Grand Canyon stay inside/outside of park?

wjmblm wrote:
We thank everyone for there comments and suggestions.
It looks like we will be calling to see if we can get into Trailer Village.
Thanks again,
Willie & Belinda Moore

You can reserve 13 months in advance of your arrival day, per the park web site!

mosseater wrote:
Can't imagine why Trailer Village isn't the no-brainer choice every time on this question. You're there to see the canyon. Your trailer is right there. What am I missing? Just how important are aesthetics to this discussion? Ammenities? How's this for ammenities: the shuttle pulls right up to a stop within walking distance of your home on wheels. Each to his own, but for me staying next to the canyon was a huge bonus.

You answered your own question; to each his own.:S

We stayed at Circle Pines in Williams when we was there, but If I was going back I would defiantly stay in the park

Trailer Village at the south rim is a dump. I wouldn't recommend staying there at all. If staying in the park I prefer Mather, but it won't accommodate large RVs (I have a 26 ft TT and its about as large as I would want to take into Mather). Also doesn't have hook-ups (if that's important to you).

I would recommend the GC Railway (the train.com). It is ~$40 a night, but is very clean, has all the amenities, an easy walk to downtown Williams for food, grocery store (Safeway), etc., and a good location to see the GCNP, Flagstaff, and surrounding areas. They also give a Good Sam discount.

You can use your toad to drive to the canyon. Once there park near the Back Country office and your a short walk to the rim, Maswick Lodge, Kolb Studio, Bright Angel trailhead, and of course the shuttle stops. You can take the shuttle to the main visitor center, Hermits Rest, and other points within the park.

Enjoy the GCNP. I just did two hikes overnighting in the canyon and recently visited the north rim. It's a great place to visit.

Olan - Gilbert AZ

You may want to check to see if there are open site in the NP for when you plan on being there? We went last year without reservations near the end of September, I has to cut my stay short due to sites being booked. First time I ran into that problem. I do everything on the fly.

First I qualify that we have been to the South Rim at least 6 or 7 times; and we stayed at Trailer Village. We are too big for Mather.

In all due respect, it is not a "dump". Could it use some fixing up? Yes, but they also have the problem of demand for it nearly full all year round. It gets a lot of use.

But you go to the Grand Canyon for what reason? To see the Grand Canyon.

If you want a hokey train ride from Williams to spend a couple of hours midday at the South Rim when the colors are all washed out by the sun; then do it. Or drive 1 1/4 or more hours from Williams, wait in line to get in, find a parking place and spend a couple of hours midday, etc. Then do it. In these cases you can tell everyone you have BEEN to the Grand Canyon - but you have not SEEN it. To see the color and shadows and true beauty you need to see sunrises and sunsets - simple as that.

We have never had leveling or hookup issues at Trailer Village. And they are pull thru.

I and DW have hiked and done photo work there for years.

Just make up your mind what is important to you and make your decision from there.

And enjoy one of God's greatest creations.

Hi there,
I currently live in Grand Canyon Village and I also do not think that Trailer Village is a dump. BTW, they will be redoing the roads and pads this fall, so some sites will be closed at different times. I have used Mather when travelig with my Casita. But here is another walk through. This time of Trailer Village.

Once again find me on youtube grandcanyonjoe@gmail.com or

http://youtu.be/farJYElZmvg

Happy travels

Thanks to all for the information.
We were able to get into Trailer Village on the dates we wanted.
Sept. 22 - 25, 2013.
If any of you going to be in that area, stop by.
Look for a Pace Arrow with an American Flag and the Good Sam plaque on the back.
Thanks again,
William & Belinda Moore

If you are making a long trip to really see the Grand Canyon, I recommend also including the North Rim of the canyon. It does require a long drive around the canyon to get there but there are less people and it is at a higher elevation than the south rim. I believe it is close to 9000 feet. Very beautiful especially in the fall with the aspen trees. Either way, enjoy the canyon!

Enjoy your stay at the Grand Canyon. Look forward to hearing how your trip went when you get back.

I have visited the park, both north and south rims, numerous times over the past 30 years I've resided in AZ. I have to agree the north rim is the best part of the park. But, the south rim has a lot to offer. I recommend the rim trail. It's a fairly level trail, paved, with rest areas (benches) and water along the trail. You'll probably get a view of one of the California Condors along the way. Great photo ops along the trail. The trail also provides a great geological story of the canyon.

I was there in June (did a 4 day backpacking hike down to Bright Angel campground) and they had a very interesting presentation at the Kolb studio near the Bright Angel trailhead. I'd also take the shuttle out to Hermit's Rest and see the great old fireplace. A lot to see - enjoy!

Olan