Grand Canyon

On This Route

The South Rim comes in April, between Petrified Forest and Zion. The rim sits at about 7,000 feet, so April days are mild but nights can drop below freezing, and late snow happens. The North Rim isn’t on this route. It sits a long drive around the canyon and doesn’t open until mid-May.

Plan the Day

• Arrive through the east entrance. From Holbrook, come in on Desert View Drive: 25 miles of rim viewpoints ending at the Desert View Watchtower. That way the drive is part of the visit.
• Morning: the Rim Trail. It’s mostly flat and paved through the village. Walk from Mather Point to Yavapai Geology Museum for the classic views.
• Sunset: Hermit Road. From March 1 through November 30, private cars can’t use Hermit Road. Take the free red-route shuttle, which runs every 12 minutes from 8 a.m. until an hour after sunset. Hopi Point is the sunset stop.
• If you hike below the rim, going down is optional and coming up is not. Turn around at a third of your water and a third of your time.

Rules for 2026

No timed entry. The Grand Canyon is one of 11 parks with a $100 per-person surcharge for visitors who aren’t U.S. residents.

Where to Stay

Grand Canyon Village puts you on the rim. El Tovar and Bright Angel Lodge are steps from the edge, and Maswik is a short walk back. All book up far ahead. Tusayan, just outside the south entrance, is the easier backup.