The Grand Canyon: One Mile Deep, 277 Miles Long, Utterly Magnificent
Standing at the rim of the Grand Canyon for the first time, you understand why it's one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. No photo, no documentary, no description prepares you for the scale — nearly a mile of depth and 10 miles of width at the rim, with colors that shift from crimson to purple with every passing cloud.
South Rim vs. North Rim
South Rim: Open year-round. More developed, more accessible, more crowded. Elevation 7,000 feet. Access from Williams or Flagstaff, Arizona. This is where most visitors go.
North Rim: Open mid-May through mid-October only. Higher (8,000 feet), cooler, less crowded, more forested. 4.5-hour drive from the South Rim. Worth the detour if you're here in summer.
Which to choose? First-timers should do the South Rim — it has the classic views, the rim trail, and all the infrastructure. Return visitors should try the North Rim for a quieter, more contemplative experience.
Book Grand Canyon lodging — South Rim lodges open for booking 13 months in advance.
Best South Rim Viewpoints
Mather Point: The first view most visitors see — and still one of the best. Walkable from the visitor center.
Yavapai Point: Unobstructed views both up and down canyon. Excellent at sunrise and sunset.
Hopi Point: Juts out into the canyon for 270-degree views. Premium sunset spot.
Desert View Watchtower: At the East Entrance, this 70-foot tower offers panoramic views and the best photo opportunity of the Colorado River far below.
Pro tip: Walk the Rim Trail from Mather Point to Hopi Point (3 miles, paved, flat) for continuous views that shuttle bus riders never see.
Hiking the Grand Canyon
Rim Trail (13 miles, easy): Paved and flat, this is the best introduction. Walk any section, then catch the shuttle back.
Bright Angel Trail (12.2 miles round trip to Plateau Point, strenuous): The classic day hike. Go as far as you like (the 1.5-mile Resthouse is a good turnaround for beginners), then come back up. Bring a hydration pack — there's no water below Indian Garden except in winter.
South Kaibab Trail (6 miles round trip to Cedar Ridge, strenuous): More dramatic views than Bright Angel, but steeper, less shade, and no water. Take the shuttle to the trailhead.
Rim-to-River day hikes are NOT recommended. Even fit hikers struggle to go down and back up in one day. The canyon is deceptive — down is easy, up is grueling.
When to Visit
Best: March–May and September–November for comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.
Summer (June–August): Brutally hot below the rim (over 110°F at the river). Crowded. Rim temperatures are pleasant (80s°F) but the inner canyon is dangerous.
Winter: South Rim stays open. Snow on the rim is stunning — and crowds disappear. The canyon floor stays mild (50s°F).
Planning Your Time
- Minimum: 1 full day (rim viewpoints + short hike or rim walk)
- Recommended: 2-3 days (rim hikes + Bright Angel to Indian Garden)
- Thorough: 4-5 days (multiple hikes, North Rim day trip, sunrise and sunset)
The Grand Canyon ranks #3 in our complete national park rankings. See how it compares.
Combining the Grand Canyon with Other Parks
Grand Canyon + Sedona (3-4 days):
Sedona's red rocks are 2 hours south of the South Rim. The combination of Grand Canyon grandeur and Sedona's intimate red rock canyons is one of the best short trips in the Southwest.
Grand Canyon + Zion + Bryce (5-7 days):
Southwest Utah and northern Arizona in one trip. Grand Canyon (2 days) → 2.5 hours → Zion (2 days) → 90 minutes → Bryce Canyon (1 day). Book this popular corridor — lodging fills 6+ months ahead for summer.
Grand Canyon + Page, AZ (3-4 days):
Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Lake Powell are 2 hours from the South Rim. A photographer's dream combination.
North Rim vs. South Rim: The Bottom Line
If you have limited time, choose the South Rim. If you want fewer crowds and a more contemplative experience, choose the North Rim. If you have 4+ days, do both — they're 4.5 hours apart by car or 5 minutes by trail (rim-to-rim hike, 21 miles).
The Rim-to-Rim Hike
The ultimate Grand Canyon experience — and one of the most demanding day hikes in the national park system. Rim-to-rim is 21 miles with 10,000+ feet of elevation change and temperatures that can exceed 110°F at the river.
Route options:
- South Kaibab to Bright Angel (16.3 miles): The most common route. South Kaibab descends steeply to the Colorado River, then Bright Angel provides a more gradual ascent with water stations.
- North Kaibab to Bright Angel (23.5 miles): Longer but more scenic, starting from the North Rim.
- Start before dawn (4-5am)
- Carry 4+ liters of water minimum
- Electrolyte supplements — hyponatremia kills hikers who drink water without electrolytes
- Salt tablets for cramping
- Do NOT attempt in June-September (too hot at the river)
- Have someone meet you at the top with food and drinks