Experience the Majestic Grand Canyon: A Natural Wonder in Arizona!
The Grand Canyon in Arizona is a true spectacle of nature, a colossal masterpiece stretching 277 miles long and averaging 10 miles wide. Its breathtaking, colorful vistas are an absolute must-see!
Explore the North and South Rims of Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park is divided into the North and South Rims. The South Rim is the more popular destination, boasting a vibrant tourism scene complete with hotels, restaurants, and iconic cultural attractions.
I first visited the South Rim 26 years ago, a 4+ hour drive from Las Vegas. This time, the drive from Sedona was a breezy 2 hours and 15 minutes!
Let me tell you, the Grand Canyon lives up to the hype! My second visit was even more awe-inspiring than I remembered. Photos and videos just can't capture the sheer grandeur. You HAVE to experience it firsthand!
Sunset Views and Scenic Walks: Yavapai Point & Mather Point
Upon arrival, I followed a Fodor's recommendation and strolled (about half an hour) from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center to Yavapai Point to witness a mesmerizing Grand Canyon sunset. While you *could* drive or take the free shuttle, walking along the Rim is fantastic! The gentle breeze, the stunning views, and photo opportunities are endless.
The paved Rim Trail is easy to navigate and perfect for all ages. At Yavapai Point, you'll find the Yavapai Geology Museum and Observation Station, offering panoramic views of the canyon. Sadly, the observation station closed at 7 p.m. so I missed it while trying to catch the sunset.
En route to Yavapai Point, I also stopped at Mather Point, another easily accessible and impressive viewpoint near the Visitor Center.
Desert View Drive: A Scenic Journey
The next day, I cruised along Desert View Drive (approx. 25 miles), stopping at several key viewpoints for photos: Grandview Point, Moran Point, Lipan Point, and Desert View. The Desert View Watchtower was closed during my visit in June 2021, but you can still admire it from the outside or peek through the souvenir shop windows on the ground floor. Sadly you couldn't climb to the top for the full panoramic view.
Where to Stay: Inside the Park or Out?
For overnight stays, you have two options: lodging inside or outside the park. Inside-the-park accommodations can be pricey, requiring reservations months in advance, but offer unmatched convenience and a closer connection to nature. Last time, I stayed at Maswick Lodge in a cabin nestled among the pine trees – the scent of pine was intoxicating! (No TV, though.) This time, the cabins were booked so I opted for Yavapai Lodge near the Market Plaza, super convenient for grabbing supplies.
Yavapai Lodge has older, more affordable rooms and newer, pricier ones ($30-$40 difference). I splurged on a renovated room because my travel companions and I require "a comfy bed and soft pillows" these days (we're not as young as we used to be!). The room was lovely, bright, and fully equipped (fridge, TV, iron...you name it!) with a great mattress. It cost about $240/night, but I snagged the best deal on Expedia.com, paying just over $180 with taxes after a $50 discount.
If you don't mind a longer drive, consider staying in Flagstaff (1.5 hours from the South Entrance). Flagstaff offers a wider range of accommodations to suit various budgets (from $60 and up). My golden rule for travel is to book accommodations as far in advance as possible – at least two months or more – to get the best rates and ensure availability. With flexible cancellation policies due to lingering COVID-19 concerns, there's really no reason to wait!
There are accommodations outside the South Entrance in Tusayan, but prices are comparable to inside the park. After reading tons of online reviews, I stuck with staying within the park.
Dining at the Grand Canyon: Yavapai Cafeteria Surprise!
For meals, I dined at the Yavapai Cafeteria. Their only hot item was hamburgers, but they were surprisingly delicious, despite the $15.25 price tag! The bun had a delightful crispness, and the organic beef was far superior to the usual hamburger fare at typical restaurants and definitely better than fast food chains like In-n-Out Burger, Carl's Jr., or McDonald's!
If you're not too fussy about food, the Market Plaza offers limited options from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The breakfast there was decent – not bad at all!
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