The Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, may be what brings you to northern Arizona, but the adventure continues just beyond the park’s borders. Beyond the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, the surrounding high desert is full of hidden gems, from volcanic trails and ancient cliff dwellings to scenic drives, wide-open skies, river adventures, and unexpected wine country, with fewer crowds. There are plenty of unforgettable things to do outside of Grand Canyon National Park if you know where to look. Here are a few of the best adventures to add to your itinerary during your stay at Under Canvas Grand Canyon.
Take a Scenic Horseback Ride or Jeep Safari in Kaibab National Forest
Explore a quieter side of Grand Canyon Country with a guided horseback ride or Jeep safari through Kaibab National Forest. Just outside the park by about 30 minutes (about 15 minutes from Under Canvas Grand Canyon), this forested landscape offers a refreshing change of scenery, with pine-covered trails, open meadows, wildlife sightings, and open-sky views.
On horseback, you can slow down and settle into the rhythm of the trail, taking in the scent of pine, the sound of birds, and the peaceful feeling of being surrounded by nature. For a more thrilling adventure, a guided 4×4 safari takes you deeper into the forest, where local guides share stories about the area’s wildlife, geology, and history along the way. You can even time it just right for a memorable desert sunset adventure.
Adding adventures to your stay at Under Canvas is easy. After you book, our Adventure Concierge will reach out with curated experiences to choose from.
Walk Among Ancient Cliff Dwellings at Walnut Canyon National Monument
About 1.5 hours from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim (one hour from Under Canvas Grand Canyon), Walnut Canyon National Monument is a beautiful blend of nature, history, and canyon views. Here, you can see more than 25 ancient cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Puebloan Sinagua people 800 years ago.
The one-mile Island Trail leads you down into the canyon for up-close views of the dwellings built into the rock alcoves. Though it’s a short trail, the route can feel strenuous with 700+ steps to navigate, but the reward is well worth it.
Hike Into a Volcanic Amphitheater on the Red Mountain Trail
For a scenic hiking adventure outside Grand Canyon National Park, the 3-mile round-trip Red Mountain Trail is a great choice. Located near Flagstaff, about 1.5 hours from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim (35 minutes from Under Canvas Grand Canyon), this short but memorable trail leads into the eroded interior of an ancient volcanic cinder cone.
The hike is relatively easy, but the payoff is big. As you walk through juniper and pinyon pine, the trail gradually opens into a natural amphitheater of red volcanic rock, sculpted walls, and quiet desert beauty. Remember to pack water, sun protection, and a camera!
Take a Scenic Drive Through the San Francisco Peaks
If you want a scenic drive outside the national park, head toward Flagstaff and the San Francisco Peaks, about 1.5 hours from the Grand Canyon (about one hour from Under Canvas Grand Canyon). This mountainous region offers a totally different side of northern Arizona, with pine forests, alpine views, and winding roads that feel worlds away from the desert floor.
The drive to Arizona Snowbowl is especially beautiful, climbing through ponderosa pine and aspen groves with views of Humphreys Peak, Arizona’s highest point. In summer and fall, the area is a refreshing escape, with cooler temperatures, mountain air, wildflowers, golden aspens, and plenty of places to pull over and enjoy the scenery.
Hike Through Lava Fields at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
For a different kind of landscape, head to Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, about two hours from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim (one hour and 20 minutes from Under Canvas Grand Canyon). This wonderland of basalt rock tells the story of a volcanic eruption nearly 1,000 years ago.
The Lava Flow Trail is the best place to start. This one-mile loop takes you across the Bonito Lava Flow, with views of jagged black lava rock, cinder fields, ponderosa pines, and the volcanic cone of Sunset Crater. Shorter trails like Bonito Vista Trail and A’a Trail are great options if you want a quick, family-friendly walk through the volcanic landscape.
Explore Ancient Puebloan History at Wupatki National Monument
About two hours from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim (1.5 hours from Under Canvas Grand Canyon), Wupatki National Monument is one of the most fascinating places to explore outside of the national park. Situated between the Painted Desert and northern Arizona’s ponderosa highlands, Wupatki preserves ancestral Puebloan sites that once formed a center of trade, culture, and community.
The easy 0.5-mile Wupatki Pueblo Trail loop leads you to one of the largest pueblos in the area. As you walk through the site, you’ll see stone walls, wide-open desert views, and interpretive signs that help bring the landscape’s history to life. Wupatki pairs beautifully with nearby Sunset Crater for a full day of exploring.
Stand at the Edge of Meteor Crater Natural Landmark
For a space-age stop off historic Route 66, drive to Meteor Crater Natural Landmark, about 2.5 hours from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim (about 2 hours from Under Canvas Grand Canyon). Formed roughly 50,000 years ago by a meteorite impact, this massive crater stretches nearly a mile wide and drops hundreds of feet into the desert floor.
Take in the view from observation areas, explore the Discovery Center & Space Museum, and learn about one of the best-preserved meteorite impact sites on Earth. Guided rim tours offer a closer look at the crater’s scale, geology, and history.
See Cliffside Architecture at Montezuma Castle National Monument
About 2.5 hours from the Grand Canyon (one hour and 40 minutes from Under Canvas Grand Canyon), Montezuma Castle National Monument is well worth the drive for history lovers, families, and anyone intrigued by ancient buildings. You can see an impressive 20-room dwelling built high into a limestone cliff by the Sinagua people.
A short, paved trail leads through a shaded area beneath the cliff, offering views of the dwelling from below. The scenic and gentle walk is a great way to reflect on the ancient structure and ponder what it was like to live in this desert landscape.
Nearby Montezuma Well offers another worthwhile stop, with spring-fed water and desert plant life.
Sip Local Wine in the Verde Valley
Arizona wine country may surprise you in the best way. About 2.5 hours from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim (about two hours from Under Canvas Grand Canyon), the Verde Valley Wine Region is best enjoyed as a scenic road trip stop on the way to or from Sedona, Flagstaff, or Phoenix. Spend an afternoon tasting local reds and whites, strolling through Old Town Cottonwood, or relaxing beside vineyard views framed by mesas, creeks, and desert hills.
Marvel at Horseshoe Bend and Spend Days on the Water at Lake Powell
About three hours from Under Canvas Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell are well worth adding to your Grand Canyon itinerary. Here, you can experience a different side of the desert, where the Colorado River – the same river that flows through the Grand Canyon – curves through the sandstone cliffs of Horseshoe Bend. Just 15 minutes away, Lake Powell offers a refreshing oasis for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and beach days surrounded by desert cliffs.
Pair your visit with a stay at Under Canvas Lake Powell – Grand Staircase, a certified Dark Sky resort where safari-inspired comfort meets skies perfect for stargazing.
Where to Stay Near the Grand Canyon
Situated on 160 acres of secluded piñon and juniper forest, Under Canvas Grand Canyon is just 25 minutes from the South Rim entrance to Grand Canyon National Park and located on the Grand Circle Road Trip for the ultimate Southwest adventure. After a day of exploring, return to upscale safari-inspired accommodations, enjoy onsite dining, gather around the fire for nightly s’mores, and take part in daily programming. Camp is open seasonally from April through October.
Ready to experience the Grand Canyon and beyond?
If you’re looking for things to do inside Grand Canyon National Park, check out our Ultimate Grand Canyon Travel Guide.