North vs South Rim Grand Canyon?
Starting to plan for the summer and possibly considering the G.C. for about a week. Will be traveling in pop up with 2 adults & 2 kids( 15 & 7 Y.O.) plus my sister and her pack will be tent camping. ...
Forum Discussion
For a first-time visitor and staying a week or more I'd recommend you go to the South Rim.... just expect crowds during the main part of the day but mornings and late afternoons/evenings are perfect. The busloads of tourists will be gone along with those that stay outside the park.
We've done both sides multiple times and now prefer the North but just for the quietness. I think you would be bored after a week as there is so much more to do on the South Rim.
Mather is a very nice campground and it's shaded - very similar to the North Rim. A big plus, especially with a multi-person family outing is the free shuttle bus system. Everyone can go when and where they want. You don't have to stay together.
You'll have lots of choices of hiking and you can go for miles on a mostly flat Rim Trail viewing the canyon the whole way. When you get tired, pick up the next shuttle bus. There are many restaurant choices, a well-stocked, expensive store, a nice Visitor Center and ranger-led talks/hikes and campfire programs.
Hiking to the bottom of the canyon has to be a well-thought-out project and would require a stay overnight so don't press yourself to do it. However, definitely do a 'teaser' hike down the Bright Angel Trail if only for 1/8 or 1/4 mile or so. It will give you an altogether perspective of the canyon from below the Rim. Take lots of water for everyone, even a short hike and remember, you have to hike up and out, too! It's very steep but a good trail.
While there, take the car eastward to the Desert View section of the park. The shuttle doesn't go there but it's well worth the short drive.
Yep... the South Rim is for you! Have a good trip. Here are some campsite photos and don't forget to check the official web site for this and all national parks. They'll give you ideas for things to do, camping and road information.
http://www.campsitephotos.com/campground/Mather
https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm
We've done both sides multiple times and now prefer the North but just for the quietness. I think you would be bored after a week as there is so much more to do on the South Rim.
Mather is a very nice campground and it's shaded - very similar to the North Rim. A big plus, especially with a multi-person family outing is the free shuttle bus system. Everyone can go when and where they want. You don't have to stay together.
You'll have lots of choices of hiking and you can go for miles on a mostly flat Rim Trail viewing the canyon the whole way. When you get tired, pick up the next shuttle bus. There are many restaurant choices, a well-stocked, expensive store, a nice Visitor Center and ranger-led talks/hikes and campfire programs.
Hiking to the bottom of the canyon has to be a well-thought-out project and would require a stay overnight so don't press yourself to do it. However, definitely do a 'teaser' hike down the Bright Angel Trail if only for 1/8 or 1/4 mile or so. It will give you an altogether perspective of the canyon from below the Rim. Take lots of water for everyone, even a short hike and remember, you have to hike up and out, too! It's very steep but a good trail.
While there, take the car eastward to the Desert View section of the park. The shuttle doesn't go there but it's well worth the short drive.
Yep... the South Rim is for you! Have a good trip. Here are some campsite photos and don't forget to check the official web site for this and all national parks. They'll give you ideas for things to do, camping and road information.
http://www.campsitephotos.com/campground/Mather
https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm
