If you’re wondering how many days to spend in Grand Canyon National Park, you’ve come to the right spot. I’m here to help you determine the amount of time to budget for this national park, taking into account the adventures you’re hoping to have during your time in the Grand Canyon.
How many days should you spend in the Grand Canyon? If you’re visiting the South Rim, you’ll want 2-3 days. For the North Rim, plan on visiting for 1-2 days. If you want to see both rims, give yourself 4-5 days!
My name is Ash, and I’m a former park ranger. The Grand Canyon is one of my favorite places to hike in and explore, and I can’t wait to help you make your dream trip a reality.
Let’s get deeper into the things you’ll want to consider when deciding how many days you should spend in the Grand Canyon.
Can I See the Grand Canyon in One Day?
You can see a few areas of the Grand Canyon in one day, but you won’t even come close to seeing all of the best spots in the park!
If you only have one day, you’ll have to decide between either the North Rim or the South Rim…there definitely won’t be time to see both.
The North Rim is smaller, so you can get to most of the main points of interest here in one day. The South Rim has a lot more to do, so you’ll barely scratch the surface if you only have one day here.
Regardless of which rim you visit, you won’t have time to see many of the smaller and off-the-beaten-path stops, which will also limit your wildlife sightings. You’ll be traveling to the most popular areas of the park during some of the busiest times of the day, so expect a lot of crowding and traffic.
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!
The Grand Canyon in Two Days
I suggest two full sightseeing days in Grand Canyon National Park at the very least. You’ll want to choose between either the North Rim or the South Rim if you only have two days in the park.
With two days on the North Rim, you’ll have time to extensively explore the area! You’ll be able to get to all of the can’t-miss spots, plus have time to add in a drive to Tuweep or some sightseeing in Page, AZ.
If you have two days on the South Rim, you’ll be able to cover a lot of ground, though you’ll still miss out on some of the quieter/more off-the-beaten-path stops. You can make it out to Hermits Rest, drive the Desert View Scenic Drive, and add in a couple of epic hiking trails.
The Grand Canyon in Three Days
You can explore a good portion of the South Rim in two days, but it’s amazing the difference an extra day can make. If you can spend three full days on the South Rim, you will have time to see some of the most spectacular parts of the park that many people never see.
With three full days on the South Rim, you’ll have time to see all of the main can’t-miss sights, hike several trails, enjoy wildlife viewing, and find solitude. You can see the very best of the park without the fear of missing out on anything!
A three-day visit to the South Rim will open up more options for capturing stunning photographs in the park in various lighting and weather conditions. It’s nice to have multiple evenings to enjoy a few nice dinners, join in on ranger programs, or return to your favorite spots after the crowds have gone.
One other fabulous thing about giving yourself three full days in the park is that it will be much easier to get to the busy spots when the crowds are the smallest. That will save you a lot of time and provide opportunities for solitude!
If you only have three days to spend at the Grand Canyon, I suggest spending all three on the South Rim versus trying to fit both the North Rim and the South Rim into such a small number of days.
However, if you really want to see both rims in three days, it can be done! I recommend spending about 1.5 days on the South Rim, half a day driving between the two rims, and then one day on the North Rim.
How Many Days Do I Need to See Both the North and the South Rims?
If you have your heart set on visiting both the North Rim and the South Rim on your visit to the Grand Canyon, you won’t regret it!
I recommend five full days in the area to get through this entire can’t-miss list of activities for both rims. With five full days, you’ll have an incredible, well-rounded, extensive visit to the Grand Canyon that will allow for some epic adventures!
Do you need help with your daily schedule for the Grand Canyon?
Get the inside scoop for your upcoming vacation —> this itinerary is the most detailed, epic, and easy-to-follow guide to the park!
Other Things to Consider
Before you solidify your travel dates or book your lodging for the Grand Canyon, you’ll want to think about a few things, such as:
Do you want to spend your time on the North Rim or the South Rim?
The Grand Canyon is unique because there are two vastly different areas of the park you can explore, but they are separated by a massive chasm! Because it takes about 4 hours to drive between the North Rim and the South Rim, you’ll need to decide which rim you want to spend your time exploring.
How much time will it take to travel to and from the Grand Canyon (not including your sightseeing days)?
Many people forget to factor in the time it will take for them to drive to the park, which can cut into your sightseeing and leave you wishing for more time. For example, if you plan on spending one day in the Grand Canyon but you don’t get to the park until 10 a.m., you’ll severely limit the things you’ll have time to see. This is especially true if you visit during the summer — parking lots will be completely full by then.
Are there any major holidays/fee-free days/festivals you’d like to be in the park for or avoid?
If you’re visiting over a holiday or fee-free day, the crowds will be higher, and parking lots will be packed. You may have a harder time getting around to all the can’t-miss spots, so some extra time could be beneficial.
Are there other national parks and points of interest you’re hoping to see on the same trip?
The Grand Canyon is close to several other national parks, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Petrified Forest. Even if you are hoping to visit other parks while you’re in the area, you’ll need to plan a good amount of time in the Grand Canyon. Most people underestimate the number of days they’ll need to fully enjoy the park!
Grand Canyon Itinerary Options
I’m here to help you determine how many days to spend in Yosemite, so here are a few sample trip itineraries for the area that can help you decide how to split your time between parks!
After you decide how to split your time, these detailed itineraries will provide you with a ton of extra information on things to do, driving directions, lodging and dining options, and insider tips for your trip.
If you have:
A Weekend
I recommend spending your whole weekend at the Grand Canyon. You’ll want to choose between the North Rim or the South Rim.
One Week
Grand Canyon National Park
Day 1 — Fly into Las Vegas and drive to the North Rim (4.5 hours)
Day 2 — North Rim
Day 3 — North Rim, then drive to the South Rim (4 hours)
Day 4 — South Rim
Day 5 — South Rim
Day 6 — South Rim
Day 7 — Drive back to Vegas to catch your flight (4.5 hours)
Grand Canyon and Zion
Day 1 — Fly into Las Vegas and drive to Zion (3 hours)
Day 2 — Zion
Day 3 — Zion, then drive to the North Rim (2 hours)
Day 4 — North Rim
Day 5 — Drive to the South Rim (4 hours) in the morning, then South Rim
Day 6 — South Rim
Day 7 — Drive back to Vegas to catch your flight (4.5 hours)
10 Days
Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce Canyon
Day 1 — Fly into Las Vegas and drive to Zion (3 hours)
Day 2 — Zion
Day 3 — Zion, then drive to Bryce Canyon (1.5 hours)
Day 4 — Bryce Canyon
Day 5 — Drive to the North Rim (3 hours)
Day 6 — North Rim
Day 7 — Drive to the South Rim (4 hours) in the morning, then South Rim
Day 8 — South Rim
Day 9 — South Rim
Day 10 — Drive back to Vegas to catch your flight (4.5 hours)
Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Petrified Forest
Day 1 — Fly into Phoenix and drive to Sedona (2 hours)
Day 2 — Sedona
Day 3 — Drive to the South Rim (2 hours)
Day 4 — South Rim
Day 5 — South Rim
Day 6 — Drive to Petrified Forest (3 hours)
Day 7 — Petrified Forest
Day 8 — Drive to Phoenix (3.5 hours)
Day 9 — Phoenix
Day 10 — Catch your flight out of Phoenix
2 Weeks
Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Las Vegas
Day 1 — Fly into Las Vegas and drive to Zion (3 hours)
Day 2 — Zion
Day 3 — Zion
Day 4 — Zion, then drive to Bryce Canyon (1.5 hours)
Day 5 — Bryce Canyon
Day 5 — Bryce Canyon, then drive to the North Rim (3 hours)
Day 6 — North Rim
Day 7 — North Rim, then drive to the South Rim (4 hours)
Day 8 — South Rim
Day 9 — South Rim
Day 10 — South Rim
Day 11 — Drive to Vegas (4.5 hours)
Day 12 — Las Vegas
Day 13 — Las Vegas
Day 14 — Catch your flight out of Las Vegas
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!
Enjoy your trip to Grand Canyon National Park. Happy trails!
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.
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.
Best Things to Do — activities for every type of adventurer.
The Ultimate Grand Canyon Trip Planning Guide — everything you need to know.
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Hi Ash, do your itineraries include one-day white water rafting options?
They don’t. Rafting trips typically start at Lees Ferry, which is quite a distance from the most popular activities on both the North Rim and the South Rim. So if you want to add in rafting, you’ll want to give yourself an extra day beyond what my itineraries cover!
Hi Ash,
Thanks for the great information. I’m looking for advice on a Christmas visit.
We will be driving from Springdale to Holiday Inn Express – Grand Canyon on Dec 24 and will check in for a 2 night stay, leaving Dec 26 (for Meteor Crater and Holbrook).
Any advice on getting the most from the park with the time we have. One adult and 8 year old child.
Thanks!
My Zion Itinerary will help a ton with making the most of your time and avoiding the Christmas crowds! Have fun!
Hi Ash! Do you have a 7-day itinerary for the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Horseshoe Bend?
I don’t, but my 5-Day Grand Canyon Itinerary includes Horseshoe Bend!