The top tourist attractions at Grand Canyon National Park include vistas, hikes, historic structures, and exhibits. My personal favorite is the hiking!
Top tourist attractions at Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most iconic and popular national parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors every year. This massive and stunning natural wonder is a true bucket list destination that should not be missed.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker, a nature lover, or just someone looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, there are plenty of activities and attractions to enjoy at Grand Canyon National Park!
Hiking in Grand Canyon National park
One of the most popular and rewarding activities at Grand Canyon National Park is hiking. With trails ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry routes, there is something for everyone.
Some of the most popular trails include the Rim Trail which is the park’s most accessible trail. It boasts stunning views of the canyon from various overlooks.
The Bright Angel Trail is, perhaps, the park’s most popular trail. It takes you down into the canyon for a true adventure. Be forewarned that this trail does go all the way down to the river, so those only interested in a short hike should not descend too deeply into the canyon.
The top portion of this trail is a series of switchbacks, and visitors often wear out more quickly on their way back up to the rim.
For those looking for a more strenuous hike, the South Kaibab Trail and the North Kaibab Trail are popular options. Both trails are rim to river trails; however, the South Kaibab Trail is accessed from the southern unit of the Grand Canyon, and the North Kaibab trailhead begins at the northern unit of the park.
The decent from the rim to the river is certainly a bucket-list experience that we advise for anyone in condition to safely enjoy it! For our complete article on everything you need to know about staying at the iconic Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon, click here.
Scenic Drives through Grand Canyon National Park
If hiking isn’t your thing, you can still experience the grandeur of Grand Canyon National Park by taking a scenic drive. The South Rim Drive offers views of the canyon from several overlooks and is perfect for those with limited mobility.
The Hermit Road is a historic road that was once used by miners and settlers and offers views of the canyon from its west rim.
Be sure to stop and spend some time at the Visitor Center! The exhibits and the park movie are worth the battle to park!
Mule Rides into The Grand Canyon
For a unique and exciting way to experience the Grand Canyon, take a mule ride down into the canyon. These guided trips are available on both the South Rim and the North Rim and offer breathtaking views of the canyon without stressing your knees.
On our last trip from the rim to the river, our son and my mother both traveled via mule. They reported that it was a bit stressful to be suspended so high and so close to the ledge; however, it was the best option for family members not prepared for the arduous, two-day, rim-to-rim hike!
River Rafting through The Grand Canyon
For a truly adventurous experience, consider rafting down the Colorado River that runs through the Grand Canyon! These trips can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. They offer a unique perspective of the canyon that can’t be found on foot.
For of preview of this adventure, watch my video:
Outfitters for these trips include Western River Expeditions and others. Read our review on Western River.
Do your research to ensure that you find the trip that best suits your family needs. Additionally, know that rafting trips through the Grand Canyon often must be booked two years in advance.
Children as young as nine-years-old can participate in some of these adventures. Our first multi-day river trip was last May.
We chose the three day trip with Western River Expeditions due to their reputation and their ability to accommodate children as young as nine.
Read more of our top tips on rafting the canyon.
Star Gazing
Grand Canyon National Park is one of the best places in the country for stargazing. With its remote location and lack of light pollution, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the night sky and see stars and constellations not visible in more populated areas.
Although we carry a telescope and a guide to the night sky, we do admit that when we are adventuring, we can rarely stay awake long enough to catch the best views!
If you can stay awake, the park rangers will likely host a star-gazing ranger program for you to join with or without your own equipment.
Guided Tours
If you want to learn more about the history and geology of Grand Canyon National Park, consider taking a guided tour. From ranger-led hikes to scenic drives, these tours offer a deeper understanding of this incredible natural wonder.
Additional guided tours may include the mule ride down to the river, a hike to the river, or a helicopter tour.
You can also take a tour bus that extends your journey out to Hoover Dam for additional special sites!
Park Museums & Exhibits
Grand Canyon National Park also boasts a number of museums and exhibits that help visitors understand and appreciate the geological and cultural history of the area.
Some of the most popular destinations include:
- Yavapai Geology Museum: Located on the South Rim of the canyon, this museum offers visitors a chance to learn about the geological history of the area. This museum is particularly known for its large relief map of the canyon which helps visitors understand the scale and scope of the canyon.
- Tusayan Museum and Ruin: This museum is located just outside the park on the eastern edge of the Kaibab National Forest. It features exhibits about the prehistoric Native American tribes that lived in the area. It is also home to a reconstructed pueblo ruin that visitors can explore!
- Kolb Studio: This historic building on the South Rim was once the home and studio of the Kolb brothers who were famous canyon photographers. Today, the building serves as a gallery for rotating exhibits of art and photography inspired by the canyon.
- Bright Angel History Room: Located in the Bright Angel Lodge on the South Rim, this small museum focuses on the history of tourism in the park. Exhibits include vintage postcards, photos, and artifacts from the early days of Grand Canyon tourism.
- Verkamp’s Visitor Center: This historic building on the South Rim was once a gift shop run by the Verkamp family. Today, it serves as a visitor center with exhibits about the history of the canyon and the Verkamp family’s role in promoting tourism.
- Desert View Watchtower: This 70-foot stone tower on the South Rim was designed by Mary Colter, a pioneering female architect who worked for the Fred Harvey Company. Mary designed eight historic structures with the Grand Canyon including Phantom Ranch! The tower offers stunning views of the canyon as well as exhibits about the Native American tribes that inhabited the area for centuries.
Be sure to schedule plenty of time to explore these special places within the park. Don’t rush through your experience and miss some of the best lessons that the Grand Canyon has to offer!
The museums and exhibits certainly offer visitors a chance to deepen their understanding and appreciation of this incredible natural wonder.
Whether you’re interested in geology, history, or art, there’s something for everyone at these fascinating cultural institutions.
Visitor Center
Be sure you spend some time at the Grand Canyon National Park Visitor Center. It is full of important information about the geology and the history of the park.
Children will enjoy the Junior Ranger Program, and all visitors should consider the rangers’ weather and condition updates before embarking on their adventures.
The Grand Canyon National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of the United States. With so many activities and attractions to choose from, you’re sure to find something that suits your interests and abilities.
Plan your trip today and discover the wonders of Grand Canyon National Park for yourself!
