Pack your bags and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime exploring the Grand Canyon! Join us as we journey through the famed South Rim, explore the serene Grand Canyon North Rim, and discover unparalleled vistas in one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Experience a blend of must-see sights and hidden gems in a landscape that has captured the hearts of explorers for centuries with our three-day itinerary for the Grand Canyon.
Day One: Explore the Grand Canyon South Rim
Morning: Begin your adventure at the popular South Rim, ensuring you stop at the Visitor Center to scoop up valuable maps and information to guide your journey inside the national park.
Head to the South Rim Trail, where the mighty Grand Canyon unfolds before you, offering an array of majestic viewpoints and photo ops that showcase its magnificence along the 13-mile paved path. Opt for a leisurely walk or an invigorating bike ride along the rim, each twist and turn revealing another stunning perspective of this natural wonder.
Venture down into the canyon’s depths through the South Kaibab Trail, a 7-mile hike, or Bright Angel Trail, a 9.5-mile hike, for a challenging and exhilarating experience. The Bright Angel Trail is roughly 2 miles longer but offers some shade, and halfway down is Havasupai Gardens, a wonderful place for a rest stop with water, facilities, and a ranger station. There, you will find water, toilet facilities, a ranger station, and a place to sit in the shade. The South Kaibab Trail is more exposed and does not provide facilities.
Afternoon: Step back in time at Grand Canyon Village, where the rich history, charming shops, and refreshing eateries offer a delightful treat.
Your journey continues with a scenic drive along Desert View Drive for 25 miles of scenic beauty, pausing at the breath-stealing overlooks at Navajo Point and Lipan Point, each providing a unique vantage point over this marvel of nature. The drive takes about an hour without stopping, but you should plan to spend at least two to three hours taking in the sights.
Evening: As the sun dips below the horizon, bathing the canyon in a warm, golden glow, secure your spot at Hopi, Powell, or Mather Point to witness a sunset that etches itself into your memory. Mather Point is the most popular and busiest place to catch the sunset—so save your spot early or opt for one of the other viewpoints and prepare to be awed!
Your adventure is sweetened with a stay at Under Canvas Grand Canyon, where al fresco dining under a starlit desert sky awaits. Kick back beneath the shimmering cosmos in the outdoor lounge or on the private deck of your safari-inspired tent. For the ultimate Grand Canyon stargazing experience, book a public or private stargazing and astrophotography tour with Under Canvas Adventures, which includes an expert guide, chairs, blankets, hot beverages, and keepsake photos from your night under the stars.
Day Two: Off-Road Adventure and Culinary Delights
Morning: Embark on a thrilling Jeep Tour with Under Canvas Adventures and dive into the uncharted beauty of historic stagecoach trails leading to the Canyon’s edge, where some of the world’s most magnificent vistas await your awe. Alongside an expert guide with your custom 4×4 vehicle, your journey will weave through the enchanting Kaibab National Forest and the majestic Grand Canyon Rim, revealing secrets and sights within these timeless landscapes. This adventure is a pathway into the untamed heart of the Grand Canyon’s most pristine and breathtaking landscape.
Afternoon: Grab a delicious bite and quench your thirst at Grand Canyon Brewery + Distillery. Here, a fusion of flavors inspired by Arizona’s landscape and adventurous spirit greets you. Savor beers like Sunset Amber Ale or Hop Canyon IPA, and don’t miss exploring spirits like Prickly Pear Vodka while indulging in a feast from a menu that boasts Bavarian pretzels, hearty burgers, and mouth-watering pizzas.
Evening: As the sun sets, return to the embrace of Under Canvas Grand Canyon, where the crackling of the fire invites you to enjoy complimentary s’mores, live music, and stargazing before retiring to your plush king-size bed for a restful night’s sleep before your last day of exploring the Grand Canyon.
Day Three: Discover the Grand Canyon North Rim
Morning: Start your day with a wholesome breakfast at Under Canvas Grand Canyon, preparing you for a scenic three-hour drive to the Grand Canyon North Rim. A less-trodden path, the North Rim, open seasonally from mid-May to mid-October, promises a picturesque experience away from the crowds of the South Rim.
Afternoon: Lace up your hiking boots for a trek along the Bright Angel Point Trail, lined by white limestone and pines. This easy 1-mile out-and-back trail unveils awe-inspiring vistas and can be comfortably completed in approximately 30 minutes.
After your short walk to Bright Angel Point, set out on a 23-mile scenic drive around the North Rim via Cape Royal Road, pausing at Cape Royal and Angel’s Window overlook to bask in panoramic canyon views.
About Under Canvas Grand Canyon
Set upon 160 acres of secluded piñon and juniper forest and just a 25-minute drive from the South Rim entrance to Grand Canyon National Park, Under Canvas Grand Canyon merges upscale accommodations with proximity to unparalleled natural beauty. Named one of the ‘Best Resort Hotels in Arizona’ by Travel + Leisure, it is the perfect base for making the most of your Grand Canyon adventures.