Visiting the Grand Canyon National Park: Planning and What To Expect

The Grand Canyon National Park is the centerpiece of the Grand Canyon travel experience, acting as the crown jewel of outdoor travel here in North America.  The natural beauty here continues to attract visitors from around the globe, where millions of years of ancient history are on full display for all to appreciate. Not only a natural wonder of the world, but it also offers over a million acres of ancient rock formations, and hundreds of different species of birds, mammals, and plant species.

Anyone who loves nature will find themselves in awe at the incredible wonders found here, where ancient culture and scenic landscapes meet in a unique, once-in-a-lifetime travel experience. Use this guide and plan ahead for an incredible opportunity to appreciate beauty that has been carefully preserved for the enjoyment of all who visit.

Quick Summary of This Article

Here is a summary of what you will learn from this article.

• Learn practical advice for visiting the Grand Canyon National Park.
• Use our checklist for planning and clothing options.
• Learn about the park’s shuttle system, accommodations, and hiking trails.
• Explore the best time of year for visiting.

What To Expect When Visiting The Grand Canyon National Park

It’s important to keep in mind that the Grand Canyon, especially during the summer months, is one of the busiest attractions in North America. Here is what you can expect from visiting the Grand Canyon National Park for the first time:

• Expect crowds, especially at some of the most famous landmarks, including Grand Canyon Skywalk, Desert View Watchtower, and Hopi Point.
• Early mornings can help you better enjoy viewing the Canyon with exceptional sunrises, but also as a means of avoiding crowds.
• Many accommodations must be booked months in advance as demand is high for certain lodges.
• Some activities, including hikes or camping, require permits that must be acquired in advance.
• Parking can be complicated at times, depending on the time of day you visit.
• The weather can have quite an impact on your trip, and hot sun and dry heat can challenge your ability to enjoy your trip. Further, heavy rains and monsoons can occur on short notice.
• The park itself also has a smartphone application that is entirely free to use. Visitors can download the application to browse through maps, but also stay informed of changing weather conditions or closures of specific amenities.
• Keep in mind that trails and viewpoints can suddenly close due to external factors. Some visitor services can be shut down on short notice to ensure the safety of travelers. Stay informed about weather alerts or park closures by staying updated via the park’s smartphone app.

Packing Checklist For Visiting The Grand Canyon

Use This Checklist For What To Pack When Visiting the Grand Canyon

• Hiking shoes that are comfortable and broken in.

• Comfortable clothing suitable for hiking and extended time outdoors. Consider dressing in layers, with a sweater and rainjacket.
• Extra sunscreen.
• Sunglasses.
• A hat capable of covering your face.
• Hydration, which includes far more than just a small water bottle. Consider bringing along a refillable hydration pack.
• Snacks like protein bars, granola, or chips.
• If you do not have a guide, consider bringing along a map, a fully charged phone, and a battery pack.
  

How To Dress For Your First-Time Visit

High elevations, volatile temperatures, and scorching sunbeams can complicate your trip to the Grand Canyon National Park. Dress accordingly with this list:

• Breathable layers, including a sweater, rain jacket, and long-sleeved pants or shirts.
• Moisture-absorbing clothing is another great option to keep visitors dry during different weather conditions.
• Comfortable hiking shoes. Avoid brand-new shoes that may cause blisters.
• Wear sunglasses with UV protection and consider a wide-brimmed hat to protect you from the sun.
• Long or thermal underwear remains a good option for visiting during the winter months.
• Dress for adventure and outdoor exploration, placing comfort over style in terms of priority.

Best Times To Visit The Grand Canyon

Choose the best time to visit the Grand Canyon National Park based on your travel preferences. While many visitors consider the fall as the best time to visit, your preferences may change depending on your schedule and desired experience.

Spring	Summer	Fall	Winter
Mild temperatures that are comfortable for hiking and outdoor exploration.  Catch glimpses of natural wildlife and explore the area with reduced crowds.	Peak travel season is known for large crowds of tourists. Generally busy at most well-known viewing spots. Scorching hot temperatures and dry heat can make some hikes or outdoor activities difficult for some tourists.	Cooler temperatures, but still comfortable for visiting. Weather conditions can fluctuate, and visitors will need to pack clothes for hot and cold weather. Reduced crowds but still considered busy.	Cold temperatures and the risk of experiencing snow on your trip. The area becomes quiet and tranquil with the reduced crowds. Considered low season for travel.

Accommodations at The Grand Canyon National Park

Visiting the Grand Canyon takes plenty of planning, especially if you are particular about the accommodations you wish to stay at. Many visitors choose to visit the area as a day trip, but only one day is often not enough to experience all that the Grand Canyon National Park has to offer. 

The many lodges lined throughout the Grand Canyon are incredibly convenient, but require travelers to book rooms almost a year in advance. Your best option is to book ahead or take part in a travel group that has pre-booked accommodations.

Getting Around

As of the year 2000, the Grand Canyon National Park maintains an entirely free shuttle system that connects visitor centers, trails, viewing stations, and lodges. They are intended to reduce the car traffic through the area, allowing visitors to hop on and off as they please throughout the day.

Many of the shuttle buses can accommodate travelers with mobility concerns, with spots available for wheelchair users. Other paid shuttle services connect the North and South Rim, while the Grand Canyon Railway can transport visitors from Williams, Arizona, to the South Rim via a charming and historic train ride. The free system uses a color-coded network of shuttle buses with early morning times designated for hikers,

Activities and Exploration

For hikers, the Grand Canyon National Park remains one of the best destinations in the world for hiking trails of varying difficulty. The Bright Angel Trail and the Trail of Time are known to be the most popular, but there are many other options, including guided offerings that can provide an educational element to your trip.

There is something for everyone, including museums, theaters, historic structures, scenic overlooks, accessible rim trails, campgrounds, restaurants, and coffee shops. There are many opportunities to rest and relax, appreciate a great sunset, and also shop for souvenirs that are handcrafted by locals. Some tours offer ATV or Jeep rides, while there is even an opportunity to view the park via helicopter. Visit the Grand Canyon National Park website to learn about the full offerings of things to do when visiting.

Accessibility Considerations

The Grand Canyon National Park has spent time ensuring that the experience of viewing the Grand Canyon is accessible for all. Many shuttle buses and visitor centers have accessibility in mind, with wheelchair accessible offerings that cater to the needs of all. There are many hikes, however, that are best suited for physically fit and experienced outdoors people. Some hikes are more challenging than others, and you should speak with a visitor center or a tour guide to learn whether or not a hike is appropriate for you. Even experienced hikers can find some routes challenging, so use caution when taking part in any hike.

Explore Fully-Guided Tours From Caravan

With the incredible amount of options available at the Grand Canyon National Park, exploring a private guided tour may be the best way to enjoy all that this travel destination has to offer. Guided tours ensure the safety of visitors, with a fully-packed schedule loaded up on sights and adventures that need to be experienced for yourself. Rather than taking a chance and visiting the park on your own, explore a tour group that has exclusive activities and accommodations ready and booked for your enjoyment. 

Further, tour guides offer knowledge and historical context about the area, helping travelers of all kinds experience this great destination with additional educational information. Caravan tours are also suitable for travelers from all walks of life, including senior travelers, solo travelers, and family groups. Take away the challenges of booking an elaborate trip to the Grand Canyon and instead lean on the travel specialists to show you the way.

Visiting the Grand Canyon National Park is a must-do activity for many, and travel groups can be a fun and exciting way of making new friends and sharing these experiences with like-minded individuals. Explore Grand Canyon National Park guided tours from Caravan and book your trip today.

Ready to book?

Reach out to us directly by calling  1 (312)-321-9800, or 1-800-CARAVAN, and speak with one of our representatives to book ahead for what is expected to be a busy travel season. For the best possible offerings, reach out sooner rather than later.

Contact Caravan today to learn more!