About the park
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277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and a mile deep, this dramatic landscape is displays a history of the Earth going back almost 2 billion years. The activity of the tectonic plates that make up the Earth created the conditions to form differing layers of rock which can be seen as your eyes move down from the canyon rim to the canyon floor. Then around 70 million years ago, the Colorado Plateau was formed as the North American tectonic plate rose over the Pacific plate. As with the other canyons found in National Parks across the plateau, erosion by river flow has carved a dramatic landscape. But none to the scale of the Grand Canyon.
Positioned within the desert landscape of the Southwest, the Grand Canyon is a hostile environment. While vegetation is present, it is relatively sparse, and many of the species that inhabit the canyon and its rim have adapted to this largely dry habitat. The scale of the canyon, which traps heat and alters the air circulation, causes the formation of microclimates. As a result, the deeper into the canyon you venture, the hotter it becomes, usually being around 25F hotter at the floor than the rim. The majority of visitors observe the canyon from the South Rim, but few venture into the canyon.
This immense landscape entices and hiking below the rim gives a great appreciation for the geological history that has formed this wonder. While a fantastic challenge, the steep gradients, hot temperatures and isolation of the canyon means that anyone venturing below the rim should be mentally prepared and in good physical shape. The Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails have various 'stop off points', each providing great views and offer a range of hikes catering for different abilities. The best advice is to start hiking at or even before first light, carry more water than you'd expect, and don't be over-ambitious. Hiking out is far harder than hiking into this extreme environment. But it is more than worthwhile to get a perspective of the amazing, world renowned park that the majority of people miss.
Can't miss
Can't miss
Watch sunset on the rim
One of the coolest experiences the Grand Canyon has to offer, the setting sun is scattered by the layers of rock casting beautiful purple shadows. Get there early to choose your spot and dangle your legs over the edge. Then, stay on to view the stars in this internationally designated dark sky park.
Can't miss
Hike into the Canyon
Incredibly, of the 6 million visitors the park receives each year, only 1% venture below the rim. The Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails offer great viewpoints and allow for short or long hikes. Hiking below the rim can be a hot challenge, and the climb back out is far more time and energy consuming than the way down.
Can't miss
Helicopter over the Canyon
While cycling along the South Rim or hiking beneath the rim provides excellent views, they don't quite compare to seeing it from above. Helicopter tours over the canyon allow you to see the Colorado River in detail, various rock formations, and gives an appreciation for the true scale of this natural wonder. A bucket list experience if there ever was one!
Explore the park
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Points of interest
Top experiences
Trails
As ever, we recommend conducting some of your own research on hikes as well as talking to park rangers in order to find less populated trails that may be of interest, helping to prevent overcrowding and erosion of the park's best known routes. But here are a few suggestions to consider to get you started...
Gentle
Hermit Road Greenway
Monument Creek Vista Shuttlestop
Length: 2.8 miles
Approximate duration: 45-60 mins
Maximum elevation: 6850 ft
Max-Min elevation change: 200 ft
While we will always encourage visitors to the Grand Canyon to experience a hike that enters the canyon, we understand that they might not be for everyone! The Hermit Road Greenway hike can be hiked quickly as an alternative to taking the shuttle between Bright Angel Trailhead and Hermits Rest, or slowly in order to appreciate the many viewpoints.
Hopi Point provides wide vistas, while Powell Point commemorates the expeditions of Major John Wesley Powell down the Colorado River. Pima Point offers views of the river, while the Trailview Overlook offers views of hikers zig-zagging up and down Bright Angel.
At any point where the hike becomes too hard, or you need a break from walking in the heat, then the shuttle bus can pick you up from any of 10 stops along the route. Fro those wanting to see some of the views without hiking, then the shuttle bus is an 80 minute round trip. Hermits rest has restrooms, snack bar and a gift shop, located within what looks like an old miners cabin that recreates the feel of one of the early settlements.
Moderate
South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge
South Kaibab Trailhead
Length (roundtrip): 3.0 miles
Approximate duration: 2.5-3 hours
Maximum elevation: 7260 ft
Max-Min elevation change: 1140 ft
A steep trail but relatively short, the South Kaibab is another example of the beauty of Grand Canyon trials where viewpoints segment the hike and can be used as turn-around points. There is no water on the trail so make sure you have plenty, along with snacks to maintain your salt balance.
The trail begins with switchbacks that descend to Ooh Aah Point, a broad viewpoint of the canyon that is very popular. Continuing on another half mile to Cedar Ridge provides a quieter hike, but remains steep with plenty of steps. O'Neills butte acts as the focal point of the hike, which can be passed if hikers are travelling to Skeleton point.
As with all hikes into the canyon, it is recommended to start early in the day. However, due to the shorter nature of this hike, entering late evening to watch sunset is a very cool experience, being quieter than watching from the rim. Just make there's plenty of charge in those batteries for the head-torch back out!
Demanding
Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point
Bright Angel Trailhead
Length (roundtrip): 12 miles
Approximate duration: 7-10 hours
Maximum elevation: 6850 ft
Max-Min elevation change: 3110 ft
This is without doubt one of the hardest trails that we suggest across our entire site. An early start is key, getting the earliest shuttles of the day at 4am during June, July and August to the Bright Angel Trailhead. The heat is your biggest enemy on this hike, especially in summer. As soon as the sun rises between 5 and 6am, the temperature will rise rapidly, increasingly so as you travel deeper into the canyon.
At 4.5 miles you reach the Indian Garden, an area of vegetation seemingly out of character with its surroundings. If the hike is starting to take its toll at this point, definitely turn back. Don't forget that climbing back up to the rim is far slower and harder than the hike in. Water is available at this point, before the hike carries on for another relatively flat 1.5 miles.
Awesome views of the Colorado river await you, where you truly feel the scale of the canyon as both the north and south rims surround you. Take some time to rest but be wary of the time. Exiting the canyon as close to midday is the aim. As always, be prepared and listen to your body.
Where to stay
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When to visit
We recommend:
April thru October, with frequent great conditions to view the canyon - but take caution of the heat when hiking
Itineraries
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