The Grand Canyon is one of the most visited attractions in the United States and with stunning landscapes, iconic views and an abundance of things to do and experience here, it’s easy to see why! The Grand Canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long, up to eighteen miles (29 km) wide and attains a depth of over a mile (6,093 feet) making it one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
Things to Do at The Grand Canyon
Whether you’re visiting the canyon for the day or dedicating a week of your life to explore this wondrous place, there is plenty to see and do for all ages and abilities. Make your adventure even more epic with these activities:
1. Hike the Grand Canyon:
The Grand Canyon is known for its scenic hiking routes and challenging trails. The most popular path is called the “Bright Angel Trail,” which is a perfect combination of enjoyable and challenging. Many people only hike down to the rest stop, which takes around three hours to reach from the base, then head back up before they run out of steam. But if you’re feeling pumped and full of energy, challenge yourself and hike down to “Plateau Point” where you can enjoy the best views of the Colorado River. Whichever way you decide to go, be sure to have plenty of supplies, energy and motivation to hike back up to the top! The average time of hiking (depending on how many stops you make) is around 9-10 hours, so you’d better start early!
2. Ride A Mule into The Grand Canyon:
If you want the experience the depths of the canyon without the physical challenge, consider taking a mule ride along the Bright Angel or South Kaibab trail for an adventure that’s easy on the legs.
3. Camp in the Grand Canyon:
There are plenty of places to camp outside of the National Park but if you want the experience of camping in the canyon just like the indigenous people did many years ago, you will find a campsite called “Indian Village Campground” on your way to Plateau Point, which used to be an actual village that belonged to the Havasupai Tribe. You can learn all about the history of the area, plus you can make your own campfire, so be sure to pack everything you need to make s’mores for a true camping experience.
4. Take A Helicopter Ride Around The Canyon
This is by far one of the best experiences you can have at The Grand Canyon! This one-hour trip can cover most of the canyon and provides breath-taking bird’s eye views. The pilot will also fill in about the different parts of the canyon and the history of this place. However, if you’re prone to motion sickness, take your anti-nausea pills just before you board the helicopter!
5. Stand on The Grand Canyon Skywalk
This glass-bottomed horseshoe-shaped walkway extends out over the canyon allowing visitors to peer over the railing and look down under their feet into the 4,000 feet deep abyss! You can find the walkway on the west rim of the canyon. Warning: this is not suitable for those suffering from vertigo or fear of heights — you might be better off admiring from a distance.
There is so much more to be explored, experienced and checked off that travel bucket list at this national park! So make the Grand Canyon a part of your USA Road Trip and be sure to check out the surrounding areas of Sedona, Monument Valley and Utah as well for an unforgettable adventure into the history, culture and the most mesmerizing landscapes America has to offer.