Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon at sunset. Photo by Canva

Go World Travel is reader-supported and may earn a commission from purchases made through links in this piece. 

The day unfolds with the rhythmic hum of wheels on asphalt as our rented passenger van cruises through northern Arizona toward the Grand Canyon.

The landscape transforms gradually as we descend from the alpine serenity of Coconino National Forest into a patchwork of golden desert landscapes scattered red with dust and sprawling plateaus.

Dried sagebrush emerges from dusty, rocky roadside terrain. Native Americans sell jewelry and rugs at roadside booths as the open road draws us closer to one of nature’s most majestic wonders.

South Rim of Grand Canyon.
South Rim of Grand Canyon. Image from Canva

I’ve flown in from Baltimore, along with my wife, Nataliya, and our two children, Nicole and Alex. We’ve met up with my parents and brother at Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) for this epitome of family road trips. The drive from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon’s East entrance (to the South Rim) is about an hour and a half.

The magnificence of the surrounding desert land and distant mountains is a prelude to the natural beauty we’re about to see.

“If we have time,” my brother says, “maybe we can hike Bright Angel Trail.”

I laugh, knowing this would mean an intense, multi-day hike into the bottom of the canyon. “Rob, I think that’s for another trip.”

Grand Entrance

The sun lights up the colors of the Grand Canyon
The sun lights up the colors of the Grand Canyon. Photo by Eric D. Goodman

A palpable excitement fills the air as we pass through the gates of Grand Canyon National Park.

The initial view is awe-inspiring, but it isn’t until we’re out of the car, standing at the rim, that we can really take in the array of colors radiating beneath the sun—a painted rainbow in rock.

The Colorado River, etching its course through the canyon’s heart, adds a silver ribbon below. More than the quick “get out and see” scene we remember from the movie National Lampoon’s Vacation, this is a journey into the depths and heights of the Grand Canyon. We linger to allow the time this moment deserves.

South Rim Spectacle

From the South Rim of the Grand Canyon
From the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Photo by Eric D. Goodman

At the Desert View lookout point, the canyon reveals itself in pieces, a canvas of layered rock that changes with each glance in a different direction, each tilt of the head, each squint of the eye or change of the sun or cloud cover.

“Look!” Mom points to the sky, where a California condor soars above—its black plumage and distinctive white wing patches piercing the blue sky.

“Weren’t California condors flirting with extinction?” I ask.

“Just about,” Dad says, explaining that as recently as the 1980s, only 22 of them were known to exist. Now, the Grand Canyon is home to about 80. Not much more than a busload of tourists, but four times more than forty years ago.

The South Rim’s highlights are many. We explore Yavapai Point, where a state-of-the-art geology museum immerses us in the natural history of the canyon’s creation. This area is especially captivating for its sweeping views and its exhibits on the forces that carved the canyon—wind, water, and time.

All Along the Watchtower

The Watchtower includes a museum with Native American artifacts and a gift shop
The Watchtower includes a museum with Native American artifacts and a gift shop.
Photo by Eric D. Goodman

The Desert View Watchtower is positioned right on the canyon’s edge. Crafted by architect Mary Colter in 1932, the building echoes the simplicity of ancient Puebloan towers, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings.

Ascending the tower, each level offers a fresh perspective of the canyon. The observation deck at the top treats us to a 360-degree view. The interior is filled with murals and cultural art of the indigenous tribes in this region.

For example, the Hopi Room features murals vividly capturing Hopi ceremonies and traditions. The watchtower links to the canyon’s indigenous history and the enduring spirit of its original inhabitants.

We cruise about 10 miles of park road, stopping along the way for new and exciting views of the canyon. Eventually, we land at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, where the elevation is about 4,300 feet above sea level.

Moving On Up

View from Mather Point
View from Mather Point. Image from Canva

An emerald-striped park service shuttle weaves us through South Rim Village, past quaint log cabins and bustling cafés. The air thins, crisp and exhilarating, as the shuttle switches back and forth along the narrow road.

At the end of the line, we get off at the highest stop: Mather Point. Here, standing at the edge of the canyon, the world itself feels transformed. The elevation is 7,009 feet.

“We’re at the top,” Rob says. “Now, we should hike down to the bottom.”

“Let’s just hike back to where we started for today,” Nataliya says. That alone is seven miles, but it’s downhill, along a wide, paved path, and offers stunning views into the canyon. There is the option of hopping back on the shuttle at any of several stops along the way down, but we prefer the leisurely walk, taking in the views.

We spot deer and squirrels along the way and pause at overlooks to take in stunning, ever-changing vistas. Ready for a rest, we make it back to the Visitor Center just in time for a Ranger Talk.

A Lesson of the Land

Walking along the rim of the Grand Canyon.
Walking along the rim of the Grand Canyon.
Photo by Eric D. Goodman

The canyon’s formation began nearly 6 million years ago as the Colorado River cut through the rock layers, revealing a cross-section of Earth’s crust. The canyon exposes rock formations dating back to nearly 2 billion years.

Layer by layer, the Grand Canyon narrates the story of changing environments. The Vishnu Basement Rocks at the bottom are some of the oldest, forming the foundation. As the region underwent uplift and downcutting, sedimentary layers like the Bright Angel Shale, Kaibab Limestone, and Redwall Limestone were deposited. Each layer represents a different period in geological time.

The intricate dance of tectonic plates, combined with the erosive power of the Colorado River, sculpted the Grand Canyon—a living geological textbook.

This area’s significance to Indigenous people dates back thousands of years, with tribes like the Hualapai, Havasupai, and Hopi considering the canyon sacred. European explorers reached the canyon in the mid-19th century.

President Theodore Roosevelt, captivated by the canyon’s grandeur, designated it a national monument in 1908. Subsequent efforts by conservationists and advocates led to the establishment of Grand Canyon National Park on February 26, 1919. The park has since become a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing millions of visitors each year.

Best Tips & Tools to Plan Your Trip

Going North

It would be hard to see both sides of the canyon in a day, but we have a few, so we decide to go North. The drive from the South entrance around the canyon to the North is about twice as long as our drive from Flagstaff: about 3 hours.

We come nearer to the North Rim and drive through grasslands filled with grazing bison. Prairie dogs pop in and out of their holes. For half an hour, it feels like we’re in an altogether different climate. But the closer we come to the edge, the more obvious it is that this, too, is Grand Canyon country.

New Perspectives

Visitors stand at an overlook and peer into the immensity of the Grand Canyon
Visitors stand at an overlook and peer into the immensity of the Grand Canyon.
Photo by Eric D. Goodman

Our exploration of the North Rim begins at Point Imperial, this side’s highest overlook. Standing here, we’re treated to an awe-inspiring panorama of the canyon below.

This side of the canyon, although less traveled, is ripe with picturesque sights: Angel’s Window, a natural arch sculpted by the forces of wind and time; Bright Angel Point, the North Rim’s iconic lookout; Tranquility Point, true to its name.

There’s a pointed peak known as Vishnu Temple and a rock formation called Zoroaster Temple. Cape Royal is a grandiose headland offering unrivaled views. Together with the Colorado River sparkling below, the scenery is unrivaled.

We end our time on the North Rim back at Imperial Point for a sunset view. The setting sun paints the canyon in a riot of crimson and gold.

“Tomorrow, we could hike the North Kaibab Trail,” Rob suggests.

I imagine the multi-day backpacking trip it would take to descend into the Grand Canyon, stay there overnight, and come back on the far rim. “I think that’s for another visit.”

If You Go

For a quieter experience, consider staying at one of the cabin rentals available on the North Rim. Operated by the Grand Canyon Lodge, these rustic cabins are nestled among the pines, offering a serene escape with easy access to trails and viewpoints. Availability is limited, so reservations should be made well in advance.

Alternatively, you can find cabin rentals outside the park, in nearby towns such as Tusayan or Williams, which provide convenient access to both the South and North Rims. Many of these accommodations include modern amenities while still offering a rustic ambiance.

Accommodations near the Grand Canyon

Eric D. Goodman

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *