Outdoor Recreation
Embrace the Adventure
Whether you’re an avid hiker or a casual nature enthusiast, the Grand Canyon has something for everyone. Lace up your boots and embark on a trek through the canyon’s diverse landscapes, discovering hidden waterfalls and breathtaking vistas along the way.
Hiking
The Grand Canyon is an unrivaled destination for avid hikers, with a variety of trails to choose from — each offering stunning views. While the Rim Trail is mostly paved, the trails leading into the canyon are more challenging. Bright Angel Trail allows for day hikes of up to 12 miles, South Kaibab Trail permits day hikes of up to six miles and Hermit Trail authorizes day hikes of up to seven miles. All three of these trails are steep.
For an even more challenging day hike, take Grandview Trail, which leads up to Coconino Saddle and Horseshoe Mesa (2.2 miles and 6.4 miles round trip, respectively). Backcountry permits are not required for day hikes.
The National Park Service has plenty of great information about trails at the Grand Canyon, safety tips and smart hiking suggestions. Be sure to read up on hiking tips and ways to “hike smart” before you begin your hike.
Hiking Gear
Need hiking gear? Forget something? Want to grab a bag of trail mix before you head out for the day? Stop by the General Store at Market Plaza near Yavapai Lodge® or the Trailer Village® RV Park.
It’s extremely important to stay hydrated while you’re hiking in the desert. Be sure to swing by one of the park’s many filling stations.
Here’s where you’ll find them on the South Rim:
Grand Canyon Village:
- Canyon Village Marketplace
- Grand Canyon Visitor Center®
- Verkamp’s Visitor Center
- Yavapai Geology Museum
- Hermits Rest® (near the bathrooms and picnic tables)
- Maswik Lodge® (in the cafeteria)
At the Trailhead:
- Bright Angel Trailhead
- South Kaibab Trailhead
Desert View:
- Desert View Visitor Center
- Desert View Marketplace
Biking & Rentals
The Grand Canyon is bike-friendly, through and through. Plus, there is plenty of bike parking and equipment for purchase — including tire pumps, tire tubes and wrench kits — at the Canyon Village Market. Renting a bicycle is convenient, too. Just go to Bright Angel Bicycles near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center®, which is about a mile from the hotel.
You might ask, why bike when you can drive?
During the summer, the park gets crowded. At this point, parking at many overlooks becomes difficult. But with a bike, you don’t have to worry about that. Most importantly, biking helps to reduce air and noise pollution in the park. It’s a great way to stay in shape (while staying cool) and experience the Grand Canyon in a healthy way.
Rafting
The Colorado River played a significant role in shaping the Grand Canyon. Take to the river for an unmatched view of the canyon’s winding path. You’ll observe awe-inspiring rock formations up-close as you make your way down the river.
Ready to make waves?
There are many ways to experience the Grand Canyon and Colorado River. It really depends on the kind of watercraft you want to take, your skill level and how long you want to stay on the river. Whether you want to tour by riverboat or whitewater raft, we have something for you.
Many trips last one to three days, and some tour operators offer trips that last up to 18 days. If you have your own raft or kayak, you can apply for a permit.
Stay
Immerse yourself in amenity-rich accommodations near Grand Canyon National Park.
Tours
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the park, where you’ll delve into the fascinating history that has shaped this extraordinary landscape.