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How to Make the Most of Your Grand Canyon Vacation This Summer
Your Adventure Awaits
A visit to the Grand Canyon should be all about wonder — not worry. With our Beat the Heat Safely guide, experience breathtaking canyon views, historic landmarks, and outdoor adventures while keeping cool and comfortable at every step. With temperatures that are 20 to 30 degrees cooler than Phoenix, summer time can be the best time to beat the heat in the rest of the Southwest and explore the South Rim of the Grand Canyon — especially on the rim and throughout the Historic Village.
Explore with Confidence
Whether it’s your first trip or your tenth, staying cool at nearly 7,000 feet of elevation is essential. Here’s how we help you enjoy it all safely:
- Morning & Evening Adventures: Start early or explore at dusk to avoid peak heat hours while soaking in the golden glow of the canyon.
- Stay Hydrated & Sun Safe: Carry plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and don a wide-brim hat to shield yourself from the Arizona sun.
- Know the Elevation: At this altitude, the air is cooler than the desert below, but UV rays can be stronger. Be prepared and enjoy the balance of sun and shade.
Make Every Sunrise and Sunset Count
From strolling the historic village to marveling at the canyon’s geological beauty, there’s always more to discover. Don’t wait to experience the magic.
The Reward of Staying on the Rim
Perched high above the sprawling expanse of the Grand Canyon, staying on the rim offers an unparalleled vantage point where nature’s grandeur unfolds with each passing moment. Here, the rising sun brushes the canyon walls with soft hues of gold and pink, and twilight casts them in a mesmerizing palette of amber and violet. The rim provides easy access to breathtaking viewpoints, tranquil walking paths, and serene moments of reflection that connect you deeply to the canyon’s timeless beauty. With every glance, you’re reminded that the edge of the world can be a place of peace, wonder, and boundless inspiration. From stays at the El Tovar Hotel—one of the crown jewels of the National Park Lodges—to a cabin stay on the rim at Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins, there’s an experience for everyone on the rim.
Discover the Heart of the Canyon's History
in the Historic Village and Along the South Rim
The canyon’s South Rim and Historic Grand Canyon Village are the perfect blends of natural wonder and cultural charm. From hiking along the Rim Trail to ducking into one of the historic buildings that dot the South Rim, you don’t miss these must-see spots:
Hike the Rim Trail
The best way to explore the canyon and take in its astounding views is hiking along the Rim Trail — the South Rims connective trail. While the entire length of the trail is just over 12 miles, there are plenty of options to shorten your hike to your comfort level. Want to see the views, but don’t want to put in the legwork yourself? Try a Canyon Vista Mule Ride tour!
Hopi House
Admire authentic Native American art and handcrafted souvenirs inside this stunning adobe-style building.
Kolb Studio
Perched on the rim, this historic photography studio offers epic canyon views and a gallery of past explorations.
Hermit’s Rest
The circa 1914 Mary Colter-designed domicile for a fictional hermit is one of the highlights of the overlook at the western terminus of the Rim Trail.
It only takes a little imagination to picture this scene in the 1890s when an actual prospector with a strong desire for privacy had staked out a claim at this remote location. A quiet walkway near the rim leads to a picnic area that’s perfect for dining al fresco. You can also spend some time relaxing inside Colter’s artificially antiquated home and in the gift shop/snack bar.
Desert View/Watchtower
One measure of Mary Colter’s genius is that two of her structures — Hermit’s Rest to the west and the Watchtower to the east — bookend the South Rim’s widespread overlooks.
At the Watchtower, Colter celebrates Native American artistry with paintings, tile-work, and imagery that look as if they’d been here for centuries. The visuals follow you up a circular staircase to the observation deck atop the 70-foot tower, which reveals what may be the most commanding views of the Grand Canyon. Unlike the plentiful south-north views, here the perspective is more linear as your eye tracks the path of the Colorado River as well as mile after incredible mile of unobstructed and magnificent emptiness. So astounding are the views that many visitors spend several hours here.
The Grand Canyon Railway Depot
Travel back in time with one of Arizona’s oldest railway depots, still welcoming guests to this day. Want to take a dive into living history? Step aboard the historic Grand Canyon Railway and be transported to an era of vintage charm and timeless adventure. Departing from the Grand Canyon Depot or the quaint town of Williams, Arizona, this iconic train winds through breathtaking desert landscapes, pristine pine forests, and sweeping prairies, all while offering an enchanting glimpse into the past. Passengers are treated to lively onboard entertainment with musicians and costumed attendants, evoking the spirit of the Wild West. As the train approaches the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, awe-inspiring vistas unfold, and anticipation builds for the natural spectacle ahead. This unforgettable 65-mile journey is more than a ride—it’s a passage into history, nature, and wonder.
The Perfect Weekend Does Exist
While there’s not one way to “do it right,” there are many ways to pack two days with excursions and activities that are alternately entertaining, educational and, at times, appetizing. Assuming you stay at one of the Grand Canyon Lodges, here’s how to fill a two-night visit.
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Save Up to 30% on In-Park Lodging
For a limited time, you can stay inside Grand Canyon National Park and save 20% on a two night stay or save 30% on a three night stay while you take in the splendor of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
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Take a Mule Ride
There is no Grand Canyon adventure more rewarding or more unique than a mule ride. If you only have a short time to visit the South Rim, but are still longing for adventure, you can take the 2-hour Canyon Vistas Rim Ride. For the more adventurous, you can take a longer trip below the rim...
Learn MorePlan Ahead for a Seamless Visit
When preparing to visit, having the right information makes all the difference.
- Weather: Check real-time forecasts to plan for cool mornings and comfortable evenings.
- Transportation Tips: Use the South Rim shuttles to get around easily while reducing your environmental footprint.
- Park Alerts: Stay updated on trail closures or operational changes to ensure the smoothest experience possible.
- Hiking Below the Rim: Plan ahead, be prepared, and learn how to hike safely in the below Hike Smart video.