outdoor veNture

IMPORTANT: In the hot summer months, make sure to take lots of water when hiking, dehydration is a dangerous and common effect when you go unprepared.

Our favorite hikes/viewpoints have a *

One of the most breathtakingly beautiful national parks in the world is the 1-mile deep gorge carved by the Colorado River, known as the Grand Canyon. As one of the seven natural wonders of the world, there are many ways to explore, our favorites are the scenic drives and hiking the many trails. To experience the immensity of this park, where the canyon can range between 10 to 18 miles across, you can walk on both the North Rim and South Rim, and hike through pine forests down into the canyons.

The greatest differences between the North and South Rims are that the North Rim is a lot less touristy/busy and a lot more green, as it is covered in pine forests. The North Rim is 1000 feet higher, during the snowy winter months from mid October to mid May,  The North Rim closed. The North Rim is a lot further from most places visitors drive from. The decision is up to you which rim to explore, we love them both and here are our recommendations:

Out and Back Trails and Viewpoints on THE SOUTH RIM: 

Grandview Point At the entrance of the South Rim is the more touristy Grandview Point offering panoramic views of the Grand Canyon

Shoshone Point More off the beaten path and thus few tourists make it here, is Shoeshone Point. Getting to the overlook involves a 25 minute walk one way through a pine forest to the rim of the canyon. You’ll arrive at sweeping panoramic views from an overlook that juts out from the plateau. West of mile marker 246 on Desert Drive Road, see map)

South Rim Trail A flat paved walking path hugging the South Rim starting at the South Rim Visitor Center, you can walk as little or as much as you want, the walk is dotted with beautiful viewpoints.

Hike – Bright Angel Trail To get a taste of the incredible hiking the South Rim offers, even walking part of the Bright Angel Trail is extraordinary. Make sure to wear good hiking gear and take LOTS of water, we really cannot emphasize that enough. Definitely challenging, whatever you hike down remember you’ll have to hike up. Route starts right in Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim.

Out and Back Trails & Viewpoints on THE NORTH RIM:

Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim

• Bright Angel Point
• Cape Royal Point
• Point Imperial

These three locations all offer spectacular scenic panoramic views of the North Rim. You can drive to all of them and enjoy the views in a couple of hours, walking is minimal.

Hike – North Kaibab Trail Wind your way down through switchbacks in a pine forest to finally arrive to open views of the stunning Grand Canyon. Remember again what you go down, you must come up!