Grand Canyon on a Budget

[Embel]

Any suggestions, web sites, etc would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[MrsPete]

First question: Which Grand Canyon do you plan to visit? You have four choices, and they are quite different. Realistically, you have to choose -- they are not close together:

Southern Rim -- This is the most popular portion -- the most popular option by far. Plenty of hotels, both inside and outside the national park. Lots of restaurants, shops, museums. Look up the ranger programs ahead of time. And LOTS of people. If you're going during the summer, you'll need to make reservations yesterday -- seriously, hotels fill up fast. If you want to ride mules, you should reserve that immediately too. And because it's so crowded, you won't be allowed to drive your own car within the park, but busses are available.

Northern Rim -- Much less crowded, about 10 degrees cooler at all times, and open only during prime season. This area is much, much smaller and more remote. You'll find only the Grand Canyon Lodge, which is absolutely lovely, and a collection of little cabins that look like a Lincoln Log village. You'll find only one nice restaurant, one pizza/deli, and one bar -- but you'll also miss the crowds. You'll have access to ranger programs, and they offer a corny-but-fun cookout that includes a train ride. Just like the Southern Rim, you need to make reservations now.

Phantom Ranch -- This hike-in /mule-in cabin camp is located at the foot of the canyon. You need reservations well in advance, but you don't need to bring much: You'll have a bed and food provided to you. It's an all-day ride or a serious hike, but you'll be in a portion of the canyon that few ever see. I believe trips to Phantom Ranch originate from the Southern Rim only.

Western Rim -- Unlike the others, this is not part of the national parks; rather, this is owned by the Havasupi indian tribe. You may've seen the Sky Bridge (do I have that name right?) on the news; they spend millions for this glass bridge so you can feel like you're standing in mid-air over the canyon. Walking on it is very expensive. Their nicest facilities are all at the bottom of the canyon, so you must be in good enough shape to make the walk -- or you can hire a ride on a mule, or -- if your pockets are deep enough -- on a helicoptor. They have only one hotel, but they have waterfalls and swimming areas that are wonderful.

 

[roadtripper]

Not sure what kind of a budget you're on, but we LOVED the Kachina Lodge on the South Rim--gorgeous views of the canyon for about 180/night. More than we would usually spend, but so worth it! Also loved breakfast at Bright Angel Lodge--next door. Great skillet meals.

 

[NinaBella]

Not sure what kind of recommendations you are asking for? Would be a great camping adventure and camping can be budget friendly.

 

[Mickey'sfriend]

Check out the Grand Canyon National Park site.


http://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm

 

[rmonty02]

Here on the dis, in the California then California and the West threads there are several threads on Grand Canyon vacations. Sorry I can't post link but I have been reading the threads on Disers experiences on The Grand Canyon and they have been very insightful good luck.

 

[Embel]

Thank you so much for the suggestions. I am really in the very beginning stages and I didn't even know about the different rims, so thanks for the explanation!

 

[hsmamato2]

on the south rim there are various types of lodging... we stayed in one of the cabin types places right near the rim,for about 100 a night- it is totally worth it to stay right in the national park. plus they also have a cafeteria for dinner which is not to pricey and easy for meals.

 

[LoveBWVVBR]

How many days,nights would you allot for seeing the grand canyon? I thought we could do a timeshare swap into Vegas to save on lodgings and then spring for the helicoptor tour of the Grand Canyon. Is that not enough? Seeing the ranger programs, different hikes, etc. makes me think that just doing a helicoptor tour would not be adequate.

 

[3boymthr]

There are tons of option staying at the Grand Canyon.

South Rim is definitely the most popular, in part because there are many many more accommodation options than on the North Rim. The North Rim supposedly has the better views (don't know as we visited the South Rim) but you are limited on accommodations.

You can stay in the park or you can stay outside of the park on the South Rim. If you can swing it financially I'd say go for it on the staying in the park. We were on a limited budget but are very very glad we stayed in the park. We were able to get up right at sunrise and walk to the rim to start hiking. We hiked the Rim Trail as a family - totally doable by any family - my youngest was 4 at the time.

On a plus side there's no fee for parking if you are staying in the park. Also on the plus side, you can watch sunset/sunrise over the canyon. Another plus, all accommodations in the park are walking distance to the Rim. We stayed in the cheapest hotel room they offered and it was really nice inside.

On a down side food in the park is VERY expensive. Donkey Rides down into the canyon are also pricey - but depending upon the ages/weight of your family this may not be possible anyway. One of the reasons we hiked was because my kids were below the minimum age for riding on the donkeys.

Double check but it used to be that once you were in the park they offered free bus transportation to all the viewing sites.

 

[DCbride]

We did a trip flying into Phoenix, stayed a few days in Scottsdale. Then drove to Grand Canyon, spent the day, saw the sunset, then drove to Flagstaff for the night. I think it was a Springhill Suite or something, for less than $100. We are not hikers, so about 5 hours was enough for us to walk around the South Rim.

 

[bearzabout]

Bright Angel Lodge had the cheapest rooms when we were there. Shared bath is cheapest, but a room with a private bath is under $100. There is no view from the room, but the lodge location is fantastic - on the rim next to El Tovar.

We buy a cheap styrofoam cooler, snacks, drinks and breakfast items from Walmart and buy sub sandwiches from Subway with dressings on the side. There are a few in Flagstaff.

It is worth the cost to stay in the park. We love to go to the ranger talk in the evening. We drove out of the park late at night one time and almost hit an elk in the road. Dusk is the best time to spot them, but driving the roads after dark is a bit scary because of the wildlife.

 

[aliceindisneyland]

We made an easy day trip to the South Rim from Phoenix and spent only the park entry fee and about $1.50 on postcards for the kids. [We took a picnic lunch in a cooler.]
Grand Canyon In a Day Pinterest board We did all of this with two kids -- plus stopped at every photo op along the South Rim -- and were home in Phoenix before bed time.
Unless you are serious hikers and/or want to take several days to go all around (which is neat, don't get me wrong!), a half day trip is all you need to take in the amazing views.

 

[MrsPete]

How many days,nights would you allot for seeing the grand canyon? I thought we could do a timeshare swap into Vegas to save on lodgings and then spring for the helicoptor tour of the Grand Canyon. Is that not enough? Seeing the ranger programs, different hikes, etc. makes me think that just doing a helicoptor tour would not be adequate.

A day trip out of Vegas is enough to give you a look at the canyon, but that's all you'll get: A look.

If you stay at the canyon, the ranger programs and other activities are great -- we really enjoyed learning about the mule-eared deer and the condors. We were at the Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim for July 4th, and they had a parade, which turned into a gigantic water fight (they gave the kids super-squirter type water guns), and for my kids, it was one of the highlights of the entire western trip. Riding the mules turned out to be terrifying, but I'm glad we did it. And at the North Rim, everyone gathers on the magnificent stone patio to watch the sun go down. The staff lights a fire in a fireplace big enough for me to walk into, and drinks are served.

The question is, do you want a Vegas trip with a side-trip to the Grand Canyon . . . or do you want to visit the Grand Canyon? They won't be the same vacation at all.

You said it's a budget trip: Be aware that the Grand Canyon is a bit pricey. The national parks pretty much have a lock on things, and that means they can charge high prices. The South Rim has chain hotels and restaurants outside the gate that will cost less than inside the park. Remember, location, location, location. They can charge more for it.

 

[hsmamato2]

Phoenix is about 3 hours away..... that is a pretty long day..... That is why I recommend at least one night in budget lodging right near the south rim.... there is nothing like those evening walks/early morning experiences to really get the feel of this place....I also feel like rushing a visit would be a little sad.... I spent 2 nights,and I am going back later this year for more......

 

[jm0925]

Any suggestions, web sites, etc would be appreciated. Thanks!

We were just there on Thanksgiving. It was amazing. If you are going to the south rim, there is a lovely Best Western Premier with a fabulous breakfast buffet, a bowling alley, arcade and restaurant. It's only a few minutes from the park entrance. It's a great hotel for families. We found that you can drive around the rim and find beautiful areas to look at the canyon and take pictures without crowds of people being around.

Just an FYI, the glass overlook into the canyon is really pricey. It's like 75 or 85 a person. They give you fifteen minutes to look and don't allow pictures. We skipped that plus it was 4 hours away from where we stayed. The front desk staff at the hotel warned us.

 

[Pooh2]

What the best time of year to visit the Grand Canyon (pleasant weather and lower crowds)?

 

[3boymthr]

We went in July and the weather was very pleasant - sunny, temps in the low 80s BUT we did not descend into the canyon. I'm sure it was much hotter if you got down to the bottom of the canyon.

My parents went in early November and thought it was wonderful then. The crowds were low and temps were in the 60s. They wore long sleeves and light jackets. Again, they did not descend into the the canyon just stayed on the Rim.

 

[Pooh2]

We went in July and the weather was very pleasant - sunny, temps in the low 80s BUT we did not descend into the canyon. I'm sure it was much hotter if you got down to the bottom of the canyon.

My parents went in early November and thought it was wonderful then. The crowds were low and temps were in the 60s. They wore long sleeves and light jackets. Again, they did not descend into the the canyon just stayed on the Rim.

Thanks! November might be a good time for me then!

 

[MMitchell29]

We were just there on Thanksgiving. It was amazing. If you are going to the south rim, there is a lovely Best Western Premier with a fabulous breakfast buffet, a bowling alley, arcade and restaurant. It's only a few minutes from the park entrance. It's a great hotel for families. We found that you can drive around the rim and find beautiful areas to look at the canyon and take pictures without crowds of people being around.

Just an FYI, the glass overlook into the canyon is really pricey. It's like 75 or 85 a person. They give you fifteen minutes to look and don't allow pictures. We skipped that plus it was 4 hours away from where we stayed. The front desk staff at the hotel warned us.

If you don't mind me asking a couple of questions I would really appreciate it. So I think I decided that I want to spend my 45th birthday in the grand canyon. It is in May and it seems like the resorts inside the Canyon are all booked up. You mentioned the Best Western which I assume is outside the Canyon so is there a shuttle to take you to the Canyon or did you guys have a rental already?
Did you drive to Arizona or took a plane ?
How many days did you visit ? Thanks in advance