Are you planning a trip to Grand Canyon National Park?
Grand Canyon National Park is one of the best family trips you can take in the country! Where else can you share the excitement of exploring this world’s natural wonder with your own two feet?
There are so many awe-inspiring and thrilling things to experience in Grand Canyon National Park, and this guide will help you craft the perfect, memory-filled trip with your family!
In the article, we’ll help you plan the perfect trip to Grand Canyon National Park with kids. Let’s dive in our ultimate Grand Canyon National Park guide.
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Know Before You Go to the Grand Canyon
Location: Grand Canyon National Park (South and North Rims), Arizona
Hours: open 24 hours a day daily (North Rim closed mid-October to mid-May)
Entrance Fees: $35 per vehicle (good for 7 consecutive days)
Pet Policy: pets are NOT allowed on trails in Grand Canyon National Park
How to Get to Grand Canyon National Park
If you’re traveling by plane, the closest major airports to Grand Canyon National Park are Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) in Flagstaff, Arizona, and McCarran International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, Nevada.
- From Flagstaff Pulliam Airport: it’s about a 1.5-hour drive to the South Rim entrance of the park. This route takes you through some scenic areas and the historic town of Williams, which offers additional tourist attractions.
- From McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas: it’s about a 4.5-hour drive to the South Rim and about a 2.5-hour drive to the North Rim. The drive from Las Vegas allows for various scenic detours and stops along historic Route 66.
Another option would be to fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in Phoenix, Arizona. It’s approximately a 3.5 to 4-hour drive to the South Rim, with the route taking you through beautiful landscapes of the American Southwest, including options to detour through Sedona or Flagstaff for additional sightseeing.
✈️ Book your flight to Grand Canyon National Park
Find cheap flights to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas or Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) in Flagstaff using Google Flights or Skyscanner, where you’ll be able to compare different airlines tickets, including some low-cost ones.
🚗 Rent your car
You can rent a car directly from Las Vegas or Flagstaff. I recommend you compare pricing on DiscoverCars. You could also rent a campervan from Las Vegas. It’s what we did on our trip.
How to Get Around Grand Canyon National Park
Navigating through Grand Canyon National Park requires some planning. The park is vast and has different areas to explore.
The park offers free shuttle bus services in various areas of the South Rim, with many routes connecting the visitor center, parking lots, lodges, campgrounds, and key viewing points.
These shuttles are a convenient way to explore without worrying about parking.
You can also use your car to travel around the park, but parking is limited, especially during peak tourist seasons. The park encourages the use of its shuttle system to reduce congestion.
PRO-TIP – The North Rim has less traffic and can be more comfortably navigated by private car, but keep in mind it’s only open seasonally.
Do You Need a Car to Visit Grand Canyon National Park
Visiting the Grand Canyon National Park can be done without a car, but whether you should have one depends on your travel plans and preferences.
If you prefer not to drive, other ways exist to get to and from the Grand Canyon. These include organized tours (bus, jeep, or van tours from nearby cities), the Grand Canyon Railway (from Williams, AZ), and shuttle services from certain nearby cities and airports. You can also book tours from Las Vegas.
▶️ Check your Grand Canyon guided tour options on Get Your Guide
Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon National Park
Because Grand Canyon National Park has two separate rims, there are two separate answers.
Best Time to Visit the North Rim:
The best time to visit the North Rim is summer. Facilities and trails are open and operating in full swing. Temperatures are welcoming and mild. And crowds are significantly less than at the South Rim.
Note: that the North Rim is closed between mid-October – and mid-May. It’s possible to visit during the shoulder seasons, but it’s best to do so by early October or in late May.
Best Time to Visit the South Rim:
The South Rim operates year-round, with plenty to do and see regardless of the season. However, there are a few considerations for each season.
Summer:
Summer months are generally the busiest season at the South Rim. While this means there is plenty to do and full accessibility, it does mean that facilities, parking, and trails are more crowded.
For those families with older and more adventurous children who may wish to delve into some of the inner canyon trails, keep in mind that temperatures in the inner canyon can soar into the triple digits during the summer, and rim trails are preferable when it comes to varying ages and abilities of hikers. It’s not as hot as Death Valley National Park, but it gets pretty hot
Luckily, the South and North Rims are brimming with rim and inner canyon hikes for options.
Fall & Spring:
Fall and spring shoulder seasons are also ideal times to visit the South Rim, though temperatures can be a bit colder during the day. A visit during either of these seasons will prevent most crowds (compared to visiting during the summer).
Winter
It is possible to hike in winter, but it is essential for families planning to explore with children to consider the environmental elements before committing to spending time at the South Rim during winter.
This desert environment sees a surprisingly large amount of snow, ice, and frigid temperatures during the winter, which are not ideal conditions for hiking some of the steeper trails or trails along canyon edges, especially those hiking or visiting with children. Canyon edges, ice, and snow do not mix well!
Fortunately, there are other things to enjoy during the winter at the South Rim’s facilities, which remain open year-round. Plus, you will have most of the rim to yourself during a winter visit!
How Many Days Do You Need to Visit the Grand Canyon?
The number of days required to visit the Grand Canyon can vary depending on what you want to see and do. Are you planning on staying only in the South Rim? Or would you like to visit both the South and North Rims?
Here’s a breakdown considering both scenarios:
Visiting the South Rim Only:
I recommend at least two days if you only plan to visit the South Rim. A trip to the South Rim can be a quick but immersive experience. With one to two days, you can:
- Day 1: Explore the main viewpoints, do short walks or hikes along the rim, visit the Grand Canyon Village, and perhaps catch a sunset or sunrise.
- Day 2: Delve deeper with a longer hike down into the canyon (like the Bright Angel Trail), take a bicycle ride, or explore other educational programs or guided tours available.
This timeframe is suitable for visitors who want to experience the highlights of the South Rim but have limited time. Of course, you’ll need more time if you plan to do one of the day-long hikes.
Visiting Both the South and North Rims:
If you want to explore both the South and North Rims, you’ll need more time due to the driving distance between the two (about 4-5 hours). I recommend at least 4 to 5 days.
Here’s a basic itinerary:
- Day 1-2: Start with the South Rim, as outlined above. Spend the first-day exploring viewpoints and the second day engaging in more in-depth exploration or hiking.
- Day 3: Travel to the North Rim. Consider stopping at points of interest along the way, as it’s scenic.
- Day 4: Explore the North Rim. This side of the park is less developed and less crowded, offering a different experience. Key activities could include visiting the main viewpoints, hiking, or enjoying more secluded nature experiences.
- Day 5: Additional exploration of the North Rim or surrounding areas, or use this day for travel to your next destination.
This extended stay is ideal for those who want a comprehensive Grand Canyon experience and wish to explore the North Rim’s unique perspectives and more remote nature.
Note: The North Rim is only open seasonally from mid-May to mid-October, so plan accordingly. Also, these itineraries are just basic outlines.
Tips for Visiting Grand Canyon National Park
- Check the Weather – the Grand Canyon sees it all: lethally hot temperatures, flash floods, ice, and snow!
- Leave Pets at Home – pets are not allowed on park trails!
- Always Stay on Designated Trails
- Bring Plenty of Water
- Supervise Children at All Times
- Plan Accommodations in Advance
- Bring All Necessary Hiking Gear for Trails
- Protect from the Sun
- Have a Pre-planned Itinerary
- Don’t Swim in the Colorado River!
- Yield to Mule Trains on Trails
Top Things to Do in Grand Canyon National Park
Hiking Trails
There are many hiking trails in Grand Canyon National Park, with various distances, levels of difficulty, and highlights. Some of the most popular hikes include the Widforss Trail, the Mather Point Trail, and the Rim Trail.
Visitor Centers
There are Visitor Centers at the North and South Rims, where you can peruse the exhibits, learn more about the park, talk with a Ranger, or get your children involved with Junior Ranger activities!
Scenic Overlooks
You don’t have to hike for miles to reach the best scenic overlooks in the park. There are handfuls of them scattered along both rims.
The best, easy-to-reach scenic overlooks on the North Rim include Point Imperial, Cape Royal, and Bright Angel Point. Enjoy Mather Point, Hopi Point, Yaki Point, and Yavapai Point on the South Rim.
Grand Canyon Skywalk
Located in Grand Canyon West, this daredevil experience allows guests to suspend themselves 70 feet out over the rim of the Grand Canyon in a glass bridge!
National Park Shuttle (South Rim)
Hop on and off the free park shuttle with multiple stops along the South Rim!
Camping
A handful of National Park campgrounds are located across Grand Canyon National Park, at both the North and South Rims, for those who want to experience a night under the sky!
National Park Lodges
Stay at historic National Park Lodges at both the North and South Rims. Lodging at the North Rim has a more secluded and rustic feel, while lodging at the South Rim places you in the heart of the activity near facilities, amenities, and activities!
Colorado River Rafting
Book a rafting tour to experience the Colorado River unforgettably! Multiple tour guides and operators can provide this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Grand Canyon Railway
Hop aboard the Grand Canyon Railway, which runs from the nearby town of Williams, Arizona, and includes majestic views of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon! Train rides last several hours, the perfect time to relax, soak in the views, and transport yourself back to the Wild West!
▶️ Learn more about the Grand Canyon Railway adventure
Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours
Another unique, once-in-a-lifetime tour is a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon. Multiple operators and tour guides are available, with various options departing from the South Rim, Las Vegas, and the Grand Canyon Airport.
▶️ Learn more about the helicopter tours of Grand Canyon
Final Thoughts: How to Plan a Trip to the Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon National Park is a great national park to visit with the family. You can check out the popular South Rim, the quiet North Rim, or even both to see the park’s cool stuff.
Making a good plan is important. You must consider the best time to go, where to stay, and what fun things you want to do. There are walks, sights, and activities for everyone, so planning helps you enjoy it all. The Grand Canyon isn’t just a park; it’s a big, special place with its own story and living things.
Remember to follow the rules, stay on the paths, and care for nature to keep the park safe and clean. Whether looking at the huge rocky walls, floating on the river, or watching the sun go down, the Grand Canyon will make you feel special.
This isn’t just another trip; it’s a chance to see and feel the beautiful world around us.
P.S. Thank you to Yonderlust Ramblings for the help on this article.
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Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families. Because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids? She’s based in the Canadian Rockies and shares her love for the region as well as other unique places in Canada & USA. She works with tourism boards and outdoor brands to inspire families to experience new unique destinations and outdoor activities.