Top 10 Things to do in Grand Canyon National Park
Written and Photographed by Caly Behymer
*As of July 31, 2025 the North Rim has sustained extensive fire damage and is closed until further notice. Plan accordingly.
The Grand Canyon isn’t just a view—it’s an experience carved by time. This massive natural wonder stretches over 270 miles long and a mile deep, revealing layer after colorful layer of ancient rock. Beyond the iconic South Rim vistas, you’ll find scenic drives like Desert View Drive, epic hiking trails like Bright Angel and South Kaibab, and cultural gems like the historic Kolb Studio and Tusayan Ruins. Whether you’re hiking, driving, or just soaking it all in, the Grand Canyon region is pure awe on every level.
Be sure to download your free PDF copy of Top 10 Things to do in Grand Canyon National Park by clicking here. Join in on the fun as Randy, Caly and Ranger Joelle Baird talk about Grand Canyon on the RVD Podcast by clicking here!
10. Visit Kolb Studio – Originally built in 1904 by brothers Emery and Ellsworth Kolb, the studio served as both their home and photography studio, where they captured breathtaking images of early river expeditions and canyon life. Today, visitors can explore rotating art exhibits, historic photographs and even walk through the original rooms where the Kolb brothers lived and worked.
9. Visit Yavapai Geology Museum – Perched right on the edge of the South Rim, the Yavapai Geology Museum offers jaw-dropping panoramic views that stretch deep into the heart of the canyon—making it one of the best sunrise spots in the park. Inside, you’ll find fascinating exhibits that explain how this geologic wonder was formed, complete with rock samples, interactive displays, and a massive 3D relief map of the entire canyon.
8. Explore Grand Canyon Village- Grand Canyon Village is the historic heart of the South Rim. Built in the early 1900s to welcome adventurous travelers, the village is home to iconic landmarks like El Tovar Hotel, Bright Angel Lodge and the Kolb Studio. You can stroll along the Rim Trail, hop on a shuttle to scenic overlooks, or dive into the area’s rich past at the Visitor Center and Verkamp’s History Museum. With shops, dining, and trailheads all within walking distance, it’s the perfect launchpad for exploration—or just sipping coffee with a canyon view that’ll knock your hiking boots off!
7. Desert View Drive & Watch Tower – This is one of the most scenic routes in Grand Canyon National Park, stretching 25 miles along the South Rim from Grand Canyon Village to the Desert View Watchtower. Along the way, you’ll find epic overlooks like Moran Point, Lipan Point and Navajo Point, each offering unique views of the canyon’s vast beauty and the Colorado River far below. At the end of the road the Watchtower stands as a stunning tribute to Native American culture, with murals and artwork inspired by ancestral Puebloan design. Climb to the top for panoramic views that stretch into Navajo Nation and beyond.
6. Dinner with a View – The South Rim of the Grand Canyon offers a variety of dining options, including a few with spectacular views. El Tovar Dining Room is the most iconic, offering elegant meals with rim-side views, while the Arizona Steakhouse (seasonal) also has outdoor seating with canyon vistas. Bright Angel Restaurant serves hearty fare just steps from the rim, and Yavapai Tavern offers casual eats and drinks in a relaxed setting. For quicker bites, Maswik Food Court is perfect for grab-and-go meals. Whether you’re fine dining or picnicking at Mather Point, there are plenty of ways to dine with a view.
5. Take a Hike – On the South Rim, popular trails include the Bright Angel Trail, perfect for those wanting to dip below the rim with water stops and epic views, and the South Kaibab Trail, which rewards hikers with jaw-dropping vistas like Ooh Aah Point. For something gentler, the Rim Trail offers miles of mostly flat walking with stunning canyon panoramas the whole way. Over on the quieter North Rim, the North Kaibab Trail is the only trail into the canyon from that side—great for experienced hikers heading to Roaring Springs or even all the way to Phantom Ranch. For something shorter and more scenic, try the Bright Angel Point Trail, a quick stroll with killer canyon views and a breeze that makes you feel like you’re on the edge of the world.
4. Visit the Visitor Centers – Grand Canyon Visitor Center (South Rim) is located near Mather Point. You’ll find park info, ranger talks, exhibits and a film about the canyon’s geology. It’s also your launching point for shuttles, the Rim Trail, and unforgettable sunrise views. Verkamp’s Visitor Center (South Rim Village) is housed in a historic building near El Tovar and shares the story of early tourism and pioneer life at the canyon. Desert View Visitor Center (East Entrance) is near the Desert View Watchtower focuses on Native American perspectives, cultural history and the role of the Colorado River. North Rim Visitor Center is located just off the lodge parking lot. This center is quieter but packed with insight on North Rim trails, wildlife, and natural history.
3. Take a Drive – The Grand Canyon offers stunning scenic drives on both rims. On the South Rim, cruise Desert View Drive for epic overlooks and a stop at the historic Watchtower, or hop the Hermit Road shuttle to reach iconic sunset spots like Hopi Point. On the quieter North Rim, take the winding roads to Point Imperial and Cape Royal for panoramic views and natural wonders like Angels Window. Whether you’re driving or riding, these routes deliver unforgettable views with every mile.
2. Stay at Phantom Ranch – Phantom Ranch is a historic hideaway at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, only reachable by hiking, mule ride, or rafting—no roads lead in! Getting a spot is tough and done through a lottery-style reservation system on Recreation.gov. Guests can stay in rustic cabins or dorms, enjoy hearty meals at the canteen, and soak in the peaceful beauty of the canyon floor. Whether you hike down or ride a pack mule, it’s a truly unforgettable Grand Canyon adventure.
1. Stand in Awe of the Canyon – Standing on the rim of the Grand Canyon is a soul-stirring experience—vast, silent, and humbling. The layers of ancient rock stretch endlessly beneath your feet, glowing with color and history. On the South Rim, top viewpoints like Mather Point, Hopi Point, and Yaki Point offer unforgettable vistas, while the North Rim stuns with Bright Angel Point, Point Imperial, and Cape Royal, featuring the breathtaking Angels Window. Each stop reveals a new perspective on this timeless wonder, guaranteed to leave you in awe.
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