Plan Your Trip
The Grand Canyon is a seasonal wonder offering an abundance of activities for all ages and interests! Spring comes late at the Canyon but there's no mistaking its arrival. Almost overnight a rainbow of wildflowers appear to greet the season. Summer is the most popular time to visit the Canyon with mule rides and motorcoach tours running continuously. And, winter in the Grand Canyon provides a fairytale setting for the holidays.
Keep in mind that the Grand Canyon is heavily visited for most of the year (averaging over 4 million visitors a year) and it is imperative to plan ahead for lodging, camping, backcountry permits, or mule trips.
The park is busiest during spring, summer, and fall months. To avoid the crowds, the best time to visit is November - February. Learn more about our seasonal weather.
We are pleased to offer special promotions throughout the year. Check our current Special Promotions & Packages and join our e-mail list to continue to stay informed.
Suggested Travel Itineraries to
Grand Canyon National Park
Not sure how to get the most from your trip to Grand Canyon? We suggest the following itineraries.
Suggested Itinerary One:
2 Days, 2 Nights
Day One
- Arrive at Grand Canyon South Rim.
- Dinner at a cafeteria (for a quick dinner) or a rim restaurant.
- See the sunset from rim viewpoint (or take Sunset Tour).
- Spend the night in a Grand Canyon National Park Lodge.
Day Two
- Walk to the rim for sunrise (or take Sunrise Tour).
- Breakfast at El Tovar Dining Room.
- Tour the Visitor Center at Canyon View Information Plaza (take the shuttle or walk).
- Walk to Mather Point; stroll along rim to Yavapai Observation Station.
- Walk or take the shuttle to the village, explore Historic Buildings (Pick up Walking Tour Brochure and other information at any lodge transportation desk).
- Lunch at Bright Angel Restaurant.
- Take Hermits Rest motorcoach tour (2 hrs).
- Stroll along the rim for sunset or dine early at the Arizona Room.
- Dinner at the Arizona Room.
- Enjoy a National Park Service evening program or simply stargaze at the dark canyon skies.
- Spend the night in a Grand Canyon National Park Lodge.
Day Three
- Breakfast at Bright Angel Restaurant or cafeteria.
- Last walk along rim before departing.
- Visit Imax Theater on way out Highway 64 south or if going out Highway 64 east, stop at Desert View Watchtower for visit and lunch.
Suggested Itinerary Two:
3 Nights, 3 Days
Day One
- Arrive at Grand Canyon South Rim.
- Walk to the rim for sunset (or take Sunset Tour).
- Dinner at Arizona Room.
- Spend the night in a Grand Canyon National Park Lodge.
Day Two
- Breakfast at El Tovar Dining Room.
- Hike along rim trail west to Hermits Rest. Hike out and take the shuttle back, or take the shuttle out and hike back, (you do not have to walk all the way, the shuttle stops at several locations.)
- Late lunch at Bright Angel Restaurant.
- Sunset walk or tour at Visitor Center. Pick-up information for tomorrow's hike.
- Dinner at a cafeteria or rim restaurant.
- Enjoy a National Park Service evening program and the night sky.
- Spend the night in a Grand Canyon National Park Lodge.
Day Three
- Breakfast at Maswik Lodge. Pick up box lunch (Early!).
- Hike to Indian Garden and back - or shorter hike on the Bright Angel Trail (Estimated time is 6 hours). Or hike to Cedar Ridge and back on the Kaibab Trail.
- Dinner at El Tovar Dining Room (reservations recommended).
- Spend the night in a Grand Canyon National Park Lodge.
Day Four
- Depart and visit the Imax Theater if going Route 64 south or stop at Desert View Watchtower if going east.
Suggested Itinerary 3
3 Nights, 3 Days
Day One
- Arrive at Grand Canyon South Rim.
- Dinner at a cafeteria or rim restaurant.
- Spend the night in a Grand Canyon National Park Lodge.
Day Two
- Take Sunrise motorcoach tour, or walk to rim for sunrise.
- Breakfast at El Tovar Dining Room.
- Walk along the South Rim; shop for Native American Art at Hopi House, El Tovar. (Pick up Walking Tour brochure.) Tour Mary E.J. Colter Buildings and Kolb Studio.
- Lunch at El Tovar Dining Room.
- Motorcoach tour-Desert View Watchtower (estimated time is 4 hours, round trip).
- Watch the sunset at rim viewpoint, or take Sunset Tour.
- Dinner at Arizona Room or El Tovar Dining Room.
- Enjoy a National Park Service evening program.
- Spend the night in a Grand Canyon National Park Lodge.
Day Three
- Breakfast at Bright Angel Restaurant.
- Take Hermits Rest tour (estimated time 2 hours), walk along the rim.
- Lunch at Bright Angel Restaurant.
- Drive to the airport to take a helicopter or air tour of Grand Canyon.
- Shop at Tusayan Trading Post on the drive back into the park.
- Tour the Visitor Center at Canyon View Information Center; walk to Mather Point, 100 yards. Take the shuttle or park at Mather Point.
- Enjoy the sunset at overlook or Sunset motorcoach tour.
- Dinner at El Tovar Dining Room.
- Enjoy stargazing at the dark canyon skies.
- Overnight at a Grand Canyon National Park Lodge.
Day Four
- Enjoy sunrise breakfast at El Tovar.
- Depart.
How to get to the Grand Canyon
Getting here is easier that you might think. You can get to the Grand Canyon South Rim by bus, car, plane or train. Visit our directions and transportation pages for more information.
Consider using the Grand Canyon Railway as an alternative to your automobile when planning your trip to the Grand Canyon. Visit the Grand Canyon Railway for ideas on how to include this fun, historic mode of transportation in your itinerary.
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