Local Attractions
Activities at the Grand Canyon take many forms; the canyon is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the American Southwest. Ancient volcanoes, monsoon weather and plate tectonics have all left their marks on this unique high-altitude desert. Hiking in the Grand Canyon is simply an unforgettable experience.
- Sunrise & Sunset
Don't miss the true majesty of the canyon: sunrise and sunset. The canyon is a time honored place that continues to hold us in awe with the spectacular effects of light and shadow on the canyon walls. Monumental and stoic ─ the canyon view is never the same especially at sunrise and sunset ─ breathtaking color and shadow at its most dramatic.
- Scenic Drives
Located along the canyon’s South Rim is perhaps the most-visited site in the park: Mather Point. Traveling north on Arizona-64, follow the signs to the Grand Canyon. This iconic point was named after the National Park Service’s first director and affords some of the most exquisite views of the canyon.
To the west, toward Grand Canyon Village, and to the east, toward Desert View and the Watchtower, are found many scenic viewpoints, historic buildings and the Tusayan Ruin archeological site. Desert View is the site of Mary Jane Colter’s lovingly built stone structure, meant to resemble the area's imposing desert watchtowers. To see the real thing, don't forget to stop at Wupatki National Monument on the way from Cameron Trading Post to Flagstaff, Arizona.
- Historic Sites
The Grand Canyon Village has a unique history. One of the oldest buildings at the rim is Kolb Studio. Perched at the top of the Bright Angel Trail, this combination home, office and gallery was built by the Kolb brothers — highly unorthodox siblings who pioneered photography and tourism at the canyon. Because of its rambling, hand-hewn nature, Kolb Studio was once considered an eyesore. Fortunately, it came under the protection of the National Park Service upon the passing of the brothers.
Meant to be the most impressive structure at the South Rim, the El Tovar was built for guests arriving on the newly constructed Grand Canyon Railway spur in 1905. At the time of construction, the intention was to provide a grand entrance for those beginning their canyon adventures, not views of the canyon, hence only very few rooms actually view the canyon at all.
Also noteworthy is the Hopi House: built as a workshop for Native American artists, it was meant to give greater meaning to their lives. Today, it retains much of its original Hopi pueblo charm, while being an active place to purchase modern masterpieces and "old pawn." Watch your head on the authentic “low slung” door ways!
- Day Hikes
The paved section of the Rim Trail from the Grand Canyon Village to Mather Point is an experience everyone will enjoy, but nothing is more empowering than actually hiking within the canyon walls. An ideal hike takes you down the Bright Angel Trail. Journeying even partway down this historic mining trail is one of the best ways to experience the canyon firsthand.
The trail leads past the Tonto Platform and out to Plateau Point — a wonderful vantage point at the edge of the inner gorge. This is the site of the oldest exposed geological formation on the planet.
Before any hiking activities, be sure to check the weather, as high-altitude conditions vary over the course of each day. Also keep in mind that services are limited in the park. Although a park, the Grand Canyon is still a wild, natural place.
Hiking in the Grand Canyon is a truly exhilarating experience — as are all activities at the Grand Canyon. For more hiking information, contact the Back Country Office, Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. MST at (928) 638-7875 or the Grand Canyon Field Institute at 1-866-471-4435 (with the same operating hours).
