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I live in Arizona and have visited the Grand Canyon with my family several times.
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First-time visitors often don’t give themselves enough time to explore or overlook visitor centers.
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Don’t forget to pack for extreme weather conditions and download the National Park Service app.
The first time my family Visited the Grand CanyonWe stopped at a popular viewing point, admired its size and immensity for an hour, took pictures, and then drove home.
But we knew that visiting the Grand Canyon had to offer something more. After all, it welcomed us. 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 have 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 EdgeOpen from May to October, it is less touristy and offers stunning viewpoints. Grand Canyon West is home to the world-famous Skywalk, a glass walkway on the edge of a canyon.
However, the long travel times between these two entrances make them less accessible to first-time visitors.
I recommend starting at the east entrance, which seems less popular, and taking Desert View Drive, a 23-mile scenic road. Along the way, stop at landmarks like Duck on a Rock, Grandview Point, and Moran Point, then end at the famous Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim.
Another way to access the South Rim is via 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 old Pullman car during the windier morning and an air-conditioned car on the return trip.
Visitors forget to enjoy panoramic views from multiple vantage points.
Once you’re in Grand Canyon Village, hop on a free shuttle bus. They’re located throughout the village and run approximately every 20 minutes based on seasonal schedules.
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.
As the transportation 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 their itinerary includes.
The summer is high tourist season It’s very crowded here, so be prepared for bus queues and traffic jams.
To make the most of your trip, start the day early (don’t miss the sunrise over the Canyon!) and consider staying overnight in One of the lodges either Campsites, which must be booked well in advance.
First-time visitors often overlook 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 at the South Rim was one of the highlights of our last visit. The lodges offer a glimpse into the history of the park from its earliest days of tourism in the late 19th century.
The El Tovar Hotel, built directly on the rim, first opened its doors in 1905. A cross between a Swiss chalet and a Norwegian villa, this charming architecture has hosted such personalities as Theodore Roosevelt, Albert Einstein and Oprah WinfreyThe hotel also features the park’s only upscale restaurant, with a small terrace overlooking the South Rim.
Another of my favorite places is the rustic Bright Angel Lodge, founded in the 1890s. You can also dine here or browse through their gift shop.
Tourists are not prepared 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 rain jacket/poncho, a wide-brimmed hat (or beanie for colder days), and comfortable shoes.
I wish more visitors would be careful and respect the canyon.
With so many steep drops and high temperatures, the Grand Canyon can be dangerous and people have been killed or injured while visiting.
Don’t attempt to hike a trail without training, proper equipment and footwear, and be wary of icy conditions in spring and high temperatures in summer.
Also, be aware that wildlife such as deer, squirrels, and mountain lions inhabit the edge. Keep your distance and do not feed them.
In general, be careful and remember: no photo opportunity is worth losing your life for.
Many hikers overlook the fact that it is easier to go down the trails than up them.
All trails start with sharp switchbacks, a section of trail up a steep hill, and many underestimate the time and energy it will take to get back over the edge until it’s too late.
Give yourself more time than you need and consider choosing a stopping point instead of hiking the entire trail.
On my last trip to the South Rim, I strapped my 5-month-old into the carrier, grabbed my 5-year-old’s hand, and walked with my husband about a half mile down the Bright Angel Trail To enjoy the scenery.
Since we had decided on a stopping point in advance, we did not overdo it and can now boast of having “walked” through the canyon.
Don’t underestimate the power of the National Park Service app (or a paper map)
He National Park Service Application It is available offline and includes activities, interactive maps, up-to-date news, alerts, park tours and more.
Still, we always carry a paper map when we go to the Grand Canyon. It is available for free at the visitor center or upon check-in at any of the hotels and hostels.
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