Avoid Crowds, See Underrated Sights: Guide to a Grand Canyon Trip (2025)

Cover Photo by Amanda Capritto

TravlSync readers have spoken: The Grand Canyon is their bucket list National Park. We put together an insider guide to making the most of a trip to this iconic location.

In a recent poll, TravlSync readers voted that the Grand Canyon is their top bucket list destination. But navigating the crowds, parking nightmares, and midday heat can turn an awe-inspiring experience into a logistical headache. This guide outlines how to experience the Grand Canyon’s iconic viewpoints and its underrated corners without losing your mind—or your parking spot.

Whether you have one day or a full week, this itinerary-focused guide will help you plan a smarter visit. We’ll share insider tips we’ve gleaned from repeat visits, plus how RVers can take full advantage of dispersed camping, scenic drives, and kid-friendly trails. If you’re planning a national parks road trip, also check out our best summer parks and spring picks.

Go Early—Like, Really Early

Morning is a great time to be in the Canyon. Photo/Amanda Capritto

Sunrise isn’t just magical in the Canyon. It’s strategic. Parking fills up at South Rim viewpoints and trailheads by 8 a.m. in peak season. Want to hike the South Kaibab Trail or snag a shuttle-free spot at Mather Point? Be in line at the park entrance before 6:30 a.m.

Avoid Holidays at All Costs

Holiday weekends = peak insanity. Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day bring shoulder-to-shoulder crowds and multi-hour waits for shuttles. If you’re stuck with holiday travel, stay outside the park and enter well before sunrise or late afternoon. Better yet, check out our nontraditional road trip ideas.

Stay Off the Canyon Floor in Hot Weather (or Be Very Prepared)

Even in winter, temperatures at the bottom of the canyon are warm during the day. Photo/Amanda Capritto

Hiking to the river and back in one day is strongly discouraged in summer months. Temps on the canyon floor can exceed 110°F by 10 a.m. If you insist on a long hike, start before 5 a.m., carry 3+ liters of water per person, and know where you can refill. Consider short out-and-backs like Ooh Aah Point instead.

Try Lesser-Known Hikes

Skip the Bright Angel bottleneck. Try:

• Shoshone Point Trail (picnic tables + views, nearly empty at times)
• Grandview Trail (challenging but typically uncrowded)
• Dripping Springs Trail (off the Hermit trail corridor)

These offer canyon views with far fewer people.

Get Hiking Permits Early. Don’t Plan on Walk-Ups.

Popular routes are even more popular in the spring and summer—this isn’t the park for winging plans. Photo/Amanda Capritto

Backcountry permits go fast, especially for popular routes like Rim-to-Rim and locations like the Bright Angel Campground. You can apply online up to four months in advance. Walk-up permits are limited and competitive, and there’s a significant chance you won’t get the permit you want.

Visit the Surrounding National Forest for Camping and Views

Dispersed camping in Kaibab National Forest just outside the park is free, scenic, and often crowd-free. Much of the forest is easily accessible from the highway leading into Tusayan, but for supreme privacy, look for roads that only allow high-clearance vehicle access. Some spots have direct views into the Canyon and epic stargazing.

Pack the 10 Hiking Essentials

Search and rescue teams are out nearly every day in the summer, on missions to save under-prepared hikers. If hiking into the canyon, be prepared to self-assist and potentially self-rescue if things go wrong. Photo/Amanda Capritto.

Even on short hikes, bring:

1. Navigation tools
2. Headlamp or flashlight
3. Sun protection
4. First-aid supplies
5. Knife or multitool
6. Fire starter
7. Shelter (emergency bivy)
8. Extra food
9. Extra water
10. Extra clothing

Cell service is spotty: Don’t rely on your phone. Download offline maps and let someone know your route.

Sample Itineraries 

Grand Canyon Itinerary: 1 Day

Ideal for: Travelers on a tight schedule, day-trippers from Flagstaff or Williams

• 5:30 a.m.: Arrive at South Entrance
• 6:00 a.m.: Sunrise at Mather Point
• 7:00 a.m.: Hike South Kaibab to Ooh Aah Point
• 9:00 a.m.: Breakfast at El Tovar or your RV
• 10:30 a.m.: Drive Desert View Road, stop at Navajo Point
• 12:30 p.m.: Picnic lunch
• 2:00 p.m.: Visit Tusayan Pueblo and self-guided trail
• 4:00 p.m.: Exit before shuttle crowds

Grand Canyon Itinerary: 3 Days 

Ideal for: RV families or road-trippers who want a mix of hiking and sightseeing 

Day 1:

• Sunrise at Yaki Point
• South Kaibab to Cedar Ridge hike
• Rim Trail walk to Verkamp’s Visitor Center
• Sunset at Hopi Point 

Day 2:

• Drive Desert View Road (stop at all major overlooks for photo-ops)
• Explore Desert View Watchtower
• Afternoon rest / Junior Ranger activities for kids 

Day 3:

• Grandview Trail (partial hike)
• Picnic lunch near Shoshone Point
• Optional IMAX film in Tusayan

Grand Canyon Itinerary: 7 Days

Ideal for: Full RV vacations, digital nomads, or slow travelers 

• Day 1-2: South Rim highlights (Mather Point, Rim Trail, Desert View Drive) 
• Day 3: Hike and camp below the Rim (with permit) 
• Day 4: Return, rest, and explore Tusayan or Kaibab National Forest trails 
• Day 5: Drive to and explore North Rim (May–Oct only) 
• Day 6: Hike Widforss Trail or Cape Final 

Day 7: Return via Kanab, Utah or Zion National Park (if road-tripping)

FAQs

With the right supplies, prior planning, and our insider tips, your Grand Canyon vacation will be unforgettable. Photo/Amanda Capritto

When is the best time to visit the Grand Canyon?

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) have ideal weather and fewer crowds. The North Rim, though, is only open May-October. 

When not to go to the Grand Canyon?

Avoid summer holidays and midday trips in June, July, and August due to heat and crowds. 

What can I see at the Grand Canyon in one day?

In one day, you can see key South Rim viewpoints like Mather Point, do a couple of short hikes (1–2 miles each), and drive part of Desert View Drive.

How much time should I have to see the Grand Canyon?

Plan for a minimum of one full day. Three to seven days is ideal for hiking, camping, or multi-rim travel.

Can you drive your car in Grand Canyon National Park?

Yes, but some roads (like Hermit Road) are shuttle-only in peak season.

Is the Grand Canyon a 1 day trip?

It can be, but staying longer gives you access to lesser-known areas and provides the opportunity to explore this magnificent canyon with more depth.

How much does it cost to visit the Grand Canyon?

It costs $35 per vehicle for a seven-day pass to the Grand Canyon. This covers everyone in your vehicle. The America the Beautiful annual pass is $80, and allows you to access all sites managed by the National Park Service in the country.

What is the prettiest side of the Grand Canyon?

The South Rim has iconic views; the North Rim is more forested and quiet. One is not more beautiful than the other, but the experiences are different: The South Rim can get loud, crowded, and stressful, while the North Rim is much less popular and only open seasonally. 

Is Havasu Falls in the Grand Canyon?

Yes, it’s in a side canyon on Havasupai tribal land. Permits are separate, expensive, and hard to get. Learn more about the Havasupai reservation.

More Must-Reads for National Park Travelers:

• A Must-Do Road Trip Itinerary for Military History Enthusiasts
• Best National Parks to Visit in Winter 
• 5 Best Places to Hike in the Fall 

Pro tip: Cell service is spotty around the Grand Canyon. A multi-carrier cellular hotspot can be the difference between staying connected and being in a dead zone. Learn how TravlFi supports connectivity for travelers.