One Day in Grand Canyon National Park: Top Hikes and Must-Do Activities
By Daniella from Sampler Platter Travel – this guide to Grand Canyon National Park contains affiliate links to trusted partners!
Only have one day in Grand Canyon National Park and want to know how to maximize your time?
My family and I spent one day in the Grand Canyon during a trip to Arizona and loved it. We thought we got a good sample of the park by going to the South Rim, doing a scenic drive, and walking part of the Rim Trail.
In this national park itinerary, we will share how to get to this beloved park, what to see, and where to stay. The Grand Canyon is split into three distinct zones (South Rim, North Rim, and West), and we will help you decide which section is best for you!
While you could certainly spend more than one day in Grand Canyon National Park, Sampler Platter Travel is dedicated to fast itineraries helping you prioritize things to do if you only have a short amount of time.
Happy sampling!
Introduction to Grand Canyon National Park
I don’t think the Grand Canyon needs much of an introduction as one of the most iconic wonders of the US and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
The Grand Canyon was established as one of the National Parks in 1919, covering over 1.2 million acres in the state of Arizona. The Canyon itself stretches 277 miles long and can reach up to 18 miles wide. It was carved by the Colorado River which is still a prominent body of water at the bottom of the canyon.
Caught the National Park bug?
Check out other blogs in our ‘One Day in a National Park’ series:
Grand Canyon Day Tours
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Grand Canyon National Park
(1) There is a Massive Canyon
What a surprise! Of course, one of the best reasons to visit the Grand Canyon is the massive canyon, one of the most jaw-dropping places you will experience. It is so cool that it was named one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World!
(2) Hiking Opportunities
While you can view the canyon via traditional viewpoints and overlooks, there are also world-class hiking trails that call the park home. They range from easy paved walks around the rim to super challenging steep descents towards the Colorado River.
(3) Rafting
Many folks have rafting on the Colorado River on their bucket list and for a good reason. Whitewater rafting through the heart of the Grand Canyon is an exhilarating opportunity, especially since you can see the canyon from the bottom up.
(4) Multiple Sections to Choose From
Grand Canyon National Park is quite unique – given its massive size, it is comprised of 3 distinct sections. The South Rim, North Rim, and West provide completely different experiences. Later, we’ll help you choose which is best for you!
(5) Historical Significance
There is no doubt that the Grand Canyon holds a lot of cultural and historical significance, especially with ancient Native American sites. The West section of the Grand Canyon is not part of the national park and instead belongs to the Hualapai people who call the canyon their ancestral home.
When Should You Visit Grand Canyon National Park
Spring is when the Grand Canyon brings in mild weather, fewer crowds compared to the summer, and beautiful wildflowers. However, the weather can be very variable with cold nights and occasional late-season snowstorms.
Fall brings in cooler temperatures with fewer crowds, although days are shorter, and services start to close up in preparation for winter.
Winter has minimal crowds which is perfect for travelers trying to avoid people. If you visit during a mild snowstorm, it can lead to beautiful landscapes. However, be careful around this time, as snow and ice can make driving and hiking conditions very dangerous.
Summer is definitely the most popular time of year to visit, with park facilities open, and long days for exploration. It can be extremely crowded during summer months, and temperatures in the canyon can get incredibly hot (up to 95 degrees F).
Top Pick: if you can make a fall trip work, we highly recommend visiting during this period as the weather is pleasant, and there are fewer crowds compared to the summer.
How to Get to Grand Canyon National Park
We recommend flying into 1 of the 2 closest major airports: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (230 miles South) or Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (about 280 miles West).
The drive time from Phoenix is approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. From Las Vegas, it is approximately 2 hours.
Note: If flying into Phoenix, the closest part of the park is the South Rim. If flying into Las Vegas, the closest is the West. More on choosing which rim in a bit (we keep saying this, we know).
If you want to shell out an extra few dollars for a local flight, the two closest regional airports are Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (about 80 miles South), and Grand Canyon National Park Airport (about 7 miles South). Keep in mind that flights to Flagstaff may be a lot more expensive thanks to the size of the airport, and the Grand Canyon National Airport is mostly used for private and chartered flights.
Grand Canyon National Park Entrance Fee
| Pass | Price |
| Standard | 20-35 |
| Annual | 45 |
| America the Beautiful (including Senior) | Free-$80 |
Which Rim Should You Choose of the Grand Canyon?
Finally, the important part of the blog!
South Rim
The South Rim is the most accessible section from Phoenix and is the most popular option for visitors in Arizona. It has a ton of traveler services, more accommodations, and extra amenities including museums and restaurants.
The South Rim has some of the most iconic and easily accessible views of the Canyon, including Yavapai Point and the Desert View Watchtower. Grand Canyon Village is where most visitors to the park admire the canyon from one of many overlooks.
It is also home to the Rim Trail, a popular hike along the top of the Canyon.
Choose if you want the most accessible and iconic views of the Grand Canyon, with a ton of amenities.
North Rim
The North Rim has fewer visitor services and is open from mid-May to mid-October thanks to snowy conditions during the rest of the year. While it is certainly the most rugged part of the Grand Canyon, it offers wonderful views, no crowds, and a secluded, tranquil feel.
Choose if you want a quieter and more rustic experience.
West Rim
The West Rim is where most travelers from Nevada visit. It is located on the Hualapai Indian Reservation and is technically not a part of the Grand Canyon National Park. This is where you’ll find the famous Skywalk – a glass bridge that extends over the canyon.
It is also a popular spot for a canyon helicopter tour and river rafting tours of the park. However, thanks to its proximity to Vegas, it can definitely get quite crowded.
Choose if you want the unique attraction of the Skywalk and prefer being close to Las Vegas.
Top 8 Hiking Trails in Grand Canyon
(1) Bright Angel Trail
- Length: Up to 9 miles (14.4 km) round trip to Havasupai Gardens, with the ability to turn around at any of the resthouses
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Description: Considered one of the most popular trails in the park, descending from the South Rim to the Colorado River, with multiple rest houses and stunning views.
Click for Bright Angel Trailhead Map
(2) South Kaibab Trail
- Length: Up to 6 miles (9.65 km) roundtrip to Skeleton Point
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Description: The trail descends “the chimney” before a steep decline. There is no shade or water along the trail.
Note: There is no parking at the trailhead, so drivers should park at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and take the Kaibab (Orange) shuttle bus to the trailhead.
Click for South Kaibab Trailhead Map
(3) Rim Trail
- Length: Up to 13 miles (20.1 km) one way
- Difficulty: Easy, mostly paved
- Description: A mostly flat trail that follows the South Rim, with incredible views and no intense elevation changes. Perfect for families and those looking for a non-intense walk.
(4) North Kaibab Trail
- Length: Up to 5.2 miles (8.3 km) round trip to Redwall Bridge
- Difficulty: Very difficult
- Description: The North Kaibab Trail is the least visited and most difficult inner trail at the park. An initial steep descent brings hikers into a green forest with rewarding views and plenty of shade.
Click for North Kaibab Trailhead Map
(5) Havasu Falls Trail
- Length: 20 miles (32 km) round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
- Description: This beautiful trail leads to Havasu Falls in the Havasupai Indian Reservation. The waterfall is known for its turquoise waters, but the trail can get dangerous with bad conditions. Definitely do your research before heading to this trail!
Click for Havasu Falls Trailhead Map
(6) Hermit Trail
- Length: Up to 11 miles (17.7km) round trip to Breezy Point
- Difficulty: Very difficult – only for experienced desert hikers
- Description: The trail was previously surfaced with slabs for a smooth walking experience. It is now an unrelenting descent down the steep side of a mountain.
Click for Hermit Trailhead Map
(7) Grandview Trail
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Length: 7.6 miles (12.2 km) roundtrip to the viewpoint on the arm of the Horseshoe Mesa
- Description: A steep and rugged trail with a dramatic drop-off on one side. Beautiful but dangerous! This trail is only for experienced desert hikers.
Click for Grandview Trailhead Map
(8) Widforss Trail
- Length: 9.6 miles (15.5 km) round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Description: A beautiful trail in the North Rim that goes along the rim of Transept Canyon.
Click for Widforss Trailhead Map
5 Things to Do in Grand Canyon (That Aren’t Hikes)
Not a big fan of hiking? Not a problem! There are so many things to do in Grand Canyon National Park that don’t include hiking.
(1) Take a Scenic Drive
So much of the park can be explored from the comfort of your own car thanks to tons of accessible viewpoints. Check out Desert View Drive and Hermit Road, both of which have great views for those who don’t want to get out of their car.
(2) Ride the Grand Canyon Railway
Train lovers and families will love the experience of riding the historic Grand Canyon Railway from Williams, Arizona, to the South Rim. The journey spans 65 miles, taking 2 hours and 15 minutes one way.
The train departs Williams daily at 9:30 am (most of the year), arriving at the Grand Canyon South Rim at 11:45 am. With a return ride at 3:30 pm, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the area.
Click here for Grand Canyon Railway tickets.
(3) Take a Helicopter Tour
Take one of many incredible Grand Canyon helicopter tours for a beautiful bird’s eye view of the Canyon. See the South and North Rim with this tour departing from Tusayan, Arizona.
(4) Take a Mule Ride
For tall people like me who feel bad about squishing a mule, this activity might not be for you! However, smaller folks and kids will love experiencing the canyon from on top of a mule. Don’t worry, these are done via guided tours, giving you a cool perspective of the park.
(5) Raft Down the Colorado River
One of the top activities in the Grand Canyon is rafting down the Colorado River. There is every option from smooth trips to incredible white water adventures. Check out this tour for a full-day adventure departing from Las Vegas or Flagstaff.
What Should You Bring for One Day in Grand Canyon National Park?
- Water – it’s never a bad idea to stock up on water, especially if you are planning on doing some hiking. Bringing at least 2 liters of water per person is ideal, but in hot summer temperatures, 3 liters is a better idea.
- Food and Snacks – the Grand Canyon has quite a few restaurant options, but just in case, bring some high-energy snacks or a small meal to keep your energy up, especially when hiking.
- Comfortable Footwear – Make sure to pack sturdy, comfortable shoes for walking on rocky and uneven surfaces. If you are planning on doing one of the harder trails, you will want to pack real hiking boots as opposed to trail runners.
- Sun Protection – Bring any and all protection from the sun, including sunscreen, a hat, and UV clothing.
Where to Stay for One Day in Grand Canyon National Park
Camping in the Park
Not including backcountry camping opportunities, these are the 3 campsites that are located within the park:
1. South Rim Campground – Mather
- Location: Near the South Rim Visitor Center, Mather Point
- Facilities: 327 sites, restrooms, showers, and a dump station, no hookups for RV
- Reservations: Required during peak seasons (March through November)
2. South Rim Campground – Desert View
- Location: Located near the East Entrance
- Facilities: 49 sites with restrooms and water
- Reservations: Required, open mid-April to mid-October
3. North Rim Campground
- Location: Near the North Rim Visitor Center
- Facilities: 87 total sites, restrooms, showers, laundry, and dump station
- Reservations: Required, open mid-May to mid-October
Hotel Options
Unless you want to drive back to Phoenix or Las Vegas and make it a day trip, we highly recommend staying one or two nights within the park premises to maximize time spent.
Here are our favorite spots near the South Rim and West (there are no hotels near the North Rim).
| Price | Name | Benefits |
| $259/night average | Cabins at Grand Canyon West (8.3 Stars) | Located 3.1 miles from the Grand Canyon SkywalkClean rooms in rustic wood cabinsIncredible location with million dollar views of the canyon |
| $179/night average | Under Canvas Grand Canyon, South Rim (8.7 Stars) | 31.5 miles to the entrance of the South RimCool, “glamping” style rooms under canvas roofsFire pit with live music and amazing breakfast |
| $186/night average | Squire Resort at the Grand Canyon (8.1 Stars) | 7.4 miles to the entrance of the South RimMore of a traditional hotel (compared to the above options)Clean rooms and outdoor pool |
FAQs About One Day in Grand Canyon National Park
Can I see the Grand Canyon in one day?
Yes, you can definitely visit the Grand Canyon in just one day! Keep in mind that you have to pick one of the 3 rims because you are not going to be able to visit all 3 (South Rim, North Rim, West). Depending on where you are driving in from, you can visit multiple overlooks, do one long hike, and potentially do one activity.
How much does it cost to go to the grand canyon for one day?
The entrance fee for the Grand Canyon is $35 per car or $20 per person.
What are the best hikes for one day in the Grand Canyon?
If you only have one day in the Grand Canyon, we highly recommend choosing either the Rim Trail or the Bright Angel Trail, depending on your level of fitness and hiking interests.
The Rim Trail is an easy, mostly paved, flat trail that follows the South Rim, with no elevation changes. While it is 13 miles (20.1 km) one way, feel free to turn around whenever.
The Bright Angel Trail is one of the most popular in the park, descending from the South Rim down to the Colorado River. It is quite strenuous and should not be taken lightly, but it does have multiple rest stops and turn-around points.
We hope you enjoyed this itinerary for one day in Grand Canyon National Park! Whether you want to raft down the Colorado River, do a strenuous hike, or just marvel at the views from an overlook, there is something for everyone in this incredibly unique park.
Don’t forget to check out other destinations in North America.
Happy sampling!