According to The Lonely Planet, the Grand Canyon attracts nearly 5 million visitors each year. Most visitors flock to the south rim of the canyon where the majority of the park's facilities are located. The north rim allows you to discover the canyon at your own pace.
The south rim draws tourists to its panoramic views and park facilities, but finding parking can be a challenge. The cooler temperatures and slower pace of the north face make it a good choice for hikers.
Mule tours attract many tourists, but participants must meet physical fitness requirements and generally need to reserve up to two years in advance. Float tours on calm sections of the Colorado River allow visitors of all ages to get views from the canyon floor. Other popular options include helicopter, plane and jeep tours.
The New York Times recommends the North Kaibab Trail on the north rim for backpackers looking for a scenic and quiet hike to the canyon floor. For a less strenuous walk along the rim, try the paved trail between Mather and Yauapi Points, two popular observation areas.
