Sprawling across 277 miles, the Grand Canyon may be one of the largest national parks—but trust us, two days is plenty of time to see it all. Lace up your hiking boots: You’ll be exploring every switchback and cliff of the canyon, taking lesser-known trails, and pausing at secret (read: not crowded) panoramic viewpoints. And when you’re ready to rest your legs, there’s a handful of restaurants, shops, and activities to keep you busy.
This itinerary will take you from the scenic South Rim to the remote, rustic North Rim—and everywhere in between, including deep down inside the canyon and right up to the heart-pounding edge. Gathering real Tripadvisor reviews and ratings, we’ll share our travelers’ tried-and-true favorites, so you know exactly where to hit the ground running.
DAY ONE
MORNING: Hike to the South Rim’s best overlooks
Today, you’ll be exploring the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. Start your adventure off early in the morning to avoid the hottest part of the day. There are trails for every level that allow you to explore inside the canyon itself. Take Bright Angel Trail, one of the most popular routes down snaking steps to the first rest stop (at the 1.5 mile marker) or to the second hydration station (at 3 miles). If you have the stamina to go further, descend to Indian Garden, a shady oasis surrounding a stream—the perfect spot to have a picnic with your packed lunch. (This is also a campground that medical helicopters can access, if there’s an emergency.)
Extreme outdoors enthusiasts can continue on to Plateau Point (for a 360-view of the Colorado River and the towering canyon walls) or to Phantom Ranch, a horseback stable and riverside cabin. You can also go on South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge for arguably better views. But caution: the spectacular scenery comes with a price, as the incline is steeper on the way back—though there are three rest areas to catch your breath.
Travelers say: “The south rim has so much to offer. Fall and spring are less crowded and the temperatures are comfortable for any activity… If you plan on staying in the park, you can sometimes find rooms due to cancellations a week or two before. The experience is definitely worth it as you are right on the canyon rim.” —@Bella59
AFTERNOON: Stroll and shop for souvenirs along the South Rim
The south side of the Grand Canyon is easily the most developed, with two visitor centers, six lodges, and a village of restaurants and shops. Once you return to the Bright Angel trailhead, walk along the flat, paved Rim Trail (it’s handicap accessible). Here, you’ll have a bird’s-eye view of the canyon and its layers of earthy colors. Browse the bookshelves and artwork at Kolb Studio, pick up a souvenir at Mary Colter’s Lookout Studio, or check out the historic Hopi House’s ceramics and textiles, made by Native Americans. Along the route, you’ll run into the 1.7-mile Trail of Time, which has exhibits showing the Grand Canyon’s geological history. It wraps up at the Yavapai Geology Museum.
GRAND CANYON SOUTH RIM TOURS
- Did you know there’s actually a railroad that goes directly to the Grand Canyon? Take a scenic train ride from Williams, a retro town on the iconic Route 66.
- Sure, you could wait for a shuttle, but it’d be much more fun to rent a bike or take one of the cycling tours on the paved paths lining the rim. Tip: The café at this shop has some great sandwiches to pack for the ride.
- This off-road sunset safari takes you on a three-hour tour of the South Rim’s most scenic back roads and landmarks while your guide tells you interesting tidbits about the park.
EVENING: Watch the sunset and enjoy a romantic dinner
There are endless spots for sunset, but some rise above the rest. Yavapai and Mather points are popular, but if you want to avoid the masses, head to Shoshone Point. It’s a 10-minute drive from the main visitor center, and then a mile-long easy trail to get to the observation area. Afterward, head to the historic El Tovar Restaurant for a swoon-worthy meal (don’t miss the elk bolognese and the crispy pork belly with bourbon peach chutney). Note: Reservations are required and can be made online a month before your visit. If you’re staying outside of the park in the gateway town of Tusayan, save room for gelato at the Grand Canyon Chocolate Factory.
DAY TWO
MORNING: Take a scenic drive to Point Imperial
Head to the remote North Rim of the Grand Canyon, which is quieter than the south side and has more greenery, forests, and wildlife like buffalo, desert bighorn sheep, and gray foxes. There’s only one road in, which leads to the sole lodge (more on that later). Take your time to meander and stop at the many pull-outs, specifically Point Imperial, the Grand Canyon’s tallest bluff (8,803 feet!). From this angle, you’ll see the painted desert and the eastern ridge.
Travelers say: “The north rim offers dramatic views of the canyon. Sunsets are beautiful from the lodge. Sunrise is truly spectacular if you drive to Cape Royal; you can get some amazing photos from there. But be careful driving as there are many deer in the area.” —@dixiepeach
AFTERNOON: Ride a mule to Uncle Jim’s Point
Saddle up for a unique three-hour mule ride, starting and ending at the Grand Canyon Lodge (next door, you can grab a to-go lunch at the deli and a cold beer at Roughrider Saloon). Although you can descend into the canyon, we recommend the route to Uncle Jim’s Point because it takes you through a different topography. You’ll trade the rust-red dust for a forest of pinyon pine and Utah juniper trees that offer pleasant shade along the trail. Finally, you’ll reach an observation point that gives a sweeping view of the opposite edge, as well as the winding switchbacks of the North Kaibab trail. On the way back, your guide will fill you in on the area’s history and the famous celebrities, such as President Roosevelt, who have ridden mules here.
GRAND CANYON NORTH RIM TOURS
- To see the Grand Canyon from the sky and the ground, don’t miss this jaw-dropping airplane and ATV tour, perfect for any adrenaline junkie.
- Smaller groups should sign up for a helicopter ride, with the option to add a sunset safari drive to wrap up an epic day.
- Lees Ferry is a stunning riverside settlement 90 miles from the lodge. Here, you can go on a rafting tour with Wilderness River Adventures.
EVENING: Eat dinner with a view over the canyon
Built in 1927, the historic Grand Canyon Lodge retains its original glamour, with elegant natural stone walls, timber beams, and gigantic floor-to-ceiling windows in the dining room. Reserve a table so you can enjoy your meal (elk chili, bacon-wrapped figs) with a sweeping view of the canyon as it turns amber, indigo, and blush pink at dusk. In the warmer months, there are rocking chairs on the patio to kick back and relax.
Know Before You Go
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The Grand Canyon is unbearably hot and packed with hordes of people in the summer. That said, it’s best to go March through May and September through October. The weather will be prime (clear skies and comfortable), plus prices should be somewhat more affordable during shoulder season
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Weekends attract the most tours and visitors, so schedule your trip on a work day—Mondays and Tuesdays tend to be the slowest
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The South Rim of the park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The North Rim is only open May 15 through October 15. Weather permitting, you can also access it for day use until December 1, but the lodge, restaurants, and gift shop will be closed.
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Grand Canyon Village: The most convenient—but costly—option is to stay inside the park so that you can roll out of bed and hit the trail. There are a bounty of accommodations on the South Rim, but the Maswik Lodge South stands out due to its recent $35 million extension—the first new lodging inside the park in 50 years.
Tusayan: Just 10 minutes from the South Rim entrance, this is the closest area to stay—and stock up on supplies—outside the park. The Holiday Inn and Best Western brands have outposts and there are a couple steakhouses to choose from (try the ribeye at Big E Saloon).
Grand Canyon Junction: Half an hour from the South Rim, this tiny crossroads might not seem like much, but it has one of the nicest glamping retreats in the area. At Under Canvas, a handful of West Elm-decorated safari-style tents and stargazer cabins are spread out across the 160-acre retreat. Activities abound: outdoor yoga, board games, and nightly communal campfires (with complimentary s’mores, of course).
North Rim: The stately Grand Canyon Lodge is the only proper place to stay on this side of the national park, though there are some family-friendly cabins that you can rent. On the road into the park, you’ll find campgrounds and inns at Jacob Lake, but they are rustic.
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On the South Rim, there are three free shuttle routes that connect the various campgrounds, lodges, and visitor centers. The North Rim doesn’t have shuttles, but it doesn’t need them as there are fewer attractions and only one main lodge. It’s best to rent a car to get here.
