An iconic landmark that is a reminder of a significant geological transformation that happened millions of years ago, the Grand Canyon is a magnificent national park in Arizona today. It is nature’s work of art and a piece of heaven on earth. It stretches 446 km (244 mi) in length and 29 km (18 mi) in width. You will be overwhelmed by the marvelous rock formations and vibrant geologic colors. Every corner is picture-perfect, and each one will surely make it to your well-curated Instagram feed. Additionally, for the best views of the Grand Canyon, you may head to Lipan Point, Mary Colter’s Lookout Studio, Yavapai Observation Station, and Mather Point. If you are an adventure seeker and you like going on escapades that require physical endurance, here is a guide to Grand Canyon that might come in handy for when you visit the captivating natural wonder.
Things to do / highlights
Once you get to the Grand Canyon, you might be overwhelmed by its immense size and breathtaking beauty. When you’re in the area, it’s really possible that you get lost in the moment. Be sure to remember these highlights and things to do for a more smooth-sailing Grand Canyon escapade.
Grand Canyon Village
The first place you’ll set foot on before actually heading on an adventure in the Grand Canyon is the Grand Canyon Village. It nestles on the southern rim of the majestic landmark. The village has *excellent views *of the Grand Canyon, and it has some neighborhoods and even eateries.
Mather Point
Set on the South Rim of Grand Canyon, the Mather Point is one of the best viewpoints in the area. It offers panoramic views for its elevated geographic location. Additionally, it is within a short distance from the Visitor’s Center* where you can check out exhibits of rare rocks and fossils. Plus, it has canyon vistas where you can rest and relax while enjoying the presence of nature.
Yavapai Observation Station
Just like Mather Point and the Grand Canyon Village, Yavapai Observation Station is on the south rim of the Grand Canyon. It is an excellent viewpoint with the most picturesque views of the area, as well. More than that, it offers an enchanting sight of the Colorado River.
Mary Colter Buildings
Designed by the renowned architect, Mary Colter, Mary Colter Buildings consists of four parts, established in the 1900s. There, you’ll find the Lookout Studio, the Hopi House, the Dessert Vier Watchtower, and the Hermits Rest. These are declared National Historic Landmarks as they are essential in the development of the National Park System in USA.
What to eat
Surely, going on an adventure into the Grand Canyon can drain your energy. After hours of walking and carrying some heavy equipment, give yourself a treat in one of the best restaurants in the area. To help you with your decision-making, here are few restaurants in the Grand Canyon National Park that are definitely worth a try.
The Phantom Ranch
Located inside the Grand Canyon National Park, by the northern edge of the Colorado River, the Phantom Ranch is a lovely little lodge that offers, aside from accommodations, an excellent restaurant with a rustic interior design that exudes so much country-side cozy vibes. Their food options are mostly American favorites, and they are made from the freshest locally sourced ingredients.
Bright Angel Bicycles and Cafe
If you are looking for a place to chill, Bright Angel Bicycles and Cafe is an excellent choice. It is a laid-back cafe with friendly vibes. Bright Angel Bicycles and Cafe is popular for their locally roasted coffee which is a sure blockbuster with tourists. Aside from that, you can enjoy some hearty sandwiches, soups, and other tasty culinary delights at the cafe, while marveling at the picturesque views.
El Tovar Lodge Dining Room
Showcasing an elegant and sleek interior design with romantic lighting, El Tovar Lodge Dining Room is a wonderful stop after hours of exploring the magnificent Grand Canyon National Park. They serve sumptuous American cuisine that is plated in an aesthetically pleasing manner. To top it all off, they are operational from breakfast to 10 in the evening.
Things to buy
Whether you need to do some last-minute equipment shopping to end-of-adventure souvenir scoring, the Canyon Village Market is the place to go to.
The Canyon Village Market
Situated in Market Plaza Road, the Canyon Village Market has everything you need and more. Aside from camping and hiking equipment, it carries clothing, accessories, souvenirs, and even fresh meat, fruits, and vegetables. Plus, it has a food court section where you can chill and enjoy some delicious snacks after shopping.
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Travelers tips
Book an experienced guide
The vastness of the Grand Canyon can be overwhelming, and if you don’t know about the safe and scenic routes, you might get lost in the wilderness. For a safer and hassle-free adventure, be sure to book an experienced guide that knows the twists and turns in the Grand Canyon.
Bring essential hiking equipment
Going to the Grand Canyon National Park is an adventure, an outdoor one. That being said, you should be equipped with the necessary tools and hiking equipment. Be sure to have an insect repellant ready, a sunscreen, a water bottle, a first-aid kit, and a camera with spare batteries. Plus, be sure to bring food as the journey can take long hours.
Wear appropriate clothes
When going on an outdoor adventure, it’s not enough that you have all the tools and equipment that you need. You should also know the appropriate clothing to wear. First, a good comfortable pair of sports shoes is always a good choice. Wear leggings and comfortable shorts that allow you to move and walk comfortably. Plus, a breathable shirt is a must, as well.
Tip from Content Creator
The Grand Canyon is much larger than you could ever imagine! Rent a car for the day to maximize your time there, if you're coming from Vegas. Also, make sure you get the correct directions for which side of the mountain you want to see. Here are some photography tips to make your visit to the Grand Canyon more memorable:
- Spend more than one day touring all areas of the Grand Canyon. If you stay in Arizona near the site, then you can hike to the canyon at sunrise or sunset and see more than one rim’s entrance.
- Bring tripods and high-quality cameras, set your self-timers, and have your equipment charged. We didn’t bring a tripod, so we had to rely on nice people to take our couples' photos; even a tour guide helped us out!
- Don’t be shy! Wear a dress if you’re not hiking, or bring a change of outfit for you and your partner. I got all dolled up and I was the only one! Everyone else was in sightseeing/hiking clothes, which is also fine. However, due to my look, I did get a lot of stares and some slight shade from onlookers judging the fact that I was model-ready! But did I care? No way!
- Be mindful of the time of day and lighting. If you go to the Grand Canyon during the late afternoon like us, there will be lots of pesky shadows around. So, try to research where the sun will be when you arrive, or freshen up on your Photoshop skills!
- Explore! You can take photos at the crowded railing entrances but if you walk around a little bit, you’ll find amazing viewpoints with no people and no railings! (Be careful though!)
How to get there
By car
The best way to go to the Grand Canyon National Park is by car. If you have a service vehicle, there are lots of parking spaces in the area for tourists who are traveling with their cars.
Tour shuttle service
If you booked a tour to the Grand Canyon, most likely, a service vehicle is included in the freebies.
Free shuttle service
When you’re inside the park, getting around is easy peasy as there are free shuttle services that snake through the park all-day-long.
How to get tickets
If you are planning to explore the Grand Canyon, you can book tickets from its official website. You can also book on the spot when you get there. You may also want to check out Klook’s Grand Canyon tour package for a more hassle-free adventure. Plus, they may have better deals for you.
Grand Canyon National Park information
Grand Canyon National Park
Address: Arizona, United States
Official Website: Grand Canyon National Park
Department of Tourism: Visit Arizona
Lower Antelope Canyon Admission with Guide Tour in Page
Duration: 1hrsDuration
History
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