The Grand Canyon, Arizona

Among the most visited tourist destinations in the USA exists a natural wonder “The Grand Canyon” consisting of attractive plateaus, iconic rivers, enchanting waterfalls, and wild habitats. If you are an adventure-seeking nature lover, this place should definitely be on your bucket list!

How to Get There

Traveling to The Grand Canyon from Phoenix is not difficult thanks to the various modes available. However, there are certain factors that you need to keep in mind before choosing the right conveyance for yourself. This includes analyzing your budget, comfort, and time. With this in mind, check out the following options to identify what seems most viable to you. 

• Private Car

Traveling in a car is the most cost-effective way of getting to Sedona. However, if you want to focus on enjoying your holiday or day trip to the fullest, you might want to avoid the nuisance of finding a parking space or getting too tired to explore when you reach your destination.  

Nonetheless, a car drive from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon will cost you around $20 to $35 and is likely to last 3 hours 45 minutes if the traffic is smooth. Also, despite the fact that driving might tire you out, it also offers a high level of flexibility to take short stopovers along the way to rest and snap a few pictures of the scenic views. 

With Owzo’s car rentals, you can conveniently drive through the picturesque locality on your own or book rideshare!

• Group Tours

The best thing about traveling with group tours is that you don’t have to stress over making any arrangements – it’s all done for you! With this being said, if you aren’t planning to stay the night at the Grand Canyon, then opting for a full-day trip will surely be the best bet for you. Most of the group tours last 13 to 15 hours and include exploration of every famous sightseeing spot in the Grand Canyon. These include the South Rim, Bright Angel Trail, Yavapai Geology Museum, and Mather point as well as several others. You may even stop nearby Route 66 for a quick shopping spree.

Furthermore, you can also seize the opportunity of getting an aerial view of the magnificent Grand Canyon by including a 45-minutes helicopter ride in your itinerary for the ground trip from your pick-up point at Phoenix to the Grand Canyon park premises.

• Bus

In case you are on a tight budget when planning your trip to. Grand Canyon, or are looking to find an affordable alternative to driving a car to reach there, hopping on a bus is the best thing you can do. This is going to take you longer to reach the Grand Canyon as compared to traveling by car, approximately 7 hours (including transfers).

Moreover, using a bus to serve your travel needs to the Grand Canyon calls for strict coordination of the schedules. Greyhound buses depart from Glendale at 11:40 am and reach Flagstaff a few minutes before 3:00 pm. From here, you’’ need to walk a mile to the Amtrak station to make sure you catch the 3:45 pm bus, Groome Transportation shuttle, to finally arrive at the Grand Canyon within a two-hour time span.

Although the bus route may seem simple and budget-friendly, it is not convenient in terms of time as most of the day will be spent on the waiting and journey of getting there. So, if you are planning a day trip, cut this option out of your list; but if you intend to spend a couple of days camping at the Grand Canyon then the bus ride is indeed a viable option.

Activities To Do

The Grand Canyon is distributed in two Rims namely South Rim and North Rim. These Rims consist of ancient caves, temples, and cliffs at the edge of plateaus to rafting in rivers along with trekking and camping to experience the stunning sunrise and sunset while indulging in the enchanting silence, fresh air, and natural beauty. The inspiring sights and endless fun activities like hiking, biking, camping, white water rafting, or simply exploring the Canyon make it a memorable escapade for visitors. 

Take a look at the exciting activities available in the South and North Rims of the Grand Canyon:

• Hiking 

The South Rim side of the Grand Canyon consists of Grand Canyon Village, the South Kaibab Trail, Bright Angel Trail, Mather Point, the Yavapai Geology Museum, and more. Tourists can also explore scenic areas while hiking trails on the south side of the canyon through diversified means such as on foot or guided tours by mule. 

While visiting the facility reviewers have recommended starting early in the day and packing sufficient food and water if you plan to do a lot of hiking. Though there are a variety of restaurants, dining rooms, and coffee shops on this side of the park, you won't need to worry about going hungry during your visit.

1. Camping

Campsites are usually located at Mather Point and Desert View, and they also exist a facility outfitted with grills, laundry facilities, and picnic benches. If you have young kids or adults in wheelchairs accompanying you, the fact that the routes here are absolutely manageable will excite you even more. 

• White Water Rafting

The North Rim is considered to be less crowded than the South. Tourist spots in the North Rim include Bright Angel Point, which features views of the Roaring Springs - the North Rim's only water source, and the 8,803-foot Point Imperial which is the highest point on the North Rim. 

The waterfalls of the Grand Canyon serve as a glimpse of paradise and surely will mesmerize the visitors for their immense natural beauty. The aqua blue waters of Beaver Falls, Navajo Falls, Fifty Foots Falls, Havasu Falls, and Mooney Falls are worthwhile explorations. 

• Automotive Adventures

Despite its quiet atmosphere, the North Rim is considered a spectacular and must-visit sight. The entrance to the park's North Rim is situated 30 miles south of Jacob Lake on Highway 67. The route is around 212 miles, from the South Rim. Several shuttle services, including the Grand Canyon Shuttle and Trans Canyon Shuttle services, make daily rim-to-rim trips. 

However, if you would rather prefer a private ride or wish to drive yourself, Owzo car rentals and rides have you covered. Remember, the park’s shuttle service is bound to be limited in the winter. 

• Educational Excursions

The local administration also arranges for about a day-long educational program regarding the historic value of the mentioned site to unfold the characteristics and mysteries of the facility as the Canyon is a historical place and has witnessed several civilizations since its inception. 

The only time you are likely to find the North Rim accommodating a large number of travelers is during peak tourism periods from late spring to early fall. The good news for the nature purist is that there are only a few facilities available on this side of the Grand Canyon which means it will probably remain relatively underdeveloped and in its natural form for a long time.