Funny Meme Even a Red Wood Looks Small in the Grand Canyon

Unless you're that aunt who says this wonder of the world is but a hole in the ground, it's hard not to be impressed by some of the best Grand Canyon views out there.

If you're able, it's definitely pretty awesome to hike down into the canyon to see the rim from below. Even if you're just looking for the best panoramas from above, the Grand Canyon's got plenty of that.

Check out this guide to the best Grand Canyon views, including 20 spots for you to choose from on your visit to this national park.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I won't recommend something I have not used/would not use myself, and any income earned supports the upkeep of this site.

The Grand Canyon: Tips Before You Go

Grand Canyon National Park is best experienced with some prep work, even if you're just there to check out some of the best views at the Grand Canyon. Read through these tips before you go.

What is the best month to visit the Grand Canyon? The best months to visit the Grand Canyon are those shoulder months around the peak summer season. We visited in March and enjoyed blue skies and excellent temps.

The fall months typically promise balmy daytime temperatures as well, making for excellent hiking into the canyon if that's on your agenda.

If you visit in the summer, be prepared to share that rail space with loads of tourists.

Where's the best place to stay to see the Grand Canyon? If you'd like to stay inside the park for the easiest access to those views, you have a few options. Those visiting the North Rim can stay at the Grand Canyon Lodge.

If you're visiting the South Rim, you have six different lodges to choose from in the Grand Canyon Village.

We stayed in Flagstaff the night before our day trip to the Grand Canyon (it's about an hour-and-a-half away) but the town of Tusayan is just outside the park's south entrance. It's a great option for those on a budget seeking Grand Canyon hotels.

Check out options for both from Booking.com:

Where to Stay in Flagstaff

• Little America Hotel Flagstaff
• Peaks Wildernest
• Starlight Pines Bed & Breakfast

Where to Stay in Tusayan

• Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn
• The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon
• Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon

Interested in more space, kitchen access, etc.? The options below are my picks from Vrbo, my preferred Airbnb alternative:

Where to Stay in Flagstaff

• Contemporary Downtown Guest Suite
• Downtown Flagstaff Bungalow
• Historic Downtown Carriage House

Where to Stay Closer to the Grand Canyon

• Casa Sublime on 36 Acres (Valle)
• Grand Canyon Bungalow (Tusayan)
• Off-Grid Cabinette (Valle)

Which rim is the best view of the Grand Canyon? The South Rim is the most popular section of the park. I'd argue that despite the crowds, the views here are worth it.

If you want to get away from it all, though, the North Rim is where it's at.

Note: Don't assume that you can be all breezy and see both rims in easy fashion. There are about 215 miles of driving in between the two, so you'll need to choose one if you're short on time.

If that's just not off-the-beaten path for you, Grand Canyon West, owned and operated by the Hualapai Indian Tribe is another option.

Grand Canyon East isn't an official designation from the park service, but noteworthy highlights near the canyon's east rim include the Little Colorado River Gorge and both the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon.

What is the prettiest part of Grand Canyon? The South Rim's views are most often considered the prettiest in the Grand Canyon.

This side of the park is more developed, for sure, but you'll find that the views you'll see from spots like Hopi Point are more than pretty…they're spectacular.

What should you not miss at the Grand Canyon? If you have the time, hit the trails to lose the crowds and get up close and personal with this special place.

The Bright Angel Trail, South Kaibab Trail, and Hermit Trail are excellent options to start.

The Grand Canyon is easy enough to see on in a self-guided fashion, but if you'd like to check out some of the fun Grand Canyon tours available to you, check out the highly-rated options below:

The Best Grand Canyon Views You Shouldn't Miss

Finding the best spot to see the Grand Canyon is tough work, so I enlisted the help of some friends.

You'll see information from other travel bloggers in addition to my own here to give you a broad idea of where you should go for the best scenic views. The South Rim and the Grand Canyon North Rim are both represented here.

If you'd like a map of all of these viewpoints, check out the Google map link below. I'm a giver!

GIMME THAT GRAND CANYON VIEWPOINTS MAP!

Mather Point (South Rim)

This submission is courtesy of Daphna from A Tiny Trip. A Tiny Trip is a family travel blog encouraging you take trips both big and tiny.

What is the most popular view of the Grand Canyon? Mather Point is considered by most Grand Canyon enthusiasts to be the most popular view of the Grand Canyon.

Mather Point on the Grand Canyon South Rim is most definitely one of the best viewpoints you can get.

The viewing area juts out into the canyon so that when you look to the side you can see other hikers that are further into the canyon.

The scale of these tiny little people on the background of the rocks gives you an amazing sense of wonder as you observe the enormity that is the Grand Canyon.

To get to Mather Point you can just walk on over from the visitor center. Yes, just park in the parking lot and walk a few steps. Even better, this location has shuttle buses to get to other areas so this can be a super easy way to get an amazing view with no effort involved.

There are fences all along, so that you can enjoy the view without worrying about safety, especially if you are visiting the Grand Canyon with kids.

Crowds will be worst in the summer, but you can beat them by arriving early in the day.

Yavapai Point (South Rim)

This submission is courtesy of Uprooted Traveler, a blog run by Jess and Justin, two wanderers who love good beer, delicious vegan food and the best hiking trails.

Yavapai Point offers arguably some of the most stunning panoramas in the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, with unobstructed views up and down the gorge.

From the overlook, you're provided a breathtaking vista of the Colorado River to the north, Plateau Point to the west, and a long thin ridge from Ooh Aah Point.

You'll even be able to spot the small settlement of Desert View off in the distance towards the eastern rim.

To get here, you can either walk a quick 0.8-mile path from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center or alternatively, you can snag a parking spot in Yavapai Point's own parking lot. Just get here early if that's what you're planning; the parking lot is tiny!

Fun fact: Those early wakeup calls are worth it here. The sunrises are spectacular!

If you have more time, be sure to make a stop at the Yavapai Observation Station, which sells books and other souvenirs and has interesting informative displays about Grand Canyon geology.

The Bright Angel Trail (South Rim)

This submission is courtesy of Francesca from Homeroom Travel. Francesca is a history teacher and frequent traveler who loves sharing not only her love for travel, but all that she learns along the way.

The Bright Angel Trail offers one of the best views of the Grand Canyon. This moderate to strenuous trail is not for anyone who hates hiking, as the hike back up to the top will kick your butt.

The entire Bright Angel Trail is 12 miles round trip, but you can opt to just hike part of it.

To reach this trailhead, you will want to park in the Backcountry Information Center Lot. From there, it is about a 5-minute walk to the trailhead. For some of the best views along the trail, I recommend hiking to the rest house, which is about 1.5 miles into the canyon.

Once at the rest house area, there are several areas where you can get awesome views of the canyon. The best is from a  huge rock a little further down.

This area is why the hike is so worth the effort!

Note: There is no shade or water along the trail, so this one isn't recommended in the summer. In the winter, the path gets snowy. This is a great trail for fall or springtime when the weather is mild.

The Bright Angel Trail is one of the best Grand Canyon hikes, but that means it can get crowded. Start early in the day to beat the crowds.

Hopi Point (South Rim)

This well-trafficked South Rim overlook is a popular one at both sunrise and sunset, so be prepared to share those spectacular sights with amateur photographers…or the professionals as well, I suppose.

Take in five different views of the Colorado River here and panoramic views of the canyon. You'll be closer to the canyon here than anywhere else on the South Rim in a way, as the viewpoint juts out farther into the canyon than the others.

Access Hopi Point from scenic Hermit Road. If you're visiting from March to November, you can take the free shuttle that picks up travelers from Bright Angel Lodge.

Mohave Point (South Rim)

This submission is courtesy of Melissa from Navigation Junkie, a blog full of family travel and adventure tips to help you plan your next trip.

Mohave Point lies along Hermit Road Route on the South Rim. It's known as one of the best points for views of the Colorado River and the Salt Creek, Granite, and Hermit rapids.

Mohave Point is also a great option for viewing the sunset. It is less crowded than nearby Hopi Point, but still provides spectacular views.

Mohave Point can be reached via the free Grand Canyon shuttle on the red line from March to November or via private vehicle in the winter months.

Fun fact: You're in the Grand Canyon, so hiking may be on your mind! You can also reach Mohave Point by hiking the paved 3-mile Rim Trail from the village area.

The best time of year to visit Mohave Point is early spring to avoid the summer crowds. If you don't mind the cold and snow, the winter months will see even fewer crowds and the cliffs and rock formations dusted with snow.

Ooh Aah Point (South Rim)

This submission is courtesy of Kate from Our Escape Clause, a blog dedicated to helping travelers plan their adventures, especially if they're visiting Italy.

Located less than a mile from the South Kaibab trailhead, the Grand Canyon South Rim's Ooh Aah Point delivers one of the best views of the Grand Canyon in return for a fairly low time commitment.

As a bonus, it's one of the easiest hikes into the Grand Canyon, though, of course, there's no such thing as an easy hike into the canyon. The climb out is always brutal, no matter how short!

As you descend down the South Kaibab trail toward Ooh Aah Point, you'll be treated to sweeping views of the canyon.

Ooh Aah Point is the perfect place to stop for a rest and a snack, whether you plan to continue further into the Grand Canyon or turn around and head back after enjoying the view.

Yaki Point (South Rim)

Remote by South Rim standards, Yaki Point is a popular viewing spot for intrepid travelers looking for less competition at sunrise and sunset.

From here, take in views of Cremation Creek and the surrounding mesas. You'll see glimpses of a variety of trails from here, too, almost beckoning you to join the suckers making the climb down into the canyon.

I'm kidding, guys.

Hiking into the canyon is a special experience, and if you're able, you should make the time to check it out, if only for a couple hundred feet.

To get here, you'll either need to do some walking or use the park's shuttle system. The orange shuttle from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center will take you right to the point; it's the stop right after the South Kaibab Trailhead.

Hikers interested in the 6.5-mile South Kaibab Trail can get to Yaki Point that way, as well. The viewpoint is at the easternmost part of the route.

Grandview Point (South Rim)

The story checks out at Grandview Point, as it is indeed quite the grand view.

This is the southernmost point of the Grand Canyon's South Rim. From here, take in colorful canyon walls and follow the Colorado River with your gaze. You can see the canyon all the way from east to west here.

If you have the time for a day hike, consider hiking the classic Grandview Trail, 12.5 miles that should be on any hiker's bucket list. The trail is long and steep, so beginner hikers need not apply.

Access the viewpoint from Desert View Drive.

Moran Point (South Rim)

One of the most popular viewpoints along the South Rim, Moran Point shows off more of the Colorado River, the Colorado Butte, and the Red Canyon. If you look across the canyon, Cape Royal is what you'll be looking at.

The North Rim lookout is pretty much directly north of Moran Point.

This one is named after the painter Thomas Moran, who likely felt all kinds of inspiration after his visits here, or his brother, Peter Moran. You'll find both stories online, so I won't judge you for choosing one over the other.

To get here, you'll drive just a few miles east of Grand Canyon Village, just past Grandview Point. Ambitious hikers will have access onto the New Hance Trail from here, 13 miles of heavy-duty descent into the canyon.

Lipan Point (South Rim)

Just off the main Desert View road, Lipan Point is a worthy offshoot to the expansive views you'll be treated to here.

If you've a big fan of water features, Lipan Point offers the best views of the Colorado River; you won't see more of the river elsewhere in the park. Follow the curves of the river as it cuts into the canyon and flows into the inner gorges.

If you're lucky enough to have avoided crowds at this one, take a listen. You may be able to hear the Hance Rapids from here, on top of the birds of prey that like to cruise around these parts looking for a snack.

Navajo Point (South Rim)

This submission is courtesy of Karee at Our Woven Journey, a blog that helps families learn how to plan and afford amazing memory-making adventures.

Is there a bad view of the Grand Canyon?

Probably not, although some are definitely better than others. With the canyon being over 200 miles long, there are quite a few lookout spots for visitors to explore.

Navajo Point is located half a mile west of Desert View, making it one of the last stops for visitors exploring the South Rim from Grand Canyon Village. Its 7,498-foot elevation also makes it the highest point along that rim.

The parking lot is right by the viewing area, which makes this a really easy spot for to drive to. You can see the Desert View Watchtower to the east and part of the Colorado River down below.

Since most of the view is to the west, this is a great location to watch the sunrise. Watch the light hit the canyon walls, the red brightening up your photo session.

Desert View Watchtower (South Rim)

Desert View Point is the easternmost viewpoint on the South Rim, with all kinds of intrigue on top of the sweeping views here.

This viewpoint is host to the Desert View Watchtower, 70 feet of stone that you can climb for 360-degree views.

While it reflects the style of the ancient people here, it's only been standing since 1932. Murals from a Hopi artist decorate the interior.

While near Desert View, you'll have access to all you'll need to fuel up for the rest of your Grand Canyon adventure. By that I mean ice cream shops, sandwiches and shops selling local handicrafts.

All of the amenities also make this one a no-brainer if you're traveling with the kids.

Helicopter Over the South Rim

This submission is courtesy of Noel from This Hawaii Life, which shares the best of Hawaii travel, food, adventure and the fun lifestyle of the islands.

There's nothing like seeing the Grand Canyon from above, and the views are quite spectacular seeing them from a different vantage point.

Most Grand Canyon helicopters follow a standard route from Las Vegas and other nearby towns like Tusayan near the South Rim.

What you get is practically 360 degree views of everything from above, which is quite a spectacular experience. This once-in-a-lifetime flyover experience can be expensive, but you're paying for an experience that you'll never forget.

Flights are usually about 45 minutes at the most, which gives you an opportunity to see the canyon efficiently.

There are a variety of different tour operators that offer a variety of packages. If you're interested in comparison shopping, check out the highly-rated options below:

Cape Final (North Rim)

This submission is courtesy of Meg, a long-time outdoor pro and a freelance travel writer for the outdoors. When she's not exploring, she's writing her top travel tips on her blog, Fox in the Forest.

For many travelers to the North Rim, Cape Final is THE ultimate and final (get it?) viewpoint of the Grand Canyon, especially if what you're looking for is an ultra-secluded spot and beautiful, uninterrupted views all to yourself.

You'll find the Cape Final Trail nestled right on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Take the main road into the park and then take a right at the Cape Final Road junction. Follow the signs until you see the Cape Final parking lot to start the hike.

The Cape Final hike is a short and easy 2-mile trail that offers insane 180-degree, barrier-free views of the canyon.

At the end of the trail, you'll reach Cape Final, which will very likely be completely free of crowds. If you're up for spending a night here, there's actually a campsite right there, but do note you'll need to snag a permit to overnight.

Keep in mind that this half of the Grand Canyon is only open between May 15-Oct. 15 due to weather conditions. You can hike to Cape Final anytime during the open season, but the hike is especially beautiful with practically zero visitors between May and June or September to October.

Cape Royal (North Rim)

A 15-mile drive from the North Rim visitor center and a half mile trek will take you to Cape Royal, the southernmost viewpoint in this region of the park.

The trail to the viewpoint is easy with little elevation gain. Once you're there, take in the cliffs and sandstone and find Wotans Throne, named after a Germanic deity by a nerdy geologist.

East of the mesa sits Freya Castle, a summit at 7,288 feet in elevation.

Royals, gods…what more can you ask for?

Walhalla Overlook (North Rim)

Gaze out at the Echo Cliffs and the Painted Desert with little competition from the crowds of the South Rim at the Walhalla Overlook.

At a lower elevation than most of the other viewpoints in this region of the park, you'll be that much closer to the action here.

You'll have views of the Unkar Delta, once farmed by the Ancestral Puebloans, and access to the Walhalla Glades Pueblo, an ancient structure. A short path will you get you there.

The Walhalla Overlook is about 22 miles from the North Rim visitor center near the southern end of the very scenic Cape Royal Road.

Roosevelt Point (North Rim)

Catch more of the Painted Desert from a higher elevation at Roosevelt Point, named after Theodore Roosevelt.

Roosevelt loved his natural resources, by the way, and you'll find his name all over the parks system.

To get there, you'll drive straight to the pullout on Cape Royal Road. The parking is limited, but you'll deal with much smaller crowds up here. Once there, you'll see a plaque honoring Roosevelt and a short trail to the overlook.

The point doesn't reach out very far with some obstruction from the trees along the ridge, but the warm colors here are worth the trip.

Bright Angel Point (North Rim)

You may actually find some fellow off-the-beaten path revelers at Bright Angel Point, one of the most popular viewpoints along the North Rim.

The viewpoint is less than a mile from the Grand Canyon Lodge along a path that's a short 0.4 miles. Don't let the distance fool you, though. The path is steep, and you're at over 8,100 feet of elevation up here; take your time.

You can look all the way across to the South Rim from here, 1,000 feet lower in elevation. See the effects of erosion on the canyon walls and the end of the Transept Trail, a path that runs along the northern rim.

Point Imperial (North Rim)

Point Imperial is the highest accessible point in the Grand Canyon, and it's spectacular. If you're ambitious, sunrises here are where it's at.

The spire you see in the image above is the top of Mount Hayden, his sandstone hat if you will. Look beyond and you'll see miles and miles of canyon, rising from the ground and touching the sky.

Point Imperial is also the northernmost viewpoint in the region. To get there from the north entrance, take Highway 67 until you hit Fuller Canyon Road. Turn left and drive until you hit the generous parking area.

From the parking area, you can take a short path to the actual overlook. See the Echo and Vermilion cliffs, the Marble Canyon and edges of the Little Colorado River.

Toroweap Overlook (North Rim)

Toroweap isn't the highest viewpoint in the Grand Canyon, but it's one of the most stunning overlooks you'll have access to along the North Rim. The canyons here are narrow but deep, allowing you to see the detail along those canyon walls and the river below.

The road here is no joke, though. You'll have to travel 61 miles along an unpaved road to a viewpoint with no facilities to speak of.

I can barely make 3 miles along bumpy stretches before desperation for bathroom facilities hits.

The point is, you need to know what you're doing here and traveling in a rugged enough vehicle that can handle the journey.

This region is known for glorious views and flat tires.

Did I miss any of the best views of the Grand Canyon? Grand Canyon fans, share your favorites with me in the comments!

Photo credits: A Tiny Trip (2), Uprooted Traveler (3), Homeroom Travel (4), Pierre-Luc Beaudoin / 500px (5), Navigation Junkie (6), Hue Nguyen (7), PeterOA (8), tonda (10, 21), Our Woven Journey (12), Noel Morata (14), Fox in the Forest (15), desertsolitaire (16), Pancaketom (17, 20), YinYang (18),  lesmcglasson (19)

Ready for the Grand Canyon?

Your Flight:I use a variety of tools to find cheap airfare, but if you're looking to book during a particular period of time, especially during busy times (e.g. school breaks), you should useSkyscanner.

It's a great tool for when you're more flexible, too, as it allows you to compare travel based on length of travel, departure date, etc.

You have a few airports to choose from depending on which section you're targeting. The main transportation hubs are Las Vegas and Phoenix. A smaller airport in Flagstaff is about an hour drive from the South Rim.

A car will allow you to find your own best Grand Canyon viewpoint most efficiently. You can check prices on car rentals before you head out on a site likeHotwire orPriceline.

Your Accommodations: I recommend bothBooking.com andHotels.com as your main options for booking accommodations, and Vrbo as an Airbnb alternative. Hostelworld is a great option for travelers on a budget.

Scroll on up for my picks on the best hotels for a Grand Canyon stay.

Etc.: For general travel goodies, visit myFavorite Things page. For more information on planning your travel, visit myTravel Tools page.

The best time to go to the Grand Canyon is now…or later. Pin me!

LOOKING FOR MORE ARIZONA CONTENT?

A Complete Guide to Arizona Trip Planning

20 Things to Do in Sedona

15 Best Sedona Hikes That Are Worth the Sweat

An Honest Guide to Tombstone, Arizona

UTAH'S PRETTY AWESOME, TOO…

A Road Trip Guide to Utah: Salt Lake City to the Mighty 5

A Guide to Capitol Reef National Park

A Guide to Arches National Park

A Guide to Canyonlands National Park

A Guide to Bryce Canyon National Park

Recent Posts

Want to see more?

Subscribe to my biweekly newsletter for hot travel tips I come across, weird stories you won't see elsewhere and perhaps lifelong friendship.

Too much, or just enough?

skowbaboyes.blogspot.com

Source: https://www.travelonthereg.com/best-grand-canyon-views/

Share this post