KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Practical Planning Tips PEAK SEASON May October BEST TIME TO VISIT January February With the kids out of school, summertime is undoubtedly the busiest time of year, as visitors from all over the world come to the Grand Canyon to enjoy camping, outdoor adventures and family vacations. If you’re staying during this time, be sure to book your lodging early, as reservations start filling up nine months to a year in advance. For cooler weather, lighter crowds and better lodging availability, plan your trip during winter months. South Rim, Grand Canyon Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins, Grand Canyon WHERE TO STAY Bring your tent or RV to enjoy the great outdoors at one of the many campsites in the park. All three National Park Service campgrounds accept reservations: on the South Rim, Mather Campground and Desert View Campground ; and on the North Rim, North Rim Campground . For full RV hook-ups, Trailer Village is a concessioner-run RV park. If roughing it isn’t quite your style, choose from numerous hotels, both inside and outside the park. Located at the top of Bright Angel Trailhead, the historic Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins provides rustic accommodations close to outdoor adventure. Take your pick from budget-friendly lodge rooms with shared bathrooms, standard lodge rooms with private bathrooms or private cabins (one of which was home to one of President Roosevelt’s “Rough Riders”). Thunderbird Lodge and Kachina Lodge are popular choices for families, due to their convenient location within walking distance to many of the park’s attractions, while Maswik Lodge is a remodeled historical lodging option nearby. Perched on the edge of the South Rim, the European chalet-style El Tovar Hotel , which Motorcoach, Grand Canyon On the North Rim (open mid-May to mid-October, weather dependent), book a guest room or one of the cozy cabins at the historic Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim to stay amid towering pine trees and just steps away from the Bright Angel Point Trail. This landmark lodge boasts cliffside views and an on-site restaurant serving up hearty, regionally inspired dishes. Canyon Floor Adventures Venture to the bottom of the Grand Canyon by mule, on foot or by rafting the Colorado River to make your way to Phantom Ranch , a historic lodge with dormitory lodging and private cabins (available for reservation by a lottery system). Backpackers also can camp at the Bright Angel Campground (permit required), the only established campground on the canyon floor. Or drive along Diamond Creek Road , the only vehicle-accessible road into the west side of the canyon. The road begins in the town of Peach Springs, outside of the national park, and a permit is required. Phantom Ranch, Grand Canyon 10 VISITARIZONA.COM XANTERRA TRAVEL COLLECTION (ALL PHOTOS) opened in 1905, offers spectacular views, one-of-a-kind rooms and suites and fine dining in the famous El Tovar Dining Room. Just a mile from the entrance of the park in nearby Tusayan, The Grand Hotel at The Grand Canyon is the area’s only AAA Three Diamond hotel. The rustic chalet-style hotel offers an indoor swimming pool, plus a steakhouse and saloon. GETTING AROUND Grand Canyon National Park offers free shuttle buses that operate on set routes throughout the park (South Rim). For a $120 fee (per person, one way), the Trans-Canyon Shuttle takes visitors between the North and South Rims in under five hours. STAY SAFE AND BE PREPARED A safe trip is a fun trip! During summer months, beat the heat by using free water-refilling stations, wearing sunscreen and utilizing shade shelters. In winter, wear over-the-shoe traction devices on icy trails. If you hear thunder, seek shelter in a building or vehicle. Any time of year, protect Arizona’s beautiful and wild places by following the Appreciate AZ principles: AppreciateAZ.com .
Arizona Official State Travel Guide Arizona 2023-24: Page 10
