The Grand Canyon is unique among national parks because, in addition to its natural geologic wonders and incredible wilderness resources, it is also a small town in itself, containing a multitude of hotels, restaurants, gift shops, various stores and a variety of services. Grand National Park is also huge! So many activities can take place at different locations and seasons. There are numerous activities available at the Grand Canyon, but most occur on the South Rim's Grand Canyon Village. They include:
Motor Vehicle Tours
The Grand Canyon may be viewed from the rim at a number ofoverlooks along the East Rim Drive (26 miles from Grand Canyon Village to Desert View) and the West Rim Drive (9 miles from Grand Canyon Village to Hermits Rest; closed to private vehicles from Memorial Day through September, when it may be accessed by free park shuttles). There are many overlooks accessible by car which offer spectacular views of the canyon. If you're a dedicated scenic driver, head to the South Rim while you have a chance. Because of of severe overcrowding, the park will soon be switching over to a new shuttle service.
East Rim Drive
Highway 64 follows the canyon rim for 26 miles east of Grand Canyon Village to Desert View (the east entrance to the park). To date, the East Rim Drive is open to private vehicles throughout the year. The following are highlights of the drive:
Yaki Point: Offers great views over the Canyon from South Kaibab Trailhead.
Grandview Point: Remains of an old mine on Horseshoe Mesa can be seen from here.
Moran Point: Named for Canyon booster Thomas Moran, offers views of Hance Canyon.
Desert View: Panoramic view the Vermillion Cliffs, Painted Desertb San Francisco Peaks ands the Coloprado River.
West Rim Drive
This follows the rim for 8 miles west from Grand Canyon Village to Hermits Rest. The West Rim Drive is closed to private automobiles from late May through September. At that time of year the park runs a free shuttle bus to provide transportation to overlooks on the West Rim Drive.
North Rim
The North Rim is 1,000 feet higher and considerably wetter than the South Rim. Because of snow, the North Rim is closed for most of the winter, between October and May. There are four main overlooks along the paved route of the North Rim developed area: Point Imperial, Cape Royal, Bright Angel Point and Point Sublime. For a real driving adventure, travel by dirt road to Tuweep Wilderness at the park's far western end.
Special Activities
Grand Canyon Shuttle Service
Between Memorial Day and late September, enjoy a free shuttle ride through the Grand Canyon historic district. Hikers on the Rim Trail can board or exit the shuttle at any stop. Sights include:
- Kolb Studio
- Hopi House
- Lookout Studio
- Bright Angel Lodge
- El Tovar
- Santa Fe Railway Station
Biking
Bicycles are allowed on paved rim roads, secondary roads and some fire roads in the park. Bicyclists may also use West Rim Drive in summer, when it is closed to all but shuttle buses. There are no bicycle rentals available in or near the park. Numerous mountain biking trails are available in the Kaibab National Forest, primarily on the North Rim.
Fishing
Record-sized game fish are now more abundant in the Colorado River of Grand Canyon , with Rainbow Trout becoming plentiful. In Arizona a fishing license is required and available at Babbitt's Store. Several concessionaires offer fishing trips.
Horseback Riding
Horseback rides are offered in Tusayan outside the park. Take a 2- or 4-hour ride through Kaibab National Forest or to the east Rim. Evening and wagon rides are also available.
Mule Rides
South Rim: Take a 1-day round trip to Plateau Point 3,200 feet below the rim or try a 2-day trip to Phantom Ranch and back (includes lodging and meals). Both leave from the Stone Corral at the head of Bright Angel Trail.
North Rim: Full- and half-day mule trips into the canyon from the Norh Rim are less crowded and easier to book. Offered daily when Grand Canyon Lodge is open.
Helicopter & Air Tours
Grand Canyon helicopter tours are offered by several air tour companies operating out of Tusayan. Usually 30- and 50-minute rides.
Smooth-Water Raft Trips
Spend 4 to 5 hours floating down the Colorado, upstream from the Grand Canyon. The 12-hour round trip departs by bus from Grand Canyon Village. It includes stops at East Rim Drive, Cameron Trading Post on the Navajo Reservation and a picnic lunch.
Whitewater Raft Trips
Numerous companies offer white-water rafting expeditions lasting from 3 days to 3 weeks. Most trips are offered April through October and embark upstream at Lees Ferry. For a list of companies contact the park's River Permits Office, 502-638-7843. Private river running trips require a permit -- the waiting list is 6 to 8 years long.
Read a DesertUSA correspondent's first-hand account of a rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon Gorge.
Archeological Tour - Museum & Ruins
The Tusayan Museum features exhibits of prehistoric Anasazi Indians and their decedants, the Hopi who still live on a reservation east of Grand Canyon National Park. Take a 1/4-mile trail through the ruins of a 12th-century Anasazi Pueblo leading from the museum. The museum is 23 miles east of Grand Canyon Village on East Rim Drive.
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