The Grand Canyon is one of America’s most iconic and popular national parks. It’s no wonder it receives more than 5.5 million visitors each year.
The mighty Colorado River has been chiseling it into the beautiful landscape we see today for millions of years. This natural world wonder is truly a work of art.
The South Rim
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is one of the most popular sections of the canyon and is packed full of things to do. You can see viewpoints, hike a few trails and enjoy other activities like IMAX movies, cycling and even helicopter rides!
The park is open 365 days a year. However, the best time to visit is late spring and early fall. Crowds tend to be low and the weather is pleasant.
Hiking on the South Rim is a great way to experience the beauty of this awe-inspiring place, but you should always be aware that some of the trails can be challenging. Some are steep and narrow, so people who are not used to hiking or who have health issues should avoid them.
Besides hiking, the South Rim offers other great attractions like the Yavapai Geology Museum which helps you learn about the history of the area and its formation. You can also enjoy an IMAX movie and spend the day cycling along the Hermit Road viewpoints.
The North Rim
The North Rim is a less visited area of the park that offers a different experience than visiting the South Rim. Known for its rugged scenery, world-class hiking and backpacking opportunities, and more remote visitor experiences, the North Rim is perfect for those who seek a more primeval and natural feel to their Grand Canyon getaway.
The main feature of the North Rim is its panoramic views that are widely spread across the canyon from rim to rim. This makes it a great place to take in a sunset or view the Milky Way.
It’s also a popular place for sunrise, particularly Point Imperial which boasts a stunning landscape and great foreground for photography. This viewpoint also features a historic lodge and cabins that offer excellent rim views.
The West Rim
The West Rim of the Grand Canyon is one of the most popular and accessible sections of the canyon to visit. It is a 2.5 hour drive from Las Vegas, which makes it the perfect place for a day trip from the city.
The main attractions on the West Rim are Eagle Point, Guano Point and the Skywalk Bridge. The Eagle Point formation is carved naturally by the Colorado River into the shape of a huge eagle taking flight, and the Skywalk is a glass-bottomed bridge anchored 46 feet deep in the canyon wall.
The West Rim is a great place to explore the canyon, as it offers more rugged desert terrain and unique gorge views than either the South or North Rims. It is also home to the Hualapai tribe, who have lived in the area since 1883 and make the region a fascinating destination for those interested in Native American culture.
The East Rim
Grand Canyon is a National Park, located in the state of Arizona. This UNESCO World Heritage Site stretches across land owned by the National Park Service, the Havasupai Indian Reservation, the Hualapai Indian Reservation, the Navajo Nation, and the Kaibab National Forest.
The East Rim is a little-known area that includes Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon, and many other landmarks. Unlike the South and North Rims which are more crowded, this region is more wild and less touristy.
One of the most popular places on the East Rim is Desert View which has a watchtower that overlooks the Grand Canyon. It is a great place to get a panoramic view of the canyon and also provides a fantastic overview of the Colorado River.
The East Rim is also home to the Little Colorado River Gorge which is a popular place for whitewater rafting. This river is known for its colorful blue water during the summer months and almost blood red in the winter.
