Whether you are gazing a mile down to the Colorado River below or watching the sunset highlight distant buttes, a road trip to the Grand Canyon National Park in northern Arizona can be an awe-inspiring experience. With a little planning, you can have a memorable visit, whether for a brief day trip or an extended stay.
One of the most often taken Grand Canyon road trips is a day or overnight trip to the South Rim. Enter the park at the East Entrance and then follow the winding road northeast toward scenic Mather Point and the Yavapai Observation Station, both of which provide breathtaking canyon views, as well as a visitor center, bookstores and restrooms.
To stay overnight during a Grand Canyon road trip, you can enjoy comfortable lodging either at Xanterra Parks and Resorts, located inside the park, or in nearby Tusayan Village, seven miles south of the East Entrance. During warmer weather, though, try camping at one of the park's campgrounds, like Mather or Desert View.
To experience the Grand Canyon without the crowds during the peak season of May through September, plan your road trip to the park to coincide with the sunrise or the sunset. You can also slip away to stroll the Rim Trail or to overlook the Colorado River from the top of the watchtower at Desert View.
If you only have a few hours at the Grand Canyon, begin with a first view of the canyon at Mather Point and take a short walk to the rim at Hermits Rest. Then visit the 4,000-year-old Tusayan Ruin at Desert View. Before you leave, catch the stunning 34-minute Grand Canyon Movie at the IMAX Theater in Tusayan Village as well.
When planning your road trip, keep in mind that Grand Canyon National Park charges $25 per private vehicle for entrance into the park. The park can be partially or completely closed because of weather conditions during the winter, so always double-check road and weather forecasts before your trip.
