I've never been. Apparently it costs $25 to just "have a look". Worth it? Anything else to do once past the main gate? South side.

You could climb down into the canyon, camp on the way, and try to climb back out the next day. You can take a donkey ride partway down and back up the same day. You can take a float trip and ride a raft through the canyon, one of the ultimate adventure trips, from one night to as long as two weeks on the river. About $1500 to $4000 per person, depending on type of trip.If you just want to take a look over the edge, that can be 2-3 hours in the busy part of the season, if you want to see how it looks from several different points on the south rim. That's enough for most visitors to most of the locations in the National Park system, checking off a "must see" list with their been there, done that. That's the typical bus tour visit, drive through, stop in two or three places to let everyone out to take pictures of themselves at the Grand Canyon.That's as far as I've gotten with the Grand Canyon so far, a day trip out of Phoenix with wife, two kids, wife's aunt and uncle. I do intend to go back, stay longer, explore more of the park. But for stuff to do, different things to see, the Grand Canyon is not really the natural wonderland you will find at Yellowstone or Yosemite. For that matter, I prefer Canyonlands NP to Grand Canyon NP, because there is a lot more geology to see. The canyons are just not as deep. If looking for water recreation activities (besides float trips) I suggest downstream to the National Recreation Area at Lake Mead, or upstream to the Glen Canyon NRA.It doesn't necessarily cost $25 to have a look. Interagency pass to all Federal parks and monuments is $80 a year, visit 8 places on one trip and they only cost $10 each. Visit 20 they only cost $4 each. I bought the annual pass the year I retired, used it for at least thirty different places traveling that first year.If someone in your party is age 62 or older they can buy a lifetime America the Beautiful Senior Pass for one-time fee ($10 the year I bought mine). It covers everyone in the vehicle with them.

yep, spent one night there in a cabin. saw sunset, sunrise, and a big hole. too heavy at the time to take a burro ride.bumpy

We spent 6 days there in September; our third trip back (twice south rim, once north rim). Last trip was the south rim. We camped at Trailer Village; excellent. We hiked Bright Angel Trail (to the 3 mile point - 2,000 ft vertical), the entire south rim trail, went to Desert View Tower, enjoyed a great dinner at the Arizona Room at a table with a view of the canyon, explored the Grand Canyon Village, the El Tovar, Bright Angel Inn and more. The $25 is the entrance fee to the park and you can do a LOT more than just "have a look" without spending any more $. The $25 is for the vehicle, not per person. In my opinion, even a look is worth the $25. Defines the term "breath taking".Some pictures:SunsetBright Angel TrailOther Grand Canyon Pictures

Save your $25 as it's nothing but a BIG hole in the ground that only gets five million visitors/year. :W Plenty of info here and we like the North Rim better (once you've seen the South) even though it takes half a day longer to get to it.

The $25 fee includes everyone in your car and is good for 7 days. As a previous poster mentioned, if someone in your party is over 62 and has an American the Beautiful pass, you can use that to get in free. Entrance fees include both north and south rim. Plan to spend some time in the area and see all you can see. It is very beautiful and particularly breathtaking are the sunrises and sunsets.Dale

Grand Canyon? | Good Sam Community

linnemj
Explorer
Mar 11, 2015
We are so glad there are people who feel $25 is too much to visit a National Park. We also appreciate all the others who never take the time to do any exploring outside their vehicles. It keeps the trails and attractions much less crowded for the rest of us!
qtla9111
Nomad
Mar 11, 2015
Boondocked on Forest Service land in the town of Tusayan which is one mile from the entrance. No charge, no fees for boondocking in the forest. Peace and quiet. We loved it. There is another boondocking spot inside the park but I don't have the name to it.
Mr__Camper
Explorer
Mar 11, 2015
Kick some dirt over the edge and lets see how long it takes to fill it up.
ken56
Explorer
Mar 11, 2015
I second the sentiment that the GC is more than a "big hole in the ground". To each his own I suppose. The area in whole is worthy of a long camping trip and exploring every corner. I am an Easterner so the landscape is totally different from what I am used to and I certainly enjoyed seeing it in all its majesty. You stand on the rim and its just an awesome sight. We stayed in Williams and its a neat little route 66 town. We stayed at the Grand Canyon Railroad camp ground which is top notch. The railroad trip is something else you can do too although its a bit pricey. Go and enjoy.
vjstangelo
Explorer
Mar 11, 2015
You must go have a meal at El Tovar. This is one of the resorts built by RR's in the 1900's. Views are spectacular.
mileshuff
Explorer
Mar 11, 2015
As I live in AZ we visit every few years. We enjoy the drive from the east entrance where there are several stops to view from. Before the park entrance is the Little Colorado River Gorge. A sight in itself. Numerous local Indians sell their jewelry and crafts there. At the south rim village is a visitors center, El Tovar lodge where we love to have lunch, and many interesting shops with historical artifacts to view. We spend an afternoon at the canyon. We aren't hikers so never RV'd at the canyon.

Instead we love to take our RV to Williams, 60 miles south of the canyon. Quite a bit to see and do around Williams. Very fun old route 66 town.
djsamuel
Nomad
Mar 11, 2015
scbwr wrote:
One of the greatest natural wonders in the world and you're asking whether it's worth the cost of approximately 3 movie tickets??? Trust me....you'll be amazed at what you see if you just take a ride along the rim and look. Be sure to see how the early morning or sunset lighting changes the view.

+1
scbwr
Explorer II
Mar 11, 2015
One of the greatest natural wonders in the world and you're asking whether it's worth the cost of approximately 3 movie tickets??? Trust me....you'll be amazed at what you see if you just take a ride along the rim and look. Be sure to see how the early morning or sunset lighting changes the view.
tsetsaf
Explorer III
Mar 11, 2015
Get a discounted or free national park pass. I once frowned on this but with the ridiculous entrance rates I think it is only fair. Get a geezer pass... over 62 gets a lifetime pass for $10. Get a free lifetime pass if you have any documented disabilities... and I mean any that could impact your enjoyment. There are families getting them for ADHD kids. NPS can't ask what your disability is nor can they ask how disabled are you.
Jim_Shoe
Explorer
Mar 11, 2015
When I was there several years ago, I looked into the burro ride down to the bottom and back, but the wrangler said I'd have to carry the burro since I outweighed him. :)

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