The Grand Canyon is one of the very best places to visit in the United States! Located in Grand Canyon National Park, it offers never-ending jaw-dropping views and a plethora of activities for visitors to enjoy. From white water rafting to hiking, there is something for everyone at Grand Canyon National Park.
Visiting Grand Canyon? Great news – there are many nearby towns that offer plenty of lodging and dining options so you can enjoy your time near this national historic landmark. Spend a night stargazing or take a scenic drive along the south rim of the Grand Canyon to take in some of the best views in the park. There are also many local tour companies that offer guided tours and activities that allow visitors to explore different parts of the National Park and learn more about its rich history and ecology.
Visiting Grand Canyon National Park is an experience like no other! Exploring the Grand Canyon’s splendor is an incredible way to make memories exploring the USA that will last a lifetime. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway or an unforgettable adventure, Grand Canyon National Park has something for everyone.
What Are the Best Cities Near the Grand Canyon, Arizona?
The Grand Canyon is easy to access from numerous towns located in close proximity to its many incredible viewpoints. Some of the closest cities are Flagstaff and Williams, Arizona; Las Vegas, Nevada; and St. George, Utah. Flagstaff is located just over an hour south of the Canyon’s South Rim entrance and offers a variety of lodging options for visitors looking to stay near the National Park. Williams is even closer, only a few miles from the South Rim entrance, and is also home to numerous hotels and motels. Las Vegas is about four hours away from the South Rim, but it’s easy to find good prices on flights or drive there on a day trip. St. George is an easy five-hour drive away from both rims of the Grand Canyon.
Regardless of the city you choose, there are plenty of easy access points to explore the Grand Canyon and its many offerings.
Keep reading to learn about these cities and more so you and your TierOne Travel Consultant can start planning an amazing trip to the Grand Canyon!
Flagstaff, Arizona
Flagstaff, Arizona offers plenty of activities and attractions for visitors to explore. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or family-friendly fun, there’s something for everyone in Flagstaff.
Flagstaff is a great destination for those seeking outdoor thrills. Hikers will love exploring the trails at Red Mountain and Sunset Crater Volcano National Park. Flagstaff has several campgrounds nearby where you can camp out under the stars or get up even closer to the night sky at the Lowell Observatory. Visitors should explore the Museum of Northern Arizona to gain an in-depth understanding of art and culture while touring the Riordan Mansion State Park will provide insight into Flagstaff’s history.
If you want to experience the Grand Canyon South Rim, Flagstaff is the ideal base camp for exploring. Located just 80 miles away, Flagstaff is a perfect place to get to the Grand Canyon and start your grand adventure. Unlike the North Rim, the South Rim is open year-round, so you can visit any time of year and experience its beauty no matter the season. When you’re done exploring, head back to Flagstaff to rest up and prepare for your next adventure.
With all that Flagstaff has to offer, there’s something for everyone – from outdoor adventures to culture, dining, and entertainment. So explore the Grand Canyon from Flagstaff – a fantastic base camp for grand adventures!
Williams, Arizona
When you arrive at Williams, Arizona, roughly 60 miles south of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, you’ll feel as though you’ve traveled back in time to the height of Route 66. Discover the city’s bustling, historic downtown, where the greatest hits from the 1950s and 1960s are playing on what seems like every corner. There are a ton of Route 66 memorabilia and gift shops, as well as restaurants that have a 50’s and 60’s classic vibe.
A road trip from Williams to the Grand Canyon will take you less than two hours to get to Grand Canyon Village and through the beautiful Kaibab National Forest.
And when you’re done exploring the Grand Canyon, another amazing day trip from Williams is to Walnut Canyon National Monument which is less than an hour away and offers beautiful views and trails to explore.
Additionally, a visit to Hoover Dam is also within reach on a short road trip and provides a unique opportunity to learn more about America’s history as well as its engineering feats.
Jacob Lake, Arizona
Jacob Lake, Arizona is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers alike. There are plenty of activities to enjoy in the area, from hiking and camping to fishing and bird watching. Those looking for more leisurely pastimes can visit several attractions near Jacob Lake. The Grand Canyon Railway allows visitors to take a scenic train ride to the Grand Canyon and back. The Arizona Historical Society Museum is also nearby and offers interesting displays about the region’s history and culture. Other attractions include the Kaibab National Forest, Jacob Lake Inn, and Navajo Point Lookout.
In addition to being a great base for exploring the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Jacob Lake is also the closest town to this part of the Grand Canyon. It’s easy to get there from other parts of Arizona and is just a short drive away from popular attractions like Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon.
With its prime location and wide range of accommodations, Jacob Lake is an ideal spot for travelers looking for a truly unforgettable experience at the Grand Canyons North Rim.
Tuba City, Arizona
Tuba City is surrounded by a vast array of natural beauty, most notably Monument Valley and, of course, the Grand Canyon. It has become a popular destination for those looking to experience some of the great things that nature has to offer. With its unique attractions, Tuba City offers something special for all outdoor enthusiasts looking for a unique way to experience nature at its best.
Visitors can also find plenty of activities in Tuba City, from exploring the desert landscape on foot or by bike to taking in even more of its natural beauty with an ATV tour. You can even see 200 million-year-old dinosaur footprints! The town is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including museums like the Navajo Nation Museum that showcase local history.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is a great tourist destination for people of all ages. Whether you’re looking for exciting nightlife or a family-friendly adventure, Las Vegas has something to offer you.
Here are some of the top things to do while visiting this vibrant city:
- Explore the famous Las Vegas Strip
- Visit one of Las Vegas’ renowned museums
- Shop ’til you drop!
- Take in a show
- Indulge yourself at a spa or hot springs
- Catch some rays in one of the city’s pools
- Try your luck at one of the casinos
Las Vegas is also the perfect place to start an adventure to the Grand Canyon. With its west rim located only a couple hours away, you can easily explore one of the natural wonders of the world.
One way to experience the grandeur of this mind-blowing destination is by taking helicopter tours to enjoy the breathtaking views from above. Consider visiting The Grand Canyon Skywalk – a glass platform that juts out 70 feet past the edge of the canyon walls and allows you to see straight down into 4,000 feet of depths below!
St. George, Utah
One of Utah’s fastest-growing communities is incredibly picturesque, surrounded by red sandstone rock formations and lush waterways. Recent development has created an abundance of family adventures, luxurious spas, boutique shopping, championship golf courses, and unmatched nearby outdoor leisure opportunities. You can go fishing, rock climbing, canyoneering, bicycling, hiking, ATVing, and more in stunning St. George, Utah.
The North Canyon Rim is located a couple of hours north of St. George, making it one of the best options for a Grand Canyon road trip. With the scenic drive across national parks and the opportunity to take in the serene beauty of the north canyon rim, St. George is an excellent place to stay when planning to visit the Grand Canyon’s North Rim.
Tusayan, Arizona
Tusayan, a small town located near the entrance to Grand Canyon National Park, is the closest gateway community to one of America’s most iconic national parks. Visitors can take advantage of free shuttle buses that run through Tusayan and provide access to Grand Canyon’s visitor centers. These free shuttles make it easy for visitors to get around without having to drive their own vehicles in the park. Additionally, there are several restaurants, hotels, and other amenities located in Tusayan that cater specifically to people visiting the Grand Canyon.
Whether you are looking for souvenirs or just need a break from exploring the park, Tusayan has something for you.
Page, Arizona
On the southern edge of the majestic Lake Powell, in northern Arizona, is a small town called Page. Here, travelers can enjoy fantastic activities, as well as a wide range of hotel options and services, in this welcoming community. Lake Powell offers plenty of outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, water skiing, and swimming. Visitors can also enjoy camping in the area surrounded by breathtaking views of red rock formations, desert landscapes, and wildlife.
This location is excellent for seeing many of the renowned national parks and monuments of the American Southwest and learning about the distinctive culture of the Navajo Nation. And Page is less than 2 and a half hours from the Grand Canyon Village!
Kingman, Arizona
Get behind the wheel and travel the Mother Road to find a gem in the Arizona desert. Kingman is the epicenter of Route 66, with classic cars, flashing neon signs, and a vintage ambiance that celebrates the city’s lively past. Kingman continues to be the ideal starting point for Route 66 road journeys and day trips to must-see destinations in northern Arizona, such as the Grand Canyon (the Grand Canyon Skywalk is only 70 miles away!). Visit the Mohave Museum as well as the Historic Route 66 Museum. Picturesque horseback riding, biking, and hiking are all possible in the nearby Mojave Desert.
Peach Springs, Arizona
Peach Springs, on historic Route 66, is a must-see destination with a backdrop that served as inspiration for the town of Radiator Springs in the Pixar film Cars with attractions including cave exploring, whitewater rafting, and the grand canyon skywalk. The largest dry caverns in the country, Grand Canyon Caverns, may be visited by taking a guided trip underground. One of the top ten most unusual locations to sleep in the world, the Cave Room is perfect for anyone seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Sedona, Arizona
Discover Sedona’s off-the-beaten-path hikes and spectacular art galleries, just a 2-hour drive from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Sedona is home to magnificent red rock formations that are thought to be energy centers and offers fantastic hiking routes, a thriving art gallery culture, comfortable weather, and delicious food.
A trip from Sedona to the Grand Canyon is an unforgettable experience. As you make your way south, you will marvel at the majestic red rock formations and stunning landscapes of northern Arizona. Along the way, you’ll pass through historic mining towns and vast stretches of open desert. Once you arrive at the Grand Canyon, you’ll be captivated by its grandeur and beauty.
The Best Time to Visit The Grand Canyon
In our opinion, the best time to visit the Grand Canyon is during the cooler months of October through April. Temperatures are significantly lower during these months, making it much more comfortable to explore the canyon.
During winter and early spring, snow in higher elevations can make for a unique experience. July and August are typically quite hot and dry, so keep this in mind when planning your visit.
No matter what time you decide to go, the majestic beauty of the Grand Canyon will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. Plan your trip today and get ready to explore one of North America’s greatest natural wonders! Our experienced Travel Consultants can get you there.
Things To Do At The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is a natural wonder of the world and an incredible destination for anyone looking for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re visiting for just a few hours or spending a week, here are some of the best things to do at the Grand Canyon:
Take a Guided Tour
Whether it’s a hike along one of the many trails or a river rafting trip through the canyon, taking part in a guided tour allows visitors to explore in more depth and learn about the unique history and geology of the Grand Canyon.
Visit Phantom Ranch
Located at the bottom of the canyon, Phantom Ranch offers a unique opportunity to experience staying in one of the most majestic places on earth. Nestled away next to Bright Angel Creek on the Colorado River’s north bank.
The only lodging below the canyon wall is Phantom Ranch, which is only accessible by mule, foot, or Colorado River rafting.
Visitors can stay here overnight or take part in special events such as star-gazing parties and wildlife lectures.
Go Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is a popular way to explore the incredible landscape of the Grand Canyon while getting some exercise and enjoying unparalleled views.
Immerse yourself in the Old West as you embark on a horseback riding tour. Feel like a genuine cowboy from the Grand Canyon’s past as your knowledgeable guide skilfully guides you around the park’s natural scenery.
Try River Rafting
Colorado river rafting at the Grand Canyon is a unique and thrilling experience. You’ll be able to see incredible red rock formations, breathtaking waterfalls, and a myriad of wildlife as you float through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
Guided tours provide all of the safety equipment you need, including helmets and life vests for adults and children alike.
Take in the Stunning Sunset or Sunrise Views
Sunset or sunrise? You don’t have to choose! In the Grand Canyon, both offer breathtaking views that you won’t soon forget, so be sure to plan some time to enjoy both. But make sure to check the times when the sun is supposed to rise and set so you can give yourself lots of time!
Best Places to Watch the Sunset at Grand Canyon
- Hopi Point
- Mohave Point
- Pima Point
Best Places to Watch the Sunrise at Grand Canyon
- Mather Point
- Yaki Point
No matter how you choose to spend your time at the Grand Canyon, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience. With so many activities and incredible views, it’s no wonder why the Grand Canyon is one of the most visited National Parks in the United States.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head on over to this majestic destination! Fill out the below contact form and one of our travel consultants will help you plan your dream trip to the Grand Canyon.
ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO VISITING THE INCREDIBLE GRAND CANYON?
When you’re ready to book your next getaway, contact one of our TierOne Travel consultants. They will find the perfect place for your next vacation and will craft something incredible that is suited to your unique needs and will make sure your travel plans will be as stress-free as possible.
One call; endless experiences!
“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” – Anonymous
