Best things to do in Arizona

One of the grandest natural wonders in the world, Grand Canyon South Rim stretches 446 km (277 mi), reaching a width of 29 km (18 mi) and a depth of nearly 2 km (1.1 mi). Nearly 2 billion years old, the canyon walls expose nearly half of earth's lifespan, with layer after layer of rock cut by the Colorado River and its tributaries. For thousands of years this area was home to Native Americans, who built their settlements inside many of the canyon's caves. Today, the views offered by these ancient rocks attract visitors from around the world, who usually explore the South Rim's lookouts and Native American ruins. Hike along the Rim Trail to enjoy spectacular views of the canyon and surrounding desert landscape. Head back towards Grand Canyon Village to visit the Desert View Watchtower or the Buckey O’Neill Cabin, the longest continually standing structure on the South Rim. Most visitors do not hike. Of the nearly 5 million people who visit the Grand Canyon each year, 90% see it from the park's free shuttle buses or from their car at overlooks along the South Rim.

Bright Angel Trail begins at Grand Canyon Village and descends 1,335 m (4,380 ft) to the canyon floor. You can follow the trail another 3.2 km (2 mi) to the Bright Angel campground and Phantom Ranch. The path is the main trail used by hikers and mules on their journey through the Grand Canyon to the campground. During high season, the trail can be crowded, but adopt a slow pace to enjoy the views on the way down. Wear footgear with sturdy grips and bring plenty of water. You can stock up on supplies at the visitor center at the top of the plateau before heading down to the canyon floor.

For a non-strenuous hike along the inner canyon coupled with unrestricted views of the spectacular gorge, try Rim Trail inside Grand Canyon National Park. The park, a World Heritage Site, has made hikes along this trail easier thanks to the well-managed, paved terrain. You can appreciate the remarkable views of the 1.6 km (1 mi) deep canyon cut by the Colorado River from any of the viewpoints along the trail. The full trail is 21 km (13 mi) trail, but if you get tired beforehand, there are shuttles that run from various points along the trail throughout the day. For a memorable end-of-day view, head to Hopi Point to watch the sunset. The park urges you to carry water at all times, and remember to wear good walking shoes.

Reward yourself with some of the best views Grand Canyon National Park has to offer by hiking South Kaibab Trail. From the trailhead near Yaki Point to the end of the trail at the Bright Angel Campground, the trail is 11.4 km (7.1 mi) long. With the elevation change of 1,460 m (4,780 ft), the trail is pretty steep and hiking its entirety is generally recommended only to seasoned hikers. Those who go the distance will be rewarded with breathtaking, 360-degree views of the Colorado River and Grand Canyon. The trail has little shade and no access to water until you reach the Bright Angel Campground, so dehydration is a serious hazard. It's absolutely essential to bring enough water as well as water purification tablets, because even the water at the camp is not always drinkable.

Check out the sights from one of the Grand Canyon's best viewpoints, Lipan Point. Located on the South Rim, the spot affords magnificent views of the Unkar Creek area in the inner canyon. Take binoculars and try to spot rafters on the river. The vantage point also serves as a trailhead for a long and fairly easy hike popular with tourists. Always exercise caution when entering the canyon due to dangerous weather and wildlife.

Designed to make your visit to the Grand Canyon easier, Grand Canyon Village provides hotels, campgrounds, parking lots, shuttle stops, restaurants, and much more. Head to the market and stock up on hiking snacks, or ask staff at the visitor's center for a map and suggestions for the best viewing points. Tour the historical buildings in use since the village's construction in 1901, including a Hopi house, railway station, and cabin. Choose from a long list of activities available, such as fishing, mule riding, and stargazing at breathtaking night skies.

Try to comprehend the grandeur and scope of the Grand Canyon along East Rim Drive. The drive will take you to the highly-visited south entrance with the chance to stop at numerous viewing points along the way. This part is a less-crowded area of the park, offering scenic views. Make a stop at the watchtower, see the Colorado River, or watch for animals.

Take in famous the beauty of the Grand Canyon from the vantage point of Grandview Point, located at the start of a popular hiking trail on the canyon's southern rim. Often sought out at sunrise or sunset, the point offers panoramic views of the breathtaking landscape and the Colorado River winding through the canyon below. With the parking lot just steps away from the start of the trail, the point is accessible to both hikers and non-hikers. Remember to bring a picnic lunch, and don't forget your camera.

Just a short, easy walk from the visitor's center, Yaki Point offers excellent views from the Grand Canyon's South Rim. Take time to stop in the visitor's center for maps and more information on the canyon. Park at the lot by the main road or the picnic area, and walk or take a shuttle bus to the vantage point. Its specific location offers views different to other popular points, including the long red ridge above Cremation Creek to the east. Sunrise and sunset are particularly spectacular here, when the orange sun and shadows play across the canyon and create stunning views. If you go in the morning, be sure to dress warmly and take a blanket to sit on.

Several major bends of the Colorado River are best seen from Navajo Point. Sited 2,285 m (7,498 ft) above sea level, Navajo is the highest lookout point on the south rim of the canyon, providing west and eastern views of the river. Bring a picnic basket and a camera and get ready to see the brilliant colors change patterns over the canyon walls as the sun rises or sets.

Recuperate from your long Grand Canyon hike with a break at Hermit's Rest. Built in 1914, the structure sits on the westernmost point of Grand Canyon's south rim, near the end of an eponymous hiking trail. The structure can be accessed by paved road, and it remains a popular tourist stop for coach bus tours. Built to appear as a natural stone formation, the structure looks as if it could topple over at any second. Inside, you'll find a snack bar, gift shop with handmade jewelry, and ice cream stand. An old-timey fireplace gives a nod to pioneer times. A small stone archway, decorated with a historic broken bell, marks the entrance.