Plan Your Grand Canyon Adventure

When planning a trip to Grand Canyon, it starts with a few big questions:

Which rim should we visit?
Where should we stay?
What should we do once we’re there?

Other common questions include: What is the best time of year to go? How do we get there by car, shuttle, or tour? Where are the nearest airports? What’s the most cost-effective way to experience the Grand Canyon?

As locals, we hope to give you the essential answers so you can plan your trip with confidence.

Choosing Which Rim of the Grand Canyon to Visit

The Grand Canyon covers 277 miles and is divided into three main visiting areas: South Rim, West Rim, and North Rim. Your starting city and available time will determine the best option.

South Rim – The most popular and best for first-time visitors. Open year-round with visitor centers, museums, hiking trails, and park lodges. Located about 4 hours north of Phoenix or 4.5 hours from Las Vegas.
Learn more about the South Rim »
West Rim – Closest to Las Vegas (2.5 hours by car). Home to the Grand Canyon Skywalk, helicopter tours, and Hualapai Tribal lands. Best for quick day trips.
Explore the West Rim »
North Rim – Open seasonally (mid-May to mid-October). Offers solitude, cooler temperatures, and dramatic viewpoints. Best accessed from Utah or northern Arizona.
Discover the North Rim »

Where to Stay at the Grand Canyon

Finding the right hotel or lodge depends on which rim you visit:

South Rim Lodging – Book early for National Park lodges along the rim; reservations can sell out 12 months in advance. If unavailable, stay in Tusayan (8 miles away), Williams (60 miles), or Flagstaff (90 miles).
South Rim Hotels Guide »
West Rim Hotels – Limited lodging near the rim (Hualapai Lodge, Grand Canyon Ranch). Many visitors overnight in Las Vegas, Kingman, or Laughlin.
West Rim Lodging Options »
North Rim Hotels – Stay at the historic Grand Canyon Lodge or nearby Jacob Lake Inn. If fully booked, expand your search to Page, Kanab, or St. George.
North Rim Lodging Information »

Things to Do at the Grand Canyon

A Grand Canyon vacation can be as adventurous or relaxed as you choose. Popular activities include:

Scenic overlooks and photography along the rim trails
Hiking famous routes like Bright Angel Trail and South Kaibab Trail
Rafting trips on the Colorado River (half-day to multi-day expeditions)
Helicopter or airplane flights for aerial views
Visiting museums, cultural centers, and ranger programs
Stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the U.S.

See all Grand Canyon tours and activities »

How to Get to the Grand Canyon

Most visitors fly into either Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) or Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS):

From Phoenix – Drive 4 hours to the South Rim via I-17 N to I-40 W to Hwy 64 N.
From Las Vegas – Drive 2.5 hours to the West Rim or 4.5 hours to the South Rim. Tours by bus, van, or helicopter are also available.
From Flagstaff – The closest regional airport; only 1.5 hours from the South Rim.

Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon

Spring & Fall – Ideal weather, fewer crowds, excellent hiking.
Summer – Peak season with full access but the heaviest crowds.
Winter – South Rim stays open; North Rim is closed; great for solitude and snowy canyon views.

See month-by-month Grand Canyon weather »

Booking a Tour

Tours are a great way to combine transportation, activities, and sightseeing in one package. Options include:

Day trips from Las Vegas – Bus, helicopter, and airplane tours to the West Rim and South Rim.
Guided ground tours from Phoenix – Hotel pickup with stops in Sedona, Flagstaff, or Williams.
Adventure packages – Combine rafting, hiking, or helicopter flights for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Browse top Grand Canyon tours »

Final Tips for Planning Your Grand Canyon Trip

Book lodging early, especially inside the National Park.
Decide on your rim first — South Rim for the classic experience, West Rim for convenience, North Rim for solitude.
Consider adding nearby destinations like Sedona, Flagstaff, Lake Powell, or Hoover Dam to your itinerary.

With the right planning, your Grand Canyon vacation will be an unforgettable adventure filled with natural beauty, history, and memories that last a lifetime.