It’s always exciting to plan for the upcoming holidays. I see many people scrolling numerous sites just to find some perfect location to make the best of their holidays. And why shouldn’t they? You spend a lot of money on traveling and staying. But, if the destination is not worth exciting, it’s all a waste of time and money.
Guys! You must be wondering why I am talking about all this. Actually, I want to tell you about an amazing holiday destination in the U.S. And, I am sure you will love visiting the place. It’s the unique Grand Canyon in Arizona. Believe me, it is the best place to experience beauty, charm, and adventure. I know you will as you continue to read what’s there in store for you.
It is in Northern Arizona amidst Lake Powell and Lake Mead with layered beds of red rocks as a national monument and as one of the incredible wonders of nature on earth. Interestingly, one can capture stunning panoramic views of the canyon amidst the rugged terrain and create memories that last a lifetime of the magical charm of this glorious desolate landscape. The Grand Canyon National Park also offers a lot of activities to visitors.
So, get a glimpse of this travel guide on the exciting things to do at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to create your kind of holiday!
1. Sunset from Desert View
Viewing the sunset is always a delight for the eyes. But, I would say sunset from the desert view is the ultimate experience. It is available from a 23-mile(37 km) picturesque road that links with Grand Canyon Village. You get a touch of the exotic firsthand from nature, redefining your travel which you can’t afford to miss!
2. Soak in the Epic Overlooks at Mather Point & South Rim Viewpoints
These are the first breathtaking panoramic viewpoints you see once you walk away from the visitor center. Also, you can experience it, especially during sunrise and sunset, as that changes the canyon’s colors.
3. Camp (or Lodge) at the Bottom of the Grand Canyon
Here is the thrilling part and the best experience America offers you! Camping amidst the still yet towering rocks above provides some unique experiences you’ll never want to leave. Various providers offer campground lodging based on your needs and requirements.
4. See Ooh Aah Point
I must say, this is an excellent spot in the Grand Canyon. It offers some adrenaline adventure activities. I would highly recommend you visit the Grand Canyon National Park. You must stop at Ooh Aah Point here for a short hiking experience where you can never stop exploring and fill your soul with adventure!
The Icy Whiz team talked to Michael Sawyer, Operations Director at Ultimate Kilimanjaro, about his most memorable Grand Canyon experience and its impact. Here is what he said:
“The Grand Canyon is a unique and special place and even if a picture is more worth than a thousand words, it does not come close to the experience.
Being an avid adventurer and traveler the Grand Canyon was always something that attracted me.
Here we have this chasm beautiful and mysterious carved out over millions of years with a diverse array of plant and animal life, some of which cannot be found in any other location on this planet.
Many of the plant species have adapted over time to the canyon’s harsh and dry climate like cacti.
So, if you are a nature lover, then you could see its appeal and why many would argue it’s an unforgettable experience, there are several ways that you could journey through the canyon, from hiking to a scenic helicopter tour, you have options available.
The thing that has always stuck with me from the first time I ever saw the Grand Canyon was its pure immensity. It is awe-inspiring the sheer size of the canyon, however it can be a little intimidating as well.
It is difficult to imagine its grandness until you see it in person. standing there in its vastness witnessing the sheer size of the canyon, realizing that something this perfect exists and can be seen by anyone, makes it an awe-inspiring trip.”
5. Hike the Famous South Kaibab Trail and Bright Angel Trail
If you love adventure you can’t miss these two trails. They are the most famous hiking trails in the Grand Canyon where you never want to leave! You can get a rim-to-rim hiking experience where you hike to the Colorado River from the rim and hike back again to the rim. So, you can turn your vacation into an adventure by discovering a different world here!
6. Walk the Trail of Time
The trial of time is a flat paved walk of about 4.56 km (2.83 miles). This will also give you a unique experience. You also get to see a series of rocks and exhibits presenting the evolution of the Grand Canyon. So, you can discover what’s new around every turn!
7. Visit the Yavapai Geology Museum
Oh yeah! How can you miss the Yavapai Geology Museum sitting stately at the edge of the Yavapai Point? It is a world within and a state apart that acts as the finest vantage point to glimpse the Grand Canyon geology. You can keep digging and make endless discoveries in this rock museum, and you can get some spectacular views here to catch a few clicks!
8. Drive Hermit Road (West Rim Road)
If you are tired a bit after so much adventure, simply relish the scenic views from the Hermit Road. Stretching across the South Rim for 8 miles, you can get the most fun in a day just by cycling in the stretch! Also, you can refresh yourself in the nearby snack bar getting some goodies to carry back home from the gift shop to your loved ones!
9. Watch the Grand Canyon IMAX Movie
Why not visit the IMAX theatre in the Grand Canyon, for a change? I would say it’s the perfect escape from the reality. It is equipped with a Laser screen and precision sound equipment. This virtual experience will be great fun for sure.
10. Take a Helicopter Flight from the Grand Canyon South Rim
Now it’s time you go beyond borders and boundaries, taking a helicopter tour to explore the Grand Canyon South Rim. If you’re a first-time visitor here, you get a deeper picturesque view of the canyon’s most profound and expansive parts, where you can go to places you have never seen before!
11. Get Lost and Found Again in the Grand Canyon Skywalk
I will tell you about one of the main attractions and one of the world’s Seven Natural Wonders of West Rim. Walking the Grand Canyon Skywalk is going to your lifetime experience.
12. Ride a Mule into the Grand Canyon
Want to hit the rock bottom of adventure in the Canyon? Then taking a mule ride deep into the Rockies is the best way to experience an ideal destination for the New Millennium to explore and discover in every twist and turn. Different packages of mule rides are available at the Grand Canyon Tours to unleash your adventurous spirit to the fullest on the base of the Canyon!
Max Williams, Founder/CEO of herobot.app, shared his most memorable Grand Canyon experience. Here is an excerpt from the interview:
“As the Founder and CEO of Herobot.app, I’ve embarked on numerous adventures, but none quite compare to the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Grand Canyon.
As an avid outdoor enthusiast, each visit to this natural wonder has left an indelible mark on my soul, weaving a tapestry of memories that evoke a profound sense of wonder and reverence.
One of my most memorable experiences at the Grand Canyon was an early morning hike along the South Kaibab Trail. The anticipation mounted as I descended into the canyon, greeted by the ethereal glow of dawn painting the rugged terrain in hues of crimson and gold.
With each step, I felt a deep connection to the ancient forces that sculpted this majestic landscape over millennia.
As I navigated switchbacks and traversed narrow ridges, the sheer magnitude of the canyon enveloped me in its embrace, reminding me of my humble place in the vastness of nature.
The silence was broken only by the rhythmic cadence of my footsteps and the occasional call of a distant bird, amplifying the sense of solitude and introspection.
Upon reaching Ooh Aah Point, I was rewarded with a panoramic vista that defied description. The sheer immensity of the canyon stretched out before me, layers of rock strata bearing witness to the passage of time.
At that moment, I felt a profound sense of insignificance and humility, humbled by the grandeur of the natural world.
As the sun climbed higher in the sky, casting ever-changing shadows upon the canyon walls, I lingered in quiet contemplation, reflecting on the beauty and fragility of life.
In the embrace of the canyon’s ancient embrace, I found solace and renewal, a reminder of the interconnectedness of all living things.
My journey at the Grand Canyon left an indelible impression on me, igniting a deep reverence for the transformative power of nature. It reminded me of the importance of preserving our planet’s natural wonders for future generations to cherish and protect.
As I bid farewell to this sacred landscape, I carried with me a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude, forever indebted to the Grand Canyon for the profound lessons it imparted.”
13. Discover the Tusayan Ruin
There is one more museum named the Tusayan Museum. I suggest you visit there too. You can get a glimpse out of your history books here and make endless discoveries here looking at the ruins, handcrafts, culture, houses, etc. It also narrates the past and resurrects the narratives of the prehistoric man and his life.
14. Visit the Desert View Watchtower
This is a must-visit place for every tourist. It was built by Mary Colter at the canyon’s edge. It has an interesting architectural frame as its appearance looks like a tone, but its structure consists of steel and concrete.
On the inside, it is plastered, with murals swathing the walls. You will be impressed by its heavy furnishings created from large wood pieces and rawhide, adding to the rustic impression.
15. Take a Guided Ranger Tour
You can take ranger tours to get the length, breadth, and depth of the Grand Canyon. These programs offer hikes and trials with experienced rangers and don’t require initial sign-ups and fees. These help you experience the variety and make your trip special!
16. Grand Canyon Tandem Skydive that Keeps the Adventure Alive Forever
You just can’t miss the skydiving activity at the Grand Canyon to wobble your body and experience the ultimatum of adventure and fun! You also get a chance to jump off a plane with an instructor and get a bird’s view of the Grand Canyon in its full glory. Also, to keep it alive forever, you can get photos and videos to make unforgettable memories and incredible adventures.
17. Grand Canyon Colorado River Rafting: Transcending Adventure to the Next Level
If you are looking for more adventure and fun I recommend you take a river rafting trip with Grand Canyon’s west Hualapai river runners. However, you must comply with terms such as confident paddling or rafting skills with proper age. With that, you can escape the ordinary and discover the extraordinary!
18. Grand Canyon Railway Tour to Capture Tranquillising Moments
You can also experience the Grand Canyon’s beauty and diversity by taking a railway tour from Sedona or Flagstaff up to the Grand Canyon National Park. If you are a train or a nature lover, you can bet to find your next great escape and create unforgettable experiences!
19. Cruise the Airplane Over the Grand Canyon
The airplane tour is the best way to experience the Canyon’s beauty and diversity in a whole new way. Starting from Las Vegas, you’ll soar over the unique scenery of the Grand Canyon stretching below you. Also, you’ll fly past the beautifully glistening Lake Mead and the famous Hoover Dam below and experience the magic of travel.
20. Havasu Falls to Lift Your Spirits Toward the Day’s End
Last but not least, Havasu Falls also calls you for a wonderful experience. You can camp, dive, swim, or get a glimpse of this rare wonder and take a few clicks to create lasting memories of this waterfall that is beside the Native Americans’ Havasupai Reservation.
Over to You
I am sure you are excited now to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA. Then feel free to book the next ticket for your upcoming vacation and just leave to experience the bigger world. Explore nature’s wonder and get engaged in different interesting activities it offers.
Guest Author: Saket Kumar
Last Updated on May 18, 2024 by Pragya
Authors
Utterly captivating! This article does a fantastic job of capturing the magnificence of Arizona’s Grand Canyon. I felt as though I was standing on the rim and looking out into the immensity of this magnificent environment thanks to the detailed words and gorgeous visuals that took me to this natural marvel. My comprehension of the canyon’s development was deepened by the historical and geological insights, making the trip visually stunning and instructive.