A FIRST-TIMER’S ITINERARY Packed with attractions, adventures and activities, this three-day itinerary in Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim covers all the must-see stops for your first visit to this iconic destination. GRAND TOUR BY LAND Hop in a Hummer with Buck Wild Hummer Tours for an open-air adventure led by a knowledgeable tour guide. You’ll stop at some of the Grand Canyon’s most popular overlooks along the way while learning about the history of the region and the ancient people who have inhabited the land for centuries. the DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 Perk up to the welcoming aroma of freshly brewed coffee as you walk through the doors of Bright Angel Bicycles & Café at Mather Point . This shop at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center uses locally roasted beans for its specialty lattes, mochas and more. Follow the 25-mile Desert View Drive and pull over at the many overlooks along the way: Grandview Point , Tusayan Ruin and the Mary Colter-designed Desert View Watchtower , built in 1932 in the style of Ancestral Puebloan towers, with historic murals by famous Hopi artist Fred Kabotie. Hike the family-friendly Bright Angel Trail , which offers potable water stations and restrooms along the way. The first switchback is an ideal spot for turning around if you have small children in tow, and the 1.5-Mile Resthouse is a popular stop for first-time canyon hikers and late starters. THIS PAGE, TOP TO BOTTOM: PAPILLON HELICOPTERS; GRANDCANYONLODGES.COM/XANTERRA TRAVEL COLLECTION; FACING PAGE: JIM GREER Rent a bike from the café and then pedal approximately 3.5 miles (one way) along the paved Greenway Trail and a traffic-restricted road (shuttle buses only) to the panoramic Yaki Point , where you can watch the morning sunlight sweep across the canyon. This family-friendly route takes about 1.5 hours round-trip. After exploring the Desert View Watchtower, walk over to the Desert View Trading Post to grab a bite to eat for lunch. Fill up on “Indian tacos” (think: taco filling wrapped in fry bread) or hot dogs, and then order a scoop of ice cream or freshly made fudge to savor on the outdoor picnic tables. Find a good spot on the outcropping at the popular Mather Point overlook, just a short walk from the visitor center, and take in one last sunset as the canyon and sky seem to meld together in a picturesque display of pinks, purples, oranges and reds. Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters BY AIR Get a bird’s-eye view on the 30-minute North Canyon helicopter tour by Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters . Depart near the Grand Canyon Village and soar over the Kaibab National Forest, the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon’s North Rim. BY WATER Most Grand Canyon rafting trips require a multi-day expedition, but the Antelope Canyon & River Adventure by Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines includes a scenic flight to Page, a guided hiking tour of Antelope Canyon and a 15.5-mile motorized float on the Colorado River—all in a day. BY MULE Book a Canyon Vistas Mule Ride to travel along the East Rim Trail on the back of a sure-footed mule—the way canyon visitors have been transported since the 1800s. This 4-mile trek includes a number of stops to take pictures of panoramic vistas. Stroll the Rim Trail to explore local history: the Yavapai Museum of Geology , with its educational exhibits; Hopi House , a Mary Colter-designed Hopi pueblo-style structure dating back to 1905; and Kolb Studio , showcasing art and history exhibits. Let someone else do the driving as you take in picture-perfect views of the Grand Canyon at dusk. On a Sunset Interpretive Bus Tour , enjoy the 1.5-hour ride west along the rim, and watch the sky transform into a palette of colors as the sun dips beyond the earth. For dinner, make your way to The Grand Hotel at The Grand Canyon , located a mile from the south entrance of Grand Canyon National Park in Tusayan. Indulge in a steak dinner and live music at the Canyon Star Steakhouse , and then unwind with a draft beer at the adjacent saloon. CLICK HERE FOR ADDTITIONAL GRAND CANYON CONTENT HIKE SAFE South Kaibab Trail A fun hike is a safe hike. Before hitting the trail, put safety first by taking a few basic precautions. First, choose a trail that best suits your skill level. Check weather conditions and pack the appropriate clothing and foot attire. Before leaving, tell someone where you’re going. Bring a map of the trail, and be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks. While you’re hiking, always stay on the trail, steer clear of wildlife and take breaks as often as needed. Find more safety tips at nps.gov/articles/hiking-safety.htm . 13
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