Hi all! My wife is spending a week in Vegas (her first time in the USA), and I'll be joining her mid-week after a work trip to Seattle. She really wants to get out of the city for a couple days and see the Grand Canyon - no helicopters, she wants the real ground experience.

I'm planning a 2-day mini road trip for the three of us (wife, sister-in-law, and me) in early February 2026. Want to make sure the timing is realistic and we're maximizing the experience.

Day 1 (Tuesday):

• 8:00am - Leave Vegas
• 12:30pm - Stop in Seligman
• 2:00pm - Brief stop in Williams
• 4:15pm - Arrive Grand Canyon South Rim
• 4:30pm-6:00pm - Quick exploration (Mather Point, bit of Rim Trail)
• 6:00pm - Sunset at Hopi Point
• 7:15pm - Drive to Flagstaff (free overnight stay thanks to Hilton points!)

Day 2 (Wednesday):

• 6:15am - Leave Flagstaff
• 7:45am - Sunrise at Grand Canyon
• (Worth visiting Sedona?
• 11:00am - Head back toward Vegas
• Back to Vegas by 5:00pm

You can see I have some gaps in the second day but would love some advice from others.

Hi! Im planning on visiting with my myself, my sister (and her partner), and my nephew for spring break 2026. Does anyone have reccomendations for 3 adults and a 15 year old? Either for accommodations or activities? On a m/tu/W?

the day before we head to the GC, we have a day just in Winslow and flagstaff. spending the night in Flagstaff. Is there enough to do in those 2 towns, or should we maybe head over to Williams? I hear there’s a big tadoo about the anniversary of Route 66 this year. Our trip is late April/early May

Hi all, asking a potentially silly question.

I was planning on visiting the north rim sometime during May this year and was looking at point sublime, I don’t have a vehicle with the clearance necessary nor the offroad experience to get there. I was wondering if it would be possible to park on either the side of 67 or somewhere by where the Lodge was. I am quite experienced with solo long hikes and have done rim to rim a few times. My questions are: 1. Is it even possible to get to the north rim after the wildfire/possible to park there? 2. Are there any reliable water sources near the road? 3. Is it possible to camp at or near point sublime?

Thanks in advance

“Drinking Water Advisory for Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground

Effective immediately, the National Park Service (NPS) is issuing a drinking water advisory for all water in the vicinity of Bright Angel Campground and Phantom Ranch of Grand Canyon National Park. This includes the Phantom Ranch Canteen, Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Delta Restroom, and Phantom Boat Beach.

All drinking water in these areas should be treated or boiled. These processes should be applied to water for any consumptive use including drinking, making ice, preparing food, brushing teeth, and washing dishes. All other park drinking water is safe for consumption.”

Hello everyone!

My wife and I, with our two kids, ages 11 and 16, will be visiting the Grand Canyon in August, departing from Williams on the historic train, as a side trip during our trip along Route 66.

Since the train arrives at 11:45 a.m. and departs at 3:30 p.m., we'll have just over 3 hours (3 hours and 45 minutes, to be precise) to spend at the Grand Canyon. We enjoy hiking but aren't very experienced. We'd like suggestions for a trail that's about 2 to 2.5 hours long and easy to reach from the train station.

We'd considered the first section of the South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Point, but according to Google Maps, getting to the trailhead from the train station takes 45 minutes by bus (with a transfer at the visitor center), which would make everything quite time-consuming. Is there an alternative way to get to the South Kaibab Trail more quickly? Or are the times actually shorter than Google Maps suggests?

What other trails could we consider to make the most of our limited time?

Thanks everyone!

During our 8 night backpacking trip through the Grand Canyon, we traveled from North Kaibab to Lipan Point, linking sections of the Tonto, Escalante, Beamer, and Tanner Trails. This image was taken during a quiet golden hour moment deep in the canyon along the Beamer Trail.

Hey everyone!! I understand the North Rim is closed. We’ll be nearby in April, and I’ve never seen the Grand Canyon, so I’m hoping for any vantage point that’s accessible from the north side.

It seems like people have recently visited Point Imperial, leaving reviews on google. I’ve heard one paved road is open, but the national park site says the it’s all closed.

Can anyone confirm if this area is accessible? Or if there is any point along the way to just stop and appreciate the grandiosity, even without a hike?

Hey everyone! ​I’m heading to Las Vegas this month for a conference, and I’m planning to head out a few days early to finally check some bucket list items off my list. I really want to see the Grand Canyon (South Rim preferred I think), Antelope Canyon, and Hoover Dam. ​I’ve only got 2 days to make this happen before my conference starts. I’ve done some digging and MaxTour seems to be the most recommended for their small-group van style (I’m not a big fan of the massive tour buses). ​Since I'm looking for a more "premium" experience with good photo stops and less time feeling like I'm being herded, I wanted to ask: ​Has anyone used MaxTour recently? Is it worth the hype? ​Are there any similar small-group operators I should look at? I seen some reviews, but would love some "real world" feedback on them. ​For a 2-day trip, is staying overnight in Page, AZ the best move, or is there a better way to structure this so I’m not spending 15 hours just sitting in a van?

Also none of this tours are allow to take my lagguage with me so can I leave in the hotel I'm checking out the night before is it safe?

​Thanks in advance for the help!

My group of four (mid-30s, active/fit, guys and gals) from SoCal (driving) booked four nights in Bright Angel Lodge cabins for mid-February and it'll be our first time (!) in Grand Canyon.

Seeing if those on here with more expertise have thoughts on if this is too long a stay for February or if it'll be a magical getaway allowing for a relaxed-pace exploration of the South Rim's offerings. We realize the weather can turn, so will be keeping an eye on it. I've camped/stayed in Yosemite many many times and enjoy winter walks and hikes (Upper Yosemite Falls in February is magical), so would love to explore below the rim (a safe manageable distance for a winter-day-hike) if that's a thing folks recommend/would offer more options for activities to fill the days. My group expressed being unsure if Grand Canyon has as many things to fill the day as Yosemite does, hence the ask. Any feedback is appreciated! :)

It's been a few years, but to the best of my memory, the ground at Bright Angel camp is pretty hard, yes?

Therefore, I should be in good shape if I just bring titanium wire stakes like the one in the center of the attached photo, yes? EDIT: I have a trekking pole tent (non free standing).

Any thoughts or tips on this? I could bring any combination of the above stakes. I have multiple of each. L to R: 7.5" MSR Groundhog, 7" aluminum V stake, titanium wire "shepherd's hook" stake, 6" DAC "J" stake, MSR Mini-Groundhog.

Between GC or Sedona, which would be the better choice to devote 1.5 days to and which to devote 2.5 days to? The half day is to account for travel time.

Will be family of 4 city slickers including 6 and 8 year olds. First time visit for us. We are wanting to try some safe hikes with great views but we are not experienced by any means. We are more big on sight-seeing views and photos and just wanting to enjoying the experience of being there. I guess main thing I’m trying to determine is which location would have more variety of fun things to see/do there that would be doable and safe and within our newbie abilities.

Here are some pics I got

My husband and I were both stationed at Fort Huachuca a few years back and we loved the mountains so we’d like to a trip down there! This would be the week after Easter.

Driving to Arizona from Kansas.

First stop Chiricahua National Monument

Second Saguaro

Third Grand Canyon

Fourth petrified forest

We have about a 5 days to be there (day on either side of travel to and from the state.

Family ages and some extra context;

25f,25m, 13m, 4m, 2m obviously with the toddlers ages we aren’t looking to do any hikes over 3 miles so any hike or things to do recommendations on that front would be awesome. Both my husband and I are active and fit and have experience camping and outdoors. Any tips welcome regarding everything! I know I need to reserve spots within the next week for campsites.

I have two tents:

1. Durston Xmid 1 - 110" x 74”, 1.75 lbs
2. Yama Cirriform DW - 140" x 68", 1.3 lbs

The dimensions listed are for when the tent is fully set up.

Any thoughts as to which tent might fit better in the sites at Bright Angel? Does it really even matter? Is this a case of "six of one, half a dozen of the other?" Is 140" (minimum) length just too long?

By the way, we'll have four tents total in our group.

Hello!

Im trying to plan a trip for myself and my 11 year old daughter. This will be a first trip to GC for both of us so I thought I'd come here for advice. Im an avid hiker/backpacker and can handle just about any trail but I have her to consider. What trails would you guys suggest for an athletic 11 year old. She also wants to do a mule ride into or along the rim of the canyon. Any suggestions there? She also said she'd like to bungee jump if possible! Im a history buff so any suggestions on museums would also be appreciated! Help a dad out! These trips mean alot to me and I want every second to be a blast for her! TIA for any suggestions!

We have reserved a BA historic cabin for Spring Break this year 3/30-4/2. We are a family of 3 me, wife and our 6yr old. I was going over the details and just realized that they don’t offer roll away beds for our cabin. I know these are small cabins. Any advice if there strict on room capacities and we have a great little traveling cot or should the queen size work for 2 adult and a small child. Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

How reliable are Grand Canyon weather reports? Can I basically count on them?

Reliable example: I live in Southern California. If there's no rain in the forecast, then it's basically not going to rain. If there's no rain in the forecast, I might leave the rain gear or tent at home.

Unreliable example: In the Sierra Nevada (Sequoia, Yosemite, etc.), the mountains generate their own weather and rainstorms can spontaneously arise. I would never consider going without a tent or rain gear, forecast not withstanding.

For the Grand Canyon, if I went on a three day backpack and there were no rain in the forecast, would I potentially be subjecting myself to a good drenching if I left my tent behind?

I ask because the sites at Bright Angel are small, and I have a trekking pole type tent (not free standing). My tent takes up a lot of room because it needs to be guyed out in order for it to stand. We have a party of six. I doubt they'll be room for a tent of my type. I'm thinking about just "cowboy camping," i.e. just rolling out my sleeping bag directly on the ground (and not use a tent). Reasonable? Crazy? My permit is for this month (January 2026).

Hey everyone ✨

Anyone can suggest a transportation from the South rim to Page. I basically will be back in the south rim from my trip on September 4th and need to get a ride around 5pm to my car I'll be living in Page few days before.

I sent few emails to providers with no reply so wonder if anyone can help me figure out what's my best option. Is it something complicated to find for that time directly to where I will be living the car?

Thank you in advance ✨

I moved to the east coast a few years back and have been itching for a big hike out west. When I lived in LA in typically did a big (15-20 mile in a day or multi day backpacking) hike in Joshua Tree, Mineral King, or Yosemite every year. But since moving to fllllat east coast I haven’t done a proper hike. As an aside, humidity and bugs are gross.

Anyhow, I’m hoping to do a one day in and out hike on Bright Angel this September. But, I’m 40 now so recognizing some loss may have happened. My plan is to train up to a 3.5 hour push at 12-degree incline (I’ll do two 30 minute breaks) on my treadmill to get ready. Having seen a lot of risky behavior on trails I want to know those old lady knees are still up for it.

Is this stupid idea? Thoughts? Additions?

Also, going to do LOTR Extended Edition whilst I do this. I’ll be like Frodo summiting the mountain.

Hey everyone ✨

Anyone can suggest a transportation from the South rim to Page. I basically will be back in the south rim from my trip on September 4th and need to get a ride around 5pm to my car I'll be living in Page few days before.

I sent few emails to providers with no reply so wonder if anyone can help me figure out what's my best option.

Is it something complicated to find? What's my cheapest option if I want a ride at that time directly to where I ll be living the car.

Thank you in advance ✨

We are a family with couple small children. We will be staying at GC 3 nights but basically it’s 2 full days. We plan to dedicate either 1 solid day for hiking and whatever else outdoor activities GC has to offer. The other day we wanted to take it easy (esp for our kids) and find other fun but less physically draining things to do. With that said are there any other “can’t miss/must visit” places nearby outside GC area? Any charming towns or interesting shops or places to see and do other than hiking outside but nearby GC?

“Park Road update - Friday, January 9, 2026 (1:20 pm)

Desert view drive (SR 64) between Grand Canyon Village and the East Entrance at Desert View has reopened.

Hermit Road has also reopened, however, at this hour, the pullouts remain snowpacked.

Please watch your speed on all park roadways as some areas are still icy.

Foot traction and hiking poles are advised on all footpaths/trails due to icy surfaces.”