The Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world.  This 277 mile long canyon is carved by the Colorado River.  As a result of the huge size of the Grand Canyon, there are many ways to visit and view it.  Firstly, I’ll share how to plan your trip independently with KAYAK.  Then I’ll share images as well as the top things to do and see at the Grand Canyon.

Why use KAYAK to Plan Your Grand Canyon Visit?

KAYAK compares hundreds of travel websites online, all within seconds.  As a result, you’ll find extremely low rate car rentals, hotels as well as flight prices with KAYAK.  In fact, KAYAK searches so many travel websites at once which guarantees bargains.  Upon finding the best option, simply click through to confirm reservation which takes seconds and minimal clicks.

Finding a Hire Car with KAYAK

As I mentioned earlier, the Grand Canyon is 277 miles long.  For this reason, you must have your own car to drive to the various access and viewpoints.  The two major cities close to the Grand Canyon are Las Vegas and Phoenix.  With Kayak, simply search for your desired city on the dates you’re visiting and thousands of car options will be displayed for you.  Moreover, use Kayak filters to find the best car for your needs.  When you find the best car deal, simply click through and reserve.  I actually found a better class of car at a lower price which greatly enhanced my Grand Canyon visit.

Finding a Hotel with KAYAK

Exploring the Grand Canyon takes several days and covers several miles.  Therefore, you’ll need to plan for stays during your road trip.  When searching for a hotel with KAYAK, type your destination as well as desired date and KAYAK will do the rest.  KAYAK will find and compare the same hotel room prices on different websites within seconds.  Upon finding the hotel you wish to book, simply click and the booking will be confirmed within seconds.  In addition, if your dates are flexible you can change the dates and see if even better prices come up for your desired destination.

Now, let’s investigate some things to do and see at the Grand Canyon.


Grand Canyon West Rim – My Choice

Grand Canyon West Rim

Grand Canyon west rim is the most accessible from the Las Vegas side.  In fact, a popular road trip from Las Vegas passes Hoover Dam along the way.  To preserve this natural wonder of the world, visitors must park up, pay entry fees before taking a complimentary shuttle to the viewpoints.  You really can stand right on the canyon rim and admire the views.  For this reason, take care as you pose for pictures and admire this natural wonder of the world.

Skywalk

Grand Canyon Skywalk

If peering over the edge of the canyon doesn’t satisfy your curiosity, then take a walk on the Grand Canyon Skywalk.  This horseshoe shaped platform features a glass walkway so you can see the canyon floor deep below you.

Ohh Ahh Point

Ohh Ahh Point, Grand Canyon

Ooh Aah Point is a lookout located 600 feet below the south rim.  It’s part of the South Kaibab trail which is a 6.3 mile hike to the Colorado River before ascending back to the rim.  To get to the trailhead you must park, pay your fees before taking a complimentary shuttle.

Grand Canyon Railway

Grand Canyon Railway - Arizona Road Trip

Do you need a break from driving on your Grand Canyon road trip?  Park your car in the town of Williams before taking the train to the Grand Canyon.  No doubt there’ll be some entertainment on the train, maybe even cowboys!

Birdwatching at the Grand Canyon

Birdwatching at the Grand Canyon

Raptors in canyons are like five and six, they’re always together.  Here at the Grand Canyon, take your eyes away from the majestic views and look for any large raptors flying within.  Raptors which are often seen in the Grand Canyon include, golden eagles, bald eagles, hawks, kestrels as well as the fastest animal on earth, the peregrine falcon.

Landscape Photography at the Grand Canyon

Landscape Photography at the Grand Canyon

Landscape photographers spend hours and hours at various viewpoints throughout the Grand Canyon waiting for the light to create the perfect picture.  Wild weather can create dramatic images deep within the canyon.  Alternatively, sunrise and sunset can bring those glowing golden colors over this natural wonder of the world.  Finally, your own hire car gives you the freedom to be there for that peaceful sunrise.

Havasu Falls

Havasu Falls, Grand Canyon

Havasu Falls is one of the most challenging parts of the Grand Canyon to visit.  It involves difficult hiking in addition to a permit planned well in advance.  However the turquoise water pouring into the canyon is one of the best memories you’ll ever have.  What’s more, you take away some stunning images too!

Silver Bridge

Silver Bridge, Grand Canyon

The Silver Bridge crosses over the Colorado River and connects the south rim to the north rim.  If you wish to walk over this bridge then you must take the Bright Angel Trail.  It’s one of the most popular trails in the canyon and follows in the footsteps of native Americans, canyon miners and pioneers.

Helicopter Ride over the Grand Canyon

Helicopter Ride to the Grand Canyon

What’s the easiest way to visit the Grand Canyon?  Firstly, I recommend you stay in one of the luxury Las Vegas hotels.  Secondly, book yourself a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon.  Not only will the helicopter fly over the Grand Canyon giving you aerial views but it will also land at a beautiful viewpoint whilst you sip on champagne.  Enjoy.

Finally.  Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend is a wonder in itself.  It’s not actually part of the Grand Canyon but must not be missed when exploring the area.  Horseshoes Bend is in fact located at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area east of the Grand Canyon.  Nonetheless, horseshoe bend is a top Instagram spot to be included on your Grand Canyon road trip.  Lastly, to see Horseshoe Bend, simply take Route 89 north for 132 miles from Flagstaff.  It’s a short walk from the parking lot to the viewpoint.

Enjoy Your Visit to the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world therefore it deserves plenty of your time.  Plan that time well and you’ll make some of the best memories of your life.  Additionally, planning your Grand Canyon road trip with KAYAK gives you the freedom to see the best parts at the most ideal part of the day.  Not to mention the savings you will also benefit from.  Enjoy.

Visiting Arizona?  Read about how to plan an Arizona road trip, explore Petrified Forest National Park and visit the Las Vegas landmarks.