ADVERTISEMENT

Grand Canyon vacation...

Hugh Manatee

Well-Known Member
May 29, 2001
2,219
559
1
Central Florida
Hey board, I got great advice for my Yellowstone vacation here so I’m going to use you again for a trip I’m going to take my family (teenage kids) on this summer. I’m thinking about flying into LA or LV then hit Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, and Zion. What else should we see while In that area? Restaurants? Good places to stay? Stuff i won’t find on the map? Any and all suggestions are appreciated!
 
Hey board, I got great advice for my Yellowstone vacation here so I’m going to use you again for a trip I’m going to take my family (teenage kids) on this summer. I’m thinking about flying into LA or LV then hit Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, and Zion. What else should we see while In that area? Restaurants? Good places to stay? Stuff i won’t find on the map? Any and all suggestions are appreciated!

Drive right past Grand Canyon and spend the time in Sedona. Much nicer than hiking around a big hole. Lived out here for 20 years and recommend Sedona over GC to everyone. Everyone has thanked me.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BBrown
Agree on the above, flew in to Vegas drove to Canyon. Also try Bryce if you have the time, I liked it better than both Grand and Zion, plus Utah in general is a beautiful state
 
Meteor crator se of Flagstaff is cool. Sedona AZ, a couple of hours south of the canyon is, perhaps, the prettiest City in the USA.
Sedona is the one place you MUST see...easily exceeded every expectation I had based on what others had told me prior to visiting. View a sunset from the airport...stunning!!

Also check out Flagstaff, Arches, and Bryce Canyon.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BBrown
If you're gonna spend the bulk of your time in Arizona, Utah and southern Nevada, don't flyu into LA. Fly into Las Vegas or Phoenix.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BBrown
Flagstaff is a very cool town close to Sedona and also (fairly) close to Grand Canyon. Also, it’s at about 7000 feet so will temper the summer heat. The drive from Flagstaff to Sedona through Oak Creek Canyon is amazing. They are about 40 miles apart and about 3000 in elevation.

Sedona is gorgeous, but be prepared for the heat.

I’m planning Yosemite/Kings Canyon/Sequoia for this spring and Zion/Bryce for the fall. Want to do them before I get too old to really get after it.
 
Here's a great loop we did in 2009. Fly to Vegas, then head north and do a loop in Utah of their 5 national parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands. Then head south through Monument Valley, Page, AZ and finish at the North rim of the Grand Canyon, much better than the south rim and only open in the summer. Return to Vegas, see the Hoover Dam and fly home. We did this in 13 days and it was a great vacation!

Zion NP

https://goo.gl/photos/TbgshuBtRi72J9dg8

Bryce Canyon NP

https://goo.gl/photos/HdafdfVyrq5gjUNr9

Cedar Breaks NM

https://goo.gl/photos/M6q2jK8kPWD6AGpT6

Little Calf Creek Falls

https://photos.app.goo.gl/0re6FF7JalEsLDTx2

Capitol Reef NP

https://photos.app.goo.gl/xzIYIfh0BClkn6qp1

Little Wild Horse Canyon, Goblin State Park, Utah

https://photos.app.goo.gl/MOwulHfBJLSQMDBn1

Arches NP

https://photos.app.goo.gl/5Uz48NvvP89BKcry1

Canyonlands NP

https://photos.app.goo.gl/lmjUktlscjMbdTjW2

Monument Valley

https://photos.app.goo.gl/VFF9bLnaiYhF7DqM2

Page, AZ

https://photos.app.goo.gl/dGXMXd2nAO5qkqoJ3

Antelope Canyon

https://photos.app.goo.gl/e1cHM9XN7YY2CACe2

North Rim, Grand Canyon

https://photos.app.goo.gl/28b6CNMBAfYnq8Ao2

Lake Mead

https://photos.app.goo.gl/u35xmcz2ZAAyZcVC3
 
  • Like
Reactions: BBrown
Hey board, I got great advice for my Yellowstone vacation here so I’m going to use you again for a trip I’m going to take my family (teenage kids) on this summer. I’m thinking about flying into LA or LV then hit Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, and Zion. What else should we see while In that area? Restaurants? Good places to stay? Stuff i won’t find on the map? Any and all suggestions are appreciated!
There is lodging at the Grand Canyon that is run by a contracted vendor. Price ranges for various budgets. Food is passable, and certainly suitable for teen appetites. Also, some shops/museums in the Canyon village.

I recommend an overnight stay there, with an early morning Canyon rim walk.

If you start your day right at the village, you can see the sights and still have time to make good progress towards your next destination.

Another option is to stay in Williams and take the train to and from the Canyon. There is some entertainment on the train, including a train robbery. Don't know if the kids might find that cheesy or no. Up to you.

My trip there was years ago, when I flew into Phoenix for the Miami/tOSU Nat Champ game. I basically did a week long tour of Arizona during that time. But, I wish I had more time.
 
Here's a great loop we did in 2009. Fly to Vegas, then head north and do a loop in Utah of their 5 national parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands. Then head south through Monument Valley, Page, AZ and finish at the North rim of the Grand Canyon, much better than the south rim and only open in the summer. Return to Vegas, see the Hoover Dam and fly home. We did this in 13 days and it was a great vacation!

Zion NP

https://goo.gl/photos/TbgshuBtRi72J9dg8

Bryce Canyon NP

https://goo.gl/photos/HdafdfVyrq5gjUNr9

Cedar Breaks NM

https://goo.gl/photos/M6q2jK8kPWD6AGpT6

Little Calf Creek Falls

https://photos.app.goo.gl/0re6FF7JalEsLDTx2

Capitol Reef NP

https://photos.app.goo.gl/xzIYIfh0BClkn6qp1

Little Wild Horse Canyon, Goblin State Park, Utah

https://photos.app.goo.gl/MOwulHfBJLSQMDBn1

Arches NP

https://photos.app.goo.gl/5Uz48NvvP89BKcry1

Canyonlands NP

https://photos.app.goo.gl/lmjUktlscjMbdTjW2

Monument Valley

https://photos.app.goo.gl/VFF9bLnaiYhF7DqM2

Page, AZ

https://photos.app.goo.gl/dGXMXd2nAO5qkqoJ3

Antelope Canyon

https://photos.app.goo.gl/e1cHM9XN7YY2CACe2

North Rim, Grand Canyon

https://photos.app.goo.gl/28b6CNMBAfYnq8Ao2

Lake Mead

https://photos.app.goo.gl/u35xmcz2ZAAyZcVC3
Excellent plan and route here. I just spent Thanksgiving at the Grand Canyon. Would have preferred the North Rim, but as mentioned, only open in the summer. The South Rim was super crowded. You can’t beat the hike down the South Kaibab trail, but it is a major hike back up (they all are). Bryce is fantastic and I might add Escalante in Utah as a worthwhile trip. The dinosaur tracks are cool.
 
Stayed in a small lodge for a few nights in Oak Creek Canyon many years ago, beautiful, absolutely beautiful.
 
It may be too late already because the trips fill up fast, but take a 5-day rafting trip down the Colorado River from Lees Ferry (just below Page, Ariz.) through the Grand Canyon. It gives you a different perspective of the canyon, and it's lots of fun. The drawback is it tends to be expensive ($400 in 1976 when I did it, probably over $1,000 now) and it will cut into your time to see other things in the area.

Zion is my favorite park, but Bryce also is spectacular. If you drive between the two, stop for an hour or so at Cedar Breaks. Capital Reef is a nice park which doesn't attract big crowds -- mostly locals from Utah.

Sedona is beautiful, but a bit too "new age" for me.

The north rim of the Grand Canyon, at more than 8,000 feet, is 1,000 feet higher than the south rim. If you stay there, dress accordingly for evenings. The lodge and cabins are in the woods. Also, the north rim is 200 miles from Grand Canyon Village on the south rim, so you may not want to visit both.

If you're into boating, drive north from Page, Ariz., to Lake Powell in Utah. Rent a house boat and "get lost" in all the coves and inlets.

If you drive through Flagstaff, DO NOT stop to eat the Chinese food.
 
South Rim of the Grand Cayon, gotta stay at the El Tovar which is run by the National Park.
Reserve a dinner table close to the huge window facing the South rim.
 
Bryce Canyon is not too far from Zion Canyon, NE of Zion. Beautiful place, especially if you like Hoodoos. Horseback ride to the bottom of the canyon is recommended.
 
Here's a great loop we did in 2009. Fly to Vegas, then head north and do a loop in Utah of their 5 national parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands. Then head south through Monument Valley, Page, AZ and finish at the North rim of the Grand Canyon, much better than the south rim and only open in the summer. Return to Vegas, see the Hoover Dam and fly home. We did this in 13 days and it was a great vacation!

Zion NP

https://goo.gl/photos/TbgshuBtRi72J9dg8

Bryce Canyon NP

https://goo.gl/photos/HdafdfVyrq5gjUNr9

Cedar Breaks NM

https://goo.gl/photos/M6q2jK8kPWD6AGpT6

Little Calf Creek Falls

https://photos.app.goo.gl/0re6FF7JalEsLDTx2

Capitol Reef NP

https://photos.app.goo.gl/xzIYIfh0BClkn6qp1

Little Wild Horse Canyon, Goblin State Park, Utah

https://photos.app.goo.gl/MOwulHfBJLSQMDBn1

Arches NP

https://photos.app.goo.gl/5Uz48NvvP89BKcry1

Canyonlands NP

https://photos.app.goo.gl/lmjUktlscjMbdTjW2

Monument Valley

https://photos.app.goo.gl/VFF9bLnaiYhF7DqM2

Page, AZ

https://photos.app.goo.gl/dGXMXd2nAO5qkqoJ3

Antelope Canyon

https://photos.app.goo.gl/e1cHM9XN7YY2CACe2

North Rim, Grand Canyon

https://photos.app.goo.gl/28b6CNMBAfYnq8Ao2

Lake Mead

https://photos.app.goo.gl/u35xmcz2ZAAyZcVC3
^^^^^
Just follow this guy’s (Relayer’s) advice. After retirement, he should be a professional tour guide.

He thoroughly pre-researches where he wants to travel, schedules an agenda that couples his desired sites with available time, and manages to photo-document all of the good stuff along the way.

He is probably the best travel resource on this board.
 
I worked for the National Park Service in southern Utah for several years. In that job I was fortunate enough to travel all over that area. So for what it's worth here are my recommendations. BTW in offering these comments I am assuming you and your family are ok physically and can exert yourself on some fairly demanding walks/hikes. Also, assuming a 8-10 day trip.

What I am going to give you here is a route known as "the Grand Circle". It is world famous for those who love the western U S.

--upon arrival in Vegas drive to Zion NP. (About 3 hrs drive). Try to get accommations in the Park. Rooms are limited so you better make reservations now. If you do that you can take your car into the psrk and it is much more spectacular and convenient. If not, you can stay in Springdale just outside the park. Springdale is a very nice gateway community but not as nice as staying in the park. If you stay in Springdale you must take a shuttle bus into the park. Ok, but not the same as staying inside the park.

--I would stay in Zion 2 nights.There are 2 must dos.
1) Angels Landing..world famous hike. It's only about 3 miles round trip but it may well be the greatest short hike in the entire Park Service. It is a steep walk at some elevation so you will be sucking some wind but it will be unforgettable for you and your family. However if you are afraid of heights you may not want to do it. YouTube "Angels Landing, Zion" and decide.
2) Walk the Narrows. This walk is thru the Virgin River that runs thru the Park. In the summer it is a lazy river that goes thru a 2000 ft high slot canyon. The water temp should be ok if you there in July or later. Awesome experience. Again check it out on YouTube--"the Narrows, Zion"

--Drive to Bryce Canyon. (About 1 1/2 hrs drive.). Easy and scenic. 1 day there is enough. There are great cabins on the rim of the canyon. You have to make reservations now. If you don't get an in park cabin, you may want to just make day trip to Bryce from Zion and stay an extra night at Zion. Some great short and scenic hikes.

--Drive to Page Az. About a 4 or 5 hour drive with no stops. Very scenic drive including thru The Grand Staircase. Without getting too detailed there are many options here
-- Doing "the Wave". On the way to Page you will drive by this location. It is tuff to find by yourself. You have to plan this out and apply for a permit at the Bureau of Land Management office in Kanab Utah. They only allow a limited number of hikers pet day to enter. It's in an area called Coyote Bluffs. Do it. Your kids will,love you for it.

--Page Az. 2 days. 1 must do. Go to Antelope Canyon. It's on the Navajo reservation so you must go with Infian guides. Really unique and awesome. If you are into photos it is a treasure. Also, a boat trip on Glen Canyon / Lake Powell is really. Rainbow Bridge--a site near Lake Powell-- is worth it. It's a large natural stone arch in the wilderness off of the lake. Also, Horseshoe Curve on the Colorado River is an American icon. You will recognize it, when you see it. All these are within a few miles of Page.

--Drive to Grand Canyon. 5/6 hrs. 2 or 3 days. The must dos here are obvious. It all boils down to how much walking you want to do. Many short and long hikes. Of course if you want a lifetime memory walk to the bottom of the canyon and stay at Phantom Ranch, but you are probably too late to get a place there. In any event stay at the rim. El Tovar Lodge, hi$$$. Or Yosemite Lodge which is less expensive. Sky bridge is nice but I think it is $75 per person.

--Back to LV
 
I worked for the National Park Service in southern Utah for several years. In that job I was fortunate enough to travel all over that area. So for what it's worth here are my recommendations. BTW in offering these comments I am assuming you and your family are ok physically and can exert yourself on some fairly demanding walks/hikes. Also, assuming a 8-10 day trip.

What I am going to give you here is a route known as "the Grand Circle". It is world famous for those who love the western U S.

--upon arrival in Vegas drive to Zion NP. (About 3 hrs drive). Try to get accommations in the Park. Rooms are limited so you better make reservations now. If you do that you can take your car into the psrk and it is much more spectacular and convenient. If not, you can stay in Springdale just outside the park. Springdale is a very nice gateway community but not as nice as staying in the park. If you stay in Springdale you must take a shuttle bus into the park. Ok, but not the same as staying inside the park.

--I would stay in Zion 2 nights.There are 2 must dos.
1) Angels Landing..world famous hike. It's only about 3 miles round trip but it may well be the greatest short hike in the entire Park Service. It is a steep walk at some elevation so you will be sucking some wind but it will be unforgettable for you and your family. However if you are afraid of heights you may not want to do it. YouTube "Angels Landing, Zion" and decide.
2) Walk the Narrows. This walk is thru the Virgin River that runs thru the Park. In the summer it is a lazy river that goes thru a 2000 ft high slot canyon. The water temp should be ok if you there in July or later. Awesome experience. Again check it out on YouTube--"the Narrows, Zion"

--Drive to Bryce Canyon. (About 1 1/2 hrs drive.). Easy and scenic. 1 day there is enough. There are great cabins on the rim of the canyon. You have to make reservations now. If you don't get an in park cabin, you may want to just make day trip to Bryce from Zion and stay an extra night at Zion. Some great short and scenic hikes.

--Drive to Page Az. About a 4 or 5 hour drive with no stops. Very scenic drive including thru The Grand Staircase. Without getting too detailed there are many options here
-- Doing "the Wave". On the way to Page you will drive by this location. It is tuff to find by yourself. You have to plan this out and apply for a permit at the Bureau of Land Management office in Kanab Utah. They only allow a limited number of hikers pet day to enter. It's in an area called Coyote Bluffs. Do it. Your kids will,love you for it.

--Page Az. 2 days. 1 must do. Go to Antelope Canyon. It's on the Navajo reservation so you must go with Infian guides. Really unique and awesome. If you are into photos it is a treasure. Also, a boat trip on Glen Canyon / Lake Powell is really. Rainbow Bridge--a site near Lake Powell-- is worth it. It's a large natural stone arch in the wilderness off of the lake. Also, Horseshoe Curve on the Colorado River is an American icon. You will recognize it, when you see it. All these are within a few miles of Page.

--Drive to Grand Canyon. 5/6 hrs. 2 or 3 days. The must dos here are obvious. It all boils down to how much walking you want to do. Many short and long hikes. Of course if you want a lifetime memory walk to the bottom of the canyon and stay at Phantom Ranch, but you are probably too late to get a place there. In any event stay at the rim. El Tovar Lodge, hi$$$. Or Yosemite Lodge which is less expensive. Sky bridge is nice but I think it is $75 per person.

--Back to LV

When is the best time to do your itinerary?
 
Wouldn't a drawback now be the sun setting around 5 p.m. limiting your daytime hours?
 
Seeing the Grand Canyon was at the top of my Bucket List. A few years ago I was in Vegas and decided to take the helicopter trip over the Hoover Dam and then fly around the Grand Canyon, land by the Colorado River, and explore for a few hours before flying back to Vegas. I was really disappointed in the Grand Canyon. It didn't seem as huge as I expected. No color to it all. All shades of brown. To me it was underwhelming. I doubt that I would ever go back.
 
I worked for the National Park Service in southern Utah for several years. In that job I was fortunate enough to travel all over that area. So for what it's worth here are my recommendations. BTW in offering these comments I am assuming you and your family are ok physically and can exert yourself on some fairly demanding walks/hikes. Also, assuming a 8-10 day trip.

What I am going to give you here is a route known as "the Grand Circle". It is world famous for those who love the western U S.

--upon arrival in Vegas drive to Zion NP. (About 3 hrs drive). Try to get accommations in the Park. Rooms are limited so you better make reservations now. If you do that you can take your car into the psrk and it is much more spectacular and convenient. If not, you can stay in Springdale just outside the park. Springdale is a very nice gateway community but not as nice as staying in the park. If you stay in Springdale you must take a shuttle bus into the park. Ok, but not the same as staying inside the park.

--I would stay in Zion 2 nights.There are 2 must dos.
1) Angels Landing..world famous hike. It's only about 3 miles round trip but it may well be the greatest short hike in the entire Park Service. It is a steep walk at some elevation so you will be sucking some wind but it will be unforgettable for you and your family. However if you are afraid of heights you may not want to do it. YouTube "Angels Landing, Zion" and decide.
2) Walk the Narrows. This walk is thru the Virgin River that runs thru the Park. In the summer it is a lazy river that goes thru a 2000 ft high slot canyon. The water temp should be ok if you there in July or later. Awesome experience. Again check it out on YouTube--"the Narrows, Zion"

--Drive to Bryce Canyon. (About 1 1/2 hrs drive.). Easy and scenic. 1 day there is enough. There are great cabins on the rim of the canyon. You have to make reservations now. If you don't get an in park cabin, you may want to just make day trip to Bryce from Zion and stay an extra night at Zion. Some great short and scenic hikes.

--Drive to Page Az. About a 4 or 5 hour drive with no stops. Very scenic drive including thru The Grand Staircase. Without getting too detailed there are many options here
-- Doing "the Wave". On the way to Page you will drive by this location. It is tuff to find by yourself. You have to plan this out and apply for a permit at the Bureau of Land Management office in Kanab Utah. They only allow a limited number of hikers pet day to enter. It's in an area called Coyote Bluffs. Do it. Your kids will,love you for it.

--Page Az. 2 days. 1 must do. Go to Antelope Canyon. It's on the Navajo reservation so you must go with Infian guides. Really unique and awesome. If you are into photos it is a treasure. Also, a boat trip on Glen Canyon / Lake Powell is really. Rainbow Bridge--a site near Lake Powell-- is worth it. It's a large natural stone arch in the wilderness off of the lake. Also, Horseshoe Curve on the Colorado River is an American icon. You will recognize it, when you see it. All these are within a few miles of Page.

--Drive to Grand Canyon. 5/6 hrs. 2 or 3 days. The must dos here are obvious. It all boils down to how much walking you want to do. Many short and long hikes. Of course if you want a lifetime memory walk to the bottom of the canyon and stay at Phantom Ranch, but you are probably too late to get a place there. In any event stay at the rim. El Tovar Lodge, hi$$$. Or Yosemite Lodge which is less expensive. Sky bridge is nice but I think it is $75 per person.

--Back to LV

Did you ever run into a NPS bigwig (think he’s now Midwest Regional Director, but started in Yellowstone, became Chief of Ranger Operations at Yosemite, etc) named Cam Sholly? I work with his son. Tells me cool stories of growing up in Yellowstone
 
Seeing the Grand Canyon was at the top of my Bucket List. A few years ago I was in Vegas and decided to take the helicopter trip over the Hoover Dam and then fly around the Grand Canyon, land by the Colorado River, and explore for a few hours before flying back to Vegas. I was really disappointed in the Grand Canyon. It didn't seem as huge as I expected. No color to it all. All shades of brown. To me it was underwhelming. I doubt that I would ever go back.
You’ve got to go down into it. The depth is very deceiving. It’s a whole different world at the bottom and you’ll see why it’s one of the world’s treasures.

Honestly, your take is pretty baffling. Then again, most people go to these parks and never get more than 100 yards from the gift shop.
 
Last edited:
Did you ever run into a NPS bigwig (think he’s now Midwest Regional Director, but started in Yellowstone, became Chief of Ranger Operations at Yosemite, etc) named Cam Sholly? I work with his son. Tells me cool stories of growing up in Yellowstone


No. I retired a few years ago. But I am sure he had some great stories.
 
Hey board, I got great advice for my Yellowstone vacation here so I’m going to use you again for a trip I’m going to take my family (teenage kids) on this summer. I’m thinking about flying into LA or LV then hit Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, and Zion. What else should we see while In that area? Restaurants? Good places to stay? Stuff i won’t find on the map? Any and all suggestions are appreciated!
Bring coats could be pretty cold there this time of year!!!
 
Hey board, I got great advice for my Yellowstone vacation here so I’m going to use you again for a trip I’m going to take my family (teenage kids) on this summer. I’m thinking about flying into LA or LV then hit Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, and Zion. What else should we see while In that area? Restaurants? Good places to stay? Stuff i won’t find on the map? Any and all suggestions are appreciated!

I've never been to Hoover Dam so can't help you with that.
But Las Vegas is a great jumping off point for some of the stuff you want to do. Its also usually cheaper to fly in to.
While in Vegas I would not miss Valley of Fire. Its really nice but can be really hot depending on the time of year (that was my capt. obvious moment).
Zion, I like Zion but it is massively over crowed.
If you can I would start with Bryce Canyon and do the Escalante Stair Case. Also there is a State Park called Kodachrome State Park near Cannonville and Bryce. Its quiet, has some great hiking trails and is gorgeous.
Grand Canyon is very nice but it will be very crowded as well. I was on the North Ridge in late may and it was cold
and snowy. LOL.
Another place I would highly recommend would be Monument Valley. I actually liked that more than the Grand Canyon.
 
Drive right past Grand Canyon and spend the time in Sedona. Much nicer than hiking around a big hole. Lived out here for 20 years and recommend Sedona over GC to everyone. Everyone has thanked me.

Agree. The Grand Canyon is awesome and I think everyone should see it but I wouldn't spend a lot of time there.
I loved Sedona and Monument Valley.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Air Force Husker
Did a smooth water rafting trip on the Colorado several years ago and my teenage kids and I loved it. Page, AZ. Also, you need to go see Horseshoe Bend in that section of the Colorado from above. Highly photographed area and it is gorgeous.
 
Flagstaff is a very cool town close to Sedona and also (fairly) close to Grand Canyon. Also, it’s at about 7000 feet so will temper the summer heat. The drive from Flagstaff to Sedona through Oak Creek Canyon is amazing. They are about 40 miles apart and about 3000 in elevation.

Sedona is gorgeous, but be prepared for the heat.

I’m planning Yosemite/Kings Canyon/Sequoia for this spring and Zion/Bryce for the fall. Want to do them before I get too old to really get after it.

^^This^^
 
You’ve got to go down into it. The depth is very deceiving. It’s a whole different world at the bottom and you’ll see why it’s one of the world’s treasures.

Honestly, your take is pretty baffling. Then again, most people go to these parks and never get more than 100 yards from the gift shop.
The helicopter landed right beside the Colorado River. Never saw a gift shop or any buildings. I actually walked in the river a bit. I guess that means I was at the bottom of the canyon. It was a dreary, cloudy day. Maybe that had something to do with it. I like colorful things -- flowers, birds, landscapes etc. Maybe the single color - brown - didn't impress me. Not sure, but I was really underwhelmed and disappointed in my experience.
 
The helicopter landed right beside the Colorado River. Never saw a gift shop or any buildings. I actually walked in the river a bit. I guess that means I was at the bottom of the canyon. It was a dreary, cloudy day. Maybe that had something to do with it. I like colorful things -- flowers, birds, landscapes etc. Maybe the single color - brown - didn't impress me. Not sure, but I was really underwhelmed and disappointed in my experience.
Do they allow helicopters below the rim of the actual Grand Canyon? I know they allow you to land at the tribal park to the west but that’s not the National Park. There are no flights that allow you to land at the bottom of the Grand Canyon inside park boundaries as far as I know.

Here’s a trip advisor thread about a helicopter tour from Vegas with a landing west of the NP. Yeah, it sounds underwhelming. Was that what you did? If so, you didn’t get the real experience.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTop...lunch-Grand_Canyon_National_Park_Arizona.html

Anyway, yeah, if you dig colors other NPs would catch your eye better - Olympia, Glacier, but I love geology so the Grand Canyon is awesome to me. Different strokes
 
Last edited:
I don't want to hijack the thread but the OP mentioned the Yellowstone advice the board gave....can someone link that thread here please. I can't find it (not even sure when it was posted)
 
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT