Andrew MacNeil

Jackson M

Mather Point

The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon

Your tour beings at the Grand Canyon airport in Tusayan, Arizona. Fly over the ponderosa pines of Kaibab National Forest on a 45-minute helicopter excursion from the Grand Canyon South Rim. Upstream on the Colorado River are views of the Painted Desert and Desert View Watchtower. View Marble Canyon and Point Imperial as you fly through the Canyon and climb above the North Rim to head south through the Dragon Corridor, the Canyon’s widest and deepest section.

45-minute Helicopter Flight Over the Grand Canyon from Tusayan, Arizona

Grand Canyon Visitor Center

Rim Trail

2 Day Trip Guide for Grand Canyon National Park

Spending two days at the Grand Canyon can be an unforgettable experience. Given the vastness of the Grand Canyon and the myriad of activities available, it's essential to plan your trip to maximize your time. Here’s a recommended two-day itinerary:

- Night at the Grand Hotel: If you decided to spend the night at a hotel, a nice close option is the Grand Hotel in Tusayan just south of the park.

- Sunrise at Mather Point: Start your day early by watching the sunrise at Mather Point, a popular and accessible viewpoint. The canyon is particularly beautiful at this time.

- Visitor Center: After the sunrise, head to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. Gather maps, ask any questions, and learn more about the canyon's history and geology.

- Rim Trail Walk: Walk along the Rim Trail, which offers various viewpoints. You can choose to go as far or as short as you wish, but some notable points include Yavapai Point and Museum, and the Trail of Time.

- Lunch: Grab lunch at the historic El Tovar Dining Room or one of the cafes nearby.

- Drive or Shuttle to Different Overlooks: Use the afternoon to explore some of the farther viewpoints, such as Hopi Point, Mohave Point, and Pima Point. During peak seasons, personal vehicles might be restricted in some areas, so use the free shuttle service.

- Sunset at Yaki Point or Hopi Point: Both points offer breathtaking views of the sun setting over the canyon.

- Star Gazing: If you're staying inside or near the park, the Grand Canyon offers some of the clearest night skies for stargazing, especially if there's no moon. 

- Early Morning Hike: Start your day with a hike down the Bright Angel Trail or the South Kaibab Trail. You don’t have to go all the way to the river (and shouldn’t unless you're prepared for a very long hike), but even hiking a short distance down can give you a different perspective. Remember to bring water, wear sturdy shoes, and hike out early if it’s summertime to avoid the heat.

- Lunch: After your hike, refuel with lunch at the Bright Angel Lodge or another restaurant on the rim.

- Scenic Drive: In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to the Desert View Watchtower. Along the drive, there are several viewpoints like Navajo Point and Lipan Point.

- Desert View Watchtower: Climb the watchtower for a 360-degree view of the canyon, the Painted Desert, and the Colorado River. There's also a visitor center here with information about the history and culture of the area.

- Evening Relaxation: After a full day of exploring, relax at one of the Rim lodges, perhaps with a nice dinner.

Helicopter Tour: See the canyon from above.

Horseback Riding: Several outfitters offer horse or mule rides along the rim.

Rafting: If you're up for an adventure, there are half-day and full-day rafting trips on the Colorado River.

Remember to adjust your activities based on the time of year and the weather. Always bring water, wear sunscreen, and be prepared for changing conditions. Enjoy your trip!