An Excursion to the Grand Canyon of the Colorado

10 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Trip to the Grand Canyon

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Visiting Grand Canyon National Park is on just about everyone's list of things to do before they kick the bucket. It's an amazing natural wonder, and it's also incredibly huge. There are so many things to see and do in the Grand Canyon. If you've never been before, then you might not know where to begin. Check out these 10 ways to get the most out of your trip.

Visit in the Winter

As one of the biggest tourist attractions in the US, the Grand Canyon sees a lot of crowds. You can avoid these crowds if you come at the right time of year. Summer is the busiest time of year because students are out of school and traveling with their families. It's also the hottest and most miserable time of year to visit. Plan your visit during December to January (minus the Christmas holiday) to enjoy better weather and fewer tourists.

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Book Mule Rides Early

Mule rides into the canyon are a great way to experience the sights. Mules have a long history with the Grand Canyon, helping build the trails that tourists take today. These sure-footed animals are so popular that reservations for rides fill up fast. The Grand Canyon takes reservations up to 13 months in advance. If you're even thinking of visiting the Grand Canyon, go ahead and book your mule ride.

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Check the Calendar for Free Days

Getting into the national park isn't free. You'll have to pay a fee to obtain a pass to enter the park. Fees vary depending on if you're coming by foot, bike, car or with a group. There are several days throughout the year when you can enter the park for free though. These are typically in the fall, and can save you a few bucks on your trip.

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If you're not visiting on a free day, obtain your pass in advance. This way you can skip the long line of cars and start your journey quickly.

Break In Your Hiking Boots

Proper footwear is a must for visiting the Grand Canyon. No matter how you choose to tour the park, you should expect to spend several hours walking and hiking. If you don't already have a pair of hiking boots, it's time to get a good quality pair. Don't forget to break those boots in before you arrive unless you want blisters and sore feet by the end of the trip.

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Learn the History

The Grand Canyon has some of the most beautiful sights, but it would be a waste of a trip to skip the museums and visitors centers. The history of the Grand Canyon and the landscape is interesting — even for kids and people who normally don't care about history. As another bonus, being inside offers a nice respite from the heat outdoors.

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Hop on a Bus Tour

If you only have a day or two to visit, then the Grand Canyon tours by bus are a great way to pack in more adventure. It's an even better way to see more than if you're driving your own vehicle. There's no need to focus on the roads, which way to turn or fumbling with a Grand Canyon area map. Someone else does the driving, takes you to points of interest and even serves as guide to teach you about the park's geologic and human history.

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Choose One or Two Sights Per Day

The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long and 18 miles wide. There's no way that you can see all there is to see in one lifetime of vacations, let alone on a single trip. Go into the trip knowing that you can't see it all, and don't even try. Pick one sight per day — two at most — and take in all that you can. You'll have a much more relaxing, interesting and enjoyable trip if you pace yourself.

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Have Plenty of Water on Hand

Think about how much water you think you'll drink while hiking and bring more. Depending on the time of year, temperatures in the Grand Canyon can exceed 110F. The hot, dry desert air will dehydrate you quickly. Rangers and every Grand Canyon tourist guide recommend drinking a gallon of water per day while touring the canyon. There aren't many water refill stations throughout, so it's important to have plenty on hand when you start your hike.

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Bring Your Own Food

Eating in 110-degree weather might not sound appealing, but it's a necessity. Make sure that you've got protein-packed foods to eat throughout the day and have a picnic lunch ready to go. There are some restaurants nearby, but like all other tourist attractions, they can be pricey. Save your money for enjoying a cool ice cream cone on the back porch of the Bright Angel Lodge.

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Find Lodging in Flagstaff

Lodging in the Grand Canyon is scarce, and most people camp. Many people try to lump Las Vegas into the same trip as the Grand Canyon because they are in close proximity to one another. While Las Vegas is "close," it's not close enough. It's about a four-hour drive from the Grand Canyon, and definitely not a trip you want to take after a long day in the canyon. Flagstaff is only about an hour away and has plenty of lodging, food and entertainment options for the entire family.

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An Excursion to the Grand Canyon of the Colorado

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