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?

[naturist]

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.

[Lwiddis]

Lots of boondocking around Tusayan. If you have a park pass you can use the dump station and get fresh water without any charge and zip back to your campsite.

[bigorange]

bgum wrote:
South rim and stay in Trailer Village. Try for a reservation as soon as possible. Use the bus system within the park.

This. If you miss the reservation for Trailer Village there’s a nice RV park not far outside the gates in Tusayan near a couple of restaurants and IMAX and you can catch the shuttle into the park if you want.

[profdant139]

North Rim closes in mid-October, long after Labor Day.

I'm a fan of the North Rim -- cooler, lots of trees, many fewer people. Yes, the views are better on the South Rim, but the north side has some great views, too. Check out this blog post -- we were there in late Sept:

North Rim

[jdc1]

If you are up for it, take a mule ride down into the canyon. That's where the money shots are. The mule rides are from the south rim. I've been to both south and north. The south rim has soooo much more to offer.

[bgum]

South rim and stay in Trailer Village. Try for a reservation as soon as possible. Use the bus system within the park.

[agesilaus]

The north rim closes early because of snow so the south rim is where you need to go. Tho I was a north rim promoter for years we did the south rim this year and I have to admit it has better views. Drive the road to the east entrance and stop at the viewpoint pull outs and get out and walk around at each. At the main village walk the the rim trail. If you are very fit then take some of the trails off the rim trail but they can be strenuously steep.
We boondocked for 5 days in the surrounding National Forest. There was plenty of room but we were there early in the season in April. Before the big mobs arrive. Maybe the crowds will diminish by Fall.