How long are you supposed to look at the Grand Canyon?

We recommend spending at least one full day at the Grand Canyon South Rim and ideally two if time permits. One full day will allow time to explore some of the best viewpoints at the Grand Canyon, hike a portion of the Rim Trail, and maybe catch a sunrise and sunset.



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One of the best ways you can experience Grand Canyon in three to four hours is to combine walking with shuttle bus riding. Begin by walking to mather. Point, just passed a bathroom and a water refill station. Once at Mather Point, stop and gaze at the beautiful view.

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If you don't have a lot of time, and just want to see the canyon, take the short 5 minute walk (0.3 miles/ 0.48 km), from the Visitor Center Plaza to nearby Mather Point. Because it is close to the Visitor Center and parking lots, Mather Point is a busy scenic overlook.

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There's a lot to cover for hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back up in a single day. The park rangers will say you should not do this. If you have to wonder if you can do it, you probably shouldn't. This is only for endurance hikers who can endure a long day on the trail.

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Safety: Taking a guided tour can be safer than driving yourself, especially if you're not familiar with the terrain or weather conditions. However, there are also some downsides to taking a tour: Cost: Tours can be expensive, especially if you're traveling with a large group or booking a luxury tour.

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There is just one scenic drive open to private cars on the South Rim, Desert View Drive. The 23 mile (37 km) long Desert View Drive features marvelous panoramic views of Grand Canyon and the Colorado River.

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Prefer coming mid-week or at the beginning of the week: not surprisingly, weekends are the busiest at the Grand Canyon. Mondays and Tuesdays tend to be the least busy days, followed by Wednesdays.

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The best times to visit the Grand Canyon are March through May and September through November, when daytime temperatures are cool and crowds are thin.

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The average distance across the canyon is only 10 miles, however, the drive between the park's South Rim Village and the North Rim Village is about 212 miles and takes about 4 1/2 hours to drive. It takes time, planning, and effort to visit both rims in one trip.

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In the summer, wear shorts, a t-shirt, and running shoes with a light jacket or sweater. In the winter, opt for jeans, good shoes (or even boots – it does snow at the Grand Canyon!), and a long-sleeved shirt with a jacket or sweater.

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The best times to visit the Grand Canyon are March through May and September through November, when daytime temperatures are cool and crowds are thin. If you decide to visit during the summer (the park's peak season), be prepared for hordes of tourists and very limited lodging availability.

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Many consider the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to be the authentic Grand Canyon experience. It features vast, expansive views often seen in popular media. From the South Rim, you can experience close to two-dozen unique views of the Grand Canyon, many with sweeping views of the Colorado River.

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It is one of the number one tourist destinations worldwide, and it's an experience that will create lifelong memories for you and your family. If you're planning to stay in Las Vegas, taking a day trip to the canyon is well worth it and can get you out of the city to indulge in a truly unique outdoor experience.

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A lot of people skip this drive to the east (ending at the Desert View Watchtower) and it's a shame. It's a hidden gem with lookout/vistas that compete, if not outdo, some of the more popular stops in the main tourist area. That, coupled with fewer people, makes the 1-2 hr back and forth trip worth it.

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For people looking to book a Grand Canyon tour, it's best if you do it in advance. This will give you the chance to be more selective, searching for the best tour for your tastes. The popular tours won't be sold out yet and you'll have a wide range of dates to choose from. Plus, you're more likely to get discounts!

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– Guides are generally given a tip on the last night of the trip (or at lunch on the last day if you're on a 3-day trip). – Most passengers tip 8 to 10 percent of their trip cost, but you can tip whatever you feel is appropriate.

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You should plan to spend around $168 per day on your vacation in Grand Canyon National Park, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, $49 on meals for one day and $43 on local transportation.

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Feeding, touching, teasing, or intentionally disturbing wildlife is prohibited. Throwing or rolling rocks or other items down hillsides or mountainsides, into valleys or canyons, or inside caves is prohibited.

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