With over 6 million annual visitors, the Grand Canyon is one of the most popular attractions in the US; and for good reason. Roughly a 3 – 3.5 hour drive from Phoenix and reaching depths of over a mile, the Grand Canyon is 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide. With such a large area, there are many different ways to experience the canyon and something you’ll want at least a few days to properly explore. Whether it is your first time visiting the Grand Canyon or you’re returning for another visit, we’ll walk you through nine unique ways you can experience this breathtaking area.
Hike the Canyon
Hiking the Grand Canyon is one of the most popular ways to experience the canyon. There are many trail options for hikers of all experience levels, but some of the most notable hikes are on the longer side. Here are two of the top hikes we would recommend for the moderately experienced and enthusiastic hiker:
Bright Angel Trail
Roughly 19 miles round trip, the Bright Angel Trail features some challenging switchbacks, but makes up for that with many rest and water stations along the way. Additionally, the trail provides some areas of shade along the way which goes along way in the hotter summer months. Along the trail, you’ll experience amazing views of the Colorado River, several waterfalls and some stunning gorges.
Rim-to-Rim
For someone who wants to have the ultimate hiking experience at the Grand Canyon, the Rim-to-Rim trail is an experience you won’t soon forget. As one of the longer trails in the park at 44 miles round trip, this is a multi-day hike and camp that typically takes visitors five to seven days to complete. You’ll travel from the North Rim to the South Rim experiencing a variety of breathtaking scenery along the way.
Raft Down the Colorado River
Another popular option for exploring the Grand Canyon is to raft down the Colorado River. There are many tour companies in the area offering all types of rafting trips which vary in the level of rapids as well as the duration of the trip. From single day rafting experiences to multiple day rafting and camping trips, you’ll be sure to find something that is a good fit for your upcoming trip.
Ride a Mule
From hour long rides to multi-day riding and camping trips, you’ll find all types of mule ride options on both the North Rim and South Rim. Mules are fantastic on their feet and can easily traverse the steep trails of the canyon. Put on your cowboy hat and jump on a mule for a truly western experience. For information on booking a mule ride, check out these two options.
Take a Helicopter Tour
One of the best viewpoints you can get of the canyon is from the air. There are a variety of tour companies in the area offering Helicopter Rides and it provides a great way for visitors to cover a lot of ground in a short period of time. In addition to views of the amazing landscape you are sure to experience, you also are provided with great opportunities to see native wildlife including the elk herds that roam the pine forests surrounding the canyon.
Bike on the Canyon Rim
Skip the crowded shuttles and rent yourself a bike to move through the canyon’s six primary lookout points a bit more quickly. This is a fantastic way to get some exercise while exploring the pine forests and stopping along the way to experience the various lookout points. To rent a bike, check out Bright Angel Bicycles on the South Rim.
Skydive Over the Grand Canyon
For anyone looking for a more extreme way to experience the Grand Canyon, why not try skydiving over the canyon! For a once in a lifetime skydiving experience, you’ll be flown to heights between 13,500 and 15,000 feet before jumping out and diving at speeds of 100 mph towards the ground; all with the Grand Canyon in your sights. To learn more about skydiving at the Grand Canyon, head over to Paragon Skydive.
Camp In The Canyon
From car camping to backcountry camping, the Grand Canyon offers a variety of camping options for visitors. Camping is a great way to fully immerse yourself in nature and helps keep your trip costs low as well in comparison to staying at hotels or rental properties. For backcountry campers, you’ll want to make sure you have the proper backcountry permit for camping. To find yourself a campground for your upcoming trip, checkout these 8 great Grand Canyon campgrounds perfect for any type of excursion.
Snowshoe the Canyon
During the colder months of the year, consider snowshoeing along the canyon rim for a truly unique experience. The rim typically averages between 50-100 inches of snowfall every year with temperatures ranging from the low 40s down to subzero temperatures. The North Rim has a bit of a higher elevation than the South Rim and, as such, will normally have some better and more consistent snow conditions.
Take a Train Ride
A great activity for the entire family, enjoy an old school train ride on the Grand Canyon Railway. Operating since 1901, the train offers an unforgettable ride through the forests and prairies surrounding the Grand Canyon. The train runs from Williams, Arizona to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim; a trip that takes around 2 hours each way. If you have been in search for some western nostalgia, look no further than the Grand Canyon Railway.
Have any other Grand Canyon experiences that didn’t make our list above? Feel free to share them with our readers in the comment section below!
