Where to Stay in Grand Canyon National Park: 9 Best Areas

The Grand Canyon National Park is likely one of the Seven Natural Wonders of The World and as cliché as it would sound, that one truth needs to be sufficient to persuade anybody to make a journey to northwestern Arizona.

The National Park Service (NPS) grants the Grand Canyon National Park the distinction of being the second hottest nationwide park within the United States. Following behind the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina and Tennessee, the Grand Canyon is estimated to see roughly 5.9 million vacationers a 12 months. In 2021, the NPS reported a complete of 4.53 million guests, and for good cause.

The Grand Canyon is split into the North, South, and West Rim. The South Rim is open all 12 months. Ninety % of the park’s yearly vacationers go to the South Rim.

Cities instantly south of the park embody Williams, Tusayan, and Grand Canyon Village. Larger cities farther south embody Flagstaff and Sedona.  

Viewing the Grand Canyon National Park is available in many varieties and fonts. Visitors to the pure marvel can select from a wide range of lodging and thrilling, and oftentimes thrilling, actions.

Whether you wish to tough it within the nice open air inside the borders of the park, improve to a glamping expertise or peer over the sting of the canyon from the consolation of your hotel room, there’s a place to remain for each kind of traveler in and across the Grand Canyon. Keep studying to study the most effective areas and lodging in Grand Canyon National Park.

TL;DR

Best Areas to Stay in Grand Canyon National Park

• Best space for first-timers/vacationers – Grand Canyon Village
• Best space for funds vacationers – Kanab
• Best space for general exploring – Flagstaff
• Best space for households – Williams
• Best space for security and historical past –Tusayan
• Best space for adventurers – Grand Canyon West
• Best space for the highway much less traveled – North Rim
• Best space for luxurious vacationers – Sedona
• Best space for road-tripping – Page

Where to Stay in Grand Canyon National Park

1. Grand Canyon Village: Best Area for First-Timers/Tourists

Grand Canyon Village is probably the most visited space for vacationers looking for journey inside the partitions of Grand Canyon National Park. Open all 12 months spherical, the NPS says the village is the one place the place the railroad reaches the rim of the Grand Canyon. As the closest city to the mouth of the South Rim, Grand Canyon Village is the most effective place to remain in Grand Canyon for first-time guests as all of the motion is simply outdoors your door.

Visitors to the village are sometimes there strictly to go to the Grand Canyon and wish to profit from their time contained in the park. If that’s you, among the finest hikes embody the Rim Trail, Bright Angel Trail, and Grandview Trail.

The Number 1 climbing path within the South Rim is the South Kaibab Trail. The South Kaibab snakes down into the canyon and gives probably the most beautiful views together with visions of limestone layers, rippled sandstone, dizzying drop-offs, and a ridge that makes you’re feeling such as you’re skating alongside the Earth’s backbone.

Those taking part in simpler day hikes within the South Rim and leaving room to discover the remainder of the village will discover a handful of actions that don’t embody strolling. The Grand Canyon Railway Depot, for instance, provides a free shuttle bus, and the Yavapai Geology Museum gives fascinating tidbits of historical past from the topography of the canyon to how vacationers migrated by the desert.

Tourists may get an aerial view of the park in a helicopter or experience deep down into the canyon on the again of a mule as a basic Grand Canyon expertise. Here are among the finest actions to do in Grand Canyon Village:

• Grand Canyon Railway Depot
• South Kaibab Trail or Bright Angel Trail
• Hike Grand Canyon South Rim
• Mather Point
• Take a Guided Ranger Tour in South Rim
• Ride a Mule
• See the View from a Helicopter
• Visit the Yavapai Geology Museum

Besides the most effective array of actions, the village additionally gives among the finest Grand Canyon lodging choices situated straight contained in the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Six resorts are part of the Grand Canyon Lodge model and are situated within the park with El Tovar Hotel, Bright Angel Lodge, Maswik Lodge, Thunderbird Lodge, Kachina Lodge, and Phantom Ranch every on the canyon rim.

Each one provides totally different ranges of hospitality, however all promote out shortly due to the premier location. So reserving prematurely for these Grand Canyon resorts is really useful. Red Feather Lodge, Bright Angel Lodge, Maswik Lodge, and Yavapai Lodge are nice funds choices. Yavapai Lodge rooms are air-conditioned with free parking out entrance.

El Tovar Hotel is a historic lodge situated straight on the rim and was constructed from native limestone and pine bushes. In 1987, El Tovar Hotel was designated as a National Historic Landmark. The Bright Angel Lodge can also be one other registered National Historic Landmark. Kachina Lodge and Thunderbird Lodge are each extra fashionable and up to date.

For these searching for an actual journey, a keep on the Phantom Ranch is a should. The ranch is nestled on the backside of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim alongside the Kaibab Trail and is a great spot to remain in a single day for these trekking on a multi-day hike.

The Grand Hotel at Grand Canyon can also be a pleasant choice simply outdoors of the park entrance. It is the one 3-Diamond Hotel close to the Grand Canyon and gives an indoor pool and sizzling tub. Check out the most effective lodge choices in Grand Canyon Village:

See Related: Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon: What is Better?

2. Tusayan: Best Area for Safety & History

Tusayan is situated only one to 2 miles outdoors of the Grand Canyon space and is likely one of the most secure areas to discover historic historical past. The Grand Canyon Airport can also be situated in Tusayan and provides airplane excursions. This makes it probably the most handy locations to remain close to the Grand Canyon.

Due to its proximity, the city provides a free shuttle bus to take guests into the park and homes the official Arizona State Visitor Information Center. Within strolling distance from the middle is the National Geographic IMAX Theater the place friends can view the historical past of the park. 

The IMAX film mentions the Grand Canyon Tusayan Ruins, which is likely one of the hottest vacationer points of interest within the city. The ruins are an 800-year-old Pueblo Indian website.

NPS considers the spot to be one of many main archaeological websites in Arizona. The Grand Canyon Tusayan Museum holds extra info on the prehistoric tribal website and features a store and handcrafted historic souvenirs. 

Inside the park, guests must also attempt the Hermit Trail, a favourite climbing path that gives entry to a historic space of pure marvel. Guests may go for a jeep tour, experience a horse on the Apache steady and go to the Plaza Bonita. Other enjoyable issues to do in Tusayan embody:

• Discover the Tusayan Ruins
• Watch the IMAX film
• Try among the best hikes in Arizona: Hermit Trail
• Stop by the National Geographic Canyon Visitor Center
• Visit the Desert View Trading Post
• View Guano Point
• Take in spectacular views from the overlook

The two finest Grand Canyon resorts in Tusayan are the Holiday Inn Express and the Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn. Both supply an amazing place to remain close to the Grand Canyon and supply facilities resembling indoor or outside swimming pools and laundry amenities. Any of those locations are positive to reinforce your keep:

3. Williams: Best Area for Families

Just a little additional south of the Grand Canyon Village and Tusayan is the city of Williams. Williams is called a gateway to Grand Canyon National Park and is the proper spot for households with younger youngsters and youths visiting the Grand Canyon.

This northern Arizona metropolis is house to an estimated inhabitants of three,000 residents. Its attraction comes from the flexibility to keep up a small-town really feel whereas nonetheless possessing a handful of enjoyable actions and vacationer points of interest for these visiting the Grand Canyon National Park.

Williams hosts a wide range of animal encounters on the Bearizona Wildlife Park and Grand Canyon Deer Farm. The wildlife park is house to a handful of untamed recreation together with bears, wolves, bison, and elk. Visitors can drive by the park or take a stroll to see the majestic beasts up shut.

After Bearizona, households ought to go to the deer farm. The farm is a well-liked vacation spot for households and young children who wish to work together with smaller species resembling goats, llamas, porcupines, and a zebra-donkey hybrid, which based on the web site is known as a zonkey. 

Williams additionally provides many historic studying alternatives to stimulate extra than simply the senses. The petroglyphs carved into the canyon partitions in Kaibab National Forest exhibit prehistoric life. Kids can be taught in regards to the Old West and watch historic re-enactments on the Wild West Junction.

Visitors to Williams must also take a stroll alongside the historic Route 66. The portion of the freeway in Williams is a two-mile loop of previous submit workplaces, hearth stations, and grocery outlets that at evening flip into an enormous array of old-school neon lights, eating places, and reward outlets. Here’s a listing of the most effective issues to see in Williams:

• See wildlife at Bearizona Wildlife Park
• Ride the Grand Canyon Railway
• Visit Williams Depot
• Feed deer on the Grand Canyon Deer Farm
• Walk within the Downtown Historic District of Williams
• Stroll Route 66
• Check out historic petroglyphs at Kaibab National Forest
• Learn in regards to the Old West at Wild West Junction

Williams resorts embody many name-brand, mid-range locations to select from together with Best Western, Holiday Inn, and Comfort Inn. Budget resorts embody a Super 8 and the Williams AZ Hostel. However, the most effective keep in Williams, or moderately, probably the most distinctive a minimum of, is the Canyon Motel and RV Park.

Guests can keep in an genuine caboose or railcar suite. The motel additionally provides fashionable facilities for campers together with an indoor swimming pool, laundry amenities, playground, and bathtub home. Find the most effective family-friendly lodging choices beneath:

See Related: Best Things to do in Arizona & Places to Visit

4. Flagstaff: Best Area for Overall Exploring

Many of the small cities and cities main as much as the Grand Canyon supply modest housing and actions, however for these visiting the Grand Canyon who need a bit one thing extra, a keep within the mountain city of Flagstaff is the proper choice. Flagstaff is roughly a one-to-two-hour drive to the Grand Canyon however is a a lot bigger metropolis in comparison with its southern counterparts in Williams, Tusayan, and Grand Canyon Village.

Flagstaff provides an enthralling downtown essence with loads of outside actions. For instance, there are six national monuments inside a two-hour drive of Flagstaff. The Walnut Canyon National Monument and Wupatki National Monument each protect historic pueblos. The Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument exhibits the influence of a volcanic eruption, and friends can stroll alongside the Lava Flow Trail.

Flagstaff additionally boasts one of many oldest and most well-known astronomy facilities in Arizona: Lowell Observatory was a serious base for NASA. After its discontinuation, the observatory grew to become a beacon for phenomenal stargazing and studying in regards to the moon. Aside from historic monuments, stargazing, and the good open air, Flagstaff is a contemporary metropolis with a mall, breweries, and a waterpark. Here’s what to do in Flagstaff from outside to indoor actions:

• Check out a panoramic view at Humphrey’s Peak
• See the Walnut Canyon National Monument
• Check out historic volcanic stays at San Francisco Peaks
• Explore Coconino National Forest
• Wupatki National Monument
• Take a tour of Angel’s Gate
• Venture to Little Colorado River Tribal Park in Cameron
• Visit Flagstaff by any bike tour

The finest resorts in Flagstaff supply greater than the closest cities to the canyon. Set in a 500-acre personal forest, Little America Hotel is town’s solely AAA-approved 4-Diamond lodge. This spacious lodging provides an on-site restaurant with up to date delicacies, rooms with attractive mountainside views, an indoor pool and sizzling tub, entry to a nature path, playground, and a 24-hour journey heart and comfort retailer.

On the flip facet, the High Country Motor Lodge is a Grand Canyon lodge that brings what the lodge web site calls an “off-the-beaten-path method to Sixties roadside tradition.” The lodge provides a pleasant communal garden, backwoods to discover, and the primary Nordic Spa Experience in Arizona, with rooms impressed by the evening sky and the desert surroundings.

5. Sedona: Best Area for Luxury

The Grand Canyon State is usually recognized for its nice outside experiences and pure scenic magnificence. Arizona typically brings outside adventurists from all around the world who tough it in tents and modest motels, however who’s to say you’ll be able to’t additionally dwell in luxurious as an outside fanatic? The metropolis of Sedona is the closest you’ll discover to luxurious whereas staying inside a stone’s throw from many nationwide parks.

Sedona provides up breathtaking views on a silver platter. Some of the most well-liked sights in Sedona embody Cathedral Rock, Oak Creek Canyon, and Devil’s Bridge. Guests may take part in luxurious actions just like the Verde Valley Wine Trail, take a driving tour to the Grand Canyon, go off-roading in a private jeep tour of Sedona and surrounding areas, or take to the skies in a Sedona helicopter tour for an aerial view you’ll always remember.

For non-outdoor actions, friends ought to go to Mii amo, a vacation spot spa in Boynton Canyon. The employees of this 16-room spa creates customized packages that may embody physique scrubs, non secular therapies, butter wraps, massages, and perhaps even a tarot card studying.

Shopping can also be a favourite luxurious interest and guests to Sedona ought to make a cease at Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village. The outside buying heart contains galleries, boutiques, and eating places. Below is an effective combination of indoor and outside adventures in Sedona:

• Cathedral Rock Hiking Trail
• Hike Broken Arrow Trail
• Star gaze on the evening
• Explore the good open air at Oak Creek Canyon
• Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross
• Try the most well-liked hike in Sedona, Devil’s Bridge
• Rent a 4×4 and go off-roading
• Drink on the Verde Valley Wine Trail

The finest resorts for luxurious in Sedona are family names such because the L’Auberge de Sedona, Amara Resort and Spa, and the Hilton Vacation Club. But it’s lodging just like the Enchantment Resort, The Wilde Resort and Spa, and Ambiente that play with the encircling crimson rock panorama to offer a really all-encompassing keep for nature lovers and luxurious vacationers.

The Ambiente is the primary panorama lodge. This adult-only resort provides 40 particular person Atriums with unforgettable views of Coconino National Forest and the notable crimson rocks.

Playing with the concept of being a part of the panorama, Ambiente provides unobstructed views of the celebs at evening, floor-to-ceiling bronzed glass home windows, an outside pool, and rooftop terraces to spend intimate time each in and open air. Any of those resorts are positive to wow all luxurious vacationers to Sedona:

See Related: Enter the Realm of the Eagle on Grand Canyon Skywalk

6. North Rim: Best Area for the Road-Less Traveled

The North Rim is closed throughout the winter months and is a five-hour drive from the South Rim. Although much less populated, North Rim gives some unbeatable views with fewer crowds. Page, Arizona, and Kanab, Utah, sit simply above the North Rim.

The North Rim is a haven for returning guests to the Grand Canyon and people trying to spend extra time away from crowds and on the highway much less traveled. Known for its harsher local weather, this part of the park closes in winter and reopens round mid-May.

The NPS says this facet of the canyon solely sees 10 % of all park guests. Hiking from south to north is a complete of 21 miles, however a 220-mile drive.

Tourists courageous sufficient to go to this facet of the rim will expertise tranquil scenic drives, troublesome hikes, beautiful views, and loads of stimulating off-roading adventures. Bright Angel Point Trail is maybe probably the most common hikes.

Although it’s only a quick stroll, the path is steep with drop-offs and stairs. One of probably the most troublesome trails in Grand Canyon National Park is Nankoweap Trail.

The 11-mile path is ideal for backcountry hikers with a allow who desire a problem. The path comes inside inches of plunging cliffs, has no pure water hubs, and is totally uncovered to the weather. Fun, proper?

For those that nonetheless wish to go to the North Rim’s rugged magnificence, however aren’t skilled adventurers, there are nonetheless loads of unimaginable hikes and drives for first-timers. Point Imperial is the very best level on the North Rim at 8,803 toes.

The peak overlooks the Painted Desert and the east facet of the Grand Canyon. Cape Royal can also be a wonderful scenic drive. Visitors may take a mule experience or drive an ATV across the canyon. Try your luck at journey with any of those actions:

• Take a tranquil scenic drive
• Listen to a ranger program
• Snap a shocking photograph of the Bright Angel Point Trail
• Mountain bike
• Ride a mule or ATV across the canyon
• Visit the North Rim Visitor Center
• Hike the 14-mile North Kaibab Trail

Lodging on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim is proscribed on account of its location and local weather. For these wanting to remain contained in the park, the NPS North Rim Campground is out there contained in the canyon. The Grand Canyon Lodge sits simply above the canyon and is the one lodging within the park on the North Rim.

The lodge provides cabins or lodge rooms, air-con, and free parking; it’s as near luxurious because it will get on the north facet. As the one lodging choice, rooms replenish nearly 13 months prematurely.

The subsequent closest city and lodging choices lie simply outdoors of the rim at Jacob Lake. The small city provides low-cost lodging and an on-site restaurant on the Jacob Lake Inn. View the quick listing of North Rim lodging choices right here:

7. Kanab: Best Area for Budget Travelers

Kanab is a metropolis in Utah situated simply north of the Arizona border, and whereas most individuals skip proper over it to get to Zion or the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, it’s an incredible spot recognized for its pure magnificence and good climate. It’s a wonderful place to remain for these wanting to go to Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon in a single trip. Kanab can also be an amazing place for funds vacationers due to its central location and free or diminished outside actions.

Visitors to Kanab can buy an annual park cross. The America the Beautiful cross covers entrance charges in any respect lands managed by the NPS and the US Fish and Wildlife Service for an annual charge of $80. With one cross, outside lovers can go to Zion, an hour’s drive from Kanab, Bryce Canyon, an hour and a half drive, and the canyon, which is roughly a three-hour drive from town.

Other outside adventures embody a scenic drive down Johnson Canyon Road or Cottonwood Canyon Road, a Jeep off-road tour to Peek-a-Boo Canyon, and a cease at what is taken into account probably the most well-known pure phenomena spots in Arizona: The Wave. Guests to Kanab must also contemplate stopping to chill off within the waters of Lake Powell. A go to to all of those pure wonders will present a lifetime of pleasure:

• Hike Buckskin Gulch
• Drive the scenic Cottonwood Canyon Road
• Love on rescue animals on the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
• Splash within the waters of Lake Powell
• Visit the quirky Moqui Cave Museum
• Check out Bryce Canyon National Park
• Road journey to the North Rim
• Hike Zion National Park & the Wave

As far as the place to sleep in Kanab, probably the most distinctive Grand Canyon resorts coincides with an unimaginable vacationer attraction. The Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is a no-kill shelter for rescue animals of all types. Visitors can take a tour of the shelter, play with furry buddies, and donate or volunteer their time whereas on trip.

The sanctuary additionally doubles its effort in saving animals by offering not solely a pet-friendly lodge choice however what their web site calls “pet-centric lodging” in Kanab. The Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile provides 40 rooms with a slide-out pet mattress, a fenced canine park, a splash zone, and a washing station. Staying on the lodge additionally helps assist the sanctuary.

For these not visiting with pets, among the finest resorts embody Quail Park Lodge, Canyons Lodge, and Canyon’s Boutique Hotel. However, no keep is kind of as unimaginable as staying at BaseCamp 37.

This glamping choice stows guests away in a safari-style tent with gentle beds and a sizzling bathe. The women-owned firm provides an unforgettable view of sleeping underneath the desert stars. You can’t go unsuitable with any of the lodging beneath:

See Related: Fun & Best Things to do in Kanab, Utah

8. Page: Best Area for Road-Tripping

In between Jacob Lake and Kanab is the Arizona metropolis of Page. Page is likely one of the finest locations for general exploring close to the Grand Canyon.

Next to Kanab, it’s the good location to highway journey to the numerous famend nationwide parks and monuments within the space together with Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, and Monument Valley. There are alternatives to hike, boat, golf, bike, and sightsee all inside the surrounding space of Page.

Tourist points of interest in Page close to the Grand Canyon embody Antelope Canyon, Navajo Nation, and Horseshoe Bend. Horseshoe Bend attracts tens of millions of tourists a 12 months and is maybe probably the most photographed views in Arizona. Just because the title suggests, Horseshoe Bend is a horseshoe-shaped bend that’s crammed by the Colorado River.

Visitors see the view from hundreds of miles above. Next to Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon is one other engaging Arizona landmark.

The slot canyon appears otherworldly. Surrounded by crimson partitions that replicate the shifting daylight is a outstanding expertise that everybody visiting Arizona ought to stroll by as soon as of their life.

The revelry doesn’t cease there. In addition to Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, guests to Page can drive a brief distance to take a look at two spectacular nationwide monuments and one of many world’s largest pure bridges.

The Vermilion Cliffs seem like a mirage shifting within the sizzling Arizona solar whereas the Rainbow Bridge National Monument, situated in San Juan County in Utah, is likely one of the world’s largest recognized pure bridges. The NPS reviews that neighboring American Indian tribes contemplate the bridge to be sacred and entry to it’s restricted. Take a visit to those nationwide parks, monuments, and different websites in Page:

• Go on a strolling tour to Lower Antelope Canyon
• Stop by Powell Museum
• Kayak or hike Antelope Canyon
• See the unimaginable view of Horseshoe Bend
• Visit Rainbow Bridge National Monument, one of many world’s largest pure bridges
• Check out Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
• Take a day journey to Zion
• See fossils at Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Staying in Page? Stay in fashion. While primary facilities can be found at name-brand resorts within the metropolis, probably the most unique methods to go to is at Shash Dine’ EcoRetreat. This campsite is 12 miles south of Page and is situated on a ranch.

The glamping expertise provides canvas bell tents and two coated sheep wagons. Both lodging choices are fitted with snug bedding, water, snacks, and a handful of video games, books, and leisure. A small breakfast of fruit, muffins, yogurt, and coffee is served every morning.

For these eager to sleep inside a conventional four-wall room, the most effective resorts embody the luxurious Hyatt Place Page on Lake Powell or the mid-range priced Hampton Inn and Suites in Page. Hyatt Place provides attractive views of the desert, free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, a health heart, and a pool. Stays in Page are distinctive. Consider lodging at these choices when visiting:

9. Grand Canyon West: Best Area for Adventurers

The West Rim, known as Grand Canyon West, isn’t thought of a part of the nationwide park. The territory is owned by the Hualapai Indians (park passes is not going to work right here) which provides it a novel and hidden spot for adventurers who wish to go off the overwhelmed path and expertise the Indian reservation.

The west facet of the canyon isn’t something just like the northern or southern canyon rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. Although the closest to Las Vegas, it’s not part of the park in any respect however part of the Hualapai Reservation.

The Hualapai Indian Reservation was established in 1883 and encompasses about a million acres and 108 miles alongside the Grand Canyon. Visitors to the canyon’s West Rim can take a self-guided tour to learn more about the Hualapai Tribe and the way the indigenous individuals dwell at Eagle Point. Guests may cease by the Hualapai Cultural Center to be taught extra in regards to the tribe’s historical past.

Aside from studying in regards to the floor you’re strolling on, guests to the West Rim will possible expertise two of probably the most thrilling adventures within the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon Skywalk is a 10-foot-wide horseshoe-shaped glass bridge that extends 70 toes over the rim of the canyon.

The glass panels give an unobstructed view of the 4,000 toes of area that results in the canyon flooring beneath. It stretches so extensive that guests can see a view of the Grand Canyon’s East Rim.

The different is by taking one among numerous obtainable helicopter rides, although we suggest this helicopter ride and landing tour, the place you’ll fly to a personal touchdown website on the canyon flooring, supplying you with time to discover. These actions will get your blood dashing, in a great way:

• Grand Canyon Skywalk
• Float the river with Hualapai River Runners
• Check out Guano Point & Eagle Point
• Learn in regards to the Hualapai Tribe
• Visit the Hualapai Cultural Center
• Eat at Caverns Grotto
• Channel your internal Lightening McQueen and coast Route 66

There are however a handful of lodging choices proper within the Grand Canyon West Rim space: the Cabins at Grand Canyon West, the Grand Canyon Western Ranch, or the Grand Canyon Glamping Resort. The subsequent closest lodging choice is the Hualapai Lodge on Route 66, which is situated roughly two hours from the doorway of the West Rim.

The lodge is located on the longest remaining stretch of the unique historic Route 66. It provides fashionable facilities like an on-site restaurant, outside swimming pool, spa, and health club.

For anybody who desires to up the cool issue when staying in Arizona, e book the Grand Canyon Caverns Cave Room for an evening. The caverns are the most important dry caverns within the United States and carved inside its partitions is likely one of the rarest lodging choices. The Grand Canyon Cavern Suite is situated 220 toes underground with partitions over 65 million years previous.

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