Grand Canyon National Park 5 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Sunset at Yavapai Point
- Arrive at Grand Canyon National Park in the morning, taking time to stop at the Visitor Center to grab a map and get an overview of the park’s many trails and viewpoints.
- Drive to Yavapai Point, one of the most accessible viewpoints in the park. Take in the breathtaking views of the canyon as the sun begins to set. This is a great spot for photography, so be sure to bring your camera.
- As the sun dips below the horizon, head back to your accommodation and rest up for the next day’s adventures.
Day 2: Bright Angel Trail and Phantom Ranch
- Start the day early by driving to the Bright Angel Trailhead. This trail is one of the most popular in the park, and it’s easy to see why.
- Begin your hike down the Bright Angel Trail, which takes you from the rim of the canyon all the way down to Phantom Ranch at the bottom. The views are stunning along the way, with towering cliffs and beautiful rock formations.
- Take a break at Phantom Ranch to rest and refuel before making the trek back up to the top. This will take most of the day, but the scenery is well worth it.
Day 3: Mather Point and Yavapai Museum
- Start the day with a visit to Mather Point, one of the park’s most popular viewpoints. The views are simply stunning here, with the Colorado River snaking its way through the canyon below.
- After taking in the views at Mather Point, head over to the Yavapai Museum to learn more about the natural and cultural history of the Grand Canyon. This museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the park’s rich heritage.
- Spend the afternoon exploring the many viewpoints along the rim of the canyon, including Maricopa Point and Hopi Point.
Day 4: Hermit Road Scenic Drive
- Start the day with a scenic drive down Hermit Road, which takes you from the rim of the canyon all the way down to the bottom. The views are stunning along the way, with towering cliffs and beautiful rock formations.
- Stop at the many viewpoints along the way, including Maricopa Point, Pima Point, and Grand Canyon Village.
- Take your time exploring the many natural wonders along this road, including the Kaibab Formation and the Coconino Sandstone.
Day 5: South Rim Scenic Drive
- Start the day with a scenic drive along the South Rim of the canyon. This route takes you through some of the park’s most stunning landscapes, including the Grand Canyon Village and the many viewpoints along the rim.
- Stop at the many viewpoints along the way, including Yavapai Point, Maricopa Point, and Hopi Point.
- Take your time exploring the many natural wonders along this road, including the Kaibab Formation and the Coconino Sandstone.
Day 6: Desert View Drive
- Start the day with a scenic drive down Desert View Drive, which takes you from the rim of the canyon all the way down to the bottom. The views are stunning along the way, with towering cliffs and beautiful rock formations.
- Stop at the many viewpoints along the way, including Yavapai Point, Maricopa Point, and Hopi Point.
- Take your time exploring the many natural wonders along this road, including the Kaibab Formation and the Coconino Sandstone.
Day 7: El Tovar Hotel
- Start the day with a visit to the historic El Tovar Hotel, which is located in Grand Canyon Village. This hotel has been welcoming visitors to the park for over 100 years, and it’s a must-see for anyone interested in the park’s rich history.
- Take some time to explore the many rooms and exhibits within the hotel, including the museum and the gift shop.
- After visiting the hotel, head back to your accommodation and rest up for the next day’s adventures.
Day 8: Grand Canyon Railway
- Start the day by taking a ride on the Grand Canyon Railway, which takes you from Williams, Arizona all the way to the South Rim of the canyon. This train has been in operation since 1901, and it’s a great way to see some of the park’s stunning landscapes.
- Take your time exploring the many viewpoints along the way, including the Grand Canyon Village and the many viewpoints along the rim.
- After arriving at the South Rim, take some time to explore the many natural wonders along this road, including the Kaibab Formation and the Coconino Sandstone.
Day 9: Mather Point
- Start the day with a visit to Mather Point, one of the park’s most popular viewpoints. The views are simply stunning here, with the Colorado River snaking its way through the canyon below.
- Take some time to explore the many rooms and exhibits within the hotel, including the museum and the gift shop.
Day 10: Bright Angel Trail
- Start the day by hiking down the Bright Angel Trail, which takes you from the rim of the canyon all the way down to Phantom Ranch at the bottom. The views are stunning along the way, with towering cliffs and beautiful rock formations.
- Take a break at Phantom Ranch to rest and refuel before making the trek back up to the top. This will take most of the day, but the scenery is well worth it.
Day 11: Yavapai Point
- Start the day by visiting Yavapai Point, one of the park’s most accessible viewpoints. The views are simply stunning here, with the Colorado River snaking its way through the canyon below.
- Take some time to explore the many rooms and exhibits within the hotel, including the museum and the gift shop.
Day 12: Grand Canyon Village
- Start the day by visiting Grand Canyon Village, which is located at the South Rim of the canyon. This village has been welcoming visitors to the park for over 100 years, and it’s a must-see for anyone interested in the park’s rich history.
- Take some time to explore the many rooms and exhibits within the hotel, including the museum and the gift shop.
Day 13: Hermit Road Scenic Drive
- Start the day with a scenic drive down Hermit Road, which takes you from the rim of