Considering our Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, it’s easy to understand why so many people want to see it in person. According to Thrillist, Grand Canyon National Park is among the 20 most popular national parks in the U.S. Here are some of the reasons why:
Boasting just under six million visitors in 2019 (and as an average), the Grand Canyon is second in popularity only to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Flickr/Grand Canyon National Park - NPS Photo/Michael Quinn Even more impressive, people often simply drive through the latter en route to one of many nearby destinations - which means the Grand Canyon might actually be the winner regarding park tourism itself.
The park spans over a million acres, which means the opportunities for exploration are as good as endless.
Flickr/Grand Canyon National Park - NPS/M. Quinn From ziplining to whitewater rafting on the Colorado River, there’s so much to do.
Hiking is arguably the most popular activity in the Grand Canyon, with over 350 miles of established trails winding through the park.
Flickr/Bernard Spragg. NZ The trails vary a great deal in length and difficulty, so all ages and skill levels can find a suitable adventure.
If you’re feeling particularly brave, you can walk out on the translucent Grand Canyon Skywalk suspended over the open air.
Flickr/Dileep Eduri Just a few words of advice: don’t look down (or do… it’s exhilarating).
Looking to extend your stay overnight? You’re in luck, as there are many different campgrounds, cabins, and lodges to choose from.
Flickr/Grand Canyon National Park - NPS/M. Quinn Whether you prefer roughing it in the backcountry or enjoying modern creature comforts, rest assured you’ll find accommodations befitting your needs.
One of the best things about the Grand Canyon is that there simply isn’t a bad time to visit.
Flickr/Grand Canyon National Park - NPS/M.Quinn While certain areas are closed during the winter months, the park is always open in some capacity.
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is usually open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, while the North Rim is closed between December 1 and May 15.
Google Maps Click here for more information.
What’s your favorite thing about the Grand Canyon? Tell us in the comments section below, and check out our previous article to learn more about one particular trail in the park, Bright Angel Trail, that just so happens to be one of the most dangerous hikes in the world.
Flickr/Grand Canyon National Park - NPS Photo/Michael Quinn
Even more impressive, people often simply drive through the latter en route to one of many nearby destinations - which means the Grand Canyon might actually be the winner regarding park tourism itself.
Flickr/Grand Canyon National Park - NPS/M. Quinn
From ziplining to whitewater rafting on the Colorado River, there’s so much to do.
Flickr/Bernard Spragg. NZ
The trails vary a great deal in length and difficulty, so all ages and skill levels can find a suitable adventure.
Flickr/Dileep Eduri
Just a few words of advice: don’t look down (or do… it’s exhilarating).
Whether you prefer roughing it in the backcountry or enjoying modern creature comforts, rest assured you’ll find accommodations befitting your needs.
Flickr/Grand Canyon National Park - NPS/M.Quinn
While certain areas are closed during the winter months, the park is always open in some capacity.
Google Maps
Click here for more information.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
National Park to Visit in Arizona January 15, 2022 Tori Jane What are some fun things to do outside in Arizona? Arizona is an amazing state – even when it’s super-hot outside! In fact, Arizona is one of those states where you can do ridiculously fun things year-round, rain or shine, sun or snow. For example, hiking is excellent year-round, and depending on what kind of landscapes you prefer, it’s readily available. Every single city, town, state park, national park, and recreational region is going to have amazing hiking trails at the ready. You can also tube the Salt River, head up north to go skiing or snowboarding, or head to any town or city park to enjoy the outdoors without going too far from home. Check out the amazing Desert Botanical Garden and learn about some of Arizona’s most interesting environments and the critters and plants that thrive there. Go on a tour of an old mining town, visit wild burros in the town of Oatman, and eat at an old restaurant in Cottonwood. Honestly, the possibilities are only as limited as your own imagination! What are the best short and sweet hiking trails in Arizona? There are plenty of trails that we’d consider “short and sweet”, meaning, in this case, one mile or less in length. Did you know that one of Arizona’s most famous hiking trails – Bell Rock Loop – is only 0.8 miles long? Yep – not even one mile to see some of the most amazing views in the southwest. Antelope Canyon, in far northern Arizona, is also short, coming in at just 0.6 miles long. Hiding within Coconino National Forest nearby Sedona is the Raven Caves trail, which is half a mile of splendid landscapes and interesting surroundings. As for the Phoenix area, check out Hole in the Rock Trail, which is just 0.3 miles in length and leads to some truly unbeatable panoramic views of the city! For more of our favorite hiking trails in Arizona, check out this list of 12 of them – one for each month of the year!
The OIYS Visitor Center
National Park to Visit in Arizona
January 15, 2022
Tori Jane
What are some fun things to do outside in Arizona? Arizona is an amazing state – even when it’s super-hot outside! In fact, Arizona is one of those states where you can do ridiculously fun things year-round, rain or shine, sun or snow. For example, hiking is excellent year-round, and depending on what kind of landscapes you prefer, it’s readily available. Every single city, town, state park, national park, and recreational region is going to have amazing hiking trails at the ready. You can also tube the Salt River, head up north to go skiing or snowboarding, or head to any town or city park to enjoy the outdoors without going too far from home. Check out the amazing Desert Botanical Garden and learn about some of Arizona’s most interesting environments and the critters and plants that thrive there. Go on a tour of an old mining town, visit wild burros in the town of Oatman, and eat at an old restaurant in Cottonwood. Honestly, the possibilities are only as limited as your own imagination! What are the best short and sweet hiking trails in Arizona? There are plenty of trails that we’d consider “short and sweet”, meaning, in this case, one mile or less in length. Did you know that one of Arizona’s most famous hiking trails – Bell Rock Loop – is only 0.8 miles long? Yep – not even one mile to see some of the most amazing views in the southwest. Antelope Canyon, in far northern Arizona, is also short, coming in at just 0.6 miles long. Hiding within Coconino National Forest nearby Sedona is the Raven Caves trail, which is half a mile of splendid landscapes and interesting surroundings. As for the Phoenix area, check out Hole in the Rock Trail, which is just 0.3 miles in length and leads to some truly unbeatable panoramic views of the city! For more of our favorite hiking trails in Arizona, check out this list of 12 of them – one for each month of the year!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Arizona is an amazing state – even when it’s super-hot outside! In fact, Arizona is one of those states where you can do ridiculously fun things year-round, rain or shine, sun or snow. For example, hiking is excellent year-round, and depending on what kind of landscapes you prefer, it’s readily available. Every single city, town, state park, national park, and recreational region is going to have amazing hiking trails at the ready. You can also tube the Salt River, head up north to go skiing or snowboarding, or head to any town or city park to enjoy the outdoors without going too far from home. Check out the amazing Desert Botanical Garden and learn about some of Arizona’s most interesting environments and the critters and plants that thrive there. Go on a tour of an old mining town, visit wild burros in the town of Oatman, and eat at an old restaurant in Cottonwood. Honestly, the possibilities are only as limited as your own imagination!
What are the best short and sweet hiking trails in Arizona?
There are plenty of trails that we’d consider “short and sweet”, meaning, in this case, one mile or less in length. Did you know that one of Arizona’s most famous hiking trails – Bell Rock Loop – is only 0.8 miles long? Yep – not even one mile to see some of the most amazing views in the southwest. Antelope Canyon, in far northern Arizona, is also short, coming in at just 0.6 miles long. Hiding within Coconino National Forest nearby Sedona is the Raven Caves trail, which is half a mile of splendid landscapes and interesting surroundings. As for the Phoenix area, check out Hole in the Rock Trail, which is just 0.3 miles in length and leads to some truly unbeatable panoramic views of the city! For more of our favorite hiking trails in Arizona, check out this list of 12 of them – one for each month of the year!
