See the Grand Canyon Your Way: 5 Ways to Explore (2024)

Sirena Dufault

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Hike the Grand Canyon

Hiking is possibly the most popular activity at Grand Canyon National Park, and a wide variety of trails offer enriching activities and incredible Arizona views for hikers of all skill levels. Set off on the Rim Trail to explore a 20-kilometer-long paved pathway offering incredible views into the canyon from its South Rim. If you’d like to explore a smaller stretch of the trail, shuttle services all around the route make it easy to hike as much or as little as you’d like. A number of more challenging day hikes can take you down into the canyon. Experienced hikers should check out Bright Angel Trail, a popular option that offers great wildlife spotting opportunities, and South Kaibab Trail, a short but steep trek that rewards you with expansive views from Ooh Aah Point and Skeleton Point. As you head out, stop by Grand Canyon Outfitters to pick up your hiking gear – you’ll find everything you need at this outpost located near Yavapai Lodge.

Hiking the South Rim of the Grand Canyon

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Bike the Grand Canyon Greenway Trails

See the park’s most iconic vistas from a new perspective when you tour the Grand Canyon by bicycle. The Grand Canyon Greenway Trails encompass 21 kilometers of paved cycling paths along the South Rim. Electric bike rentals are available at Squire Resort, while Bright Angel Bicycles offers both electric and traditional bike options. Make your selection, then pedal your way to some of the park’s most scenic spots such as Yaki Point, Pipe Creek Vista and Hermit Road. Many of these routes are easy to moderate rides, but some include long uphill stretches and significant elevation gain – if you’re a novice cyclist or you’d just like to travel these more challenging stretches with a group, guided tours are available most of the year.

Getting ready to cycle the Grand Canyon Greenway

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Explore Immersive Architecture

Amid the splendor of the desert, a duo of intricate, fascinating buildings designed by architect Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter lend even more wonder to the rocky landscape. Both inspired by the building traditions of the Native American nations of the Southwestern USA, Hopi House and Desert View Watchtower are can’t-miss stops on your Grand Canyon journey. Opened in 1905, Hopi House is the older of the two and is modeled after a traditional home, or pueblo, built by the Hopi Native American tribe. A gift shop selling goods and artwork by Native American artisans pays homage to the rich traditions of the USA’s Indigenous people. On clear days, drive down Desert View Drive to reach the Desert View Watchtower. Built in 1932, the striking structure draws inspiration from similar towers constructed by the Ancestral Pueblo people who once called the canyon home. Climb to the view room to take in unique, colorful views of the canyon through black glass viewpoints called reflectoscopes and see seasonal cultural handicraft demonstrations by Indigenous artisans, then cool off with an ice cream cone at nearby Desert View Trading Post.

Desert View Watchtower overlooks the Grand Canyon

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Go Stargazing or Flightseeing

Get unique perspectives of the Grand Canyon on nighttime excursions and high-flying helicopter tours. Grand Canyon National Park is an International Dark Sky Park, meaning that it’s been officially designated among the best places in the world to go stargazing. Prime locations for night sky viewing include Cape Royal on the North Rim and Moran Point and Lipan Point on the South Rim. On select nights, you can visit the Yavapai Lodge to see presentations by real astronomers and use high-powered telescopes as part of their Night Sky Talks program. You don’t have to wait until the sun goes down to take in unique views of the Grand Canyon – helicopter tours are a thrilling and eco-friendly way to see the canyon from new heights.

Taking off for a private helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon

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Relax in Style

A gorgeous day to enjoy the pool at Squire Resort

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Getting There:

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG), located a 90-minute drive from the South Rim, is the closest airport to the Grand Canyon and offers connecting flights from a few U.S. airports. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in Phoenix, Arizona, and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, Nevada, are both about a four-hour drive away and offer direct flights from many major airports outside the USA. Rent a car at your airport of choice and enjoy the scenic drive to Grand Canyon National Park.