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The ultimate guide to Grand Canyon National Park

Where to find hidden waterfalls, breathtaking overlooks, and canyon floor hikes

  • 23
  • 128:02
  • 4,550 mi
  • $750
Take This Trip

Created by jenniemcdonald - June 20th 2021

Neither words nor pictures do Grand Canyon National Park justice—it's truly a place you have to see to believe. Officially named a national park in 1919, the Grand Canyon is one of the top-visited parks in the country with more than 5 million visitors per year. Whether you're just soaking up the sweeping views from the top or hiking into the depths of the canyon, this is one of the most iconic parks in the U.S. for a reason.

17708 Coker Road, Shawnee, OK, United States

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571mi 08h 44m
Photo of Albuquerque KOA Journey
4.2

12400 Skyline Rd NE 12400, Albuquerque, NM, US

Albuquerque KOA Journey

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2
365mi 05h 29m
Photo of Grand Canyon / Williams KOA Journey
3.9

5333 N State Highway 64, Williams, AZ, US

Grand Canyon / Williams KOA Journey

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2
3
52mi 00h 60m
Photo of The Grand Canyon National Park
4.7

450 AZ-64, Grand Canyon Village, AZ, US

The Grand Canyon National Park

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Some tips for visiting the Grand Canyon:

• A common mistake when visiting the Grand Canyon is to just take some pictures at one overlook and then call it a day. Take the time to visit a few scenic viewpoints to fully appreciate it, book a tour, or, better yet, take a hike. The South Kaibab, Rim, and Grandview trails all offer short routes and stunning views.

• The Grand Canyon has excellent public transportation and shuttle services, which can keep you from getting stuck in traffic and stressing about parking.

• Plan ahead. The park is a popular destination all year round. Make reservations and book tours as far in advance as possible. Cancellations do happen, though, so if you prefer to fly by the seat of your pants, keep in mind that the best time to check for last-minute openings is about two days in advance.

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250mi 04h 53m
Photo of Zion National Park
4.9

1 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT, US

Zion National Park

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5
33mi 00h 49m
Photo of KOA - Saint George / Hurricane KOA
3.6

5800 N Old Highway 91, St. George, UT, US

KOA - Saint George / Hurricane KOA

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5
6
163mi 02h 35m
Photo of Lake Mead National Recreation Area
4.5

17 Lake Shore Rd, Boulder City, NV, US

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

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7
23mi 00h 30m
Photo of Las Vegas KOA Journey at Sam's Town
3.3

5225 Boulder Hwy, Las Vegas, NV, US

Las Vegas KOA Journey at Sam's Town

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8
7mi 00h 17m
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190mi 27h 03m
Photo of Area 51
4.4

NV, US

Area 51

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10
122mi 25h 41m
Photo of Death Valley National Park
4.4

Airport Rd, Furnace Creek, CA, US

Death Valley National Park

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303mi 06h 11m
Photo of Yosemite National Park
4.6

9039 Village Drive, CA, US

Yosemite National Park

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37mi 01h 04m
Photo of Yosemite-Mariposa KOA
5.0

6323 Hwy 140, Midpines, CA, US

Yosemite-Mariposa KOA

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150mi 02h 56m

7905 Sandholdt Rd, CA, US

KOA Campground

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100mi 01h 59m
Photo of Alcatraz Island
4.5

B201 Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA, US

Alcatraz Island

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189mi 04h 29m

CA, US

Big Sur

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173mi 03h 39m
Photo of KOA - Visalia / Sequoia National Park KOA Campground
3.2

7480 Avenue 308, Visalia, CA, US

KOA - Visalia / Sequoia National Park KOA Campground

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17
50mi 01h 14m
Photo of Sequoia National Park
4.5

47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers , CA, Three Rivers, CA, US

Sequoia National Park

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207mi 04h 05m
Photo of Hollywood Sign
4.0

3204 Canyon Lake Dr Los Angeles, CA 90068, United States, Los Angeles, CA, US

Hollywood Sign

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125mi 02h 39m
Photo of KOA - Palm Springs / Joshua Tree KOA
3.5

70405 Dillon Rd, Desert Hot Springs, CA, US

KOA - Palm Springs / Joshua Tree KOA

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The best time to visit the Grand Canyon: Spring and summer are the most busy times to visit the Grand Canyon, and summer means often-intense heat and afternoon thunderstorms. The North Rim closes in the winter, and it does occasionally snow here, but crowds thin out a bit. Fall is also a great time to visit, when the temperatures start to cool off, even though it might still be crowded.