Top Ten Things to do at the Grand Canyon

On the road to Hermits Rest

The Grand Canyon. One of the 7 Wonders of the Natural World. We are lucky enough to be working here for the winter season, and that leaves us with time off to explore while here.

Here we go:

1 Somewhat obvious, see the Canyon. Any stops called "Point", you can see the Colorado River. Mather Point, Shoshone Point, etc. At "Overlooks" you see into the canyon.

2 Take the Shuttle. Utilize the free shuttle service – get off, get back on. Summer season offers 3 routes & winter season offers 2 routes. The guide shows the routes and the stops. Parking at some places is at a premium, so the shuttle makes great sense.

3 Stop in the Visitor Center. Located at the Visitor Information Plaza, one of the shuttle transfer points. Great displays, weather forecasts, and information from the Interpretive Rangers.

Books N More- The Grand Canyon Association Bookstore

4 Little plug now: Consider joining Books n More, the Grand Canyon Association Bookstore. They offer discounts and the proceeds help the park. No sales tax on items you buy here.

5 Canyon Village This is where the hotels are, as well as Hopi House. Hopi House is a recreation of the Hopi style dwelling, designed by Mary Colter in the early 1900’s. It has the best collection in the Park of Native American arts.

6 Walk the Rim. Follow the Trail of Time along the rim to get a great relative view of the ages of the canyon.

7 See a condor. The California Condor was introduced into the canyon in the past 20 years. They have made a wonderful comeback, and you can see them if you are lucky. Best spot is at Bright Angel Trailhead.

Desert View Watch Tower

8 Hermits Rest. During the summer months you need to take the Red line shuttle – no private vehicles are allowed. But after Dec 1 and before Mar 1, you can drive out. Hermits Rest Road has many pullouts, overlooks and points. Once there, be sure to get a hot beverage and sit by the fireplace.

9 The El Tovar Hotel. Dinner there is said to be amazing – reservations and jackets required. We had breakfast there Christmas morning and enjoyed great service, a window with a view and great and plentiful food. Don’t miss this one.

10 Desert View Watch Tower This is another Mary Colter building and is located near the east entrance. It looks like it emerged right from the rock sides of the canyon. Rises about 70 feet, gift shop and fireplace at the base, then many steps to an amazing view.