Whether you’re here for a day trip, or a week-long stay, the Grand Canyon is a must see! The entire canyon stretches 277 miles long, and can take over seven hours to drive from one end to the other. Most tourists choose to explore a portion during their visit.
The Grand Canyon’s South Rim is the most popular spot, and our recommendation.
Set your GPS to “Grand Canyon South Rim Visitor Center” or 8 S Entrance Road, Williams, AZ 86046.
If you depart from Sedona, plan a stop at Macy’s European Coffee House in Flagstaff. (I highly recommend the Avocado BLT sandwich—their organic tempeh bacon is to die for!)
Upon arrival, you’ll need to pay a $35 entrance fee (valid for 7 days). Park in the visitor center parking lot, grab your backpack, and begin exploring! It’s as simple as that. Prior to arriving, I was overwhelmed trying to research the ins and outs of maneuvering the canyon, however, we soon found it was easy to navigate. We simply parked the car, followed the crowd, and headed toward the purple canyon views in the distance.
Without a plan in mind (which is not typical of me), we were able to spend eight hours solely taking in different views of the canyon.
Don’t let the crowds discourage you. Find a spot near the fence and you’ll see nothing but beauty in front of you. We spent our day walking up and down the different viewpoints, taking it all in.
When your feet need a break, head to the visitor center.
Sit down for a quick lunch, replenish your snack bag, and don’t forget to souvenir shop!
Make sure to grab tickets for the IMAX theatre during your visit, for a 30-minute show featuring the Grand Canyon’s history. It’s perfect for all ages, and the break from the heat is a plus! Tickets are $14, but we found a Groupon that included a free personal pizza and pop!
Once you’ve rested up, check out the Bright Angel Lodge, located on-site at the South Rim. Whether you plan your stay here, or you’re just passing through, the sights and trails are a great way to take a break from the crowds. I promise, you will still enjoy the same views! They even have an old-fashioned ice cream soda fountain (open seasonally).
Just when you think you’ve seen it all, wait until the sun starts to set.
It’s like walking up to the Grand Canyon for the first time, all over again. We caught sunset at the Desert View Tower. This was an ideal spot, with less crowds and picturesque views! Be sure to leave yourself a good fifteen minutes to walk from the parking lot to the lookout point. You won’t want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime scene, during your day trip to the Grand Canyon!
