Your Grand Canyon Travel Guide: What to Know Before You Go

The Grand Canyon is on everyone's bucket list for a reason. This extraordinary geological formation offers breathtaking views, hikes through various layers of rock that were millions of years in the making, sunrise viewing, and stargazing opportunities. There is a lot to take away from a visit to either of the rims in this beautiful national park. Every moment spent in the Grand Canyon will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Flying Into The Grand Canyon/ Closest Airports

• Though it is a more pricey option, the Flagstaff/Pulliam Airport is the closest to the South Rim, with it being a 90 minute drive. The other, cheaper, option is the Harry Reid International Airport, in Las Vegas. It makes it easy to add Las Vegas to the itinerary, especially if it is your first time! The South Rim is the closest of the rims and it is about a 4 hour and 15 minute drive away. Another choice is to fly into Phoenix, again the South Rim is closer, and this is a 3 1/2 hour drive. Picturesque Sedona is along the way with its many activities and is worth making a stop at, if flying into Phoenix.

The North Rim vs The South Rim

• As recognized by the National Park Service, there is a North Rim and a South Rim. The South Rim is the most frequently visited of the two. Both rims are worthy of being seen and offer unique, but fantastic sights. The North Rim typically has cooler temperatures and is more isolated, but with a peaceful atmosphere. The South Rim has the desert-like landscape that usually comes to people's minds when they think of the Grand Canyon. Though there is only a 10 mile difference between the two, traveling by car to get from one end to the other is an almost 4 hour drive, as you would have to go around the rim. There is no avoiding that.

• Also, it is worth mentioning Grand Canyon West, though this is not part of Grand Canyon National Park. It is home to the famous skywalk, a clear, see-through arch that extends off the edge of the rim with a view 4,000 feet below your feet. It's not for the faint of heart. Grand Canyon West is a tourist area run by the Hualapai Tribe. There is shopping, lodging, and restaurants. River rafting and ziplining are also offered, in addition to the skywalk. Please note that when visiting the skywalk, no cell phones, cameras or other personal belongings are allowed and have to be stored in a locker. At the time of this writing (July 2025), the ticket price for this experience is $68 per person.

Hotels/ Lodging

• This blog post was written shortly after the Dragon Bravo Wildfire that sadly caused the loss of Grand Canyon Lodge, the only lodging that was offered at the North Rim. It was a beautiful and historical site. Outside of the North Rim, the closest lodging is the Kaibab Lodge, located inside the North Kaibab National Forest. This is 18 miles away from the North Rim entrance to Grand Canyon. Something to keep in mind, when researching hotels to stay at, if it states that it is 10 miles away, most likely it is not, unless you've developed flying capabilities! I strongly recommend doing a Google map search in relation to anything you might want to visit because traveling by car means you have to drive around the rim to get from North to South. The next closest hotel after Kaibab Lodge is Jacob Lake Inn, which is 45 miles away from the North Rim. In the effort of transparency, per the National Park Service website, it is worth noting that the North Rim will be closed for the remainder of the 2025 season.

• The South Rim has various hotels to choose from, both inside and outside the park. Just outside is the town of Tusayan, which is about 2 miles away from the South Rim entrance to Grand Canyon. The Squire, a Holiday Inn Resort, is a nice option and is not even 10 minutes away from the South Rim. There are other options though. Inside the park, there is El Tovar Hotel, Bright Angel Lodge, Kachina Lodge, Thunderbird Lodge, and Maswik Lodge, as well as Phantom Ranch. It is important to know that The Phantom Ranch is located at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. It is only accessible via mule or on foot. To have a chance to stay there, you need to enter the Phantom Ranch lottery.

• Note that reservations at any National Park will require planning well ahead. Reservations typically open a year in advance on a rolling date basis. Reservations fill up quickly, so be aware of the date they will become available for your upcoming trip and be prepared to call or go online on that date.

Various Activities To Enjoy

• Hiking, biking, white water rafting the Colorado River, helicopter tours, mule riding, stargazing or simply just soaking in the views are all options. There are plenty of chances to do some shopping for souvenirs, as well, on the South Rim.

Best Times to Visit

• Spring and Fall are great times to visit the Grand Canyon if you're looking for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

View from Mather Point, located in the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. This was taken from a trip there in September 2024. The weather was cooler, especially in the evenings.

Grocery/ Restaurants

• Due to the Dragon Bravo Wildfire in the North Rim and the damage and loss it has caused, I'll focus on the food options that are provided at the South Rim. In Tusayan, there is the strip, where they have plenty of restaurant options, plus the Tusayan General Store, a grocery store. Along this same strip is a Pizza Hut, Foodie Club, We Cook Pizza and Pasta, Plaza Bonita Restaurant, Big E Steakhouse & Saloon, and a McDonald's. If you're looking for a good breakfast at a restaurant, I strongly recommend the Foodie Club. Most of these places, if not all, offer takeout. Inside the park, the restaurant choices are plentiful. Also, there are two food trucks located near the South Rim visitor center! Fred Harvey and Canyon Cart for quick, on the go options. Grand Canyon Village has a couple small grocery stores- Grand Canyon Village Market & Deli and the Desert View Market & Deli.

Trails Located in The South Rim

• If you’re looking for a way to just view the canyon without the commitment of hiking, Mather Point is an excellent option. Located near the Visitor Center, this paved path is 13 miles long, though there is no need to hike the whole trail. You get great viewpoints no matter which section you’re at.

• If you’re interested in hiking, a few popular options are Bright Angel Trail, South Kaibab Trail and Grandview Trail.

I was fortunate enough to visit the North Rim in September of 2024. I am deeply saddened by the Dragon Bravo Wildfire that has destroyed Grand Canyon Lodge and continues to destroy thousands of acres of beautiful land. It is devastating. I wanted to include various photos of the time I spent in the North Rim as a memorium. Hopefully someday it will be rebuilt and restored.

The entrance to Grand Canyon Lodge in the North Rim.

This statue is of Brighty the Burro, it was located in the lobby of Grand Canyon Lodge. Brighty was a real burro who lived in the North Rim from the late 1800s into the 1900s.

The North Rim is (or was) heavily forested. All the various trees and shrubbery enhanced the beauty of the area, giving it a majestic vibe. This photo was taken nearby the Grand Canyon Lodge.

Another view from one of the paths at the North Rim.

The Grand Canyon is worth the hype. Looking for adventure and the opportunity to see some raw natural beauty? A visit to the Grand Canyon will do just that. There’s so much to see and an educational aspect to this national park that anyone who comes here will leave it a better person.