5 Fun Things To Do On Your Trip To Grand Canyon National Park

You've finally made it to one of the world's most iconic tourist attractions: the Grand Canyon. Once you arrive at the gates of Grand Canyon National Park, the next step is figuring out how to spend your time. While gazing at the scenery from various viewpoints is a great option, there are several other ways to experience Arizona's picturesque national park and ancient wonder that are equally as memorable.

Using the invaluable resources of the National Park Service (NPS), combined with tourism boards like Visit Arizona, renowned publications such as National Geographic, and first-hand accounts from travel authors and previous visitors, we've narrowed down the five best things to do on your trip to the Grand Canyon. Our list includes experiences to suit people of all ages and interests, from scenic train rides to epic rafting adventures.

Whatever you decide to do at Grand Canyon National Park, you'll need to know a few basics first. The busiest time to visit is between June and August, despite the high temperatures, which are often in the triple digits in the Inner Canyon. Visit in spring or autumn for more comfortable weather and smaller crowds. The South Rim is the most visited part of the park and offers more attractions, while the North Rim tends to be much quieter but is only open seasonally from May to October. No matter when you visit, or which area you choose to explore, remember to pause and soak it all in. "When done right, it's less about doing and much more about 'being'," said one former visitor on Reddit. 

Grand Canyon is considered one of the best U.S. national parks for hiking, and for good reason. Hiking provides incredible views of the canyon from all angles and increases your chances of seeing wildlife, especially early in the morning or at dusk. It is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in this ancient landscape and take in the sheer size of this world wonder. With nearly 600 miles of both paved and unpaved trails to explore, the park has something for everyone.

One great place to start is the Rim Trail, a 13-mile hike on the South Rim that is mostly paved, partly wheelchair accessible, and located along the free shuttle bus route from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. Experienced hikers can trek into the canyon on the Bright Angel Trail, but the NPS warns that Inner Canyon hikes are challenging — and very warm in the summer, as we know. The views are truly out of this world, and hikers can enter a lottery for a chance to stay overnight at Phantom Ranch, located at the bottom of the canyon. Once you descend, it's a steep uphill climb back to the top. For more options, take a look at these five stunning Grand Canyon hikes for every experience level.

Self-guided adventures can be fun, but there's no better way to learn about the Grand Canyon than by hanging out with a park ranger. These knowledgable rangers often lead tours, talks, and events at the park's various museums, visitor centers, and historic landmarks. These activities are a hit with visitors of all ages, and they cover all kinds of interesting topics, such as the geology of the canyon, fossils, astronomy, and Indigenous heritage. 

Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim is a hub for other programs too. Some are offered seasonally, such as Indigenous dance performances and raptor migration talks in autumn. If you're lucky, you may also catch a film screening or comedy show. Around 23 miles east of Grand Canyon Village, also on the South Rim, is the Desert View Watchtower, one of the canyon's most iconic structures. Dating back to 1932, the National Historic Landmark has a scenic lookout and cultural demonstrations from tribal artists, such as pottery, weaving, story-telling, music, and more. 

One incredibly fun way to see the Grand Canyon is on the Grand Canyon Railway, which is among the most scenic train rides in the world. Departing from Williams, Arizona — a charming, retro town that feels stuck in time – the train ride feels like a visit to yesteryear, and not just because of the town's Old West-inspired scenery. The beautifully restored vintage trains are packed with onboard entertainment, including train-robbing cowboys and musicians playing banjos and fiddles.

In addition to the stunning views of the canyon, the Grand Canyon Railway is an appealing way to visit the park without having to drive. The journey is two hours and fifteen minutes each way — it departs from Williams at 9:30 a.m. and arrives at Grand Canyon Village just before noon. Once at the national park, you can disembark and explore for about three hours before boarding the train back to Williams. Note that the Grand Canyon Railway operates daily throughout the year, but the schedule may change seasonally, so be sure to check ahead online before you visit.

You may think that seeing the Grand Canyon once would be enough, but the truth is, it's an ever-changing, dynamic landscape — every hour of the day offers a different perspective. To experience it in all of its glory, try to view it sunrise, sunset, or under the moonlight. As author Paul Bogard wrote in a Visit Arizona article, "A trip to this grandest of parks is not complete without witnessing the canyon on a moonlit or star-strewn night." It's one of the best U.S. national parks for stargazing, and it's an official International Dark Sky Park, meaning that the park is committed to preserving its breathtaking night skies. 

Rangers offer regular astronomy presentations, and the South Rim is open 24 hours a day, making it easy for visitors to take a wander under the stars. Bogard recommends Moran Point, Lipan Point, and Mather Point for stargazing at the South Rim. Just remember to follow the important safety rule at Grand Canyon and stay within designated viewing areas. 

Seeing the Grand Canyon under the stars is a must, but so is seeing it at sunrise or sunset — ideally both. You're bound to be blown away by its beauty no matter where you go, but a few spots in particular are known for their views. On the South Rim, the most popular place to visit at sunset is Hopi Point, although the NPS warns that it can get crowded, especially in the summer. On the same road, you'll also find the quieter Mohave and Pima Points, both of which offer a spectacular sunset experience with peekaboo views of the Colorado River. As for sunrise, the aforementioned Mather Point is your best bet. Mornings can be pretty chilly, so be sure to wear layers even in the warmer months.

It's said that less than 1% of annual visitors at Grand Canyon National Park venture below the canyon's rim. Whether that's true or not, we can hardly blame the ones that don't, as it can be intimidating. But venturing beneath the rim provides access to a whole other side of this majestic national park. We're talking about the Colorado River, and one of the best ways to experience it is with a rafting trip, allowing you to see the canyon's walls from the waves below. Don't worry, visitors don't need to hike to the bottom of the canyon to go rafting. Transportation is typically included with most rafting tours, as they usually begin at the Lees Ferry boat launch. For more remote journeys, a helicopter ride is often included.

When one pictures rafting down the Colorado River, images of epic whitewater rapids might come to mind. But there are gentler options, such as "smooth water" trips that depart from Lees Ferry and take visitors past Horseshoe Bend. These relaxing guided float trips are suitable for those seeking a more laid-back day trip, and are offered by Wilderness River Adventures. Whitewater rafting trips are ideal for the more adventurous types. While single-day rafting trips are possible, they are typically 3 to 21 days long, depending on whether the boat is motorized or oar-powered. Most guided rafting trips through Grand Canyon National Park are booked well in advance, so this is where you'll definitely want to plan ahead.