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 along the rim 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 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
Additional useful information here:
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etc
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