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*Note: Grand Canyon South Rim is open year-round.
Do you plan to hike the Grand Canyon, camp below the rim, or take a scenic drive? Here are my top Grand Canyon travel tips so you can make the most out of your trip!
After four very different experiences in the Grand Canyon, I learned quite a bit about how to make the most of my time in the park. So I'm sharing a compiled list of trip planning tips and travel secrets, including:
Ranked as the sixth most visited U.S. national park in 2020, Grand Canyon National Park continues to draw a record number of visitors from around the world. This means hotels and campgrounds are booking up faster than you can imagine. So the earlier you plan your trip, the earlier you can begin to make Grand Canyon hotel and campground reservations. Many lodging options can be reserved 6-13 months in advance.
So don’t wait until the last minute to plan your trip to the Grand Canyon when accommodation is limited and more expensive.
Getting an early start is even more important when it comes to when you start your days inside the Grand Canyon. Avoid the frustration of finding a parking spot or congestion at scenic overlooks by starting your day as early as possible!
Not only is summer in the Grand Canyon incredibly crowded, but it is also dangerously hot. Since summer temperatures can exceed 100F at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, hiking will be difficult and unsafe.
Instead, consider visiting the Grand Canyon during my favorite seasons, early spring and fall! You'll experience mild temperatures during the day and cool, comfortable temperatures at night, perfect for camping under the stars.
If you’re visiting the Grand Canyon during the summer when temperatures exceed 100F, make sure you’re fully prepared to manage the extreme heat. Especially if you plan on hiking below the rim along the popular Bright Angel trail or South Kaibab trails, where temperatures at the inner canyon can be up to 110F! When I hiked Grand Canyon South Rim in early March of 2021, even though there was snow at the top of the canyon, the temperature was around 90F when I reached the inner canyon!
Although there are plenty of facilities for visitors along the South Rim, bring enough water and sun protection.
Are you planning on day hiking or backpacking below the rim on Bright Angel trail or South Kaibab trail towards the bottom of the Grand Canyon? Before you start hiking, make sure you know where water refill stations are along your route and whether they are open. Bring plenty of electrolytes, start your hike as early as possible, and know your limits.
I hope these simple travel tips have inspired you to get out to the Grand Canyon as soon as possible and make your trip an adventure to remember!
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