Carved by the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most gorgeous and spectacular of all gorges within the world.
Read this Grand Canyon rim to rim travel guide to learn about the most popular sightseeing destinations within the park.
Known for the immense natural beauty and as one of the most powerful and tantalizing of all landscapes, the Grand Canyon is highly revered for its mesmerizing buttes, the shocking depths, and its colorful, labyrinthine, unique topography.
The scenic wonders that abound within the park are innumerable. These include high plateaus, placid plains, dazzling deserts, fantastic forests, captivating caves, scintillating streams, and wonderous waterfalls. To truly experience all of this, you must engage in Grand Canyon rim to rim travel.
Grand Canyon North Rim
When on a Grand Canyon rim to rim travel trip, you should initiate by visiting the North Rim. This area is serene and is perfect for those that enjoy a sense of serenity. Hailed as the area “less traveled”, the North Rim includes many amazing attractions. Its high plateau will allow you to get a distinctive view of the true beauty of the national park. The following outlines the destinations that you should visit while at this tantalizing territory of the Grand Canyon:
- The Visitor Center – This center is situated immediately adjacent to the parking lot of the Lodge and Bright Angel Point. Here, you will be provided with information about the area, detailed maps, a large assortment of brochures, get to see many exhibits, and have direct access to a bookstore. At certain times of the year, you may participate in one of the many interpretive ranger programs.
- Bright Angel Point – This is an immensely popular overlook point situated in the North Rim. If you are engaging in a Grand Canyon rim to rim travel trip, this is a must-see destination. To the west, you will see the Transept and Manu Temple. To the South, you will see Bright Angel Canyon and Walhalla Plateau. Additionally, you will catch glimpses of the Coconino Plateau, Red Butte, and the inner gorge of the park.
- Point Imperial – This is the highest single point located on the North Rim. It overlooks the pristine Painted Desert, the Marble Canyon, and several other beautiful landscapes.
North Rim Tours
While on your Grand Canyon rim to rim trip, you may choose from several different tours of the North Rim. The following links directly to these adventures:
- Helicopter Tour of the North Rim with Optional Hummer Excursion
- Helicopter Tour of the North Rim with Optional Jeep Excursion
- North Rim Air and Ground Tour with Optional ATV Ride
Grand Canyon South Rim
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is completely opposite of the North Rim – in terms of visitors. This is the single most popular travel destinations for tourists. Accessible throughout the year, there are many exciting destinations at this area of the national park. The mountainous scenery, the peaceful pine forests, and the majestic meadows enthrall the senses. The following outlines the travel hotspots that you should visit while on your Grand Canyon rim to rim vacation:
- Desert View Watchtower – This 70-foot stone-based tower was created in the year of 1932. It is one of the highest locations on the South Rim. When visiting this area, the slats will permit you unparalleled views of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. Additionally, you will see the Painted Desert, the San Francisco Peaks, and the Navajo Reservation.
- Kolb Studio – Originally constructed in 1905 as a photography studio on the edge of the South Rim, this is now a bookstore and a museum. To learn about the area, this is a destination for all travelers in the area.
- Hopi Point – To appreciate this destination, visit this location either at dawn or at dusk. This Hermit Road overlook provides amazing views of the stunning landscapes of the national park.
South Rim Tours
To supplement your Grand Canyon rim to rim trip, consider the following South Rim tours:
- South Rim Small Group Tour
- South Rim Day Trip with Optional Helicopter Tour
- 7 Day National Parks Tour: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley, South Rim
Grand Canyon West Rim
The West Rim of the Grand Canyon is a popular destination for those traveling to the national park. Here, you can engage in the activity of walking the sky on the glass-bottom Skywalk, take a helicopter ride to get a bird’s eye view of the wonderous landscapes, or even indulge in a whitewater rafting trip through the Colorado River. While on your West Rim trip, consider the following destinations:
- Skywalk at Eagle Point – Traditionally, the biggest thrill when visiting the Grand Canyon was standing on the edge. Now, a 10-foot wide glass bridge that extends 70-feet over the West Rim called the “Skywalk at Eagle Point” exists. It provides you with a view of a depth of 4,000 feet. Even more amazing is that it has the capability of holding the weight of that of nearly 750 passenger jets!
- Guano Point – To observe the national park at its height, Guano Point is the place to be! Here, you can visit the remnant of a highly historic tram, interact with Tribal members that live in the area, and shop at the famous Hualapai Market.
- Colorado River – The Colorado River carved out the Grand Canyon. When visiting the West Rim, you can now see this amazing and powerful body of water – up close and personal!
West Rim Tours
In order to get the most out of your Grand Canyon rim to rim trip, be sure to consider the following West Rim tours:
- Grand Canyon West Adventure Tour
- Grand Canyon West Rim Adventure and Skywalk
- Helicopter Tours from the Grand Canyon West Rim
Grand Canyon East Rim
The final destination of your Grand Canyon rim to rim trip is the East Rim. Considered to be one of the most difficult of all access points throughout the national park, this is a must-see. This area is not officially highlighted by the National Park Service, but, the eastern region provides many wonderful hot spots for travelers:
- The Antelope Canyon – Here you can see a slotted canyon that is situated on the land of the real Navajo that reside within the area.
- Horseshoe Bend – This is a horseshoe-shaped geological feature of the Colorado River that is situated just a few miles down from Page, Arizona. While ideal for adult travelers, this is not a safe destination for children.
- Rainbow Bridge – This is a natural bridge that must be seen in person to appreciate. Out of all of the natural bridges in the world, this is hailed as the largest.
East Rim Tours
To get the most out of your Grand Canyon rim to rim trip, you should make your reservations now for the following East Rim tours: