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Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon travel guide

Steep-sided canyon in Arizona, US

Things to do17 experiences
Best time to visitApril and October
Nearest airportGCN · 10 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−7

About Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River in Arizona, United States. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide and attains a depth of over a mile.

Places to visit in Grand Canyon

  1. Mather Point

    Mather Point

    Viewpoint · 3 mi from centre

    The most popular viewpoint on the South Rim, close to the main visitor center. Come early in the morning or at sunset for the best light and fewer crowds.

  2. Bright Angel Trail

    Bright Angel Trail

    Nature · 4 mi from centre

    A popular trail descending from the South Rim into the canyon. Do not try to reach the river and back in one day, and carry plenty of water.

  3. Grand Canyon Village

    Grand Canyon Village

    Neighborhood · 5 mi from centre

    The main hub on the South Rim, with historic lodges, restaurants and shuttle bus stops. Use the free shuttle buses to avoid the challenge of parking.

  4. Desert View Watchtower

    Desert View Watchtower

    Viewpoint · 15 mi from centre

    A stone tower designed by Mary Colter at the eastern end of the South Rim. Climb to the top for views of the Colorado River and the Painted Desert.

  5. El Tovar Hotel

    El Tovar Hotel

    Historic · 4 mi from centre

    A historic lodge built in 1905 on the edge of the South Rim. Even if you are not staying, stop by for a meal or a look at the rustic lobby.

  6. Grand Canyon Railway

    Grand Canyon Railway

    Landmark

    A historic railroad running between Williams and the South Rim. Taking the train lets you avoid parking hassles and adds a touch of old-fashioned travel.

  7. Havasu Falls

    Havasu Falls

    Nature · 35 mi from centre

    A famous turquoise waterfall on Havasupai land, reached only by a long hike. Overnight permits are required and sell out quickly, so plan many months ahead.

Things to do in Grand Canyon by type

17 tours, tickets and experiences across 3 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.

How long
  • 1-3 hours 9
  • 3-6 hours 1
Good for
  • Couples 2
  • Senior 2
  • Families 2
  • Youth 2
Ways to go
  • Small group 1
Browse all things to do in Grand Canyon

Top experiences in Grand Canyon

Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 17 available.

See all things to do in Grand Canyon

Where to stay in Grand Canyon

Popular hotels in Grand Canyon.

Best time to visit Grand Canyon

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Grand Canyon is April and October, when average daytime highs are around 76–82°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 35° – 51° 5
Feb 39° – 60° 6
Mar 43° – 65° 9
Apr 50° – 76° 4
May 59° – 87° 4
Jun 72° – 100° 3
Jul 77° – 103° 3
Aug 74° – 100° 7
Sep 69° – 94° 3
Oct 59° – 82° 5
Nov 45° – 65° 5
Dec 42° – 60° 3

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Grand Canyon weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 78° 67° 91%
  • Thu 22 Oct 80° 61° 86%
  • Fri 23 Oct 70° 57° 21%
  • Sat 24 Oct 72° 58° 9%
  • Sun 25 Oct 71° 56° 2%
  • Mon 26 Oct 74° 59° 5%

Know before you go

Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
English
Calling code
+1
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/PhoenixUTC−7
Capital
Washington, D.C.

Upcoming public holidays in United States

  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Presidents DayWashington's Birthday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Grand Canyon

These are the airports closest to central Grand Canyon. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • GCN Grand Canyon National Park Airport10 mi (17 km) from the city centre
  • GCW Grand Canyon West Airport96 mi (155 km) from the city centre
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Grand Canyon travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Grand Canyon?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Grand Canyon is April and October, when average daytime highs are around 76–82°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.

What is the weather like in Grand Canyon?

July is usually the warmest month in Grand Canyon, with average highs of 103°F (40°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 35°F (2°C). The wettest month is typically March, with about 52 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Grand Canyon?

Grand Canyon National Park Airport (GCN) is the closest airport, about 10 miles (17 km) from the centre of Grand Canyon. Other nearby airports include Grand Canyon West Airport (GCW, 96 mi).

What time zone is Grand Canyon in?

Grand Canyon uses the America/Phoenix time zone (currently UTC−7). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

What are the best places to visit in Grand Canyon?

Top sights in Grand Canyon include Mather Point, Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon Village and Desert View Watchtower. The most popular viewpoint on the South Rim, close to the main visitor center. Come early in the morning or at sunset for the best light and fewer crowds.

What are the top things to do in Grand Canyon?

Popular experiences you can book in Grand Canyon include Grand Entrance: A Guided Journey Through the South Rim, North Canyon Tour and North Canyon Helicopter and Sunset Hummer Tour. Destina Holidays offers 17 tours and activities here.

What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Grand Canyon?

The most popular types of experiences in Grand Canyon are outdoor activities & adventure (10), air, helicopter & balloon tours (7), zoo, aquarium & nature (3) and tickets & attraction passes (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.

Where should I stay in Grand Canyon?

Popular areas for hotels in Grand Canyon include Flagstaff, Tusayan and Williams. Well-reviewed options include Little America Hotel Flagstaff and Grand Canyon Hotel & Suites.