A First Timer’s Guide to The Grand Canyon: Plan Your Desert Getaway
The desert is calling, and you have to answer. There are many adventures to experience but I am going to give you the best ideas yet. It is full of new places to see and experience that will just show you the beauty of mother nature. The Grand Canyon is Northern Arizona’s gem. This guide is made to give you the ultimate vacation and a first-timer’s guide to the Grand Canyon.
How to Get There
Time for The Desert Adventure
An Essential Grand Canyon Packing List
- Clothes (cotton, warm and cold weather clothes)
- Breathable material for clothes
- Extra layers
- Socks
- Hiking shoes
- Sneakers
- comfortable hiking sandals
- Hats
- If backpacking or camping- a reliable backpack
- Lip balm, lotion (it gets dry)
- Insect Repellent
- Toiletries
- First aid kit
- Sun protection/sunscreen
- Water bottles
- Sleeping bag if doing the real camping thing
Where to Stay
So obviously, you can either stay in your rental camper van or do the real deal camping thing. But I have something better for those who don’t have access to a van or supplies for camping. Have you ever heard of glamping? If camping with a bed and a tent interests you, you need to stay at BaseCamp37. I had the best experience here. They are located near Kanab, Utah, and are conveniently located between Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon. This accommodation will give you some of the best desert views and starry nights.
The Grand Canyon Experience (Things to See + Do)
The North Rim
This part of the Grand Canyon’s going to be quieter and definitely not offer as many visitor resources. This may be something more you visit but the North Rim does get a lot of snow. Because of this, it closes from mid-may through mid-October. It is about a 4-hour drive from the south rim, so you definitely have to pick one rim you’d rather check out.
The South Rim
The south rim on the other hand is full of visitors, hotels, and amazing lookout points. Some of the best lookouts include Mather Point, Yaki Point, and Hopi Point. If you are looking to hike I would suggest the South Kaibab trail or Bright Angel Trail. Visit at sunrise for some of the best views!
Grand Canyon Visitor Center
Here you can watch an intro movie on the Grand Canyon, go on the rim shuttle, and check out the relief map. It is an epic spot to start your journey.
Drive the Desert view
This is a 25-mile scenic Desert Drive. There will be a bunch of viewpoints along the road and you will be able to end at the Desert Watch Tower. The view from the tower can be incredible!
Take a Tour Through Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon that is stunning! The tour will take you underground into the canyon to experience the most beautiful rock formations. There are no self-guided hikes through the canyon but when you reach the site you will be able to buy tickets to join a group tour.
Go to Horseshoe Bend
This spot is another incredible lookout and honestly one of my favorite. I definitely can’t even describe to you how amazing this viewpoint was. The Horseshoe Bend is also right around the corner from the Antelope Canyon.
Go on a Rafting Tour
A Grand Canyon rafting trip will be a long day but well worth it. Nothing is quite better on a hot day than to be in the water. If the rafting trip is not your vibe, I would suggest some other great water spots: Lake Powell, the hoover dam, Lava Falls, and Lake Havasu.
Helicopter ride over the grand canyon
Now, this is more extreme for a first trip to the Grand Canyon but I guess you could go big! It is definitely worth it as you will be getting the best views of the canyon below!
Visit Zion or Bryce National park
Especially if you are staying in the glamping tents I suggested, you will be relatively close to both of these national parks. I would suggest going to both if you have the time. If you don’t, we ended up doing a quick hike in Zion and loved it. It felt like we were in Jurassic Park.
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