The Grand Canyon of Colorado: A guide to one of nature’s greatest wonders

The Grand Canyon of the Colorado is one of the most spectacular works of nature in the world. Its majestic beauty attracts some 5 million tourists each year, who come to admire the extraordinary rock formations in one of the most popular national parks in the United States.

In this post, we have prepared for you the most important information about this unique place, including a lot of practical advice and tips on how to organize a trip to the Grand Canyon on your own.

We visited Grand Canyon National Park during our nearly month-long trip through the western US states. From the beginning of planning this trip, we knew this was a place we had to see for ourselves, even though we had encountered reviews that it was highly overrated and crowded. That’s the way it is with the top and most famous attractions: you can’t expect to be alone admiring the Grand Canyon at sunset.

We traveled through Arizona in late April and early May, so it was not the highest tourist season. There were some people, but we didn’t notice that there were more than in other US national parks, and we didn’t have much trouble finding parking spaces either. We arrived at Grand Canyon Village, where we spent the night, in the afternoon and still managed to catch a glimpse of the sunset. We spent the next day traveling by car along the southern rim of the canyon.

It will probably surprise no one that the Grand Canyon of the Colorado is one of the world’s most impressive and famous works of nature. Its enormous size and picturesque views attract millions of tourists every year. If you are among those who are planning a trip, this is the article where you will read everything you need to know about the Grand Canyon.

Video of a visit to the Grand Canyon

At the very beginning, we recommend you a video report of our visit to the Grand Canyon in Arizona. You can find the video at this link ⛰️🌵🤠 Grand Canyon of Colorado 🤠🌵⛰️ and below:

What is the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River?

The Grand Canyon of the Colorado River, often referred to simply as the Colorado Canyon, is a huge gorge formed by the Colorado River and the uplift of the plateau over millions of years. Its length is about 443 kilometers, its width is as much as 30 kilometers, and the deepest part of the canyon is more than 1.8 kilometers below its edge (and this impressive width makes it the largest river gorge in the world).

What else is worth knowing about the Grand Canyon? It is a unique place on earth not only because of its impressive size, but also because of the geological history it hides within it, which is an invaluable resource for researchers and scientists. The river gorge is part of Grand Canyon National Park, which was established in 1919 to protect this remarkable place.

Grand Canyon National Park: a brief overview

The Grand Canyon National Park covers an area of more than 4,900 square kilometers and is one of the most famous national parks in the world. As we have already mentioned, the park was established in 1919, and in 1979 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are numerous tourist attractions in the park, such as viewpoints, hiking trails, the possibility of rafting down the river valley or even a helicopter flight.

How the Grand Canyon was formed: geological structure

A visit to the Grand Canyon is a fantastic lesson in geology. The Grand Canyon allows you to learn about the history of the formation of rock layers like no other place on the planet. It is interesting to note that there have been many theories alone about how the Grand Canyon was formed, but recent findings describe in quite some detail how it happened. The formation of the Grand Canyon is the result of several processes that took place over millions of years. It was initially claimed that it was the river that created this unusual gorge, slowly but extremely effectively cutting into the rocks. However, it is now known that a greater part of this was the gradual uplift of the area, which was once a vast plain.

This process accelerated about 6 million years ago, which also made the river current accelerate and created the natural wonder we can admire today. It is worth adding at this point that those processes that were responsible for the formation of the Grand Canyon are still ongoing, but their pace is much slower and imperceptible to the human eye, and the role that the Colorado River has in shaping the land is still undeniable.

The result of these movements is not only the enormous depth of the canyon, but also its characteristic geological structure. It consists of numerous rock layers that reveal the geological history of the Grand Canyon, show the processes that took place years ago and allow us to study and uncover the secrets of our planet’s past. It can even be written that the walls of the Grand Canyon are like a book from which we learn more and more.

The place never ceases to surprise and inspire researchers from various scientific fields, and it is expected that they too will soon surprise us with some new discoveries and theories, not only about how the Colorado Canyon was formed but also about the history of our planet.

Visiting the Grand Canyon: what is worth seeing?

After this slightly lengthy introduction, it’s time for more practical information about Grand Canyon National Park. As befits an American national park, many places will be reached by car. The park is traversed by paved roads, there are designated parking areas, there is a Visitor Center and information boards. When planning your trip, you should choose which canyon viewpoints interest you and, more importantly, from which side you want to view the canyon (the trip between the two edges of the Grand Canyon is several hours away).

In addition to viewpoints, numerous hiking trails await in the park, including those deep into the canyon, down to river level, with passage to the other rim, as well as other, less standard Colorado Canyon attractions, about which we write a few paragraphs below.

No matter which part you choose, it is worth directing your steps first to the Visitor Center, which is, so to speak, the tourist center of the Grand Canyon. This is the place where you can pick up park maps, talk to rangers, or park rangers, buy souvenirs, see educational exhibits and learn how Colorado Canyon was formed. This is a great base of knowledge and practical information about the Grand Canyon region, so you will be better able to plan the order of points to be visited and travel time.

Below we have prepared a summary of what we believe are the most interesting viewpoints and hiking trails. Unfortunately, we haven’t been to all of them, but we’ve gathered all the information we can to help you better plan your trip to the Grand Canyon.

Along the edge of the Canyon: the southern and northern edges

You can see the Grand Canyon from two sides, or more precisely the rim: the South Rim (South Rim) and the North Rim (North Rim). And it is extremely important to choose which side (or perhaps both) interests you before you set out.

The south rim of the Grand Canyon is more popular and easily accessible, offering more developed infrastructure and many viewpoints. Access to this part is easier (if only from Flagstaff) and, importantly, accessible year-round. The northern edge is less traveled, but equally scenic, with more wildlife and quieter hiking trails. Access to the Visitor Center in this part of the national park is longer, and the road is closed in winter. Both sides offer the opportunity to go down the canyon via a hiking trail.

The choice of edge depends on your preference and the time you want to spend exploring the Grand Canyon.

We chose to drive and stay overnight only on the south side, the side from which most tourists visit the canyon.

Best viewpoints

The view of the Grand Canyon is a dream come true for many travelers. We were already so charmed by the point closest to the parking lot that we didn’t want to leave the railing. Yes, the view from the very edge of the Grand Canyon is something unforgettable, and we cannot agree with the statement that it is an overrated place. We absolutely had no such feeling – both we and the kids couldn’t get enough of looking deep into the Grand Canyon as well as towards its northern rim.

Of course, within the national park, care has been taken to ensure that these points are plentiful and offer views from different perspectives. Moreover, most of them are right next to parking lots so they are easily accessible and reachable.

The southern edge of the Great abounds in viewpoints, and particularly noteworthy are:

• Mather Point – one of the most popular points, located right next to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.
• Yavapai Point – another point from which you can see both the southern and northern edges of the canyon, is located near Mather Point.
• Hopi Point – a more westerly point of view, from where you can admire the panorama of the Colorado Canyon.
• Grandview Point – a viewing platform in the eastern part of the park.
• Desert View Watchtower – a former watchtower with a panoramic view of the Colorado River Canyon.

It’s hard for us to pick one top spot to visit first. We stopped at every point along the way driving along the road on the south side of the canyon and were delighted every time.

Of course, the northern part also offers points from which to view the Colorado Canyon; close to the Visitor Center is Bright Angel Point, and a little further away is Point Imperial, Vista Encantada, Roosevelt Point or Cape Royal Point.

We have to admit: admiring the panorama of the Grand Canyon is one of the most amazing experiences during our trip!

Sunset at the Grand Canyon: where to watch?

Sunset in the Grand Canyon is an unforgettable spectacle worth capturing in photographs. We didn’t plan it specifically, but we managed to get to Grand Canyon Village just before sunset, so we quickly left our things at the hotel and rushed to the bus, which took us to points in the western part (the bus going towards Hermits Rest). The amazing colors, the sun’s rays illuminating the walls of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River sinking into shadow is a sight that will stay in our memory forever.

To enjoy the Colorado Canyon sunset in its full glory, you should go to such points as:

• Hopi Point – a popular spot to watch the setting sun illuminate the canyon walls.
• Pima Point – another place from which to view the sunset and the Colorado River.
• Lipan Point – this point, in turn, is located on the eastern part of the Southern Edge.

Hiking trails

Visiting the Grand Canyon of Colorado is not just about driving between viewpoints. It’s also an opportunity to go on hiking trails that allow you to get a closer look at this amazing place and a completely different view of the Grand Canyon. The trails are of varying levels of difficulty: there are easier ones leading along the edge of the canyon, but there are also those for which you need to spend a whole day or even two (for example, to descend to the river and cross to the other edge).

If you are interested in trekking, you may be interested in any of the following trails:

• South Kaibab Trail – a popular trail that leads down the canyon. Following the South Kaibab Trail, one can cross the river via the Black Bridge and take the North Kaibab Trail to reach the northern rim of the Grand Canyon. This is not an easy trip for beginners and requires good form and proper preparation.
• Bright Angel Trail – another well-known trail that also leads to the river, but is slightly easier, but also longer than South Kaibab. Following this trail, too, you can cross the river and go to the other edge.
• Rim Trail – a trail along the southern rim of the canyon that offers many viewpoints, including those mentioned a few paragraphs above.

Other activities in the Canyon: what to do during your visit, or the Grand Canyon from a different perspective

Visiting the Grand Canyon doesn’t have to be limited to walking along its rim or hiking on hiking trails. There are also other ways to experience this remarkable place, especially for those who crave adrenaline.

What other activities in the Colorado Canyon await visitors?

• Rafting on the Colorado River, which allows you to have an unforgettable experience and look at the walls of the Colorado Canyon from the perspective of the river.
• Parachute jump in the Grand Canyon – an option for adrenaline lovers, that is, the opportunity to skydive over this remarkable place. Prices for such pleasure start at $329 per person.
• A helicopter flight and views of the Grand Canyon from a higher perspective. In this case, it is worth paying attention to where the helicopter takes off from, as flights from Las Vegas do not reach the most spectacular part of the canyon. It is better to take off in Tusayan and admire the Grand Canyon from a helicopter in all its glory. A helicopter flight costs a minimum of $250/person.

Havasu Falls: the hidden treasure of the Grand Canyon

The attractions of Colorado Canyon are various, but this one definitely intrigued us. This is a place we didn’t manage to get to, but we have to share this gem with you, because it turns out that in the Colorado River Canyon you can feel like you’re in a green oasis. HavasuFalls is a scenic waterfall that remains in the shadow of the Grand Canyon, although its popularity is growing. It is located on the Havasupai Indian Reservation and offers remarkable views of turquoise waters and rock formations. To get to Havasu Falls, you’ll need to hike about 16 kilometers of trail and obtain a permit (along with an overnight reservation), but the view of the waterfall will certainly reward the effort.

If you made it to Havasu Falls, be sure to let us know if it’s worth it!

Grand Canyon Skywalk: a glass platform above the Grand Canyon

If someone couldn’t get enough excitement, above the canyon you can stand on a glass platform, or more precisely, on a bridge suspended some 1,200 meters above the canyon floor. The Skywalk is a unique structure in the form of an elongated glass bridge, which allows you to walk even leaning over the edge and look into the depths of the Grand Canyon. However, if someone doesn’t want to stand on a glass platform then they can still admire the Grand Canyon from Eagle Point. The site is located outside the national park, but on the Hualapai Indian Reservation in Grand Canyon West.

This is quite an expensive tour (prices start at $68 and even the access to Eagle Point is charged) and has its own restrictions (for example, special pads are worn on the observation deck, you can not take pictures with your equipment on the bridge, you can only buy a package of photos), but we leave here as a curiosity, maybe one of you will want to see the Colorado Canyon in this way ;)

Preparing for the visit

When planning a visit to the Grand Canyon, it’s a good idea to prepare accordingly so that you can fully enjoy this remarkable place, and it’s by no means just a matter of taking loaded photo equipment.

What should you know before visiting the Grand Canyon?

First of all, the name of the place came from something. The size is impressive, and going on the trail here, especially deep into the canyon, requires good form and proper preparation. Most people limit their visit to staying at vantage points to enjoy the scenic views. The points are rather easily accessible, and some are reached by the so-called “road”. shuttle bus (only in winter you can drive your car towards Hermits Rest).

Getting to the Colorado Canyon: how to get there?

Getting to Colorado Canyon is possible in several ways, depending on your preferences and budget:

• By car – in our opinion, this is the best and easiest way not only to get to the Grand Canyon National Park, but in general to travel in the States. The Grand Canyon can be accessed from the South Rim or the North Rim, with the noteworthy fact that access to the North Rim is closed in winter. Up-to-date information on the opening of roads in the park is available on the park‘s website. For example, it will take about 1.5 hours to get from Flagstaff to Grand Canyon Village by car.
• By bus – there are bus services from cities such as Las Vegas, Phoenix and Flagstaff. For example, it takes about 7 to 8 hours to get there from Las Vegas and costs 370 zloty per person (this connection is operated by Flixbus, for example), so as you can see the time and cost of such a trip is quite large.
• By plane – the nearest airport is in Flagstaff, from where you can get to the park by car or bus (the bus from Flagstaff takes about 2 hours).

Where to spend the night?

Further or closer to the Grand Canyon there are many accommodations that allow you to rest comfortably before or after a day full of activities. There are several options to choose from: accommodation within the national park in a hotel or campground, accommodation near the entrance to the national park, or accommodation in more remote villages such as the Flagstaff. We’ve encountered advice to stay overnight in Las Vegas and pop out to the Grand Canyon as part of a day trip, but driving four hours one way to return the same amount later is not for us ;)

Grand Canyon Village is a village within the national park, on the south side of the canyon, offering several accommodation options, which tempted us the most with its offerings. It is the best accommodation in terms of location. We spent the night at Kachina Lodge (book here), and woke up with a view of the canyon. It was one of the most expensive accommodations on our trip, but the location meant that we could see the Grand Canyon at any time of day. Although the prices can knock you off your feet, it’s a highly trafficked place and it’s worth booking well in advance, especially during high season.

Other accommodations with good reviews, outside the national park:

• Inn History Grand Canyon Cabin
  Address: 5460 North Sunset Strip, Williams, AZ 86046
  Prices: from 926 PLN for a four-bed room
  Link: https://r4b.link/booking-history-grand
• 037 Tiny Home No Grand Canyon South Rim
  Address: 5306 Sublime Drive Space # 37, Valle, AZ 86046
  Prices: from 1,100 zloty for a double room, while a maximum of 8 people can sleep here for a min. 1400 PLN.
  Link: https://r4b.link/booking-037
• Highland Country Inn Flagstaff
  Address: 223 South Milton Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
  Prices: from 487 PLN for a double room
  Link: https://r4b.link/booking-highland-flag
• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Flagstaff
  Address: 1175 West Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
  Prices: from 630 PLN for a double room
  Link: https://r4b.link/booking-flagstaff
• Squire Resort at the Grand Canyon
  Address: 74 Highway 64, Tusayan, AZ 86023
  Prices: from 1100 PLN for a double room
  Link: https://r4b.link/booking-best-western-grand-canyon-square

Where is the best place to park a car?

Parking around the Grand Canyon can be a challenge, especially during the tourist season. It is worthwhile to use the parking lots at the main viewpoints and at Grand Canyon Village.

In high season, you can (and even should ;) ) use the free buses (shuttle buses) that run between Hermit Rest and Yaki Point. There are three bus lines, and travel on them is free.

When to go?

The Grand Canyon attracts the largest number of tourists in summer, thanks to warm temperatures and long, sunny days. However, it’s worth remembering that it can also be very hot in the summer, so it’s worth paying attention to dressing appropriately, staying hydrated and avoiding hiking during the hottest hours of the day. Especially if you are planning a trip to the bottom of the canyon you need to take care of proper preparation.

Temperatures are cooler in winter, but this is not the biggest obstacle to travel. Road closures and impassable roads can be a problem, so always check the park’s official website for up-to-date information.

Is it worth visiting the Grand Canyon?

The Grand Canyon of the Colorado River is undoubtedly one of the greatest natural wonders worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. Visiting the Grand Canyon of Colorado is all about the best viewpoints, such as Mather Point and Yavapai Point, but you can also take hiking trails such as the South Kaibab Trail and Bright Angel Trail. A helicopter flight can also be an unforgettable experience.

When preparing for your visit, there are a few important things to keep in mind, such as dressing appropriately, staying hydrated, and checking up-to-date information on access and trail availability. Depending on the season, it is also worth noting the available roads and travel options in summer and winter.

The view of the Grand Canyon is sure to give you an unforgettable experience and beautiful views that will stay in your memory for a long time.

Grand Canyon photo gallery

And finally, we recommend you find the gallery of all photos from the Grand Canyon below.