At every majestic red, brown and pink turn, Grand Canyon National Park wows with nature’s utmost beauty on full display. The scenery has been around for millions of years, but how you take it all in, and what activities you choose, can make quite the difference to your overall experience. There are more than 130 trails within this Arizona park, plus museums to explore, lodges to cozy into and water activities to enjoy.
The Grand Canyon is a global destination that offers more than 1.2 million acres of rocky, woodsy, and Colorado River, landscapes. It’s a paradise that appeals to every type of traveler, from family-centric outings to the most challenging of hikes. Amid the options, here are the top things to do at Grand Canyon National Park.
1. Hike Bright Angel Trail or South Kaibab Trail
Everything from a death-defying, drop-filled, 11-mile jaunt (the Nankoweap Trail) to a flat straight-shot to panoramic vistas (Shoshone Point) await. The quintessential trails at the Grand Canyon – each with a range of difficulties within them – are the nearly 8-mile Bright Angel Trail and the 6-plus mile South Kaibab Trail. They’re all located in the South Rim, provide stunning lookouts such as Ooh Aah Point on the South Kaibab Trail and descend into the canyon.
Planning tip: The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with its busiest hours from 10am to 4pm. Arrive early (or late) to avoid the crowds.
2. Kayak the curvy Horseshoe Bend
You guessed it, Horseshoe Bend is sandstone wizardry in the shape of its namesake. Dipping more than 1000 feet to the Colorado River below, the trailhead to this popular attraction is located just south of the town Page. While the trail provides 1.2 miles of sweeping beauty, opt for a kayak adventure for a bottom-to-top perspective. Companies like Kayak Horseshoe Bend and Kayak the Colorado have the goods – and, if desired, guides – to make it happen.
Detour: For more boating adventures, head 15 minutes north to Lake Powell, where operators like Lake Powell Boat Tours offer excursions.
3. Absorb the canyon’s majesty from several…
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