HOW MANY DAYS ARE NEEDED TO VISIT THE GRAND CANYON?

15 Jan HOW MANY DAYS ARE NEEDED TO VISIT THE GRAND CANYON?

I was talking with a friend some days ago, she is now planning the trip of a lifetime throught route 66 in USA and wondered how many days are needed to visit the Grand Canyon.

Well in my opinion, it depends.

It depends on the season, on the time you have on you, from where in USA you arrive and on what type of traveler you are.

Here a few personal considerations on the subject based on my experience:

DURING WINTERTIME – ONE DAY, ONE OR TWO NIGHTS

Wintertime is definitely not peak season at the Grand Canyon.

While you can find it covered in snow, it’s cheaper and it’s less crowded, the trails taking you inside the Grand Canyon are often closed due to snow or other weather related issues, and with it many of the connected attractions, and the Northern rim is also closed to visitors.

If you are visiting the Grand Canyon in wintertime (as I did) I would suggest to spend there no more than one day.

If you come from Las Vegas, I suggest to leave it early in the morning to get at destination in time for sunset, overnight at the Grand Canyon, and explore the major panoramic points the day after.

The decision of leaving the same day or overnight another night it’s up to you.

I woudn’t have minded staying an extra night at my cabin

DURING SUMMERTIME – QUICK VISIT, ONE DAY, ONE OR TWO NIGHTS

The same concept of the above point can of course be applied for a quick visit during summertime, “only” enjoying the amazing view from the major panoramic points.

During summertime though, there is a lot more to do at the Grand Canyon, let’s see what!

DURING SUMMERTIME – COMPLETE VISIT

Summertime is the golden season for the Grand Canyon, and I’m not refering only to the beautiful colors of its sunsets!

Here’s a list of my favorite activities you can do at the Grand Canyon:

TREKKING THROUGHT THE GRAND CANYON

First of all the trail taking you inside the Grand Canyon is open during summertime.

If you are outdoors and nature enthusiasts you can’t miss the trek that from Southern rim takes you to Northern rim, overnighting at Phantom Ranch. You can also trek to Phantom ranch, overnight, and then head back to your original point, either South or North.

The trek takes usually two days and one night.

MULE RIDE

The trails can be trekked both walking or mule riding. The second one is funnier and will let you feel as a cowboy

You can choose between two options: a short ride on the rims, or riding all the way down to Phantom ranch and overnight there.

Some info can be found on GCNP Lodges website.

RAFTING ON THE COLORADO RIVER

The Colorado river is not only the river that cuts the Grand Canyon, it’s also the reason why the Grand Canyon exists, thus its heart.

If you’re an adventure soul you can’t miss rafting its grooves, taking you to some unspoilt and unaccessible parts of the park.

Not to mention the adrenaline boost!

HELICOPTER RIDE

The Grand Canyon is connected to the other parts of US not only throught the freeway, but also with the Tuyasan airport.

From there, you can also join an helicopter ride taking you discovering the Grand Canyon from above, with different options of itineraries and prices.

IF YOU ARRIVE FROM LAS VEGAS

If you are staying in Las Vegas you can easily reach the Grand Canyon with a very scenic 5 hours drive.

Although if you don’t feel like driving so long you can join a tour that will pick you up in Vegas and take you to the Grand Canyon for a day trip (there’s also the option of being transferred with the helicopter, as a real VIP!).

You can find many tour operators online or directly on the Strip, some of them offer also some activity at the Grand Canyon, like Viator for example.

IF YOU ARRIVE FROM ROUTE 66

If you are driving throught the route 66 and do not intend to spend at the Grand Canyon more than one day I would suggest overnighting in Williams, one or two nights depending on your needs, and then proceed with your trip.

Staying in Williams is much cheaper, although is not as special

As you can see you can spend at the Grand Canyon one day, or a week, the choice is up to you!

Which one would you choose?

PS – Here you can find a lot of info and picture of the Grand Canyon -> Grand Canyon.