When you are on the Western side of the United States, the top on your “to-see” list will be to visit the Grand Canyon. So was mine. Of course, during my visit to the USA, the weather was not the most welcoming… Severe winds were dominating all West coast. And, what I didn’t think about – even at the end of May, in the places located at high altitude still are much colder…
I’d like to start this story with a small history lesson. You probably know that all the canyons, gorges, and other similar nature miracles are carved by mountain rivers. For me, it is so hard to put all the pieces together that for this Canyon we have to be grateful to the Colorado River. The river worked its way for more than 5 million years, and the Grand Canyon is the result. The 446 km long and 29 km wide area is carved in almost 2 km depth in the place which used to be a plateau.
So, generally The Grand Canyon is a Colorado river valley.
North Rim, South Rim, and Skywalk, which to visit in the Grand Canyon?
When you finally decide – “I will visit the Grand Canyon”, you must understand, that you will not be able to see everything. This is a massive area of exceptional wild nature. There are 3 most popular (or the only, I’m not sure) entrances: North Rim, South Rim, and the Skywalk.
There is a high chance that you will visit the Grand Canyon by driving from Las Vegas. As this will be quite a long drive, you need to choose carefully which entrance to aim for, and what will be your further destination. South Rim is 470 km away (5 h drive), North Rim is 430 km away (4.5 h drive) Skywalk is 200 km away (2 h drive). Although Skywalk seems the closest to options, it might not be the best. My personal experience is a bit negative about it.
The Skywalk is a privately owned place, this is why America the Beautiful National Parks Pass will not work here. The admission cost to the area is $39, if you want to also go on the Skywalk balcony, it’s an additional $20. And, surprise surprise, cell phones, and cameras are not allowed on the Skywalk, professional photographers work there, and afterward, you may buy a paper photo for $16, or a USB drive for almost $70.
What to expect in the South Rim of the Grand Canyon
Both North Rim and South Rim are accessible with America the Beautiful National Parks Pass. You are able to see the same area from both Rims, just from different sides. And the North Rim is more elevated, so it’s harder to access and a bit colder. I chose to visit the South Rim.
The Grand Canyon Park is opened 24 hours a full year in the South Rim and mid-May to October in the North Rim. Before or upon your arrival, you have to download the maps of the park for easier navigation and planning. You can view or download the maps here.
The best option would definitely be to visit such a place during the ‘golden hours’ of sunrise or sunset. Although when there’s a 4 h drive to/from the National park, it’s not the most convenient option. But there are many things to see and do even if you have just a few hours in the middle of the day.
Take the Shuttle bus
In the Grand Canyon you can take 3 different Shuttle buses and basically drive along the whole area. The buses stop at every bus stop, just they don’t wait. After you are done with taking pictures, you need to wait for another bus. But no worries, they arrive every 15 – 20 minutes.
There is a 4th line (the purple one), but since it just takes visitors to the visitor center from the nearest town, I did not mention it here.
The Orange (Kaibab/Rim) Route takes you from the Yavapai geology museum to the Yaki point. The stops are Yavapai Geology Museum, Mather Point, South Kaibab trailhead, Yaki point, Pipe creek vista.
Mather Point is one of the most popular viewpoints in the Canyon. Basically, due to it’s proximity to the main visitor center, it can easily be reached on foot.
The Blue Route (which is called The Village route) takes you along the village. Or it can be as a connection from the Visitor center to the beginning of the Red route. It passes stops like Grand Canyon Visitor Center, Market Plaza Westbound, Shrine of the Ages Westbound, Train Depot, Bright Angel Lodge, Hermits Rest Route Transfer
The Red route (Hermits rest route) takes through the longest part along the Canyon – the wildest and most beautiful. From the Village Route Transfer, where you take off the Blue bus, it takes you through many viewpoints: Trailview Overlook, Maricopa Point, Powell Point, Hopi Point, Mohave Point, The Abyss Monument, Creek Vista, Pima Point, Hermits Rest.
Hiking in the Canyon
In the South Rim, you may find three main hiking routes. I have to mention that before deciding to hike, take extra attention to the weather and your preparation. Understand that inside the Canyon there is wild nature, without the roads, water, and toilets. The temperatures, humidity, and level of oxygen might be different than on top. Just be prepared!
Rim Trail. The main trail in the Grand Canyon. Mostly it is flat and many sections are even suitable for wheelchairs. The trail is suitable for easy walks and nice views, photography. As it goes along the Rim, all way from
Hermits Rest to South Kaibab Trailhead, it can be started and finished anywhere just by jumping on/off the bus. The full length is 21 km.
Bright Angel Trail. This trail is very popular but steep. It begins in the Bright Angel Lodge. The length is average, from almost 5 km. you can take all the way to Indian Garden which will be almost 15 km.
South Kaibab Trail. One of the most beautiful hikes, so I’ve heard but did not take it. The trail begins in the south of Yaki Point at the South Kaibab
Trailhead. It is a relatively short and steep hike into the Canyon. By taking this trail you will experience the true wilderness with no paved paths, no route signs, etc. But this is what is expected from the real adventure. The trail can lead you up to 10 km.
Are you looking for a place where to stay near the Grand Canyon? Try Las Vegas!
Related post: Off the beaten path in the USA – visit Hoover Dam
Very impressive pictures and interesting article. The Grand Canyon was the first main attraction (after Sedona) that my husband showed me when I first came to the US. Hiking to the bottom and back is pretty challenging but we went on a few hikes and had unforgettable experiences. The North Rim is still on our list of places to see.
These pictures are beautiful! If I ever visit the US one day, I want to visit the grand canyon for sure. Some of my friends have been there before, and their pictures are just as gorgeous as these ones are. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
We loved the shuttle buses here so I love that you mention them. It’s such a unique thing to this park!
Exactly 🙂 I just simply “drive through” the Red route 😉
It’s definitely an amazing place to visit. The pictures look breathtaking as well.
Wow!! beautiful post.
Thank you!
I went for the first time last in the fall of 2019. Breathtaking to say the least. Bookmarking this post for my next trip! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for reading. I’m glad you found it useful 🙂
We went to the South Rim about four years ago and although we didn’t do any hiking into the canyon, I really enjoyed our visit. I’ve heard really good things about visiting the North Rim, but we weren’t there at the right time of year for that. Gotta say, the Skywalk kind of sounds like a racket to me! I got so many beautiful photos from the South Rim and got in with my America the Beautiful Pass!
Yes, I’m totally with you here 🙂
These all look beautiful💜
Thank you!
Your photos are beautiful! I have been to the North Rim, so it is fun to see the Grand Canyon from another perspective!
Thanks! Yes, I wonder now how does it look from the other side 😉
Great views. Congrats!
Thank you!
Beautiful phots. We’ve never been.
Thank you!
What an amazing place to visit. I didn’t realise that there were a few different entrances to it, but I guess it is a massive place! Would love to visit…my friends did a helicopter ride over, and the photos looked amazing, although I don’t know if I could do the helicopter!
Thanks for sharing!
Aimsy xoxo
https://www.aimsysantics.co.uk
I didn’t take the helicopter. I’m afraid of highs, but If I’m not mistaking, the simplest ride costs ~180 USD, so if you are 2 persons, I think it’s really a bargain. Knowing what views you will see 😉
Wow, this sounds incredible and defo somewhere I would like to go in the future thanks for sharing!
Amber | https://theunpredictedpage.com
Thanks for reading 🙂
Breathtaking pictures! Can’t wait to visit in the near future!
Thank you! I wish you a pleasant visit there!
They look incredible in photos, so how much more in person! I can only imagine. This is very informative. I’m not from the US, but I love hiking, and you definitely provided some key points I need to know should I decide to visit Grand Canyon. Shame that we can’t take photos at the Skywalk.
Thank you!
Amazing insights! I didn’t know about the the skywalk being privately owned so thank you so much for the post! Hope I will be able to visit the canyon soon xx
Udeety | http://www.utravlr.com
It will be an amazing experience 🙂 And if you can, try sunrise or sunset time (I couldn’t manage that sadly).
The views are absolutely incredible! The Canyon is at the top of my US travel list, I’d love to see it. And amazing post, it’s brilliantly informative 🙂
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
Thank you, Anika!
We visited the Grand Canyon years ago and it was awesome. For the life of me I can’t remember exactly where we were, but we quad biked in and then had lunch at a ranch. Your article brought back some fantastic memories.
I’m glad you liked it 😊
I love the Grand Canyon! I lived in Arizona for 8 years and have hiked all these tails you mentioned and more. These trails aren’t for the faint of heart and should not be undertaken by the casual hiker without a lot of forward planning. With that said, epically beautiful scenery. Bucket list worth for sure!
I’m so jealous that you could live close to this masterpiece… I can’t wait to go back during more pleasant weather and hike there 🙂
God the Grand Canyon is so beautiful. Your photos are stunning. I’ve never been to the US but if I did, this would definitely be on my list.
Thank you, Jenny! This place is a must 🙂
Your pictures are truly incredible! I have always dreamed about hiking in the Canyon, and I cannot wait to go there now. Great inputs and tips as well, I had no clue one part was private and crazy expensive to visit!
Than you! I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂