Grand Canyon Travel Tips

 

Keep in Mind...

• You don't need a car While driving may seem like the easiest way to get to the Grand Canyon, you'll have to deal with winding roads and overcrowded parking lots. You're better off relying on public transportation.
• Bring layers Even if you're visiting in the midst of summer, you can bank on chilly winds once the sun goes down. Make sure to bring a jacket just in case.
• Don't forget your permits If you are planning on setting up camp away from the designated campgrounds, you will need a backcountry permit. You can pick one up at one of the park's visitors' centers or ranger stations.

"Grand" doesn't begin to do this canyon justice. Measuring approximately 277 miles in length, up to 18 miles in width and a mile deep, this massive chasm in northern Arizona is truly a natural wonder. For six million years, the Grand Canyon has expanded with the help of the mighty Colorado River, and for centuries, people from all over the globe have traveled to gaze out over its red and orange grandeur. Managed by the National Park Service and officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Grand Canyon leaves its approximately 4.5 million visitors per year awestruck.
But if you're seeking a secluded escape to Mother Nature, you should be prepared: The Grand Canyon can be very crowded. The South Rim -- home to the Grand Canyon Village and the well-worn Bright Angel Trail -- is particularly popular for sightseers and hikers. It is on this side that you'll find the most amenities. However, for a true escapist experience, head to the North Rim. This is the place for backwoods camping and hardcore hiking.

How To Save Money in Grand Canyon

• BYOB Bring your own bed. Hotel rooms inside the park can be pretty pricey. Instead, reserve a spot in one of the campgrounds or purchase a backcountry camping permit for a fraction of the cost.
• Arrive fashionably late If you're set on a summer trip, you'll have better luck finding deals on a place to hang your hat if you visit at the end of August.
• Shuttle away Forget the car. You can save money on rentals, gas and parking by relying on the Grand Canyon's free shuttle bus service. It's the easiest way to explore the South Rim.

Grand Canyon Dining

Many travelers prefer a quick meal at one of the on-site cafeterias in the South Rim, instead of an extended (and expensive) meal at one of the park's restaurants. Whatever you do, avoid the food in the nearby town of Tusayan, Ariz.; recent travelers say that the city's restaurants are particularly disappointing. In fact, many recommend packing lunches from local delis.

Grand Canyon Hotel Guide

Park lodging ranges from rustic campgrounds to upscale, lodge-style hotels with grand suite views of the canyon. And most of it tends to be excellent, if a little expensive. If you don't mind driving into the park, there are plenty of chain hotels in nearby Williams and Flagstaff, Ariz.

• Southwestern details and motifs are incorporated into Grand Canyon hotels. Staying in the more crowded park lodges gives you easy access to hiking trails, but if you stray a bit from the herd you can enjoy the peace and personalized touch of a quaint bed & breakfast. Luxury, moderate, and budget properties across the board are mostly family-friendly." -- Sherman's Travel

Inside the Park

There are a fair number of lodging options within Grand Canyon National Park, which range from luxurious lodges to budget-friendly campgrounds. Aside from the Grand Canyon Lodge, most of the hotels can be found in the South Rim's touristy Grand Canyon Village or in nearby Tusayan. The luxurious El Tovar Hotel is among some of travelers' favorite options. Any of these accommodations grant you easy access to hiking trails, and some experts say that hotels here are actually cheaper than those in nearby Arizona towns like Flagstaff and Sedona.
Camping is also an option. Along the South Rim, you'll find established campsites, like the Desert View Campground and the Visitor Center Campground, which feature necessary amenities such as bathroom facilities and picnic areas. There are a few campgrounds like this on the North Rim (including the DeMotte Campground), but many visitors to the North Rim choose to set up camp away from established camping areas. If you choose to stay away from official campgrounds, you will need to obtain a backcountry camping permit. For more information, visit the Grand Canyon website.

• When planning a visit to the Grand Canyon, I recommend reserving a place inside the park for at least 1 night. This lets you savor the canyon's twilight hours without having to drive far in the dark." -- Frommer's
• If you plan on backpacking or camping during your visit to the canyon, be sure to get a backcountry permit and make campground reservations well in advance." -- Moon Travel Guides

Outside the Park

Whether there's no availability within the park, or you're looking to escape the (somewhat kitschy) Southwestern décor, there is plenty of lodging in nearby towns like Williams (about 60 miles south of the park), Flagstaff (about 80 miles south of the park) and Sedona (about 110 miles south of the park). Choosing to stay outside the park will allow you more opportunities to explore northern Arizona. However, these options are not the most convenient if you're hoping to spend a significant amount of time at the canyon.

• Rooms in Flagstaff, Williams, and Kanab -- all three of which are more than 50 miles from the park -- generally cost less than comparable ones inside the park." -- Frommer's
• If you plan to make Flagstaff your base of explorations, Comfi Cottages … rents historic bungalows close to downtown. If you're on a tight budget, Flag has two highly regarded hostels under single management, Grand Canyon International Hostel … and Dubeau." -- Moon Travel Guides