Planning a Trip to Grand Canyon South

Grand Canyon Rock Tower

One of the most favorite places for families to visit on vacation is the Grand Canyon. It is estimated that nearly 5 million travel to this 1 mile deep canyon each year. Most of these people go to the South rim to see the canyon from their car at overlooks along the way. This is the most accessible part of the park and it’s open all year. From Grand Canyon South you can see a great deal of the park such as from Grand Canyon Village, Desert View or Hermits Rest.

There are a smaller number of people who visit the Grand Canyon through the North Rim which is only open during certain times of the year and it is less accessible. If you plan a trip to the Grand Canyon, your first step is to determine which way you will be going.

What is known as the “Inner Canyon” contains everything below the rim and this part of the Grand Canyon is seen mainly only to hikers, mule riders or river runners. If you are an adventurous person, this may be a place for you to consider.

If you’re planning a trip with the fam to the Grand Canyon, you may not be up for canyon hiking or river running. You want to stick with something a little safer for children and other members of the family. But don’t worry because there is plenty to see and do.

Here are some ideas:

• Attend free ranger programs
• Visit and information center and learn about the Grand Canyon
• Visit a museum
• Visit scenic Hermit Road
• Listen to park rangers give 2-minute audio tours via your phone
• Visit the scenic Desert View Drive
• Climb 70 feet to the top of Watchtower for an amazing panoramic view
• Visit a Grand Canyon “hot spot” and take some fantastic photos to remember your trip
• Check out whitewater and smooth-water rafting on the Colorado River
• Enjoy hiking on the many different types of trails

It can be helpful to plan all the events you want to take part in before you leave but remember to be flexible once you arrive. Don’t be so rigid in your planning that you pass up the opportunity to see something new or experience some interesting that might be happening once you arrive.

Planning a trip to the Grand Canyon South is something the whole family can take part in. Encourage your children to give ideas and if you have never been before, have them help you with the research and tell you about the things they would like to do so you can work it into the itinerary.

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