Grand Canyon on a budget 1 day

•  

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!

•  

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:

This mostly-paved trail along the top of the south rim extends from the village area to Hermits Rest. Hikers can hop on this path from any viewpoint in the village or along Hermit Road. The Rim Trail offers excellent walking for quiet views of the inner canyon and for visitors who desire an easy hike. While there is no water west of Bright Angel Lodge, the views are spectacular. By using the shuttle buses, you can customize your hike to meet your needs.

•  

Description:

Taking "the road less traveled" CAN make all the difference, especially if you are camping the backcountry of Arizona's Grand Canyon. Pitch a tent at Crazy Jug Point and feast your eyes on sweeping panoramic views of Grand Canyon National Park, including Fishtail Mesa, Steamboat Mountain and Tapeats Amphitheater. Travelers can obtain overnight backcountry permits, maps, and more at the North Rim Ranger Station, located one mile north of Grand Canyon Lodge along AZ 67. Reservations are recommended.

•  

Our Local Expert Says:

The Desert View Watchtower is must-see for its spectacular views, easy accessibility, and rich artistic qualities.

Description:

This easily accessible landmark was constructed in 1932 as replica of a prehistoric Indian tower. Each stone was handpicked, ensuring a solid structure as well as an aesthetically appealing design. This seventy-foot tower is the highest point on the South Rim and offers visitors a magnificent view of the Grand Canyon, the Painted Desert, and the to the south, the mighty San Francisco Peaks. This place is very popular in the summer, but nearly vacant during colder months. The interior walls of the tower feature murals by Hopi artist Fred Kabotie. The Desert View Watchtower can be found on the easternmost end of the South Rim.

•  

Our Local Expert Says:

Take this trail in the summer time as canyon walls provide much needed shade on hot days.

Description:

Beginning just west of Bright Angel Lodge, this steep trail offers day hikes that range in distance up to 12 miles round trip. While there is water available at the trailhead, it is occasionally out of order. Plan to bring at least 2 liters of water per person just in case, especially in the summer. Check at the Visitor Center or Backcountry Information Center for water status. During the winter and early spring, this trail can be very icy near the top. The trail begins just west of Bright Angel Lodge. Follow the path along rim, trail starts by mule corral.

•  

Our Local Expert Says:

Experienced hikers should break out a good pair of boots for this trail. Water is available, but must be treated.

Description:

Give uphill hikers the right-of-way as you descend this steep, rocky trail. On the way back up, you'll appreciate it. The Hermit trail, which is not maintained, but does retain integrity, offers hikes to Santa Maria Spring, a quick 5-mile round trip and Dripping Springs, a 7-mile round trip. The Hermit Trail begins 500 feet west of Hermits Rest. Water from both of these springs is cool and tasty, but must be treated before drinking. If you don't have a water filter, which can be pricey, use iodine tablets. They can be purchased at any outdoors store for only a few dollars.

•  

Our Local Expert Says:

Experienced hikers should take this rocky but rewarding trail. Bring your own water, as none is available anywhere on or near the trail.

Description:

The Grandview trail offers a challenging hike through steep, rocky terrain beginning on the South Rim. Experienced hikers should take this trail, which is not maintained, and plan to reach Coconino Saddle in 2.2 miles and Horseshoe Mesa in 6.4 miles. Don't let the steep trail deceive you. The hike back up will take twice as long. Trail conditions are much tougher than the Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails. A good set of hiking boots with ankle support is recommended, as it is easy to twist an ankle on this rocky trail. The Grand View Trail begins on the canyon side of retaining wall at Grandview Point on Desert View Drive, which is 12 miles east of the village. There is no water available on this trail, so bring plenty.

•  

Description:

Although this trail is short, it offers some of the best, most accessible views of the canyon. This steep dirt trail begins at the South Rim and is very well maintained. It begins south of Yaki Point on Yaki Point Road. Access to the trailhead is by shuttle bus only - no private vehicles are allowed on this road. The South Kaibab Trail offers day hikes that range in distance. Water is available seasonally at the trailhead, so be sure your bottles are full before you hike. There are mules on this trail and hikers should always let mules pass on the outside. Let them take the edge. For shuttle bus schedules and stops visit www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/shuttle-buses.htm.

Our Local Expert Says:

Take this trail, which is one of my favorites, for a day hike or take your time and make a weeklong trip out of the Tonto. No matter how many times I walk this trail, I experience something new.

Description:

Gaze at the spectacular vistas jutting toward the sky in hues of red, purple, and white on the largest stretch of continuous trail in the entire canyon. Though the trail itself extends 70 miles throughout the canyon, many sections are used to form fascinating loop hikes from, to name some popular loops, South Kaibab to Bright Angel, Hermit to Bright Angel, and Red Canyon to Grandview. The sections of the Tonto Trail near Horseshoe Mesa were used frequently by miners at the turn of the century who extracted copper ore from the mines within the mesa. Much of the trail was reworked and altered as a result of the miner's burros. A great entrance to this trail is at the beach created at the mouth of Red Canyon.