Grand Canyon, like most busy national parks, is popular for a reason. It is stunningly beautiful, diverse, and easy to set your family up to have a fun 1 day in Grand Canyon. We, however, planned poorly and had the worst day instead! Like Canyonlands National Park, Grand Canyon is a park where you can just peek over the rim and get bored as you look on the same big ditch in the ground. We will help you avoid that fate!
We had originally come from Flagstaff, a fun town with a number of great restaurants and easy to find lodging that is also more affordable than those closer to the park. It is also a great base if you want to run over to Petrified Forest National Park or the interesting Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater, or Wupatki National Monuments, as we did.
Worst 1 Day in Grand Canyon National Park
Because we came out of Flagstaff, we decided to take a counter-clockwise route through the park and head north on Highway 89, connect with Highway 64 in Cameron, and on to the park. This got us into the park and able to explore the Desert View area before it got busy, which was nice. Unfortunately, it also meant that Grand Canyon Village was packed by the time we got there and made any travel on the shuttle to the west impossible. In retrospect, this is one of many things I’d have done differently on our worst 1 day in Grand Canyon National Park.
What follows are what to do, what not to do, and when to do them.
What to Do:
Do: Desert View
Desert View was the highlight of our time in Grand Canyon. The best part of this area was the tower and the opportunity to get inside, ascend the stairs, and look out over the park from this unique viewpoint. There are beautiful murals inside and the detail work is amazing! The other attractions here are obviously other views but they are largely redundant.
Do: Stop at many viewpoints
Yes, all of the viewpoints are looking out on the same Canyon. Yes, parking can be a hassle if it’s busy. And, yes, you should stop at as many as you can. Grandview, Navajo, Yavapai, and those near El Tovar are all highlights on the east side of the park. They can be a distraction that results in you having the worst 1 day in Grand Canyon, but ultimately you are there for the canyon and not the car ride…
Do: Visit the Geology Museum, Visitor Center, El Tovar, and Lookout Studio
Each of these facilities brings history, perspective, and information that broadens the park from being “just” a canyon into helping understand why it is the Grand Canyon. Stop, explore, enjoy, and learn!
Do: Get out and hike
We mostly rode in the car in the park and really do wish we had gotten out more and hiked! It is hot at Grand Canyon, even on Spring Break. The Rim Trail is a great way to see the western viewpoints in the park as you can jump on the shuttle when you hit your limit. All hikes into the canyon are going to be tougher and seasonally dangerous due to either the heat or ice on the trail.
Do: Visit the North Rim instead
Shhhh — I have a secret! If you want to get a very different view of Grand Canyon go to the North Rim! When I was a kid I went to the North Rim and it is much quieter and just as pretty. The drive in is stunning. Double check that it is open, though, as it is closed in the winter and is accessed from the north and closer and easier to get to from St. George, Utah or bypassing the whole South Rim area when you head up Highway 89 from Flagstaff. You are also close to Horseshoe Bend, the poster child of the effect of Instagram on the National Parks.
What not to Do:
Don’t: Skip the Hermit Road bus / West side viewpoints
Our biggest mistake was growing impatient and not doing the bus. Yes, we saw plenty of overlooks into the canyon from the ones we did stop at. Yes, it’s the same canyon, and yes you have a ride a bus. You also miss a great spot to see the sunset, access to 3 trailheads, and 8 viewpoints. Some, like the Abyss where you stare 3000′ over a sheer cliff, are supposed to be magnificent. I wish we had done it. You will too!
Don’t: Start on the east side
As I mentioned above, this was our first mistake and in retrospect we should have gone right in to the Grand Canyon Village area and caught the bus west to Hermits Rest. That would have hit the true highlights of the park. In addition, the parking lot is large over at Desert View so you don’t have to worry about that later on. After you’ve seen the viewpoints on the west, those on the east can be viewed as parking space allows.
Don’t: Miss Havasupai Falls
One of those bucket list hikes is the one to Havasupai Falls and we wish we had prioritized it in our visit. It’s not very family-friendly, as the cost is roughly $100-$125 per person per night with a 3 night minimum. Yeah – that is to camp and technically camping adds another $25/night per person. Or you can stay in the lodge but there are only 24 rooms and its $160/room/night. Also, the hike is 10 miles each way and you have to bring your food with you. I know, for many of us that sounds awful. But the falls are truly beautiful!
Now Go!
Grand Canyon is a park that you simply have to get to see once in your life. Do the park right and enjoy it and you will avoid the worst 1 day in Grand Canyon National Park — we wish we had!
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