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Hiking in the Canyon
One of the best ways to experience the canyon, is to hike down into it. Bright Angel Trail that departs from Grand Canyon Village is the most popular route. The trail is a well maintained and has drinking water supplies at several points. Most cautious tourists hike only a short distance down this trail, as the climb back to the rim is much more strenuous than the trip down. Indian Gardens on the Tonto Plateau is about 4 miles (6 km) and about 1,500 vertical feet (500 meters) below the rim. That makes a nice day hike, but remember to always carry a supply of water and some snack food. The temperature down in the canyon is usually much warmer than on the rim. Phantom Ranch, at the bottom of the canyon is 12 miles (20 km) and 5,000 feet (1,650 m) below the rim and is normally attempted as a two-day hike with an overnight stay at the Phantom Ranch Campround. There are many trails down into the canyon for serious hikers and backpackers, but you must obtain camping permits from the park rangers before attempting overnight hikes.
South Kaibab Trail
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The National Park Service maintains Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim. It contains several hotels and restaurants, a gas station, grocery store, laundromat and several souvenir shops. You can make reservations at the hotels via the National Park Service web site. All of the hotels usually fill up many months in advance.
The village of Tusayan Arizona
The little village of Tusayan is about 6 miles south of the Grand Canyon Village and one mile from the park entrance. It contains several private hotels, a few restaurants, a grocery store, some convenience stores, souvenir shops, gas stations, some bars,an IMAX theater and a small airport. It is usually easier to find accommodations at the private hotels in Tusayan, as they do not normally fill up as far in advance as the park properties.
Read more about the Grand Canyon, including some helpful tips on our Grand Canyon Adventure page!
