Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most epic and adventurous national parks in the country — it’s a place you’ll never forget! There are so many things to do at the Grand Canyon, you’ll never run out of fun activities for every member of your group.
My name is Ash, and I’m a former park ranger. You’ll find me exploring Grand Canyon National Park almost yearly, and I’m excited to share the best things to do at the Grand Canyon with you.
This article includes information on family activities, hiking, biking, winter activities, and so much more.
Keep reading (or if you want to fast-forward, click on the links below) to find the perfect activities for your specific interests!
The Top 10 Things To Do at the Grand Canyon
You want to be sure to see all of the highlights when you visit the Grand Canyon for the first time! Combat your fear of missing out with this list of the top things to do in the park.
If you make it through this top ten list, you can relax knowing that you’ve had a well-rounded, complete tour of Grand Canyon National Park!
When you are ready for more detailed information on the top things to do, including driving directions and trip planning help, click over to this list of things you can’t miss on your first visit to the Grand Canyon.
Mather Point
Mather Point is one of the most popular viewpoints at the Grand Canyon. It provides stunning panoramic views and is a great place to catch the sunrise or sunset.
Bright Angel Trail
If you’re hoping to take a short hike below the rim, you’ll love the tunnels along the famous Bright Angel Trail!
This trail travels all the way down to the canyon floor, but you definitely don’t want to miss hiking at least a portion of it.
Grandview Point
Grandview Point provides a stunning look into the canyon, but it has an interesting human history as well. If you want to learn more about mining and early tourism at the Grand Canyon, you’ll enjoy this viewpoint!
Desert View Watchtower
The Desert View Watchtower is a nod to the area’s Native American history. Climb the stairs to the top to enjoy the view from the highest point on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Hermits Rest Road
The road out to Hermits Rest takes you to some of the best viewpoints of the Grand Canyon! You’ll love the dramatic scenery as you spend some time along this route.
Trail of Time
This flat and easy trail travels right along the rim of the Grand Canyon. You’ll learn all about the geology of the canyon as you walk through the interpretive displays and enjoy the views.
South Kaibab Trail
The South Kaibab Trail is my favorite trail at the Grand Canyon! It descends quickly (making it a beast to come back up), but the views from this trail are phenomenal.
These remaining stops are found at the North Rim, which is a 4-hour drive from the more popular South Rim. For more information on the rims of the Grand Canyon, check out this post.
Bright Angel Point
Bright Angel Point is a lovely short trail that provides spectacular canyon views. This is a fabulous place to catch the sunrise!
Point Imperial
Point Imperial is the highest viewpoint in Grand Canyon National Park! You can see the Colorado and the Little Colorado Rivers from here, as well as many unique formations down in the canyon.
Angels Window and Cape Royal
You can get to Angels Window and Cape Royal with just one short and easy hike! Cape Royal is my favorite viewpoint on the North Rim, and standing atop Angels Window will likely give you some serious vertigo!
For more trip-planning information (including driving directions) on each of these stops, check out this list of things you can’t miss on your first visit to the Grand Canyon.
How long does it take to see the top ten things in Grand Canyon National Park?
Because the North and South Rims are separated by a 4-hour drive, it takes a while to get through this entire list of the top things to see. Give yourself 4-5 days if you’re hoping to experience the best of both rims.
If you have less time than that, I recommend focusing on the South Rim. You can hit the main spots at the South Rim in 2-3 days and have a great experience.
If you’d like more help, I have a whole article devoted to helping you figure out how many days to spend at the Grand Canyon.
Planning a trip to the Grand Canyon can be overwhelming.
How do you make a solid plan if you’ve never been to the park before? How do you keep everyone in your group excited and engaged?
You can spend hours on the internet searching for things to do, but you still won’t find the insider tips and first-hand knowledge that I’ve gained from working as a park ranger.
If you’re hoping to see the best sights without getting stuck in traffic, circling parking lots, or being surrounded by people, check out this Grand Canyon Itinerary.
You will see all of the can’t-miss spots, plus get lodging and dining guides, driving directions, and insider tips!
Grand Canyon National Park has an adventure for every age and skill level! Now that we’ve covered the top 10 things to do in the park, it’s time to dig deeper into your own personal interests.
Things to Do at the Grand Canyon With Kids
Grand Canyon National Park can be a little daunting with kids — especially if they are young. Something about standing on the edge of a giant canyon with an unpredictable toddler sure can make you nervous :)
Despite some extra anxiety, I love taking my kids to the Grand Canyon! You’ll find a nice variety of short hikes and fun activities for kids. It’s easy to feel like you’re on an adventure with your family while you’re here.
If you are hoping to do some day hikes at the Grand Canyon with your kids, my favorite easier trails include the Trail of Time, Angels Window, and the Bright Angel Tunnels. You can find out more about each of these trails, and a few more, in this article.
I like to take my kids to some of the enclosed buildings that are right on the edge of the canyon. That way, we can still enjoy the views without my nerves kicking in! The Kolb Studio, Desert View Watchtower, and Yavapai Geology Museum are really cool options for that.
Definitely don’t just stick to the buildings to see the views, though. You’ll love the many viewpoints along Hermit Road, Desert View Drive, and the North Rim Scenic Drive. There are many places to stop and admire the canyon along these scenic drives!
While you’re in the Grand Canyon Village area at the South Rim, be sure to stop and get ice cream at the Bright Angel Lodge. My kids always look forward to eating ice cream with views of the Grand Canyon.
Don’t forget to pick up a Jr. Ranger book at any Grand Canyon visitor center. These books have activities that your kids can complete to earn their very own ranger badge. This is a great way to keep them engaged and excited as you explore the Grand Canyon!
Things to Do at the Grand Canyon if You Love to Hike
If you are a hiker, it will feel like you’ve died and gone to heaven when you get to Grand Canyon National Park! This park has some of the biggest, baddest, and most dangerous hiking trails in America. Hiking here is a massive accomplishment and something you will never forget!
The Grand Canyon has several epic trails that travel down to the bottom of the canyon. My favorite is the South Kaibab Trail — this is the fastest way to get from the South Rim down to the river. Your knees will feel it, but the views along this route more than compensate for the pain!
If you go down into the canyon via the South Kaibab, then you’ll want to come back up the canyon via the Bright Angel Trail. This is the most famous trail in Grand Canyon National Park, but it’s definitely best suited for coming up. This trail is less steep than the South Kaibab, and it has resthouses and water-filling stations (which you will most definitely want as you make your way up the switchbacks).
If you’re on the North Rim, or if you’re hoping to hike Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim, you’ll use the North Kaibab Trail to access the bottom of the canyon. At around 14 miles one-way, this trail is longer than the other two.
All three of these trails are phenomenal! If you don’t want to hike all the way down to the Colorado River, there are other destinations along the way that make great turn-around spots. You can find more info about shorter options along these trails here.
Beyond the famous three, other trails do travel down to the river! These trails are often not maintained and provide a much more adventurous experience. If you’ve already hiked the more maintained trails down the canyon, then consider hiking the Grandview Trail, the Hermit Trail, or the New Hance Trail if you’re looking for a primitive and wild adventure in the canyon.
It’s also worth noting that hiking to Supai Village and Havasu Falls is a bucket list trail at the Grand Canyon for many people. This trail is not in the national park, but you can find out more about the route and permit process here.
Do you love to have a plan?
Get the inside scoop for your upcoming vacation —> this itinerary is the most detailed, epic, and easy-to-follow guide to the park!
Things to Do at the Grand Canyon if You Don’t Want to Hike
If hiking isn’t something you can do or want to do at the Grand Canyon, you can still see a lot of the park! Biking, joining a guided activity/tour, or taking a scenic drive are some great alternative options for your time here.
Most people enjoy the Grand Canyon from the rim — no hiking required! There are many magnificent views to be seen from your car, and some of my favorite scenic drives in the park are:
- Desert View Drive (beautiful varied views of the canyon, especially the river below, found on the South Rim)
- Hermit Road (dramatic views along the South Rim. A free shuttle is required for most of the year)
- North Rim Scenic Drive (viewpoints and hikes on the North Rim)
To experience the park in a unique way, try taking a guided tour or joining a ranger program! With available programs and tours consisting of everything from helicopter rides to stargazing, you’ll be sure to make the most out of your trip with an experienced guide or ranger at your side!
The South Rim has a fantastic biking route that travels along the Hermit Road. You can rent bikes from Bright Angel Bicycles here and then make your way to some of the best viewpoints in the park.
You’ll love the many historic buildings at Grand Canyon Village. Be sure to check out the Kolb Studio, Lookout Studio, Hopi House, and El Tovar while you’re at the South Rim.
Winter Activities at the Grand Canyon
Winter at the Grand Canyon is much like the rest of the year, just without the 100-degree temperatures and massive crowds!
The North Rim is closed during the winter, so you’ll want to focus your trip on the South Rim. You can get to all of the main South Rim activities during the winter — you’ll just want to make a few adjustments.
The South Rim gets snow, so temporary road closures occasionally happen. But, weather permitting, you’ll be able to get to everything along the South Rim. If you plan on hiking down into the canyon, you’ll want traction devices for your hiking shoes. The trails get icy!
If you’re hoping to get out of the cold, visit a museum like Kolb Studio or the Yavapai Geology Museum. These museums are great opportunities to learn about the Grand Canyon and have a unique experience at the park—you can even catch special events like art shows at these museums!
Things to Do at the Grand Canyon if You Love Ranger Programs
Participating in ranger programs can greatly enhance your experience at Grand Canyon National Park. You’ll learn interesting facts, meet other travelers, and connect with someone who loves the park and knows it well!
Grand Canyon has an impressive selection of ranger programs that are available at almost any time of day.
If you’re at the North Rim, you’ll find ranger-led hikes, amphitheater programs, and night sky activities during the summer season. The North Rim also hosts special events such as a Star Party and Native American Heritage Days. You can learn more about all of these programs here.
The South Rim runs ranger programs at almost any time of day! You also have a wide variety of historic buildings and museums to tour in this area.
Hang around Grand Canyon Village if you love ranger-led activities — you’ll find most ranger talks or walks here. I also recommend stopping by the Kolb Studio and the Yavapai Geology Museum if you have time. You can find out more about the offered programs here.
The Tusayan Museum and Ruin is a stop along Desert View Drive that most people overlook, but this site provides a cool opportunity to learn more from a park ranger or volunteer. I have had some neat conversations with rangers here!
If you’re interested in Native American culture, you’ll find some amazing programs at Desert View. Many artisans provide demonstrations throughout the year while sharing more about their craft and culture.
Wheelchair-Friendly Things to Do at the Grand Canyon
You’ll be able to enjoy many of the best sights if you’re visiting Grand Canyon National Park in a wheelchair — there are so many fabulous viewpoints and scenic drives in this park!
Most viewpoints, trailheads, picnic areas, and visitor centers at the Grand Canyon have handicapped parking stalls and ramps. The official park website has detailed information about each area of the park and its accessibility.
All park shuttle buses are wheelchair-friendly. Bus drivers will be there to help you embark and disembark with a wheelchair if needed. If you’re unable to get your wheelchair onto a shuttle bus (there are some size limitations), you can get a special permit to drive to areas that are usually closed to cars.
The park also has a supply of tandem bicycles available to rent as an alternative way of experiencing the South Rim. You can take bikes and wheelchairs on the Greenway Trail (found along Hermit Road near Hermits Rest).
The best wheelchair-friendly trail at the Grand Canyon is the Rim Trail. This trail is long, and some portions of it are not accessible, but many are. I particularly love the Trail of Time section and the Greenway Trail section. You can find out more about each of these trails and a few others in this article (near the end).
Things to Do at the Grand Canyon With Your Dog
Due to the fragile desert environment and large amounts of wildlife, efforts are being made to protect the natural landscape of the Grand Canyon. This includes restricting dogs from some areas of the park.
In general, the South Rim is more dog-friendly than the North Rim. If you’re planning on bringing your pet to the Grand Canyon, please read through this article before you go!
High Adventure Activities at the Grand Canyon
If you’re looking for something to get your adrenaline going, consider rafting, backpacking, riding a mule, or 4x4ing to a remote location in Grand Canyon National Park.
The Grand Canyon is a world-famous backpacking destination. There is nothing like hiking up and down the canyon walls of the Grand Canyon and spending a night out in the scenery. For the ultimate thrill, hike from Rim to Rim (start at one rim, camp at the bottom of the canyon, and then end at the other rim) or Rim to Rim to Rim. You can’t get much more adventurous than that!
Rafting is a thrill, and there’s no better place to go river rafting than at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. This is an experience you absolutely won’t forget! If you plan on rafting, you’ll need to make arrangements well in advance.
If you’d like to make it down into the Grand Canyon but would prefer not to hike, mule trips are great option! Mules have been used to carry supplies through the Grand Canyon for a long time, and they carry people, too.
Tuweep is one of the most beautiful areas of Grand Canyon National Park, but you can only get there if you have a high-clearance vehicle. A trip out here makes for a fun and adventurous day at the canyon!
Things to Do at the Grand Canyon if You Love to Bike
If you want to bike at the Grand Canyon, the best place in the park is the South Rim’s Greenway Trail. This paved pathway travels between many stunning viewpoints and provides a unique way to see the park. We love biking the section of the Greenway Trail between Monument Creek Vista and Pima Point.
You’ll find a couple of hard-packed trails at the North Rim that also allow bikes. The Bridle Path and the Arizona Trail offer miles of biking fun in a more remote and quiet location!
For more information about any of these biking options, plus information on renting bikes or taking them on the free park shuttles, click here.
Things to Do Near the Grand Canyon
The area around the Grand Canyon could easily keep you busy for a long time! If you’re hoping to see another national park in the area, you might visit Zion or Petrified Forest. Other places that might pique your interest include the cities of Page or Sedona.
From the Grand Canyon, you’re not too far from several Utah parks, including Zion National Park. Many people try to visit multiple national parks while traveling in this area of Northern Arizona/Southern Utah. If you don’t mind some extra driving, you can reach some of the most amazing scenery in the country as you hit additional national parks in this area. For my personal itinerary and schedule ideas to see multiple parks, check out this article.
Petrified Forest National Park is another fun day trip option located just a few hours east of the Grand Canyon. This park is beautiful and unique!
I also love visiting Page, AZ, when I’m in the area. Page is a city located between the North and South Rims of the Grand Canyon, and there are so many cool things to do here! A few of my favorite activities are touring Antelope Canyon, hiking to Horseshoe Bend, or boating on Lake Powell.
Sedona, AZ, is another fun city with beautiful scenery, good food, and plenty of activity options. You’ll find hiking, climbing, and rafting in addition to more relaxed activities like golfing and visiting wineries. Whatever you like to do, you’ll find it in Sedona.
I hope you have an amazing time working your way through these things to do at the Grand Canyon. Have fun!
More Grand Canyon Trip Planning Information
Grand Canyon Itinerary — a detailed hour-by-hour sightseeing schedule.
How to Get to the Grand Canyon — the best airports and roads in the area.
How Many Days Should I Spend at the Grand Canyon? — itinerary ideas.
The Best Time to Visit — what to expect during each month of the year.
Weather, Hours, and Closures — important weather info and common closures.
Where Should I Stay? — the best options in and around the park.
All About Camping — learn about the park’s campgrounds and how to get a site.
12 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit to the Grand Canyon — the top 12 spots.
The Best Easy Hikes — the perfect trails for kids, wheelchairs, and beginners.
The Ultimate Grand Canyon Trip Planning Guide — everything you need to know.
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