- I live in Arizona and have visited the Grand Canyon with my family several times.
- First-time visitors often don’t give themselves enough time to explore or skip visitor centers.
- Don’t forget to pack for drastic weather conditions and download the National Park Service app.
The first time my family visited the grand canyonwe stopped at a popular viewpoint, ogled its enormous size and immensity for an hour, took pictures, and then drove home.
But we knew there had to be more to a visit to the Grand Canyon. After all, she welcomed more than 4.7 million visitors in 2023 and 2022.
Fortunately, we have had more opportunities to return since living in Arizona.
Since then, we have made more significant trips to this iconic national park and found that most first-time visitors make eight common mistakes when visiting the Canyon.
Some tourists do not know that there are 4 entrances to the Canyon
He North Rimopen from May to October, is less touristy and offers stunning viewpoints. Grand Canyon West features the world-famous Skywalk, a glass walkway along the edge of the canyon.
However, the significant driving times between these two entrances make them less accessible to beginners.
I recommend starting at the apparently less popular east entrance and taking Desert View Drive, a 23-mile scenic road. Along the way, stop at places like Duck on a Rock, Grandview Point, and Moran Point, then finish at the South Rim’s famous Grand Canyon Village.
Another way to access the South Rim is through The Grand Canyon Railwaywhich begins in Williams, Arizona. The tour lasts a little over two hours and tickets must be purchased in advance.
My family took the train during a heat wave, so we opted for the vintage Pullman car during the windiest morning and an air-conditioned car on the return trip.
Visitors forget to enjoy the expansive views from multiple vantage points.
Once you’re at Grand Canyon Village, hop aboard a complimentary shuttle. Located throughout the town, they run approximately every 20 minutes during seasonal times.
I highly recommend taking the Hermits Road route, which is accessible via the Red Line shuttle. It will take you to many fantastic viewpoints including Mohave Point, Abyss, and Hermits Rest.
Since the shuttle service is hop-on hop-off, tourists can take their time at each viewpoint before boarding the next available bus.
Many people don’t give themselves enough time to see everything on their itineraries.
The summer is high tourist season here. With large crowds, be prepared for transportation queues and traffic congestion.
To make the most of your trip, start your day early – a sunrise over the Canyon is a must-see! – and consider spending the night in one of the lodges either campsites, which must be reserved well in advance.
Beginners often skip the visitor centers and historic lodges.
The visitor center has a 20-minute introductory video about the Canyon, the junior ranger programand useful guides.
And wandering around the lodges on the South Rim was the highlight of our last visit. The lodges offer a glimpse into the park’s history from its earliest days of tourism in the late 19th century.
Hotel El Tovar, built directly on the edge, first opened its doors in 1905. A cross between a Swiss chalet and a Norwegian villa, this charming architecture has hosted notables such as Theodore Roosevelt, Albert Einstein and Oprah Winfrey. The hotel also has the park’s only fine dining restaurant, with a small terrace overlooking the South Rim.
Another favorite of mine is the rustic-style Bright Angel Lodge, first established in the 1890s. You can also dine here or wander through their gift shop.
Tourists don’t plan for drastic weather conditions
Depending on the season, temperatures can range from below freezing to triple digits, so plan accordingly.
Bring a refillable water bottle (there are water stations throughout the park), a waterproof jacket/poncho, a wide-brimmed hat (or a beanie for colder days), and comfortable shoes.
I wish more visitors would be cautious and respect the Canyon.
With so many steep slopes and high temperatures, the Grand Canyon can be dangerous and many people have been killed or injured while visiting.
Don’t attempt to hit a trail without training and proper equipment and footwear, and beware of icy conditions in the spring and high temperatures in the summer.
Also, be aware that wildlife, such as deer, squirrels, and mountain lions, inhabit the edge. Keep your distance and don’t feed them.
In general, be careful and remember that no photo opportunity is worth your life.
Many hikers overlook the fact that trails are easier to go down than up.
All trails begin with steep switchbacks, a section of trail to climb a steep hill, and many underestimate the time and energy it will take to get back to the edge until it is too late.
Take more time than you need and consider choosing a stopping point rather than hiking the entire trail.
On my last trip to the South Rim, I strapped my 5-month-old son into the baby carrier, held my 5-year-old’s hand, and walked with my husband about a half mile along the Path of the bright angel to enjoy the landscape.
Because we had determined a stopping point beforehand, we didn’t overdo it and now have bragging rights that we “walked” the Canyon.
Don’t underestimate the power of the National Park Service app or a paper map
He National Park Service Application is available offline and includes activities, interactive maps, news updates, alerts, park tours and more.
Even so, we still carry a paper map when we go to the Grand Canyon. It is available free of charge at the visitor center or upon check-in at any of the hotels and lodges.
