Quick Guide: Things To Do at the Grand Canyon

If it’s your first time visiting the Grand Canyon, I recommend combining a few of the iconic viewpoints with at least one hike or walk along the rim. Even if you only have one day, you can experience quite a bit of the South Rim, while two or three days gives you time to explore at a slower pace and venture below the rim.

Here’s a quick look at some of my top things to do at the Grand Canyon:

🏆 Best overall experience: Hike the South Kaibab Trail
🌄 Best first view: Mather Point
🌅 Best for sunrise or sunset: Yaki & Hopi Point
🥾 Best easy walk: Walk a section of the Rim Trail
🚗 Best scenic drive: Desert View Drive
🗼 Best historic stop: Desert View Watchtower
⭐ Best thing to do at night: Stargazing
🚁 Best splurge: Take a helicopter tour
🚂 Best unique experience: Ride the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams
🦌 Best for wildlife: Explore the South Rim around sunrise or sunset

Best Things to Do at the Grand Canyon

From iconic viewpoints along the South Rim to hikes that take you below the canyon’s edge, there are plenty of ways to experience the Grand Canyon beyond simply stopping for a photo. These are my favorite things to do at the Grand Canyon, including the must-see spots for a first visit and a few experiences worth adding if you have extra time.

See The Grand Canyon from Mather Point

If it’s your first time visiting the Grand Canyon, Mather Point is one of the best places to start. Located just a short walk from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, it’s easy to access and gives you that classic, expansive view over the canyon as soon as you arrive.

There are multiple viewing areas along the rim, so I recommend walking beyond the first overlook to explore a little more and escape some of the crowds. From here, you can also hop directly onto the Rim Trail and continue toward Yavapai Point for even more views.

Mather Point can get extremely busy, especially in the middle of the day. For a quieter experience, visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon. It’s also a beautiful spot for sunrise if you’re staying nearby and can get to the park early.

📍 Location: Near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center
🥾 Difficulty: Easy; short paved walk from the visitor center
⏰ Time needed: 30–60 minutes
✨ Best for: First-time visitors, families, and classic Grand Canyon views

mather point

Walk the Rim Trail

The Rim Trail is one of the easiest ways to experience the Grand Canyon without committing to a strenuous hike below the rim. The trail follows the South Rim for approximately 13 miles from the South Kaibab Trailhead to Hermits Rest, passing countless viewpoints along the way (like Mather Point). You definitely don’t need to walk the entire thing—choose a shorter section or use the park shuttle to connect different portions of the trail.

Much of the Rim Trail is relatively flat and paved, making it a great option for families and anyone looking for an easy walk with incredible views. Leashed dogs are also allowed on the Rim Trail, making this one of the best things to do at the Grand Canyon if you’re visiting with your dog. Just keep in mind that pets aren’t allowed below the rim or on park shuttle buses.

Another fun way to experience the Rim Trail is by renting an e-bike or regular bike near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. Bikes are permitted on designated portions of the Greenway Trail and other bike-friendly routes along the South Rim, allowing you to cover much more ground than you could on foot while still enjoying the scenery.

📍 Route: South Kaibab Trailhead to Hermits Rest
🥾 Distance: Approximately 13 miles one way, with plenty of shorter sections
🐕 Dog-friendly: Yes, for leashed dogs on the trail above the rim
🚲 Bike option: Rent a bike or e-bike near the Visitor Center
✨ Best for: Easy views, families, dogs, and exploring without a strenuous hike

photo credit: national park service

Hike the South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point

If you want to experience the Grand Canyon from below the rim, the South Kaibab Trail is one of the best hikes you can do. Instead of simply looking down into the canyon, you’ll descend along an exposed ridgeline with incredible panoramic views almost the entire way.

You don’t have to hike the entire trail to experience it, either. For a shorter hike, Ooh Aah Point is about 1.8 miles round trip and gives you an amazing first look into the canyon. If you want to go farther, continue to Cedar Ridge, which makes the hike roughly 3 miles round trip. Keep in mind that the hike back is entirely uphill and can feel much harder than the hike down, especially in warmer weather.

I recommend starting early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds. There is no water available along the South Kaibab Trail, so bring plenty with you and avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day.

📍 Trailhead: Yaki Point / South Kaibab Trailhead
🥾 Best short option: Ooh Aah Point — about 1.8 miles round trip
🏜️ Go farther: Cedar Ridge — about 3 miles round trip
⏰ Time needed: Around 2–4 hours depending on your turnaround point
✨ Best for: Hiking below the rim and some of the best panoramic canyon views

ooh aah point

Hike the Bright Angel Trail

The Bright Angel Trail is one of the most iconic hikes at the Grand Canyon and another incredible way to experience the canyon from below the rim. The trail begins right in Grand Canyon Village and descends through multiple layers of the canyon, with dramatic views that change the farther you hike.

You don’t need to hike the entire trail to enjoy it. For a shorter day hike, you can simply hike down for a mile or two before turning around, or continue to 1.5-Mile Resthouse or 3-Mile Resthouse for a longer adventure. Remember that the hardest part comes at the end—the hike back to the South Rim is entirely uphill and usually takes significantly longer than the descent.

Bright Angel is generally more sheltered than the exposed South Kaibab Trail and has seasonal water available at certain points along the route, but you should always check current water availability and trail conditions before heading out. Start early, carry plenty of water and food, and avoid attempting a long hike during the hottest part of the day.

📍 Trailhead: Grand Canyon Village near Bright Angel Lodge
🥾 Popular turnaround: 1.5-Mile Resthouse — about 3 miles round trip
🏜️ Longer option: 3-Mile Resthouse — about 6 miles round trip
⏰ Time needed: Around 2–6 hours depending on your turnaround point
✨ Best for: Hiking below the rim, first-time Grand Canyon hikers, and experiencing the canyon up close

Take a Break and Eat in the Park

After a morning of hiking and exploring viewpoints, take a break and grab something to eat inside Grand Canyon National Park. You don’t have to leave the South Rim to find food—there are several restaurants, cafés, and quick-service options around Grand Canyon Village and the Visitor Center area.

Some of the main places to eat inside the Grand Canyon include:

• 🍽️ El Tovar Dining Room: The most iconic sit-down restaurant in the park, located inside historic El Tovar Hotel right along the rim. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is a great option if you want a nicer meal during your visit. Reservations are recommended, particularly for dinner. (fancier setting for sure)
• 🥩 Arizona Steakhouse: Located at Bright Angel Lodge with views of the canyon, this is another great sit-down option for lunch or dinner. The menu is inspired by Southwestern and Arizona flavors.
• 🍔 Harvey House Café: Also at Bright Angel Lodge, this is a more casual, family-friendly option serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. (really good food!!)
• 🍕 Maswik Food Court & Pizza Pub: One of the easiest options if you want something quick and casual. The food court has breakfast and all-day options, while the Pizza Pub serves pizza and salads.
• ☕ Yavapai Café & Yavapai Tavern: Stop at the café for coffee and snacks, or head to the tavern for lunch or dinner. Yavapai Dining Hall also serves breakfast and dinner. (also delicious- I ate on the outdoor patio with my dogs).
• 🥪 Canyon Village Market & Deli: A convenient option for groceries and grab-and-go food if you’d rather pack a picnic and eat somewhere scenic.
• ☕ Canyon Adventures Café: Located near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, this is a convenient stop for coffee, breakfast, lunch, and grab-and-go food before exploring the rim.

dog-friendly dinner at yavapai lodge

Watch Sunset or Sunrise

The colors are SO MUCH BETTER at sunrise or sunset versus during the day at the Grand Canyon. You also don’t necessarily need to find the single “best” viewpoint. For sunrise, arrive about 30 minutes before the sun comes up; for sunset, get there early enough to find a spot and stay after the sun dips below the horizon—the sky can continue turning pink, orange, and red afterward.

A few of the best places to watch sunrise or sunset on the South Rim include:

• 🌅 Mather Point: One of the easiest and most iconic places to watch sunrise, especially if it’s your first visit.
• 🌄 Yaki Point: One of my favorite choices for sunrise, with expansive views to the east and west. Keep in mind that private vehicles cannot access Yaki Point, so you’ll need to use the park shuttle.
• 🌇 Hopi Point: One of the most popular sunset spots on the South Rim thanks to its wide-open views in both directions. It can get crowded, so arrive early.
• 🏜️ Mohave Point: Another beautiful sunset option along Hermit Road, with views of the Colorado River below and often fewer crowds than Hopi Point.
• 🗼 Desert View: Pair sunset with a visit to the Desert View Watchtower for a completely different perspective of the canyon.

sunrise at south kaibab

Do the Desert View Drive

I haven’t done this yet so I don’t have my own photos- but some day!! I have heard one of the best ways to see more of the Grand Canyon without hiking is to drive Desert View Drive, the scenic road that stretches for about 23 miles between Grand Canyon Village and the park’s East Entrance. Unlike some areas of the South Rim that require using the shuttle, you can drive your own vehicle along Desert View Drive and stop at viewpoints as you go.

There are several overlooks along the route, and each gives you a slightly different perspective of the canyon. You don’t necessarily need to stop at every single one, but I recommend giving yourself a few hours so you can take your time and explore your favorites.

Some of the best stops along Desert View Drive include:

• 🏜️ Grandview Point: A beautiful panoramic viewpoint and the trailhead for the steep Grandview Trail.
• 📸 Moran Point: One of my favorite quick stops, with expansive views across the canyon and colorful rock layers.
• 🌄 Lipan Point: One of the best viewpoints along the drive, with incredible views of the Colorado River winding through the canyon below.
• 🌵 Navajo Point: Another expansive overlook and one of the highest viewpoints along the South Rim.
• 🗼 Desert View: The final major stop, where you’ll find the historic Desert View Watchtower and sweeping views toward the eastern Grand Canyon.

If you’re entering or leaving the Grand Canyon through the East Entrance, I especially recommend taking Desert View Drive rather than simply driving back toward Tusayan. It’s an easy way to turn the drive into another part of your Grand Canyon experience.

📍 Route: Grand Canyon Village to Desert View/East Entrance
🚗 Distance: About 23 miles one way
⏰ Time needed: 2–3 hours with stops
✨ Best for: Scenic viewpoints, photography, and seeing more of the South Rim without hiking

Visit the Desert View Watchtower

At the end of Desert View Drive, make sure to stop at the Desert View Watchtower, one of the most recognizable landmarks on the South Rim. The 70-foot stone tower was designed by architect Mary Colter and completed in 1932, with a design inspired by ancestral Puebloan architecture of the Southwest.

You can explore the area around the Watchtower for incredible views of the eastern Grand Canyon and the Colorado River below. The first floor of the Watchtower is open to visitors, and when the upper floors are open, you can climb the stairs for an even higher perspective over the canyon. Access to the upper levels can vary, so check current conditions during your visit.

Even if you don’t go inside, Desert View is worth the stop for the scenery alone. This part of the South Rim gives you a noticeably different perspective than Grand Canyon Village, with long views of the Colorado River and the canyon stretching toward the Painted Desert.

There’s also a market, trading post, restrooms, and seasonal food nearby, making Desert View a good place to take a break during your drive.

📍 Location: Desert View, near the East Entrance
🗼 Tower height: 70 feet
⏰ Time needed: 30–60 minutes
✨ Best for: History, architecture, photography, and expansive eastern Grand Canyon views

Check Out Lookout Studio

Perched right on the edge of the South Rim, Lookout Studio is a quick but worthwhile stop while exploring the Grand Canyon. The historic stone building was designed by architect Mary Colter and opened in 1914, with its rugged design intentionally blending into the surrounding canyon walls.

Head inside to browse the small gift shop, then walk out onto the terraces for incredible views into the canyon. Because the building sits right along the rim, it almost feels like it’s built directly into the canyon itself, making it a fun spot for photos and a completely different experience from the larger viewpoints. Some people say this is one of their favorite viewpoints.

Lookout Studio is located near Bright Angel Lodge and the Bright Angel Trailhead, so it’s especially easy to add to your day if you’re already exploring this part of the South Rim. It only takes a few minutes to visit, but the architecture and views make it one of my favorite quick stops in Grand Canyon Village.

📍 Location: Grand Canyon Village, near Bright Angel Lodge
⏰ Time needed: 15–30 minutes
✨ Best for: Historic architecture, souvenirs, photography, and canyon views

Explore Hermit Road

Hermit Road is one of the best places to go viewpoint hopping along the South Rim. The scenic road stretches for about 7 miles from Grand Canyon Village to Hermits Rest, with nine designated overlooks along the way. You can hop on and off the shuttle at different viewpoints, walk sections of the Rim Trail between stops, or bike the road for a more active adventure.

Some of my favorite stops along Hermit Road include:

• 🌄 Hopi Point: One of the most popular viewpoints along the road and an especially beautiful place to watch sunset.
• 🏜️ Mohave Point: Incredible panoramic views with several glimpses of the Colorado River far below.
• 📸 Pima Point: Another expansive viewpoint near the end of Hermit Road with views deep into the canyon.
• 🏡 Hermits Rest: The final stop on the road, where you can check out the historic Mary Colter-designed building, grab a snack, and enjoy the scenery before heading back toward the village.

From March 1 through November 30, Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles, so you’ll need to take the free Red Route shuttle, walk, bike, or join a commercial tour. During December, January, and February, the shuttle doesn’t operate and private vehicles under 22 feet are permitted on the road, conditions allowing.

I especially like the option of combining the shuttle with the Rim Trail. Get off at one viewpoint, walk along the rim to another, and then hop back onto the shuttle. If you stay on the shuttle for the entire route without getting off, the round trip takes about 80 minutes.

📍 Starts: Hermit Road Transfer Station near Grand Canyon Village
🚐 Distance: 7 miles one way
⏰ Time needed: 2–4 hours if stopping at viewpoints
✨ Best for: Viewpoint hopping, sunset, biking, and easy South Rim sightseeing

Look for Wildlife

Keep an eye out for wildlife while exploring the South Rim—you’re likely to spot animals even when you aren’t specifically looking for them. Elk and mule deer are commonly seen around Grand Canyon Village and along forested areas of the rim, especially early in the morning and around sunset.

The Grand Canyon is also home to California condors, one of the rarest birds in North America. Look for them soaring above the canyon or perched along cliffs below the rim. You may also spot ravens, rock squirrels, bighorn sheep, coyotes, and other wildlife throughout the park.

For the best chance of seeing animals, explore during the early morning or evening when wildlife tends to be more active. Always give animals plenty of space and never approach or feed them—even the squirrels can bite!

🦌 Common sightings: Elk and mule deer
🦅 Look overhead for: California condors and ravens
🐏 If you’re lucky: Desert bighorn sheep
⏰ Best time: Early morning and around sunset
✨ Best for: Wildlife photography and adding a little spontaneity to your Grand Canyon visit

Stay Overnight!

One of the best ways to experience the Grand Canyon is to stay overnight instead of visiting as a day trip. Staying near the South Rim gives you more time to explore without rushing and makes it much easier to experience the canyon at sunrise, sunset, and after dark when most day visitors have left.

For the most convenient experience, stay inside Grand Canyon National Park. Bright Angel Lodge, Yavapai Lodge, Kachina Lodge, Thunderbird Lodge, and El Tovar all put you close to the South Rim’s viewpoints and trails. Waking up inside the park also means you can walk out to the rim with your morning coffee or get an early start on a hike without making the drive through the entrance.

If lodging inside the park is booked, Tusayan is the next closest option, located just outside the South Entrance. For a more unique experience, you can also stay at one of the glamping properties between Williams and the Grand Canyon, or make Williams your base if you want restaurants, shops, and Route 66 charm in addition to your national park visit.

I recommend spending at least two nights near the Grand Canyon if you can. That gives you one full day to explore plus two opportunities for sunrise and sunset—and makes the entire trip feel much less rushed.

Go Stargazing

Don’t head inside as soon as the sun goes down! Stargazing is one of the best things to do at the Grand Canyon at night, especially because the park’s remote location and limited light pollution create incredibly dark skies. Grand Canyon National Park is also certified as an International Dark Sky Park, making it an amazing place to see stars, planets, and the Milky Way.

You don’t need to go far to enjoy the night sky. Find a safe spot along the South Rim away from bright buildings and give your eyes about 20–30 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Mather Point, Yavapai Point, Desert View, and viewpoints along the Rim Trail are all great areas to consider for stargazing.

For the darkest skies, try to plan your visit around a new moon and check the weather forecast for clear conditions. If you’re interested in night-sky photography, bring a tripod and stay well after sunset—the canyon beneath a sky full of stars is an entirely different experience than seeing it during the day.

⭐ Best time: After astronomical twilight on a clear night
🌑 Best conditions: Around a new moon
🔦 Bring: A red-light flashlight, warm layers, and a tripod for photos
✨ Best for: Night photography, Milky Way viewing, and experiencing the Grand Canyon after the crowds leave

Do a Helicopter Tour

For a completely different perspective of the Grand Canyon, consider taking a helicopter tour over the canyon. Seeing the massive scale of the canyon from above is an incredible experience and a great splurge if you’re celebrating a special occasion or want to add something memorable to your trip.

Several helicopter tours depart from the Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan, just outside the South Entrance. Depending on the tour you choose, flights may take you over the South Rim, North Rim, Dragon Corridor, Colorado River, and some of the canyon’s most dramatic rock formations.

Most flights last around 25–50 minutes, with longer options generally covering more of the canyon. I recommend booking a morning flight when possible, when conditions can be calmer and you’ll still have most of the day afterward to explore the South Rim.

🚁 Departures: Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan
⏰ Tour length: Typically around 25–50 minutes
💰 Best for: A splurge or special occasion
📸 Don’t forget: Keep your camera or phone ready for the aerial views
✨ Why do it: It’s one of the best ways to appreciate just how enormous the Grand Canyon really is

FAQs: Things To Do at the Grand Canyon

How many days do you need at the Grand Canyon?

I recommend spending 2–3 days at the Grand Canyon if you have the time. One day is enough to see several South Rim viewpoints, walk part of the Rim Trail, and catch sunrise or sunset, but two days gives you time to hike below the rim and explore areas like Desert View Drive and Hermit Road without rushing. With three days, you can slow down, tackle a longer hike, and experience more of the park.

If you’re planning your trip, check out my 1, 2, and 3 Day Grand Canyon Itinerary for exactly how I recommend organizing your time.

What should you not miss at the Grand Canyon?

For a first visit, I wouldn’t miss walking along the Rim Trail, hiking at least a short distance below the rim, watching sunrise or sunset, and visiting a few different viewpoints. Mather Point is perfect for that classic first view, while the South Kaibab Trail is one of my favorite ways to truly experience the scale of the canyon.

Can you see the Grand Canyon in one day?

Yes! You can see quite a bit of the South Rim in one day. Start early, visit Mather Point, walk a portion of the Rim Trail, hike to Ooh Aah Point if you’re comfortable hiking below the rim, and spend the afternoon exploring either Desert View Drive or Hermit Road. Stay through sunset if you can.

What can you do at the Grand Canyon besides hiking?

There are plenty of things to do at the Grand Canyon without hiking. You can drive Desert View Drive, explore viewpoints along Hermit Road, visit Desert View Watchtower and Lookout Studio, rent an e-bike, look for wildlife, eat inside the park, watch sunrise or sunset, go stargazing, or take a helicopter tour.

What is the best time of year to visit the Grand Canyon?

Spring and fall are two of my favorite times to visit the South Rim because temperatures are generally more comfortable for hiking and exploring than during the heat of summer. Summer offers long days but also brings larger crowds and warmer temperatures below the rim. Winter can be beautiful and much quieter, although snow, ice, and winter weather can affect trails and roads.

Do you need a reservation to visit the Grand Canyon?

You do not typically need a timed-entry reservation to enter Grand Canyon National Park, but you will need to pay the park entrance fee or have an eligible national parks pass. Lodging, popular restaurants, tours, and other activities may require or strongly benefit from advance reservations, particularly during busy travel periods.

Is the Grand Canyon worth visiting if you don’t hike?

Absolutely. You can experience incredible views of the Grand Canyon without doing a strenuous hike. The South Rim has accessible viewpoints, portions of the paved Rim Trail, scenic drives, shuttle routes, historic buildings, restaurants, and plenty of places to simply sit and enjoy the canyon. You could easily spend an entire day exploring without hiking below the rim.

Read My Other Grand Canyon Posts:
1-3 Day Grand Canyon Itineraries
Grand Canyon South Rim Guide

South Kaibab Hike Guide