What To Do

What To Do: Grand Canyon Activities

Canyon Dave's Recommendations for Your Grand Canyon South Rim Visit

1. Walk a little way down any inner Canyon trail.

This might be my most important what to do. No permit is needed for a day hike. I recommend the Kaibab (best views), Hermit (fewest people), or Bright Angel Trail (easiest). Take a bottle of water and a snack. Don't miss out on the unique perspective of being IN the Canyon. The view is different. The air changes. The birds come out of hiding.

2. Visit a fossil site

Such as the one described in our Nature Pages. Passing people will wonder what you are doing. This is one of the best activities for kids.

3. Visit a place along the Canyon Rim where there are no people.

One way to do this is from a viewpoint along the East Rim drive from Grand Canyon Village to Desert View. My favorite is Yaki Point, available only by free shuttle bus. Take a water bottle. From the parking area, walk along the rim as far as you like (from Yaki Point walk to your right or east). This is safe and legal, but a good way to escape the crowds. Remember that there will be no paved trail and no railings on the edge during your private, silent walk. On a given summer evening, there can be hundreds of people crowding each other for a sunset view at Hopi Point. But you are all alone.

4. Eat a meal at El Tovar Hotel

(928-638-2631, ext. 6432). You may need to make early or late reservations for dinner, because the hotel reserves prime hours for guests. There is often room for walk-ins at other meals. This is a really fine restaurant in a grand old western hotel (unlike most of the Canyon fare which is mass-produced for the tourists). Another nice restaurant at the Rim is the Arizona Room, where the best seats have a view of the Canyon--they don't take reservations at the Arizona Room, so be prepared to wait.

5. Drive through the Kaibab National Forest on an unpaved forest road.

Easiest access is via forest roads leading from near the village of Tusayan just a mile south of the park entrance (try the road just south of the Grand Hotel). You could see elk and other animals and birds and escape the crowds besides.

6. Attend a ranger walk and/or campfire talk.

For schedules, read The Guide, a useful little free newspaper that they will pass you at the entrance station.

7. Take the free West Rim/Hermit's Rest shuttle buses

The buses take you to the many exceptional viewpoints and all the way to Hermit's Rest for some ice cream or a jaunt down the unmaintained Hermit Trail.

8. Walk part of the Rim Trail.

This is surely one of the easiest but most enjoyable activities. It is paved near the village and always beautiful, but I think my favorite is the 1/4 mile walk from Mather Point to Yavapai Point.

9.Take a tour with Canyon Dave.

"We had a fantastic experience with you!!"
- A. Goodrich