5 Steps to Planning the Perfect Trip to the Grand Canyon

STEP THREE: Make Your Can’t-Miss List

>> What should I do while I’m here? <<

You made it to Step Three!  Up until now, the steps have been pretty simple….but it’s time to dig into the nitty-gritty of trip planning.

Your task now is to decide what you want to see while you are at the Grand Canyon.  This will likely involve several hours of planning and research.

Or…if you’d like to bypass this step, take a look at this Grand Canyon Itinerary.  I’ve already done all the hard work for you!

Now it’s time to get out your notes and laptop and get ready to research.  

First, make a list of the things you absolutely don’t want to miss while you are at the Grand Canyon.  

These are the big points of interest that initially piqued your interest in taking a trip to the park.

You may find the official NPS website and the Dirt In My Shoes Ultimate Guide to the Grand Canyon helpful for finding the can’t-miss spots.

If it’s your first time to the Grand Canyon, your list will probably include places like Mather Point, Hermits Rest, and the Rim Trail.

This list might also include wildlife viewing spots, activities you’d like to take part in, or restaurants you’re dying to try depending on your personal interests and priorities.

Second, make a list of things that would be nice to do or see if you’re able to fit them in.  

Maybe you’re excited about all of the historic areas {such as the Kolb Studio, the Hopi House, or the old cemetery}, but you’re not sure if you’ll be able to get to all of them.  Put them on this list.

Maybe you want to hike some of the park’s longer trails, but you’re not sure if you’ll have time to do them.  Put those hikes on this list.

Third, use the lists you made to group the activities together by region.  

Take a look at the Grand Canyon map and organize the things you want to do based on where they are located within the park.

For example, a few of the main regions at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon are Hermits Rest and Desert View.   Referring to this list of things you can’t miss, I’d lump Hopi Point and Hermits Rest under the Hermits Rest area.  The Desert View area would include the Desert View Tower and Grandview Point….and so on.

It actually is possible to have a disastrous time at the Grand Canyon, which is why this step is so important to complete.  The Grand Canyon is definitely not a place you just want to show up to without a good plan. 

Don’t forget that I’ve already created a spectacular plan for you if you need some help completing this step.

It’s much easier to move forward with planning if you have a list of must-see’s organized together by region….and it sure will come in handy over the next two steps as we wrap up your Grand Canyon plan.

That’s it for Step Three!  Now on to Step Four, where you’ll learn all about the entrances and towns that surround the park.

Click NEXT to plan out your lodging.