5 Steps to Planning the Perfect Trip to the Grand Canyon

Most people miss out on some of the most amazing views at the Grand Canyon, but that doesn’t have to be you! Check out this itinerary before you go.

STEP TWO: Pick Your Dates

>> How long should I stay?<<

This task should only take a few minutes.  Based on the decision you made in Step One, now it’s time to look at the calendar and pick your dates!

The reality of your trip will begin to set in as soon as you specifically decide when you are going to go.

As you look at the calendar to pick your dates, you’ll want to keep these things in mind:

• How much time you’ll be able to get off of work
• The amount of time it will take to travel to and from the Grand Canyon (not including your sightseeing days)
• How many days you can afford for lodging and dining
• If there are any major holidays/fee-free days/festivals you’d like to be in the park for or avoid

In addition to picking a specific time to visit, you’ll also need to think about how many days you want to be in the Grand Canyon.  Let me provide some guidance!

3 Days

To fully experience the SOUTH RIM of the park {the most popular area}, I strongly suggest giving yourself at least three FULL sightseeing days.  In that amount of time, you can see the best points of interest and give yourself time to get off the beaten path as well.

A 3-day visit will allow you to avoid the crowds like a champ, which will be especially beneficial if you plan on being in the park during the busy season!  If you have time to stay longer, you’ll open up more options for longer hikes and extra activities such as mule rides, rafting, or helicopter tours.

2 Days

Spending two full days at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon will still allow you to see all of the park’s main attractions, but you’ll likely have to cut out a few of the smaller and off-the-beaten-path stops.

1 Day

Grand Canyon in one day can be done, but I definitely don’t recommend it!  It is possible to experience the enchantment of the park, but you’ll miss out on some of the best sights that require more time.

You’ll also be traveling to the most popular areas of the park during some of the busiest times of the day, so getting caught in a few traffic jams along the way is inevitable!

SPECIAL NOTE:

Grand Canyon National Park consists of the South Rim {the most popular area} and the North Rim.  The North Rim is higher in elevation, more remote, and has a limited open season.  The two rims are separated by about a 4-hour drive.  I highly recommend a visit to the North Rim if you have the time and this area interests you.  I suggest 5 full days to experience both the North and South Rims of the park.

Alright, are you ready to complete Step Two?  Let’s lock in some dates!  Don’t forget to choose your dates based on how many sightseeing days you have PLUS the number of travel days you’ll need to get to and from the park.

It’s time to take a look at the calendar and pick some specific dates for your trip to the Grand Canyon!

Congrats! It’s so exciting to have the actual dates picked out.

Ready for Step Three?  Let’s go!

Click NEXT to answer the question “what should I do in the park?”.