North Rim, Arizona

Start off at Bright Angel Trailhead, then hike down into the Grand Canyon on one of the higher-quality trails. Hiking down to Plateau Point (furthest option) is well worth it. The hike down is a total of 6 miles, with a 3,000 foot drop in elevation. As you can imagine, this means the way back ou...

From snow-dusted red rocks to dramatically painted evening skies, winter brings out a side of the Grand Canyon that is rarely seen at other times of the year. Skip the massive crowds and have your choice of driving your own car from lookout point to lookout point or taking the shuttle from the we...

The Bright Angel Trail is considered the park’s premier hiking trail. Well maintained, graded for stock, with regular drinking water and covered rest-houses, it is without question the safest trail in Grand Canyon National Park. There is a ranger station located at the trail’s halfway point (Indi...

The trail begins just outside of the Grand Canyon village at the Bright Angel Trailhead. The hike begins to descend immediately in continuous switchbacks. The trail can get very icy so shoe traction devices, while not necessary, are very useful. Along the trail there are rest houses at the 1/3 an...

A two mile round trip and relatively fast hike, Shoshone Point lies only about a mile from the parking lot and is an easy hike along a dirt road to a stunning vista. The trailhead is on Desert View Dr (Highway 64) about 3.5 miles east of the junction of highways 180 and 64. Look for the trail on ...

Hiking to the Nankoweap Granaries can be done in a few ways but the two most popular routes is by boat along the Colorado River or the unmaintained Nankoweap trail, which is considered by most and the park services the most difficult named trail. Nankoweap Creek drains into the Colorado creating ...

I've read that only approximately 10% of Grand Canyon National Park visitors spend time at the North Rim, meaning the crowds are smaller in the most beautiful areas you can immerse yourself in without having to backpack to the bottom.This isn't so much of an adventure as it is the perfect way to ...

Not many people envision their romantic Valentine's Day getaway as a grueling 8 mile hike into the Grand Canyon, but I couldn't think of anything better! If you're planning a trip for the busier summer months, be sure to call ahead or fill out a backcountry permit request to make sure you get a c...

While the Grand Canyon is full of spectacular views, one particular spot has always been a favorite due to the relatively easy access and the ability to separate from all of the action. To access the sunset nook, start at the Grandview Trailhead at the South Rim (a 16 minute drive from the main V...

The trip requires a backcountry permit for zone BB9 (reserve HERE). Backcountry permits in Grand Canyon National Park are available for reservation on the 1st of the month 4 months prior to your trip date (e.g. if you wanted to go on a trip on May 20 you could reserve your permit on January 1st)....

25 miles east of the Grand Canyon Visitor's Center is Desert View, here you will find the Desert View Watchtower and plenty of space to set up a tripod to photograph the sunset. Make sure to arrive early to get a good spot, even though this location is less trafficked compared to the Visitor's Ce...

While not a replica of any known watchtower along the Grand Canyon, the Desert View Watchtower is an art installation to honor the Hopi Native Americans. The watchtower was designed by Mary Colter, the same woman responsible for the Bright Angel Lodge renovations in 1935. Much of the painting wit...

There are three campgrounds on the south rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Two, Mather Campground and Desert View Campground are run by the National Park Service. Trailer Village is a privately-run RV park located in Grand Canyon Village. If you don’t mind craziness and crowds, both Mather Campg...

Being in the right place at the right time is the biggest challenge when attempting to photograph the monsoons at the Grand Canyon. Paying careful attention to the weather patterns throughout the day can help, but your best bet is to watch the clouds, pick a viewpoint, and take your chances. A fe...

Desert View Watchtower is a 70-foot high stone tower located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Once you cross into the park through the east entrance look for the sign for Desert View, it's the first real lookout point in the park and there is plenty of parking.The tower was constructed in th...

Timp Point on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon lies just on the boundary of the National Park and within the Kaibab National Forest, well away from the (already smaller) crowds of the North Rim. Even in the heart of summer often you'll have a campsite on the rim all to yourself, with easy access...