A Grand Family Adventure

Our Local Expert Says:

Microbrews served from all over Arizona, and the pie is fresh and homemade. Otherwise, standard fare.

Description:

Local restaurant that serves Microbrews from Flagstaff, Tuscan, and Phoenix. This place has a casual atmosphere, home-style large portions for low-prices, and great pie!

Description:

The South Rim Visitor Center lies in Grand Canyon Village three miles north of the South Entrance Station. It consists of an exhibit area and book store. Exhibit content focuses upon the history of human activity in the canyon and the fauna and flora of the region. A variety of Grand Canyon animal species line the walls as tribute to the taxidermist trade. Rangers are available at the visitor center to answer any questions you may have.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is a great way to gain a first impression of the canyon before deciding on a good day hike.

Description:

The Rim Trail on the South Rim is one of the most popular things to do for visitors just arriving at Grand Canyon National Park. It's easy to see why: this path is easy on the soles and represents a great introduction to the panoramic wonders of the park. The path follows the South Rim westward from Yavapai to Hermits Rest, and is paved and fairly level for the first few miles, making this one of the park's best wheelchair accessible trails. The canyon will unfold as you move west, and once you manage to pry your eyes away from the canyon below, you'll notice you are surrounded by ponderosa and pinyon pines, shrub oaks, and chipmunks and squirrels playing in the woodland. To get here, leave your car at the visitor center and take the free shuttle to Yavapai Point. You can return to the visitor center from several points along the trail, making it easy to customize your schedule from here.

Description:

Bright Angel Restaurant, located at Bright Angel Lodge, is a full-service dining room on the South Rim. The breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus favor hearty Southwestern dishes, perfect to fuel up for a full day of hiking and sightseeing. Also on site are the Bright Angel Fountain, a snack bar and ice cream fountain, The Bright Angel Bar and Lounge, and the Canyon Coffee House, offering a full coffee menu and a selection of continental breakfast items. The Restaurant and Bar are open year-round, while the Bright Angel Fountain and Canyon Coffee House maintain seasonal hours.

Our Local Expert Says:

This village will have everything you need on the South Rim. Necessities for the trail will be available, but plan on everything being a bit more expensive here.

Description:

A National Historic Landmark District, this village of just under 2,000 people has been solely dedicated to providing visitors to the Grand Canyon with accommodations and services. Most of the buildings date back to the very early 1900's, when park travel was first becoming popular. Within a 14-mile radius, you'll find hotels, restaurants, the Grand Canyon Railroad, campgrounds, trailheads, a medical clinic, general stores, a post office, and an amphitheater, to name a few. Grand Canyon Village is your destination if you're heading north on Desert View Drive, South Entrance Road, Row Well Road, or the Grand Canyon Railway.

Description:

You will feel like you are supping at a European hunting lodge at this fine dining venue. But make your dinner reservations early; these are the area's hardest-to-get tables. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily, year-round. Hotel guests may make reservations up to 90 days in advance, non-guests up to 30 days in advance. Full bar service is offered.

Description:

We're proud to be the "new kid on the block" - and what a block! The entrance to Grand Canyon National Park is just one mile away, and the South Rim of the Canyon is just a short car ride away. The Grand Hotel in Grand Canyon, Arizona was built in 1998 and resembles a sprawling, three-story chalet. All of our 121 rooms are decorated in bright, Southwestern decor with large windows and plenty of amenities. All guests of the Grand Hotel are invited to use the indoor pool, hot tub and adjacent fitness center. Our warm and spacious lobby is reminiscent of a mountain lodge with exposed timbers and stone, a large flagstone fireplace, and cozy seating areas. The lobby of the Grand Hotel even has a grand piano, complimentary wireless Internet access, and a Starbucks station. Our boutique gift shop features Tommy Bahama clothing and unique gifts, specializing in Native American jewelry and art.

Description:

We're proud to be the "new kid on the block" - and what a block! The entrance to Grand Canyon National Park is just one mile away, and the South Rim of the Canyon is just a short car ride away. The Grand Hotel in Grand Canyon, Arizona was built in 1998 and resembles a sprawling, three-story chalet. All of our 121 rooms are decorated in bright, Southwestern decor with large windows and plenty of amenities. All guests of the Grand Hotel are invited to use the indoor pool, hot tub and adjacent fitness center. Our warm and spacious lobby is reminiscent of a mountain lodge with exposed timbers and stone, a large flagstone fireplace, and cozy seating areas. The lobby of the Grand Hotel even has a grand piano, complimentary wireless Internet access, and a Starbucks station. Our boutique gift shop features Tommy Bahama clothing and unique gifts, specializing in Native American jewelry and art.

Our Local Expert Says:

With trust comes the realization that your mule could probably take you down the canyon with its eyes closed. Guides will accompany you on this 10-mile journey to the oasis at the bottom.

Description:

Taking a mule into the Grand Canyon is perhaps one of the most nostalgic experiences one can have in this endless abyss. Phantom Ranch cabins provide all the accommodations and amenities you will need, deep at the bottom of the canyon. Visitors will have the option of staying one or two nights. Reservations are required, both for a night's stay at Phantom Ranch as well as the burro. Make these reservations as far in advance as possible as spots fill up fast, particularly in the summer. Though difficult and terrifying at first, riders should trust the mule. Know, as you peer hundreds of feet below, that the mule has done this trip hundreds of times. Guides are very knowledgeable and will stop at some key points where photography is at its best.

Description:

This eatery is a refueling spot for the truly adventurous diner: you have to make the descent to the bottom of the Grand Canyon to eat here! The house specialty is hiker's stew, but the establishment also offers full American-style breakfasts, sack lunches and steak dinners. Vegetarian options are available by advance reservation. It is essential that you reserve your meals before you make your Grand Canyon descent.

Description:

The Grand Canyon draws more than 10 million visitors a year. As one of the seven natural wonders of the world, this amazing landscape awes and inspires. A mile in depth and more than 250 miles long, the Colorado River winds through its vast corridors. Drive or ride the Grand Canyon Railway as an alternative to getting there. Park amenities include both rustic and upscale lodging. Fine dining is available at the four-star dining room of the El Tovar.

Description:

This steep, well-traveled South Rim trail is one of the most popular with day hikers and mule riders at Grand Canyon National Park. Many visitors make the day hike to Cedar Ridge, which offers great, expansive views and is recommended for hikers who only have a short time to spend in the park. The trail is steep and well-defined with little shade--hikers are advised to bring along plenty of water. Thee are no private vehicles allowed in this part of the park, so to get to the trailhead, take the shuttle bus to Yaki Point Road.

Our Local Expert Says:

Tusayan Ruins are a great example of early architecture in the area. Located three miles west of Desert View on the South Rim.

Description:

Step back in time in the ruins of a small Anasazi village, dating back to the late 1100s. The Tusayan Ruins give visitors a brief history on the lifestyles of some of the early settlers. Historians speculate that this settlement numbered about 30 people and was in occupation for only a quarter of a century. Although there is an abundance of nearby Anasazi sites, the Tusayan site is the only one with easy access. Paved walking paths wind through the pueblo excavation and there is a small museum. Estimated walking time is 30 minutes. Admission is free.

Description:

The Maswik Lodge's cafeteria is a quick and easy place to enjoy a hearty breakfast, satisfying lunch or casual dinner. Cooked-to-order breakfasts, soups, sandwiches, salads and a few hot entrées are simple but satisfying. The cafeteria is self-service with fast-food-like furnishings. Its adjacent lounge and sports bar has a big-screen television that is tuned in to the latest sports action; a full bar service is available in the lounge. The lounge and sports bar are cozy and casual. The native stone and wood structure has a rustic appeal throughout.