Make your next trip to the Grand Canyon the best yet with these fun Grand Canyon Travel Tips!
Then finish your planning your canyon vacation with these must-read tips for Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon Travel Tips
So are you on the hunt for the Best Insider Grand Canyon Travel Tips?? From breathtaking views to bucket list adventures… these insider Grand Canyon tips and little-known tricks for nearby attractions will make your Arizona getaway AMAZING!
Living in Arizona, I try to visit the Grand Canyon every year, and let me tell you… it never disappoints!
Seriously, I can never get enough of the Grand Canyon! And if you’re able to catch it during a golden hour, it’s even that much more spectacular!
If you’ve never been, or even if you have, it’s time to plan your trip to the Grand Canyon! Here’s everything you need to know before you go…
Related: 75 Best Things to Do in Phoenix Arizona
I absolutely adore living in Phoenix. It’s true… I simply can’t get enough of the blue sky, lush desert, and swaying palm trees. But it’s also so much fun exploring all the amazing places around Arizona.
One of my favorite things to do is to Visit the Grand Canyon.
That’s why I want to share with you some of my favorite hidden gems and things you don’t want to miss on your next Grand Canyon vacation…
Where to Stay
Hotels fill up fast, so if you can get a reservation, I recommend staying at the Holiday Inn Express in Tusayan, just outside the South Rim entrance.
If you can’t score a reservation at the South Rim, I recommend staying at the Drury Inn in Flagstaff 1.5 hours to the Southeast.
There are much better food options in Flagstaff, including Chick-Fil-A, Chipotle, Smashburger, Panda Express and Dunkin Donuts all just blocks from the Drury. Also, the Drury is located on the edge of the Northern Arizona University campus, right on Route 66.
When you stay in Flagstaff, you are also only a short drive from the red rocks in Sedona!
Going to the North Rim?
I recommend staying in Kanab, Utah at a hotel that is new or that has been renovated in the last 5 years.
I’ve frequently stayed there. Kanab is a great central location to stay if you also plan to visit Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park.
Grand Canyon Things To Do
South Kaibab Trail
From the South Rim, hike down the South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge.
This hike is 3 miles roundtrip, but does include a pretty substantial drop into the canyon. The views from Cedar Ridge are life changing at sunrise!!
My hubby took the above photo while hiking the South Kaibab Trail on a National Park Free Entrance Day!
Visit The Mules
Also near the South Rim… take a few minutes to go Visit the Mules near the South Kaibab Trail!
When they’re not out hiking, you’ll find them eating and playing in a big paddock nearby.
They’re so sweet and silly, and taking some time to go pet them and have a little chit-chat is always one of my highlights!
Horseshoe Bend
Plan to walk the short walk to See Horseshoe Bend! If you are planning to visit both the South Rim and the North Rim, you will likely be driving near Page, Arizona.
Horseshoe Bend is located immediately south of Page. If you see a large dirt parking lot with cars, RV’s and people galore, you are in the right place.
You are here for amazing scenery and life changing photos, but you can also expect hundreds of other people as well 🙁
Do a Slot Canyon
I have personally visited so many beautiful and jaw dropping amazing Slot Canyons in the area between the Grand Canyon to the south and Bryce Canyon National Park to the north.
The most famous slot canyon is Antelope Canyon outside Page Arizona.
If you’re staying in Kanab Utah, stop by the Kanab Visitor Center and get the weather report before heading out to any slot canyons.
Now… check out even more Grand Canyon Travel Tips You Can’t Afford to Miss shared by your very own frugal friends…
More Grand Canyon Travel Tips
April said: “Mather Point and also the Hermits Rest on South Rim for amazing views and photos.”
Jillian said: “White water rafting the Colorado river.”
Jessica said: “Rent a bike and bike along the Canyon. You can also go on a guided tour! We went on a tour in May. While it was a bit pricey, it was way worth it! They also have smaller bikes to rent if you have a little rider like we did.”
(South Kaibab Trail on the way to Cedar Ridge, Grand Canyon)
Colleen said: “My kids are there right now. They are renting jeeps to tour the Grand Canyon.”
Deborah writes: “Save up and take a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon”
Leslie said: “We just came back last week. The Sunset Tour and Desert View Tour gives you a big package for the cost and you can see a lot! Staying in a lodge? The pizza joint inside Maswik Lodge may be the only decent food in the park.”
Linda said: “The North rim is beautiful. It’s cooler in the summer. The lodge is very nice. It’s not as crowded as the South rim.”
(Colorado River at the bottom of the South Kaibab Trail, Grand Canyon)
Renee said: “The lodge at north rim has the most amazing hot chocolate!!”
Laura said: “It’s worth the trip to the North rim if you’re not interested in the tourist trap stuff. A lovely lodge, small but comfortable cabins, very serene and quiet!”
Gina said: “You must see the North rim and the lodge there. The North rim is in a forest and not in a desert setting. The view from the North Rim Lodge is breathtaking! The restaurant in the lodge serves a great breakfast (a little pricy but worth it). There are rustic cabins to stay in and also a camping area (I know motorhomes are allowed, but I’m not sure about tent camping). The next time we visit we want to ride the burros/donkeys into the canyon (didn’t have time during our last visit).”
(Phantom Ranch, bottom of the Grand Canyon)
Margie said: “Must go to the Ranger Station/Visitor Center and get a date postage stamp. Cool souvenir and free!”
Maura said: “MUST see the canyon at dusk and at dawn…the colors are dreamy!. We use the National Parks Passport… that is the postage stamp the reader above mentioned. I started it when I was in my early 20’s and we now do it with our kids!”
Danielle said: “We did a one day tour (we were staying in Vegas) we saw the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam”
Linda said: “Went in December and did the overnight in the canyon train. Then after the return to Williams we did the Polar Express Train in the evening. It was magical, just before we took the Polar Express it began to snow. Then Bearazona, Arches and Dea* Horse for an amazing trip!”
Leslie said: “Junior Ranger Programs for the kids are free too and the kids learn a lot. So do the grown-ups!”
(Colorado River suspension bridge at the end of the South Kaibab Trail, bottom of Grand Canyon)
Crystal said: “Take the free Angel Head Trail Tour. We saw a fault line, Bald Eagles, and breathtaking views (in Kansas we don’t see either of those). Also know that they have water refill stations all over, so take a hydration pack wherever you go. If you have the time skip over by Sedona and go to Slide Rock.”
Donna said: “I know this may sound strange, but go to the IMAX there! It feels like you are in a helicopter, on the raft… Loved it, more than the canyon.”
Angie said: “We loved IMAX too and Slide Rock was awesome!”
(South Kaibab Trail, Grand Canyon)
Martha said: “It is really neat to see it in the winter. We lived in AZ for three years, and the winter brings a lot of snow to the Grand Canyon. The park cannot salt the road, so they can be dangerous! Our kids loved the Grand Canyon Polar Express Ride we did one year too. We always stayed in Flagstaff when visiting the Grand Canyon. We love that cute little town.”
Karen said: “If you have small kiddos, a ride on the Grand Canyon Railroad Train is a wonderful experience. It isn’t very frugal, but it is worth the splurge.”
Marilyn said: “The train ride was a highlight! The petrified forest and painted desert was beautiful.”
Tina said: “Ride the train up at least one day! It was awesome! Then we hiked along the south rim…”
My Grand Canyon Sunset Tip: I scored an amazing sunset right at the South Kaibab Trailhead, and for an added bonus, I had the area practically to myself at that time of the day!
Amanda said: “We took a helicopter ride over the canyon. It was a fantastic way to see it.”
Jamie said: “The Indian Reservation with the observation platform and boat and helicopter tours!”
Brittni said: “Just got back! Loved it! Do a helicopter ride through the canyon! We used Maverick. It was the most amazing thing! You get to see the north and south rims and all the different formations are pointed out to you. See sunset at Hopi Point, it’s said to be the most beautiful sunset place in the canyon. We did sunrise also and they both were awesome!
I stayed at the Yavapai Lodge in the south rim and the rooms were nice and the beds comfy. We had dinner at one of the restaurants in the park and it was way over priced. The general store has good prices on souvenirs.”
My Tip: Hike 10 miles down to Havasu Falls in the Supai Reservation if you are lucky enough to score a reservation. This location has gotten extraordinarily popular in recent years. Havasupai is located in the west part of the Grand Canyon.
After a drive on Route 66, you hike down 8 miles, then through a small village on the way to the spectacular Havasu and Mooney Falls.
There is a campsite near the falls and also hotel accommodations in the village 2 miles from the falls.
(Havasu Falls, Supai Reservation in the Grand Canyon)
Mary said: “Eat an Indian Flatbread Taco at the trading post and stop at the little craft market there for handmade souvenirs. Drive the switchbacks to Oak Creek Canyon.”
Heather said: “Not sure how far it is from the Grand Canyon but my husband and I stopped to see the Meteor Crater near Winslow. It was pretty cool to see.”
Rhonda said: “I’m not sure how far it is, but be sure to check out Antelope Canyon… it’s in Page AZ and so very cool!”
Lyn said: “Hoover Dam, Painted Desert, Petrified Forest, some of the Anasazi Ruins – gotta see some petroglyphs!”
How To Visit The Grand Canyon On A Budget
So You’re Planning a Trip to the Grand Canyon? To keep your vacation budget-friendly, you’ll need to plan ahead. One of the first things you’ll want to do is start stashing cash away for your ‘Grand Canyon Trip Fund’.
Need to increase your travel fund stash?
One of the easiest ways is to make extra money on the side in your free time! Here are my favorite tricks for ramping up the vacation budget…
27 Side Hustles Ideas
Discounted and FREE Grand Canyon National Park Passes
The Grand Canyon National Park entrance fees can really add up, so be sure to take advantage of these easy ways to save on your Park Entrance Fees.
So make sure you know these 6 ways to score yourself Discounted and Free National Park Passes to your favorite national parks.
I’ve even included tips for how you can score FREE National Park Passes for 4th Graders, Veterans and Disabled!
#1: Visit The Grand Canyon on Free National Park Entrance Days
The easiest way to save money on national park entrance fees is to simply visit when it’s FREE!
Did you know that the National Park Service offers up to 6 Free Entrance Days each year?
#2: Buy the American The Beautiful Interagency Annual Pass
If you plan on visiting any national park (or parks) for 3 days or more in the same year, it will almost always save you money when you buy the America The Beautiful Interagency Annual Pass for $80.
This pass will give you unlimited access to most national parks for 1 year.
I buy the annual pass for my family almost every year. In addition to using the pass to explore new parks for the first time. We also love to use it to visit the Grand Canyon, Zion, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Yosemite, and Saguaro National Park as often as possible.
#3: Get The Lifetime Senior Pass
If you are 62 years or older, the savings get even better. You can buy a Lifetime Senior Pass for just $80!
#4: Your 4th Graders Can Visit National Parks, including the Grand Canyon, for FREE!
Don’t forget about your 4th grader!
If you have a 4th grader or know someone that does, make sure to have them sign up to receive their Free National Park Pass for 4th Graders! (valid for school or homeschool)
#5: Score a Free Military Pass for Active Duty, Reserve, Veterans and Gold Star Families
If you are a Veteran or a member of a Gold Star Family, you can sign up to receive a Free Interagency Annual Military Pass.
This pass will give you and up to 3 more occupants in your same car Free National Park Access!
Related: Military Discounts for Travel
#6: Get The Free Access Pass!
If you have a permanent disability, or you know someone that does, be sure to take advantage of the Free Lifetime Access Pass!
Grand Canyon Road Trip Tips
Before you head out on the road, don’t leave home without reading these tips:
How To Save On Gas (Genius Hacks)
21 Ways To Save Money On Rental Cars
Grand Canyon Camping Tips
201 Camping Tips and Tricks
These little-known camping tips and tricks for beginners to pros are about to take your next adventure to the next level!!
61 Easy Camping Menu Tips
Enjoying a good old fashioned S’mores at one of the most iconic destinations on earth tastes amazing!
125 RV Recipes
Heading to the Grand Canyon in your RV? After a big day exploring the Grand Canyon, you’ll be hungry hungry hungry!
More Budget Grand Canyon Vacation Tips
35 Southwest Airlines Hacks (What To Know Before You Fly)
25 American Airlines Flight Hacks (Tricks To Know Before You Fly)
23 Delta Airlines Travel Hacks
How to Travel for Free or Cheap (21 Brilliant Budget Hacks)
More Fun and Frugal Southwest Vacation Ideas
Want to visit even more places near the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona and even more tips for the spectacular National Parks?
Get ready to score even more Frugal Travel ideas for your next trip. After all, you can never have enough dream vacation inspiration…
65 Best Sedona Travel Tips (Can’t Miss Spots)
Petrified Forest National Park Travel Guide (Arizona)
75 Best Things to Do in Phoenix Arizona
Zion National Park Travel Tips (what to know before you go)
Bryce Canyon Travel Guide (16 Amazing Things to Do)
32 Yosemite Travel Tips You Need to Try!
101 Frugal Travel Tips and Best Kept Secrets
So… have YOU ever been to The Grand Canyon before?
What are some of your favorite Grand Canyon Travel Tips for places to see, things to do, etc?
Leave a comment & share!
Absolutely stunning pictures! I’m thinking about heading back to Arizona next year and definitely want to spend some more time at the Grand Canyon. I only got a few hours there last time and am looking to do some hiking next time, for sure.
Eric,
It is definitely worth planning on giving the Grand Canyon at least one full day. A walk along the rim trail is an easy way to see a lot of the canyon without standing next to dozens or hundreds of other people. If you’re up for a moderate challenge, a several hour hike down to Cedar Ridge and back on the South Kaibab Trail will allow you to see the canyon up close. There is even a primitive bathroom available at Cedar Ridge which is really convenient.
Heidi
I’ve been to the Grand Canyon once and it is amazing. It almost looks fake. I didn’t realize there was so much there to see.
–Stacey–
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