Help For Grand Canyon

We went in July and the crowds were not to bad. We did the mule ride and hiked the rim, plus other hikes. The best was watching the sunset, a must do. The shuttle bus is very efficient to ride and easy enough to get around on. Enjoy the trip it is beautiful.

Lauren wrote:
Been there several times. You want to be at the South Rim and staying right there. Why? North Rim you only see about 10% of the Grand Canyon and, if picture taking, right into the sun. And, staying right there you are there for the early and late day when the colors and shadows are what make the Grand Canyon so spectacular. The drive or hokey train ride from Williams will give you midday experience so you can only saw you have been to the Grand Canyon; not SEEN it.

I wanted to reiterate this answer. For first time visitors, the South Rim is the place to be and Trailer Village is the place to stay. The proximity to the canyon and the convenience of the shuttle make Trailer Village a much better choice than anything outside the park. As for the canyon, during the day, the majesty of the canyon is apparent, but it takes a sunrise or sunset to fully feel the spirit of the place.

RCMAN46 - Yup, been what I have been saying for years.

Trailer village is good as you will spend very little time at the campground. We were there only after dark and left very early each day using the free public bus system.

You have to see at least one sunrise and sunset to experience the canyon. That is difficult if you camp 50 miles away.

Like mosseater said, you think you know what the GC looks like until you stand on the rim and look over it!

Best time to go: Whenever the kids are in school!

That said, we stayed at the old KOA in Williams. Nicely wooded and barely 1/4 full when we were there. Yes it's a bit of a drive to GC, but you'll REALLY want to go to Sedona for a day trip. Absolutely gorgeous drive through the canyon.

Like some others, I much prefer May or September for the Canyon. Mostly due to the reduced crowds. The prime summer vacation months just offer too much humanity for my taste, especially on the south rim.

We have been to both rims and we liked the South best. The KOA near Williams was nice and we used it for our home base. From there I think the Canyon is only ~35 miles or so and Williams is closer than that. We did the train ride from Williams to the GC and really enjoyed it. We did a lot of roaming around when there to various towns and places. I cannot remember the name of the peak but we went to a ski resort and rode up the mountain which I think is halfway between the KOA and the GC. It was early August when we went and it was really not that bad people wise.
It really depends on what you want to do.

We went in June and the weather was perfect for the week. We stayed in the Grand Canyon Railroad RV Park. It has everything you require plus it's almost in the middle of town within walking distance of entertainment, groceries and restaurants. Also there is a find golf course near by and great scenery even before you take the train to the Canyon itself.

Been there several times. You want to be at the South Rim and staying right there. Why? North Rim you only see about 10% of the Grand Canyon and, if picture taking, right into the sun. And, staying right there you are there for the early and late day when the colors and shadows are what make the Grand Canyon so spectacular. The drive or hokey train ride from Williams will give you midday experience so you can only saw you have been to the Grand Canyon; not SEEN it.