Travel Guide: Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

Grand Canyon National Park was created by the force of geological evolution, carving a chasm through the landscape of northern Arizona. Spanning approximately 277 miles in length, with depths reaching over a mile and widths expanding to nearly 18 miles, this national park remains one of the most visually striking. Formed over millions of years by the erosive power of the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon exposes layers of Earth's history dating back over 2 billion years. It draws millions of visitors annually, offering opportunities for exploration and discovery of the Earth's geological processes. This travel guide provides insightful narratives, practical advice, and a comprehensive overview. Below is a recap of our trip. Pro tip: stay in Flagstaff, AZ if you also want to hit up Sedona, AZ.

Know Before You Go

If you're staying in Las Vegas, NV you can take a personalized Grand Canyon Tour and Hoover Dam Tour. MaxTour will pick you up at your hotel and drop you off. For more info., visit: Grand Canyon West, Hoover Dam, and Seven Magic Mountains Tour

Entrance Fees as of 2024:

Grand Canyon National Park Vehicle Permit - $35.00

Admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers. Organized groups are not eligible for the vehicle permit.

Grand Canyon National Park Motorcycle Permit - $30.00

Admits one single, private, non-commercial motorcycle and its passenger(s).

Grand Canyon National Park Individual Permit - $20.00

Admits one individual when entering by foot, bicycle, park shuttle bus, Grand Canyon Railway and private rafting trip. Individuals 15 years old and younger are admitted free of charge.

Pro tip:

Highly recommend buying the "America the Beautiful" annual national parks pass if you're planning on visiting more than two national parks in a given year. Park entry is a breeze as you're waved in and you don't hold up traffic.

Plan Ahead

Before visiting the Grand Canyon National Park, it's essential to plan your trip thoroughly. Consider factors such as the time of year, weather conditions, and the activities you want to engage in. Make hotel or camping reservations well in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability. Check the park's official website for any updates or alerts that might affect your visit.

Start Early to Avoid Crowds

The Grand Canyon is a popular destination, and crowds can be significant, particularly at popular viewpoints. To enjoy the breathtaking scenery in a more serene atmosphere, start your day early. Sunrise and early morning hours not only provide cooler temperatures but also offer a more peaceful and less crowded experience. Additionally, this allows for better photography opportunities with softer light.

Stay Hydrated and Be Sun Smart

The Grand Canyon's elevation and arid climate mean that dehydration and sun exposure are common concerns. Bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun's harsh rays. If you plan on hiking into the canyon, be aware that temperatures can vary significantly, so layer your clothing accordingly and be prepared for the changing conditions.

Explore the South and North Rims

The Grand Canyon is divided into the South Rim and North Rim, each offering unique perspectives and experiences. The South Rim is the most visited and is open year-round, while the North Rim has a shorter season due to winter weather. Consider exploring both rims if time allows, as each provides different vantage points and hiking opportunities. The Grand Canyon Skywalk is also a popular attraction on the West Rim, offering a unique glass-bottomed view.

Respect Wildlife and Leave No Trace

The Grand Canyon is home to a diverse array of wildlife. While enjoying the park, maintain a respectful distance from animals and avoid feeding them. Keep the park pristine by following the "Leave No Trace" principles. Pack out all your trash, stay on designated trails, and avoid disturbing natural features. This helps preserve the beauty of the Grand Canyon for future generations and minimizes your impact on the environment.

Remember that conditions in the Grand Canyon can change rapidly, so always stay informed and be prepared for varying weather and trail conditions. Following these tips will enhance your experience and ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to this natural wonder.

Things I learned while at the Grand Canyon:

The Grand Canyon of the Colorado is a canyon composed of many canyons. I's a composite of thousands, of tens of thousands, of gorges...

Climate

Climate differs dramatically between rim and river. Temps on the rim are usually about 30 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than at the river. Each year about 15 inches of moisture fall on the South Rim, and 25 inches fall on the North Rim. Only 8 inches reach the canyon bottom. The rim supports a cool forest; the canon depth contain hot, dry desert.

Colorado River

Depth: An average of 35 feet (11m).
Width: Varies from 76 feet (23m) to 300 feet (90m).
Volume: Usually between 1,000 to 30,000 cubic feet per second (28-850 cubic meters per second). Upstream, Glen Canyon Dam controls river volume as water is released from Lake Powell. The demand for electricity as far away as Los Angeles can determine the amount of water that is released.

Geology

To form Grand Canyon, the Colorado River cut through one mile of rock layers. The canyon's upper rocks formed from sediment deposited in ancient seas, swamps, and deserts. The lowest (and oldest) rocks formed from deep within the earth's interior. In some areas, relatively recent volcanoes have played a part, too. Although rocks exposed in the canyon are hundreds of millions of years old, geologies believe the canyon itself is less than 6 millions years old.

Canyon Length

Grand Canyon measures 277 miles from Lees Ferry on the east to the Grand Wash Cliffs on the west. The canyon is bounded by two great dams and the lakes they contain: Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell upriver, and Hoover Dam and Lake Mead downriver.

Trip Recap:

Visiting the Grand Canyon National Park was our second family road trip from March 26-29, 2021. Since both of my parents passed away over a decade ago, my immediate family members are just my two bros so, I decided we needed to continue to make new memories. After all, our last trip was to Solvang back in November of 2020 and apparently traveling helps me cope with saying goodbye to my senior Chihuahua mix Corona who passed away in August of 2020. (Wow, lots of death references, geez). My brother Sean came up with the idea when I asked, "Where should we go next?" We all agreed, his suggestion to visit the Grand Canyon would be a great second trip location. So, I checked the weather forecast and saw that it was going to be cold, but we decided it would be a nice change of pace compared to the L.A. weather that we're so used to. Little did I know, driving through a snow flurry would be terrifying and exciting at the same time, but it was worth seeing the Grand Canyon in all its glory. I finally understood the hype. It made us appreciate nature so much as it made us feel so small witnessing the outcome of 6 million years of Mother Nature at work.

After checking the weather forecast a few weeks beforehand, I realized we needed a car that could handle driving in the snow so, I decided to rent a car that had All-Wheel Drive or 4x4 capabilities. I reserved a car at Enterprise Rental and the only one they had was a 2021 BMW X3. I texted my brothers and told them, "We're about to be driving in style!" The car was powerful compared to my 2015 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring. The steering felt super sensitive and it picked up speed so fast that it was easy to safely pass all these big rig trucks on our way to Arizona. The car even came with Clorox sanitizing wipes (thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic).

The road trip started when I picked up my brothers at 1 am and we drove through darkness on empty freeways stopping at a gas station along the way for snacks and to re-fuel + stretch our legs. I was so tired and realized I dislike driving through early morning dark hours. I even took a nap before picking up my brothers and it just seemed dangerous to be driving when super tired. I ended up telling my youngest brother to take over. I don't know how truck drivers do it...

We entered the South Rim entrance and found parking so fast. We then walked towards Mather Point and the fog was so thick we were nearly disappointed. We drove 486 miles and all we could see was the fog covering up the Grand Canyon. I heard families complaining and sharing how bummed they were about the fog.

Luckily, the thick haze went away and we were able to see what we all came for. The place was not overly packed, probably because it was snowing, and it was so nice to see so many dogs and families enjoying the scenery.

My husband Matt had to work, so I snapped some photos and texted these to him so he could vicariously enjoy the vacation through my pictures. The snow-capped tops were so great to see and I can't wait to go back.

The picture below got a reaction out of him and he said, "Whoa, looks like a painting."

Below is my receipt from my souvenir purchased at the visitor center.

It started snowing on us and we decided to save more hikes for when the weather was better so we made our way to Flagstaff, AZ to check-in to our AIRBNB. We decided to grab some food as it was starting to snow more and we didn't want to leave the rental while another blizzard was underway. All in all, it was a great visit to the Grand Canyon and so glad we could check this off our bucket list.

Know Before You Go Recap:

Entrance Fees as of 2024:

Grand Canyon National Park Vehicle Permit - $35.00

Admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers. Organized groups are not eligible for the vehicle permit.

Grand Canyon National Park Motorcycle Permit - $30.00

Admits one single, private, non-commercial motorcycle and its passenger(s).

Grand Canyon National Park Individual Permit - $20.00

Admits one individual when entering by foot, bicycle, park shuttle bus, Grand Canyon Railway and private rafting trip. Individuals 15 years old and younger are admitted free of charge.