Top 10 Things To Do in the Grand Canyon National Park

Last Updated on March 28, 2023 by Nikki Jain

The Grand Canyon of the Colorado River is one of the wonders of the world. 277 miles long, a mile deep, and anywhere from 5 to 18 miles across, this canyon flaunts one of the most impressive landscape features that is beyond description. It would be a crime to be in the vicinity of the canyon and not see it. The Grand Canyon does justice to its name. It is grand. The scientists have explained that it was the result of the seismic activities and the water movement that left the flat land into a ridged canyon.

The rocky structure of the Grand Canyon is ridged in most places and experts indicate they are the result of extensive seismic activity that caused the formation of the canyon. If you ever converse with someone who has seen the Grand Canyon, they will tell you that it is different to see from every angle.

It is so vast and features so much landscape that you want to see it from every angle. From up and down, from side to side, from edge to edge. That is why most people come on holidays to the Canyon. They need ample time to truly experience the Grand Canyon.

If you are also planning to visit the Grand Canyon, here are the 10 best things you can do during your visit.

Things To Do in the Grand Canyon

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1: Take a Hike

Take a Hike
Flickr/aigle_dore

While you’re at the Grand Canyon, you cannot experience its great landscape and its atmosphere without actually hiking across the trails. The spectacular land formations, stunning scenic vistas and nature’s amazing colors are the reason that you need to visit and experience the Canyon on foot. However, you cannot randomly go hiking in the Canyon because it is vast and there’s a good chance that you might be lost. What you can do is take a hike on one of the most popular and best-maintained path, the Bright Angel Trail.

The Bright Angel Trail descends from the west end of Grand Canyon Village, following a route blazed by prospectors in the 1890s. It’s an 18-mile hike down to the Colorado River and back. If you are looking for a shorter day hike then you can cut off to Plateau Point which is 1,300 feet above the river and a 13-mile round-trip from the South Rim.

One of the older and more interesting paths for hiking is the old trail that drops down from Grandview Point to Horseshoe Mesa. Hiking on this trail, you can still see the remnants of an old copper mine that closed in 1907. It is a six-mile round-trip and gives a memorable overview of the Grand Canyon.

Address: Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

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Also Read: Arizona Top 20 Attractions

2: Raft in the Grand Canyon

Raft in the Grand Canyon
Flickr/NPS
The Colorado River is a part of the Grand Canyon experience and if you want a complete and exhilarating experience, then you should definitely opt for white-water rafting. The multi-day rafting excursions are led by a professional outfitter. While rafting, you can experience the awe-inspiring scenery, splendid side hikes and adrenaline-pumping whitewater rapids.

Address: Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

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3: Stay at the Grand Canyon

Stay at the Grand Canyon
Flickr/NPS

Yes, it seems like a great idea to live in a nearby motel and drive to the Grand Canyon in the morning and drive back at night.

If you actually think about it, what you're saving on rent, you're spending on gas.

So if you are planning to visit and experience the Grand Canyon, you can call ahead to the canyon's concessionaire, Xanterra, and make a reservation for staying at the Grand Canyon Village lodgings.

There are different accommodations according to the budget. The lodgings offer a great view from different angles and you get to stay in the Canyon.

With specially preserved hotels to one-night lodges, you can find an accommodation best suited to your needs and budget.

Address: Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

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4: Sky-walking

Sky-walking
Flickr/Richard Jones
You want an out of the world experience high in the sky then you could head to the Skywalk at Grand Canyon West. It is a five-hour drive from the South Rim. A glass-floored, horseshoe-shaped walk ventures over the massive canyon. You can marvel at open views as you walk almost a mile above the Colorado River.

Address: Eagle Point Rd, Peach Springs, AZ 86434

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If you don’t want to take your car and you are not into hiking, then you could always opt for biking across the Grand Canyon. The biking offers an exhilarating experience for feeling the rush at its great heights and getting a whiff of the intoxicating air.

Address: 10 S Entrance Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023

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6: Take a Train

Take a Train
Flickr/Drew Jacksich
The Grand Canyon Railways are a great way to go back in time. Developed especially for tourists, the railway features strolling musicians, cowboy characters, and even some ornery train robbers set the scene for a day of family fun. The Grand Canyon Railway day-trip from Williams to the South Rim passes through miles of primeval forest land.

Address: 233 North Grand Canyon Boulevard, Williams, AZ 86046

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7: Helicopter View

Helicopter View
View from up above will be so much sweeter than below. The Grand Canyon tourist services also offer helicopter rides for tourist to experience and marvel at the majestic wonder of the world from the sky.

Address: 275 East Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89109

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8: IMAX Experience

IMAX Experience
Flickr/Greg Clarke
You’re most probably not going to be able to access all areas of the Grand Canyon and you will certainly miss out on some great views and scenery. Worry not! The Grand Canyon IMAX theatre offers a great experience for the visitors to see the entire Grand Canyon in the theatre and almost feel like being there.

Address: 450 AZ-64, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023

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9: Interactive Trips

Interactive Trips
Flickr/NPS
If you want to make more out of your trip then National Park Service Rangers at the Grand Canyon offer a selection of interpretive walks and programs for visitors to enjoy. These include nature walks and bird watching with professionals.

Address: Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

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10: Bus Tour

Bus Tour
Flickr/NPS
What is a tourist site without a bus tour? The Grand Canyon also offers a guided motor coach tour of the Grand Canyon. While you enjoy the scenery, an experienced guide will share the history of the Grand Canyon. The motor coach will stop at numerous scenic viewpoints along the way, so you can fully enjoy each and every site.

Address: Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

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