How to see grand canyon

[philh]

Next fall we are leaving MI after labor day, looking to wander over to montana, and then down to grand canyon. This will be the first retirement big trip, and plan to continue the trip to FL. Kind of a big loop from MI to FL for the winter.

How, what, and Where, do I visit the grand canyon?

[Mike134]

While at the south rim check if there have been any cancelations to take a mule ride to the bottom, stay overnight at the bottom then come back up the following day. (food and shelter included) It's a great trip and last time we did it 2 couples got lucky with last minute cancelations and rode with us

[Acampingwewillg]

Normally I would never suggest "Trailer Village" because of the prices But in this instance, it's a perfect fit and well located within the Park! We spent 5-6 nights their at a full hook up site with a group of other Rv'ers....had lots of fun and your within walking/biking distance to areas near by!

[donkeydew]

if you want to really see it take a fixed wing or helicopter tour of it.
in a hour or so you will see more than you can in a month on land.
they will fly you right down in canyon for awesome views

[Thom02099]

agesilaus wrote:

Not sure but nearest fuel may be in jacob Lake don't recall gas station inside park but there may be one.

There's fuel in the North Rim Campground (gas and diesel) as well about 7 miles north of the entrance gate to GCNP North Rim at the North Rim Country Store. It's across from the Kaibab Lodge and Demotte Campground. They had gas/diesel/propane there and their diesel was considerably cheaper than inside the North Rim Campground.

[philh]

lawnspecialties wrote:
What a great thread. We plan to do something very similar after I retire November 2026. The Grand Canyon is my number 1 priority destination. From NC, we hope to also do one big circle of the USA. Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Mt Rushmore, Niagara, Florida Keys, etc.

We stayed at Boyd's in Key West. They are expensive, as is everything in KW. Week we were there (thanksgiving), park was 100% filled. We literally got the last spot, and booked it 9 months ahead. Staff there is AMAZING! I will add, CCLB truck is not the best vehicle to navigate downtown KW. We used our electric bike most of the time.

[lawnspecialties]

What a great thread. We plan to do something very similar after I retire November 2026. The Grand Canyon is my number 1 priority destination. From NC, we hope to also do one big circle of the USA. Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Mt Rushmore, Niagara, Florida Keys, etc.

[philh]

Matt_Colie wrote:
Philh,

There is a lot to see and do along the route you have outlined, but some it kind of mode dependent.

How will you be traveling and with what other stuff?

Matt - also in Belleville, but really New Boston

Planning to leave after labor day and head up through MI UP and would like to get over to visit cody firearm museum in MT. Would also like to see some stuff in Utah.

We are traveling and may wander all the way back to Tampa too. IF, we can get into one particular campground near pheonix, we may scrub the FL part of the trip. We'll be in a shorter 5th wheel that has large onboard tanks. Friends in a large Class A may join us for grand canyon.

I need to update my sig, we sold our house in Belleville a year ago and have a permanent site near Union City with a park model

[prichardson]

Not sure of your rig; but if you are not over 25' and willing to dry camp, there is the option of Desert View Campground at the east entrance to the park. Not nearly as crowded as the village area.

[timandsusan]

We have been to both North and South Rims usually in the fall--Sept. Suggestions--hiking is great in Nat'l Forest on North Rim. No crowds due to most visitors are on tour buses that only stay 1 night at North Rim Lodge. And the big buses cannot drive to the overlooks--too big for road. South Rim good advice provided by others--add take a helicopter trip over the canyon. Or take a really great ride by going on a float trip thru the canyon, we did in 2016--188 miles, 5 nights. Left the rig at Page, Az for float trip.

[wowens79]

We just got back 2 weeks ago, but could not take the RV.
We were on the south rim, and December was a great time to go. It was not crowded at all.
If you are able take a hike down into the canyon, even if just a little ways, the views and perspectives are totally different. We hiked to Ooh Ahh Point, and it deserves that name. Also check out the different overlooks, they are all different, and are different at different times of day due to the sun angles.
Also stock up on food before getting there, the little stores in the town outside the park are nice but pricey, and the restaurants were not very good.
It is an incredible site, but look at all the other things to see in the area if you have time. Zion, Bryce, Arches etc.

[agesilaus]

Balanced view
OK as long time North Rim fans but who recently visited South Rim:
1) North Rim is alway less crowded. If you boondock then lots of site in vast surrounding National Forest. If not then it's either get a spot in the park service camp or camp at Jacob Lake which is more than an hour away. Good trails and views but not as good as the south. Stores.very far away, small store at Jacob Lake. Shuts down mid October. Not sure but nearest fuel may be in jacob Lake don't recall gas station inside park but there may be one.


2)South Rim:Swarming mobs unless you camp either early (April or earlier) or late: maybe late September and on. Lots of camping in the NF and lots of in park and commercial camps. Stores near by. Great views, lots of scenic pullouts and other places like museums and such. Commercialized. Open all year. Fuel available

[Thom02099]

naturist wrote:
Since you are wandering, hit both the North and South rims. They are very different parks, being 2,000 feet different in elevation as well as having different views of the canyon itself. Do be aware that snows happen as early as late September even at the lower elevation of the South rim. Been there when it did.

And absolutely make reservations at both as early as possible. They are popular places to visit, and fill up quickly.

^^^ This. Very different points of view on the Grand Canyon. Stayed at the North Rim Campground a few years back, on their final full week of operation. Not crowded at all in the campground, the North Rim Visitor Center and Grand Canyon Lodge was somewhat busier. Some great drives to give you different perspectives on the north side; the drive to Point Imperial and Cape Royal were outstanding.

After the North Rim stay, moved around to the South Rim. Vistas and perspective are definitely different. Stayed at Trailer Village and that's an outstanding recommendation to stay there, as suggested get reservations early as possible. Shuttle bus stop right at their entrance, can take you anywhere you want to go on the South Rim.

Doing both will give you a very satisfying appreciation of the magnitude of the Grand Canyon.

[Matt_Colie]

Philh,

There is a lot to see and do along the route you have outlined, but some it kind of mode dependent.

How will you be traveling and with what other stuff?

Matt - also in Belleville, but really New Boston

[agesilaus]

The point I was making is this:
"The North Rim will reopen with full services between May 15 and October 15, 2022. "

North rim always closes mid October snow or no snow