The Ultimate Family Getaway: Grand Canyon National Park

Located in Northwest Arizona and have been named as a national park, The Grand Canyon is one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world. It is a must visit destination for families looking for breath taking views, adventures and exceptional experiences.

A family trip to Grand Canyon is an opportunity to create memorable memories while experiencing the stunning natural beauty of this incredible wonder of the world. Come join us as we provide you all the information and tips you need to plan for an unforgettable and enjoyable trip with your loved ones. From choosing the right accommodations to the best activities and dining options, we’ve got it covered! Let us help you plan the ultimate family trip to the Grand Canyon!


Accommodations:

The first step to planning a family trip to the Grand Canyon is to decide on your travel dates and the duration of your trip. The Grand Canyon is a popular destination, so it’s best to book your accommodations and activities in advance, especially if you’re planning to visit during peak season. There are several options available, including hotels, resorts, vacation rentals and Airbnb properties. Here are a few suggestions:


10 Albright Street, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023 Phone: 928-638-2631

Located inside the park on the North Rim, this historic lodge offers rustic cabins and stunning views of the canyon. The lodge also features a restaurant, a coffee shop and general store.

Red Feather Lodge PO Box 1460, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023-1460 Reservations: 800-538-2345

These vacation rentals are located in the town of Tusayan, just outside the park’s entrance. The rentals range from studios to three- bedroom apartments and offer fully equipped kitchens and living areas.

El Tovar Road, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023 Phone: 928-638-2631

This historic hotel is located on the South Rim and offers comfortable rooms and fine dining options. The hotel’s dining room is a must-visit, featuring a menu that highlights local and seasonal ingredients.

Western Ranch, 3750 E. Diamond Bar Road, Meadview, AZ 86444 Phone: 800-798-0569

This unique vacation rental option is located just outside the park and offers a true western experience for families. The ranch features rustic cabins, horseback riding, and nightly campfires under the stars.

It’s a good idea to research your options and choose the one that fits your family’s needs and budget. After booking your accommodations,

you can start planning your activities.


Activities:

The Grand Canyon’s breathtaking natural beauty is its main attraction. The Canyon offers stunning views of layered rock formations, vibrant colors and unique geological features that have been formed over millions of years. It offers several outdoor activities for families, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, river rafting and helicopter tours.


River Rafting

River rafting in Grand Canyon is a popular activity that attracts thousands of visitors every year. The Colorado River runs through the Grand Canyon and provides a thrilling and unique way to experience the natural beauty of the park. During a river rafting trip, visitors can expect to see stunning scenery including towering rock formations, waterfalls, and wildlife such as bighorn sheep, eagles, and otters. Many river rafting trips also include stops for hikes, swimming, and even camping overnight.There are several rafting companies that offer guided river trips through Grand Canyon. These companies provide visitors with the opportunity to explore the stunning natural beauty of the canyon from a unique perspective, as they float down the mighty Colorado River. Here are some of the rafting companies that operate in Grand Canyon:

7707 E Acoma Drive, Ste. 103, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Phone: 888-244-2224

This company that offers guided rafting trips on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Their trips range from three to nine days and offer a variety of options for travelers of different ages and abilities. They offer both motorized and non-motorized trips, as well as specialized trips for families with young children, private groups, and more. Their rates starts at $1,400 per person for three-day motorized rafting.

P.O. Box 47788, Phoenix, AZ 85068 Phone: 800-477-7238

A popular Grand Canyon rafting company that has been offering guided rafting trips through the canyon since 1970. They offer both motorized and non-motorized trips, ranging from 3 to 13 days in length, and provide all necessary equipment, including rafts, tents, and sleeping bags. Package starts at $1,500 per person for three-day river trip. Arizona River Runners is a highly regarded and respected Grand Canyon rafting company, offering unforgettable experiences for those who want to explore the beauty of the canyon by raft.

PO Box 2848, Flagstaff, AZ 86003

Phone: 800-343-3121

This company offers a variety of rafting trips, including motorized, non-motorized, and hybrid trips. They also offer specialized trips for families, women-only groups, and more. The company is known for its experienced and knowledgeable guides, who are passionate about sharing the natural beauty and rich history of the Grand Canyon with their guests. They also have a strong commitment to safety, and take all necessary precautions to ensure that their trips are both enjoyable and safe for everyone involved. Price starts at $1,500 per person for three-day rafting trip.


Canyon Hike

Hiking in Grand Canyon provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the stunning natural beauty of the area on foot. With over 350 miles of hiking trails that wind through the park's rugged terrain, there are plenty of options available for hikers of all skill levels.

The is a popular trail that takes you down into the canyon and offers stunning views. The Bright Angel Trail starts in a side canyon, running alongside a colossal fault, which keeps it in the canyon for the initial few miles. The trail's significant elevation change occurs in the upper four miles through a series of switchbacks that seem never-ending. The expansive cliffs offer views that are complemented by a higher degree of shade and natural water sources, supporting a diverse range of plant and animal life. The trail is a great choice if you're interested in geology or wildlife, and you can also expect to encounter mules along the path.

is a hiking trail in Grand Canyon National Park, located in northern Arizona. It is one of the most popular trails in the park due to its stunning views and challenging terrain. The trail begins at Yaki Point, which is accessible only by shuttle bus, and descends steeply into the canyon, offering panoramic views of the surrounding cliffs and valleys. Along the way, hikers will encounter unique rock formations, diverse plant and animal life, and numerous photo opportunities.


Helicopter Tours

Helicopter tours in Grand Canyon is an exciting way to experience the natural wonder of the park from a unique perspective. These tours provide visitors with stunning views of the canyon's rugged landscape, towering rock formations, and winding Colorado River.

Helicopter tours in Grand Canyon are a thrilling and unforgettable experience that provide visitors with a bird's eye view of one of the most stunning natural wonders in the world. There are several helicopter tour options available in Grand Canyon, ranging from short, 15-minute flights to longer, more in-depth tours. Here are a few of the most popular ones:

Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters 1265 Airport Road Grand Canyon, AZ 86023 Phone: (702) 736-7243

It is one of the largest and most popular helicopter companies in the Grand Canyon area. They offer a variety of tour options, including flights over the South, West, and North Rims of the canyon. They also offer combination tours that include helicopter flights, ground tours, and even boat rides. Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters offers a variety of tours at different price points. Some examples of their rates start at $219 per person for North Canyon Helicopter Tour, this 25-30 minutes helicopter tour takes you over the deepest part of the Grand Canyon, with views of the Dragon Corridor and other landmarks. Golden Eagle Tour that starts at $429 per person, This 45-50 minute helicopter tour takes you over the Grand Canyon, which you can view the scenic Hoover Dam and Lake Mead.

107 Corsair Dr, Grand Canyon Nat. Park Airport – Hwy 64, AZ 86023 Phone: 928-638-2622

This company offers a variety of helicopter tours, including flights over the South Rim, the North Rim, and the entire canyon. They also offer combination tours that include helicopter flights and other activities like river rafting and hiking. Maverick Helicopters offers several different tours of the Grand Canyon, each with their own rates. Grand Canyon Spirit Tour starts at $319 per person, you will experience the awe-inspiring Canyon Spirit helicopter tour at the Grand Canyon's South Rim, which offers breathtaking views of the world's largest stand of Ponderosa pines in the beautiful Kaibab National Forest. Start your adventure with a stunning aerial journey above the Kaibab National Forest with their Grand Canyon Dancer Tour for only $289 per person. Note that prices may vary depending on factors such as tour length, time of day, and additional options or upgrades.


Where to eat:

There are many dining options in the Grand Canyon area, from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants. It offers a wide variety of dining options to suit every taste and budget. Here are a few suggestions:


1 El Tovar Road, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023 Phone: 928-638-2631

Located in the Historic El Tovar Hotel, the El Tovar Dining Room offers a fine dining experience with stunning views of the canyon. The menus feature classic American dishes and regional specialties.

Hours of Operation:

  • Breakfast – 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

  • Lunch – 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

  • Dinner – 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

  • Lounge – 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

  • Patio – 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

West Rim Drive, Grand Canyon National Park, AZ Phone: 928-638-2631

Located in the Grand Canyon Village, the Bright Angel Restaurant offers a casual dining experience with a menu of classic American fare and offers indoor and outdoor seating options.

Hours of Operation:

  • 6:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

  • 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (weather permitting)

  • Coffeehouse style. First-come, first-serve.

West Rim Drive, Grand Canyon National Park, AZ Phone: 928-638-2631

If you’re looking for a quick and affordable meal, the Maswik Food Court is a great option. The food court features several stations, including a pizza station, grill station and a salad bar.

Hours of Operation:

  • 6:30 a.m. – 8:00p.m.

  • Food court-style eatery. First-come, first-serve.


Transportation:

There are several transportation options to reach the Grand Canyon. See below for more information.


Grand Canyon Railway Central Reservations  6312 South Fiddlers Green Circle, Suite 600N, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111, USA Phone: 800-843-8724

The Grand Canyon Railway is a historic train ride that has been operating since 1901, taking passengers from Williams, Arizona to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The journey covers a distance of 65 miles and takes approximately two hours and 15 minutes each way.

The Grand Canyon Railway offers a variety of classes of service, including Coach, First Class, and Luxury Parlor. The fare for the Grand Canyon Railway varies depending on the type of class and the time of year you are traveling. The rates for round-trip tickets for adults ranged from $82 to $219, depending on the class of service, with children's fares starting at $51. It's best to check the Grand Canyon Railway website for the most up-to-date pricing and availability.

Shuttle Service

Groome Transportation

2646 E Huntington Dr Flagstaff, AZ 86004 Phone: 928-350-8466

A private shuttle service that provides transportation to and from the Grand Canyon. They offer shared shuttle services as well as private charters to meet the transportation needs of individuals and groups.

Canyon Transportation

7706 Locust St. Midvale, UT 84047 Phone: 801-255-1841

A private shuttle and tour company that provides transportation services to the Grand Canyon area. They offer a variety of transportation options, including shared shuttle services, private charters, and tours to popular destinations in and around the Grand Canyon.

A trip to the Grand Canyon is an experience that should not be missed. From accommodations to activities, transportations and dining options, the Grand Canyon offers everything families need to create unforgettable memories.

By following the tips and information provided in this blog post, your family can enjoy a trip to the Grand Canyon that you will remember for years to come. Start planning your trip today and get ready for an adventure like no other!