Most visitors to the Grand Canyon fly into Las Vegas or Phoenix. There’s also a small airport in Flagstaff, just an hour from the South Rim, and some North Rim travelers fly into Salt Lake City. No matter where you land you’ll need to rent a car, as public transit is extremely limited in this part of the U.S.
What is the best way to travel to the Grand Canyon?
Go by train
Most people drive to the Grand Canyon—and a car is necessary if you plan to visit more than one area along the rim—but a fun, relaxed, and scenic alternative is to take the Grand Canyon Railway, which makes daily round-trips between Williams, Arizona, and the Grand Canyon Depot.
What city do I fly into for the Grand Canyon?
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) Most Grand Canyon visitors fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport because it is the closest major international airport to the South Rim, the most visited part of the National Park; just over 3.5 hours’ drive (231 miles).
Is the Grand Canyon closer to Las Vegas or Phoenix?
Your Grand Canyon road trip can come to an end with you either flying home from Phoenix or Las Vegas. While Phoenix is closer, if you chose to go to Las Vegas, you can incorporate some of the stops from the “Grand Canyon Road Trip From Las Vegas” portion of this article.
Is there a line to get into the Grand Canyon?
During summer, between 10 am—5 pm entrance station lines can be long; you can expect up to two hour wait times. Visitors arriving from the east on I-40 or from Phoenix on I-17 can enter the park through the East Entrance at Desert View for shorter wait times.
How many days do you need in Grand Canyon?
We recommend between one to three days at the Grand Canyon, though you could stay for longer for a relaxed visit. With only one day at the Grand Canyon, you can check out a few viewpoints, hike into the canyon or on the Rim Trail, and catch the sunset.
How expensive is the Grand Canyon?
| Grand Canyon National Park | ||
|---|---|---|
| Seven Day Per Vehicle | Park Specific Annual Pass | |
| Current | $30 | $60 |
| June 1, 2018 | $35 | $70 |
| Jan 1, 2019 | n/a | n/a |
What is the best time of the year to visit the Grand Canyon?
Weather in the Grand Canyon is at its best between April and June, when rainfall averages are low and temperatures have not yet reached their scorching summer highs. The park becomes extremely crowded when school lets out in June, so plan your visit before then, if possible.
Is it worth going to the Grand Canyon from Vegas?
It is one of the number one tourist destinations worldwide, and it’s an experience that will create lifelong memories for you and your family. If you’re planning to stay in Las Vegas, taking a day trip to the canyon is well worth it and can get you out of the city to indulge in a truly unique outdoor experience.
How is the drive from Phoenix to Grand Canyon?
The drive time from downtown Phoenix to the Grand Canyon is about 3.5 to four hours. The 229-mile route is a combination of Interstate and regular two-lane highways. It’s an easy drive that climbs up from Phoenix at an elevation of 1,090 feet, topping out at 7,000 feet at the South Rim.
Is the West Rim or South Rim of the Grand Canyon better?
The West Rim is the best option for those looking for a Grand Canyon day tour. Unlike the South Rim – where it would require a several-day trip to experience every attraction, all of the viewpoints and activities at the West Rim can be accomplished in a day!
Is it better to fly into Las Vegas or Phoenix to go to the Grand Canyon?
Las Vegas can be cheaper to fly into too. If you are only going to the Grand Canyon then Phoenix, AZ can be a good choice because you can also visit Montezuma Castle National Monument and drive though Sedona, AZ.
What else is near the Grand Canyon?
10 Must-See Natural Wonders Near the Grand Canyon
- Antelope Canyon, Arizona.
- Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Arizona/Utah.
- Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona.
- Cedar Breaks National Monument, Utah.
- Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado.
- Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona.
- Saguaro National Park, Arizona.
Can you drive down into the Grand Canyon?
To use the road to drive to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, you will need permits, as the road sits on tribal land which is home to the Hualapai tribe. Getting a permit is easy and you can do it online. Also, you will need a well-balanced vehicle for this type of trip, ideally a high-clearance 4×4.
Can you drive your car in Grand Canyon National Park?
Along Desert View Drive
Private vehicles can drive east along the canyon rim for 23 miles (37 km) to the Desert View Services Area, and the East Entrance of Grand Canyon National Park.
How long does it take to drive around the Grand Canyon?
about 5 hours
However, to drive between them through the park, over the Colorado River and loop around the canyon, you have to travel 215 miles or about 5 hours. That’s just one small way to understand the immensity of this incredible place.
What should you not miss at the Grand Canyon?
6 Things Not to Miss at the Grand Canyon
- Grand Canyon Village.
- Grand Canyon Skywalk.
- Historic District.
- Havasupai Falls.
- Desert View Drive.
- North Rim.
How do you spend a day at the Grand Canyon?
Here’s what you can see and do at the Grand Canyon in a day:
- See the sunrise at Mather Point.
- Explore the main Visitor Center.
- Ride the shuttle along the rim – Hermit Road.
- Take a short hike: part of Rim Trail, Bright Angel Trail, or South Kaibab Trail.
- Walk the Trail of Time.
- Visit the Hopi House.
- Attend a ranger-led program.
How do people spend 3 days at the Grand Canyon?
Your Best 3 Days in Grand Canyon
- Hike the Rim Trail At Dawn.
- Breakfast at El Tovar Hotel.
- Visit Downtown Grand Canyon.
- Learn From the Experts.
- See an Overlooked Overlook.
- Get Inside the Canyon.
- Or Let a Mule Do the Walking.
- Road Trip to Desert View.
Can you see the Grand Canyon without paying?
Located in the South Rim, Mather Point is the first view many visitors get of the Grand Canyon. Travelers can take an easy 5-minute walk from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center to the lookout, which – if you don’t mind sifting through some crowds – provides exceptional vistas of the rugged cliffs and trails below.
What time does Grand Canyon open?
The South Rim is open 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year including holidays. The entrance station is open 24 hours but the Park’s Visitor Center and other facilities are open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the peak months of May-September and off-peak of October-April from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
