Start with a visit to the Grand Canyon Visitors Center

When visiting the Grand Canyon it is highly recommended that you start by dropping into the Grand Canyon Visitors Center. The staff there will assist you in several ways including helping you find information on exhibits, activities and transportation. They can also provide answers to most of your questions about the park. However the Vivitors Center is much more than just a place to get directions or have questions answered. Below are a few of the other reasons you may want to make this place your first stop.

You can watch a mini-movie entitled- Grand Canyon: A Journey of Wonder. This flick is only about 20 minutes but it takes viewers on a quick tour of the park. The movie starts on the hour and half-hour.

At the Center you can also explore exhibits which include: interactive trip planners, a large video-enabled relief map, a Science On a Sphere® program, and displays of historic artifacts.

In addition there is a gift shop and you can rent bicycles or take bicycle tours from there (seasonaly).

https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/visitorcent...

Take a Hike

Hike any one of the incredible trails and get a real feel for the canyon’s massive size, but be prepared!

Hiking the canyon can be an incredible way of experiencing the majestic splendor and tremendous size of the canyon. The colors, the rock formations, the natural beauty and the immense size can be emotionally fulfilling and sometimes a bit overwhelming.

However, be cautious, even avid hikers find this to be a challenging experience. Always make sure when you are hiking the Grand Canyon that you have the essentials (plenty of food and water) and be prepared for extreme heat and cold.

If you have what it takes hiking this amazing canyon can be a rewarding experience.

Go on a Photo Tour

There are not many places on this amazing planet that you will find the majestic beauty and breathtaking scenery that you will experience at the Grand Canyon National Park. So if you're going bring your very best camera because you will certainly want to capture the epic sights that await you.

If you do bring a camera and impress yourself (or your family/friends) please feel free to submit your pics to ZZZippy and we might just publish some of them in our Travel Section. And you never know, if we're impressed enough we may just consider you and your photos for our next ZZZippy’s Best of the Best Photo Adventure!

Email kmull@zzzippy.com for questions

Raft the Grandest of Canyons

Gain an entire new perspective of the Canyon that most people will never get the opportunity to be a part of.

There are a variety of River Trips available and various vessels including canoes, kayaks and rafts. Most expeditions range from one day to nearly a month. There are both commercial river trips (with guided) and non-commercial or private trips.

There are just so many options for river trips and it is certainly an adventure of a lifetime.

See Our List of Grand Canyon Commercial River Trips

See Our List of Water Vessel Rentals

Do the Around-the-Rim Tour on Your Ass

This has been a favorite of Grand Canyon visitors since the late 1800s. An around-the rim tour on a sure-footed mule. If you happen to be one of those adventurous types get on your mule and participate as the Mule Train takes you on a fun (but bumpy) journey down the canyon or around the rim. What an experience!

You can even do an overnight and experience the Grand Canyon from deep within. This is absolutely another unique way to enjoy your time at this wonder of the world.

Do an Around-the-Rim Bike Tour

Of course if you're a cyclist you won't want to miss this opportunity, viewing the canyon via bike. Again you can bike the canyon yourself or you can be part of a tour, both can be a blast. Always remember that if you happen to bring your own bike that you are subject to the same traffic laws as automobiles and drivers. Here are some handy tips for visiting/touring cyclists.

- Always use extreme caution when riding on park roads... and anywhere around the canyon

- Shoulders can be narrow and vehicle traffic is often very heavy plus, you are sharing the road with other types of vehicles

- There are no designated lanes for bikers

- Always ride with the flow of traffic and single file

- Use "Biker Common Sense"- wear bright colors, wear a helmet, always be aware of your surroundings and oncoming traffic. Also beware of areas that may not look or feel safe

- Be prepared for all types of weather. make sure you have a pack with clothes for various extreme weather, plenty of water, food and a first-aid kit.

Walk Out Over the Canyon on the Glass Skywalk

Walk among the clouds at the Grand Canyon. Take a few moments and enjoy breath-taking sights as your heart pounds with excitement and awe.

This man-made attraction is located at Eagle Point (where natural rock formations have carved the
image of an Eagle which is plainly visible to guests. This u-shaped walkway extends out over the canyon and delivers visitors a magnificent, exhilarating views. Guests actually walk out beyond the canyon walls where they are suspended like magic 4,000 feet above the riverbed. The view is unparalleled.

http://www.grandcanyonwest.com/skywalk.html

Fly the Canyon

Experience the Canyon in yet another glorious way; by helicopter or plane. The natural way to get high!

There's not much to explain here. If you've taken a helicopter before you already know what a unique perspective it is. If you've not then you need to see it for yourself because it's impossible to describe.

Check out ZZZippy's List of the Top Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours

Catch the Movies at the Grand Canyon IMAX Theater

Experience Grand Canyon on a giant 6 story screen that is over 80 feet wide! Like the Grand Canyon itself the the Grand Canyon Imax Theater is huge. See the natural wanders of the canyon in this extra large theater that seats nearly 500 people. The theater features “Grand Canyon—The Movie” 12 times a day, 365 days a year. It offers viewers an up-close and very personal overview of the canyon, its history and its panoramic views. This 34-minute show is the perfect way to start you adventure of the Grand Canyon.

http://explorethecanyon.com/

Experience the Beautiful Havasupai Falls

Havasupai Falls Arizona is one of the top destinations for hikers and visitors of the GRand Canyon. If you think you would enjoy crystal, blue green waterfalls, dramatically cut cliffs and beautiful waters, this is the place for you . Hidden in the Grand Canyon, and difficult to get reservations for, this paradise is for those who can plan ahead and enjoy hikes of 8 miles or more. This is another great canyon experience just make sure you plan in advance.

http://grandcanyon.com/planning/south-rim-planning...

Visit the Kolb Studio

The Kolb Studio clings to the edge of the South Rim like the adventurers who visit the Grand Canyon. This is the home of two famous filmmaker/photographer brothers. Constructed in 1904 this now national landmark served as a home, photo studio and theater to the Kolb brothers. They first built this structure on the edges of the South Rim at the head of the Bright Angel Trail, a main route into the canyon. This site also became one of the very first commercial businesses at the canyon.

The Kolb's operated a very successful venture here and strongly influenced the nation's perspective of what parks look like and visitor's activities.

This scenic structure filled with photos and memorabilia is certainly worth a visit.

Ride the Old Fashioned Train at the Grand Canyon Railway

Start out with a Wild West Show before you board the Grand Canyon Train and the excitement and adventure just doesn't stop. Since 1901, the Grand Canyon Railway has been transporting people into the heart of the canyon. Once you're on this iconic train you begin your journey back into another time... one you've never experienced before.

Regardless of all the other activities that you intend on participating in at the Grand Canyon, this is one that you will always remember as the ride of a lifetime.

www.thetrain.com

Have a Delightful Dining Experience at the El Tovar Dining Room

Experience gourmet dining in a casual atmosphere while surrounded by elegance and history. This world-class dining area within the eminent El Tovar Hotel is constructed of native stone and Oregon pine. The murals on the walls pay salute the customs of four Native American Tribes. The El Tovar ambiance is rustic, classic and traditional, all at the same time. Previous dining guests include the likes of Teddy Roosevelt, Bill Clinton and Sir Paul McCartney, among countless others.

The menu is traditional, carefully blends both international and local Southwest dishes. Probably as noticeable as any other trait of this fine dining experience is the El Tovar Staff, many of whom have been servicing guests here for over 20 years. All combined this makes dining at the El Tovar a "must-do" at the canyon.

www.grandcanyonlodges.com/dining/el-tovar-dining-r...

Drive Down Desert View Drive

Desert View Drive is a scenic route to the east of Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim which follows the rim for 25 miles out to the Desert View Watchtower and East Entrance. There are many opportunities to observe and participate in adventures all along the way. There are six canyon viewpoints (all developed), several picnic sites, 5 unmarked pullouts and even the Tusayan Ruin and Museum. We say it is certainly worth the drive!

See the Exhibits and Artifacts at the Tusayan Ruin & Museum

When you journey down Desert View Drive make sure that one of your stops include the intriguing Tusayan Ruin & Museum, an 800-year-old Pueblo Indian site considered by the National Park Service (NPS) to be one of the major archeological sites in Arizona.

The site consists of a small, u-pueblo which includes a natural living area, storage rooms, and a kiva (a chamber built partly underground which was used by male Pueblo Indians for religious rites). Tree ring studies show that the site was occupied around 1185.

The Tusayan Museum itself features exhibits that bring the ruin back to life. You'll observe artifacts that are 2,000-4,000 years old, as well as many handicrafts made by religious tribes. This is one of the exceptional, historic wonders of the canyon.

https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/upload/Tusa...

Camp at the Grand Canyon Camper Village

If you enjoy camping this a another "must-do" activity. Here you can enjoy the canyon the way it was meant to be enjoyed.

The Grand Canyon Camper Village is a privately owned Grand Canyon, South Rim campground just south of the Grand Canyon National Park entrance. It happens to be a convenient destination for motor homes, trailers and tents and is the only campground within 25 miles of the Grand Canyon National Park.

In addition to the hook-ups, amenities include coin operated laundry and restroom/shower facilities as well as a small camp store.

http://www.grandcanyoncampervillage.com/

Ski the Canyon Cross Country Style

Cross Country Skiing the Grand Canyon brings yet a totally new adventure (obviously in winter months). The South Rim of the Grand Canyon can receive over a foot of snow in a good storm. This can be a fantastic way to enjoy winters solitude at the canyon.

However, remember that the snow does tend to melt off the South Rim fairly quick after a storm. If you enjoy skiing though, and you can catch the right weather, this experience will be one you will diary for sure.

See the Canyon from yet Another Perspective- a Pontoon or Riverboat Ride.

Another unique way to observe the Canyon is a Pontoon or Riverboat ride down the Colorado River. While many of these rides are rather short, they allow you yet another vantage point on the magnificent world wonder. There are several Helicopter/Boat Combination Tours.

Hoover Dam

If you have the time after visiting the Grand Canyon itself head west for a visit to the Hoover Dam (initially named the Boulder Dam). This amazing man-made, concrete arch-gravity dam in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River bordering Nevada and Arizona is amazing to see yet to this day (it was constructed between 1931 and 1936 during the Great Depression).

It is another site that assuredly will be memorable for you and your family.

For more information: http://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/

Visit the Canyon a Hundred Ways Through Different Vantage Points
The Grand Canyon is breathtaking every time you view it. However, if you want several experiences, view it from different vantage points (which there are countless areas to view from). Every single place you look from on this amazing canyon delivers you a totally unique panoramic experience.

This is one thing that visitors don't often think of when visiting this spectacular, natural wonder. Make sure you don't make that mistake. Get the entire Grand Canyon experience... from every angle possible!

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