Have 5 days to see the Grand Canyon? See below for an amazing itinerary of what to see and do.

Day 1: Arrival and Orientation

• Arrive at Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim. If you’re flying in, the closest major airports are Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) or Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS). From there, rent a car or take a shuttle to the South Rim.
• Check-in to your accommodation. There are several options within the park, including lodges like El Tovar, Bright Angel, or Kachina, as well as campgrounds like Mather Campground.
• Start your Grand Canyon experience with a walk along the Rim Trail, which offers stunning views of the canyon and various overlooks. You can choose to walk a short section or the entire 13-mile trail.
• Visit the Grand Canyon Visitor Center to get an overview of the park’s history, geology, and information on activities and ranger-led programs.
• Catch the sunset at one of the designated viewpoints along the Rim Trail. Hopi Point and Yavapai Point are both excellent options for sunset views.

Day 2: South Rim Exploration

• Begin the day with breakfast at your lodging or at one of the restaurants in the Grand Canyon Village.
• Take the free park shuttle to Hermits Rest, located at the western end of the Rim Trail. From there, you can hike the Hermit Trail, which descends into the canyon for a more immersive experience. Note that hiking the entire trail requires a permit and is a strenuous activity. Alternatively, you can hike a portion of the trail and return.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the designated picnic areas with breathtaking canyon views. Hermit’s Rest is a good spot for a scenic picnic.
• In the afternoon, visit the historic El Tovar Hotel and explore the Bright Angel Trailhead area. You can walk a short section of the Bright Angel Trail for a different perspective of the canyon.
• Check the park’s schedule for ranger-led programs and geology talks. Attending these programs can enhance your understanding and appreciation of the Grand Canyon.

Day 3: Grand Canyon Village and Desert View

• Explore the Grand Canyon Village area, which is home to several historic buildings and landmarks. You can visit the Kolb Studio, Lookout Studio, and the Verkamp’s Visitor Center to learn about the park’s history and early exploration.
• Visit the Yavapai Geology Museum, which provides excellent exhibits and information on the formation of the Grand Canyon. The museum’s observation deck also offers stunning canyon views.
• Enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants or cafes within the village. The Arizona Room and El Tovar Dining Room are popular choices.
• In the afternoon, drive east to Desert View along Desert View Drive. This scenic route offers multiple overlooks with different perspectives of the canyon. Make sure to stop at various viewpoints along the way.
• At Desert View, climb the Desert View Watchtower, designed by Mary Colter. The tower offers impressive panoramic views of the canyon and the Colorado River.
• Consider attending a cultural demonstration by Native American artists at the Desert View Cultural Center, showcasing their traditional crafts and skills.

Day 4: Inner Canyon Adventure

• This day requires an early start, as you’ll be undertaking an inner canyon hike. Make sure to pack essential gear, including plenty of water, snacks, a first-aid kit, a hat, and sunscreen.
• Choose one of the popular inner canyon trails, such as the Bright Angel Trail or South Kaibab Trail. Both trails start from the South Rim and offer different experiences. Bright Angel Trail is longer and provides more shade, while South Kaibab Trail is shorter but steeper.
• Hike down to a designated point and have a picnic lunch while taking in the stunning views of the canyon walls around you. Remember that hiking down is relatively easy, but hiking back up can be physically demanding, especially in the heat. Only go as far as you feel comfortable and allow enough time to return before dark.
• Take breaks during your hike and enjoy the unique flora and fauna that thrive in the inner canyon.
• After your hike, rest and relax at your accommodation or spend some time exploring the South Rim area near your lodging.

Day 5: Optional Activities and Farewell

• Today is a more relaxed day, and you can choose from various optional activities or simply revisit your favorite spots in the park.
• Consider taking a scenic helicopter tour for a bird’s-eye view of the Grand Canyon. Several tour operators offer helicopter rides, and it’s an incredible way to appreciate the vastness of the canyon from above.
• If you have an interest in river rafting, explore options for a short rafting trip on the Colorado River. Several companies offer half-day or full-day rafting experiences that allow you to experience the canyon from a different perspective.
• Spend some time souvenir shopping at one of the gift shops within the park or at the Grand Canyon Village. You can find a variety of locally-made crafts, books, and memorabilia.
• End your Grand Canyon adventure with one last visit to the canyon rim to watch the sunset. Take a moment to reflect on your incredible experience and bid farewell to this natural wonder.
• Depart from the Grand Canyon and continue your journey to other destinations or back home.

Keep in mind that the Grand Canyon is a vast and diverse place, and this itinerary only scratches the surface of what you can experience. Be flexible with your plans, and don’t hesitate to ask rangers or staff for recommendations or any updates on trail conditions during your visit. Looking for something more customized? Post a request, review the offers, and go travel! It’s that easy.