Why Go to Grand Canyon National Park
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
No word quite captures the Grand Canyon until you're standing on the rim. This vast chasm in northern Arizona stretches about 277 river miles, reaches up to 18 miles across and plunges more than a mile deep. Carved over millions of years by the Colorado River, it's one of the great natural wonders of the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that leaves millions of visitors speechless every year.
It's also popular, so plan for company. The South Rim, home to Grand Canyon Village and the famous Bright Angel Trail, is open year-round and has the most viewpoints, lodging and services. Walk the Rim Trail at sunrise or sunset when the canyon glows red and orange. For a quieter, more rugged experience, visit the North Rim, which is open seasonally and offers great hiking and camping. Want something unforgettable? Take a helicopter tour, ride the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams, or raft the Colorado River through the canyon itself.
Lodging inside the park books up far ahead. I'll secure your stay, plan the best viewpoints and pair the Grand Canyon with Sedona, Page and Utah's national parks.
BEST FOR
Photographers, hikers, families and national-park travelers
BEST MONTHS
March to May and September to November
EXPLORE
- Grand Canyon Village: The South Rim hub, with lodges, restaurants and trailheads.
- Hermit Road: A scenic road west of the village, served by free shuttles most of the year.
- Desert View Drive: A scenic drive east to the Desert View Watchtower.
- Tusayan: The gateway town just outside the South Entrance, with hotels and restaurants.
- North Rim: Remote and higher, open mid-May to mid-October with limited services and no lodging after the 2025 fire.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Grand Canyon National Park
North America › Southwest › USA › Arizona
A mile-deep wonder of layered red rock, glowing sunsets and endless views.
Desert & Arid
Hiking
Geology
Photography
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Watch sunrise at Mather Point and sunset at Hopi Point. The canyon looks completely different at each end of the day.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Visit at sunrise, when the crowds are thin and the light is magical.
Mather Point
The first view for most visitors, just steps from the visitor center, with sweeping canyon views.
Read the exhibits, then walk the Trail of Time along the rim.
Yavapai Point
A historic viewpoint with a geology museum explaining how the canyon formed.
Walk a section between Mather Point and Grand Canyon Village for the best views.
South Rim Trail
A paved, mostly flat rim walk stretching for miles, with viewpoints, shade and shuttle stops.
Climb the tower for views of the Colorado River.
Desert View Watchtower
A historic stone watchtower designed by Mary Colter, with murals and sweeping views of the eastern canyon.
Explore El Tovar Hotel and the Hopi House, both historic landmarks.
Grand Canyon Village
The historic heart of the South Rim, with lodges, shops and viewpoints.
A resort in Tusayan with a pool, bowling alley and easy access to the South Rim.
The Squire at Grand Canyon, a Holiday Inn Resort
Tusayan / South Rim Gateway
Hotel Tags
A lodge-style hotel in Tusayan with rustic decor and a pool.
The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon
Tusayan / Highway 64
Hotel Tags
A hotel in Tusayan near the South Entrance, with comfortable rooms.
Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel
Tusayan / South Entrance Gateway
Hotel Tags
A simple hotel in Tusayan, a convenient base for exploring the South Rim.
Grand Canyon Hotel & Suites
Tusayan / Highway 64
Hotel Tags
A budget-friendly lodge in Tusayan, just outside the park.
Red Feather Lodge
Tusayan / South Rim Gateway
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Grand Canyon National Park
High 52°F · Low 27°F · Rain 0.9 in
Cool, pleasant days and fewer crowds make November a quiet time to visit.
The best times to visit the Grand Canyon are March through May and September through November, when the weather is mild. Summer is busy and hot inside the canyon, with afternoon monsoon storms in July and August. Winter brings snow on the rim and fewer crowds. The North Rim is open only from mid-May to mid-October.
Best Times to Visit Grand Canyon National Park
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Dining at the Grand Canyon ranges from historic lodge dining rooms to quick cafeterias and gateway-town restaurants.
- Historic dining: El Tovar's dining room offers a classic national park experience; reserve ahead.
- Casual eats: Cafeterias and markets in Grand Canyon Village are perfect for quick meals.
- Must-try: A rim-side picnic at sunset.
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Walking
The Rim Trail connects the major viewpoints and lodges on the South Rim.
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Biking
Bike rentals are available near the visitor center, a great way to explore the rim.
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Grand Canyon Railway
The historic train runs daily from Williams, Arizona, to Grand Canyon Village.
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Free Shuttles
Free shuttle buses connect the visitor center, lodges and viewpoints on the South Rim, including Hermit Road.
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Driving
Most visitors drive to the South Rim via Highway 64. The North Rim is about four hours away by car.
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Flying In
Flagstaff (FLG) is about 90 minutes from the South Rim. Phoenix (PHX) is about 3.5 to 4 hours away, and Las Vegas (LAS) about 4.5 hours.
Most visitors drive to the South Rim from Flagstaff, Phoenix or Las Vegas. Once inside, the free shuttle buses and Rim Trail make it easy to get around. The Grand Canyon Railway from Williams is a fun car-free option.
Getting Around Grand Canyon