead into the canyon. Beautiful vistas may be seen from scenic drives, such as the one to Point Imperial, the highest point on the North Rim.

The North Kaibab Trail is the only well-managed canyon trek on the North Rim, stretching 14 miles to the Colorado River. Park rangers recommend beginning before sunrise or camping midway for a more comfortable hike. Hikers delight in the trail's breathtaking views, which include Ribbon Falls, Coconino Overlook, and the Pumphouse Residence, originally home to artist Bruce Aiken. For those looking for a shorter walk, the Supai Tunnel is a four-mile return trip from the trailhead. The path has multiple water and pit stops, making it suitable for both long and short walks.

One of the top attractions in the USA is the Grand Canyon Village! Grand Canyon Village, at the South Rim entrance, is the hub of the park's South Rim activities. It's separated into three sections: Visitor Center, Historic District, and Market Plaza. The Historic District, which served as the South Rim's core following the advent of steam trains in 1901, is home to historic structures like the El Tovar Hotel, Bright Angel Lodge, and the Verkamp's Visitor Center. Visitors can also see the Grand Canyon Railway Depot, the Hopi House, and art studios such as Kolb and Lookout for an exceptional experience. The community has handy services including restaurants, stores, and free shuttle stops.

Wrapping up, the Grand Canyon, one of the most iconic America tourist places, offers matchless beauty and escapades. Whether you're hiking its trails, touring its communities, or simply admiring the vistas, this natural marvel will provide a remarkable experience for any tourist looking for the finest of the American countryside.