Grand Canyon Itinerary
Need help deciding what to do at the Grand Canyon? Here is a Grand Canyon itinerary for the South Rim for a day trip. Whether you want to drive the Grand Canyon, rent a bike or hike a part of it, then we have you covered. This itinerary gives some ideas on fun activities in the Grand Canyon National Park. With more than 278 miles within the park, you can’t go wrong with riding the train to the canyon, hiking, biking or driving.
Suggestions for your Grand Canyon Itinerary
Riding the Grand Canyon Railway
Morning – Start your day in Williams, Arizona. Be at the train station for the departure time. Trains leave at 9:30am, at 8:30am in November and December. You will arrive at the South Rim within 2.25 hours.
Arrival – Walk to the rim and take in the view. Bring your own picnic lunch or eat at one of the restaurants.
Afternoon – Take one of the shuttles to see several of the overlooks along the rim. Stop and hike the Rim Trail/Hermit Road or just ride the bus to the end of the line and back. The shuttle stop is close to the train depot.
Departure – Be back to the train station early. Your stay lasts about 3 hours and 45 minutes.
Arrive at Williams – You will be back to Williams for supper. Enjoy one of restaurants in Williams. There are Italian restaurants, Mexican food, home cooking, hamburgers and so much more.
Find out why do people visit the Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon Itinerary – Take a Scenic Drive
Morning – Drive to the South Rim Entrance of the Grand Canyon National Park. Go to the Visitor Center and find a parking space. The Visitor Center has exhibits and information to help you get acquainted with the park. Walk to the edge of the canyon for a spectacular view.
All Day – Take in all the sights by driving along the Desert View Drive (also known as the East Rim Drive). This is a 23-mile drive that has six viewpoints, four picnic areas and the Tusayan Pueblo Site. You’ll see Navajo Point, Pipe Creek Vista, Duck on a Rock and more. The last pullout is Desert View. The historic Desert View Watchtower is here. The best views of the Colorado River are found here.
Late Afternoon – The Desert View Drive takes you to the East Entrance of the National Park where you will exit. Turn north on State Route 89 and travel 1.7 miles to the Cameron Trading Post for Navajo Tacos, Navajo Hot Beef or Prickly Pear BBQ Ribs. Also shop for fine art and souvenirs.
Interested in riding your bike in the Grand Canyon, read about our favorite ride in the park.
Day Hike Itinerary
Morning – Arrive early to beat the heat.
All Day – Take one of many hiking trails along the rim or go down into the canyon
- Hike the 7-mile Hermit Road Rim Trail. Supplement your hike with the shuttle system. Get on and off the bus at the various viewpoints.
- Bright Angel Trail. This hike is 12 miles round trip and is very steep
- South Kaibab Trail – Another hike that is steep with little shade and no water. Known for the best views
- Hermit Trail – Takes visitors on a 5-mile round trip to Santa Maria Spring. It is an unmaintained trail and requires caution
- Grandview Trail – A very steep trail for experienced hikers.
- Backpacking overnight requires a permit. See the National Park Service for more details.