Grand Canyon Trip Planning

[johnpozey]

Planning a trip for 4 (2 adults 2 teens) next Spring. Any suggestions on where to stay and things that you have to do? From what I am reading there are ton of options. Was thinking of renting a cabin in the Canyon then do hiking/rafting/other?

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I would start at Nat Park's website. It will provide links to all their logding options. Keep in mind that during peak times (summer) it sells out quickly. Dates are released to book 1 yr in advance so if you're planning for this summer it might be tough.

Regrettably, we only spent 1 day there, arriving by GC Railroad since we were spending the week at a timeshare in Sedona. I wish we had spent more time, at least a few nights, and maybe do a rafting trip.
I did look this up in our trip planning and a lot of rafting trips were 3+ days in length. Dh really wanted to ride the train which cut into our day quite a bit, not even enough time for a 1 day raft trip.

Have a great time; it's jaw-dropping gorgeous!!!

 

[hsmamato2]

we visited for 2 nights....kind of wish I had stayed 3 now....just the south rim,it was beyond lovely of course.... I recommend staying in the park somewhere,I think thunderbird lodge was right near the edge..... lots of good hiking/walking and views!

 

[fauna74]

We also did the train ride to the GC a few years ago. The big negative to this was that the train ride is fairly boring (I was expecting some nice scenery, but it's mostly high plains scrub brush). So, unless you or someone in your party LOVES trains it seems like a waste of 2+ hours.

However the big positive about it is if you book the package thru AAA you can stay a night or two at the GC. I forget the name of the hotel, but it's on the south rim across from the Bright Angel (so, no canyon views from the hotel).

Because the hotel puts rooms aside specifically for the Train Package we were able to book only a few months out for Spring Break.

So, that might be an option for you if you can't find lodging.

Btw, the drive from Williams (where the train is) to Sedona had Breathtaking scenery.

 

[lukikam]

You really need to stop by and see Sedona on your way - it's gorgeous, rivals the Grand Canyon, IMHO. P.M. me and I'll send you lots of tips of what restaurants to go to! (We live in Cottonwood, about 15 minutes outside of Sedona.)

 

[tchrrx]

If it's in your budget for this trip, I highly recommend the Adventures by Disney trip that covers Sedona, the Grand Canyon, & Moab.

I thought two days at the Grand Canyon was plenty. We did our rafting in Moab after visiting Monument Valley. I completely agree with the PP that said Sedona is amazing. I loved it!

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

OP, if you can get El Tovar hotel it's very nice. Right at the south rim; you just walk outside & there's your view. We stopped in to use their lobby bathroom & I was wishing we were staying there.

 

[2ndStarr]

I would definitely make time for a swim at Havasu Falls (Havasupai). There are lots of beautiful water falls around, but this one is amazing for swimming.

 

[lovemygoofy]

If you want to stay in the actual park, you need to book as far in advance as you can. The hotels book very quickly. Usually the only hotel with openings at the last minute is the hotel with no a/c and depending on when you go, you could be hating life.

We are going at the end of this month for 2 nights but staying in Williams, AZ which is a little over an hour drive. Tusayan, AZ is right outside the South Rim and depending on when you go the rates can be quite expensive.

We are doing a pink jeep 3 hour tour one day and we booked a boat tour (its just a floater not a white water rafting tour) for the following day.I booked the pink jeep tour even though it is double the cost of the one offered by the park because the jeeps go different routes and not so crammed like the bus. I chose to book in Williams, AZ because I wanted to stay on Route 66. The whole town kinda looks like Radiator Springs!

The grand canyon website is very help and the trip advisor site about the grand canyon breaks down all the hotels in the area quite well.

 

[hsmamato2]

keep checking the xanterra website...it is SO worth it to stay in the park!

 

[jperrot1]

We stayed (camped) in the North Rim which was very quiet with few people. You drove for miles through practically nothing to get to the North Rim. It was a great experience. I believe there are cabins for rent there also.

 

[lindsey]

We stayed in a cabin on north rim many years ago and LOVED it.