Grand Canyon 3-Day Travel Guide with Day trip to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend

Regarded as the most iconic natural attraction in the entire United States, the legendary Grand Canyon is located within its namesake national park, occupying a gigantic area contained inside the state of Arizona. Needless to say, many people across this side of the Atlantic dream of walking along the rims of this famous canyon, partially fueled by the site’s inclusion in many movies and tv shows about road tripping in the US.

However, it’s important to take into account the absolutely colossal size of the Grand Canyon, especially if you only have a couple of days to explore the area. From the trails and viewpoints of the South Rim – the most visited section of the park – to the comparatively unexplored areas of the North Rim, the West Rim and the Remote Tuweep, it’s essential to anticipate potential challenges and create a travel plan, especially when it comes to the locations you want to visit, where to stay and how to get around inside the park and along its surrounding towns.

That being said, we invite you to have a look at our Grand Canyon 3-day travel guide and discover the best tips for those visiting, including recommendations on hotels and restaurants, transportation, best hikes and even a detailed list with everything you must see and do in the Grand Canyon in 3 days, including a day trip to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.

Grand Canyon 3-Day Travel Guide

How to get to the Grand Canyon – Flights from the UK

Considering just how big the park is, it comes as no surprise that there are several airports located within a 4-hour radius of the Grand Canyon. While the closest international airport to the South Rim – the area you’ll be visiting – can be found in Flagstaff, the number of connections is relatively limited, which is why it’s much easier (and cheaper) to fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

As such, if you’re traveling from the UK, it is possible to fly directly to Phoenix from London–Heathrow (British Airways and American Airlines).

How many days do I need to visit the Grand Canyon?

Just like most US national parks, the Grand Canyon National Park is just such a vast, expansive space that you could easily spend weeks hiking trails and taking in the views. However, we understand most of us have limited vacation time, so prioritizing what to see and do is essential.

With that in mind, for the Grand Canyon specifically, a stay of at least 2 days is recommended to explore its main attractions, with an extra day for the mandatory day trip to the Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Even so, you’ll still need to be quite selective when it comes to which areas of the park to visit, with the South Rim standing out as the safest choice. If you have more time in hands, then you may spend a couple of days hiking in the North Rim or checking out other nearby highlights, like the cities of Phoenix and Sedona or Bryce Canyon National Park.

Grand Canyon 3-day travel guide – Best time to visit

While the Grand Canyon is popular year-round, it’s best to avoid the winter time, as low temperatures can heavily impact your comfort and your overall experience. On the other hand, peak summer presents the opposite challenge, with scorching heat and overwhelming crowds making your visit far less enjoyable. Additionally, the already absurd accommodation prices can feel almost extortionate during the high season.

That being said, for the best experience, the ideal time to visit the Grand Canyon is during the shoulder-season, in spring (mid-March to early June) and fall (mid-September to mid-November).

Documents needed for your trip to the Grand Canyon

Considering this is a non-European destination and lacks any agreements with the EU for alternative forms of identification, it’s an absolute must to have your passport ready if you plan to visit the United States of America. Your passport should also have a validity of at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry.

Now, here’s the good news for EU/British citizens – you won’t need a tourist visa, meaning you can enjoy a stay of up to 90 days with just a stamp in your passport.

However, visitors still need to sort out the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), an online form where you have to share personal details and answer a few questions about your intentions and travel history. Typically, applications are processed within a few hours, but it’s a good idea to apply at least 3 days before your estimated day of arrival. It costs 21,00$ (17,00$ for the travel authorization + 4,00$ processing fee) and it’s valid for 2 years.

Grand Canyon 3-day travel guide – Internet and SIM Cards

Since there is no special agreement in place between the UK and the US regarding international communications and roaming fees, using your regular phone plan is a big no-no!

That being said, our advice is to get yourself a SIM card once you touch down in Phoenix. However, and here’s the crucial part: DO NOT BUY ONE AT THE AIRPORT! The reason being that none of the American mobile carriers have physical stores at the airport. Inside its premises, your only options will be a generic phone stand or vending machines (yes, like the ones for snacks). The problem here is that SIM cards are ridiculously overpriced on both these alternatives, with 1GB of mobile data easily costing around 30,00$. Plus, if you go for the vending machines, you’ll need to handle the subscription and activation of your selected plan yourself, and the instructions might not be all that clear.

Considering all these factors, it’s a better idea to head to the city center and visit one of the physical stores of the major telecommunications providers in the country. However, just a heads-up, the prepaid SIM card market in the USA isn’t as diverse as what you find in Europe, since there are only two companies selling this type of product in the entire country: T-Mobile and AT&T.

Grand Canyon 3-day travel guide – T-Mobile SIM Card

• 10GB Plan
  • Price: 40,00$
  • Mobile Data: 10GB
  • Duration: 30 days
  • Texts and calls for US numbers: Unlimited

• Unlimited Plan
  • Price: 50,00$
  • Mobile Data: Unlimited
  • Duration: 30 days
  • Texts and calls for US numbers: Unlimited

Grand Canyon 3-day travel guide – AT&T SIM Card

• AT&T Prepaid 5GB Plan
  • Price: 30,00$
  • Mobile Data: 5GB
  • Duration: 30 days
  • Texts and calls for US numbers: Unlimited

• AT&T Prepaid Unlimited Plan
  • Price: 65,00$
  • Mobile Data: Unlimited
  • Duration: 30 days
  • Texts and calls for US numbers: Unlimited

NOTE 1: Both companies technically have an activation fee of 10,00$ and 15,00$, respectively. However, this fee is waived for customers who buy any of these packages.

NOTE 2: Just like pretty much everything else in the US, these prices do not include taxes. For Arizona, the sales tax hovers at around 9,10%, though it can vary according to the city district and the type of product/service.

Grand Canyon 3-day travel guide – eSIM Card from Airalo

Unlike most countries, the US stands out as one of the places where investing in an eSIM card can actually make sense from a budget perspective. Given that the options for 5GB and 10GB are noticeably pricey, and it’s likely you won’t require unlimited mobile data or extensive minutes/SMS for American numbers, you can save both time and money by going the digital route.

Here are a few of the eSIM options provided by Airalo:

• 5GB | 30 days | $16.00*
• 10GB | 30 days | $26.00*
• 20GB | 30 days | $42.00*

*These are the final prices, inclusive of taxes.

If you’re unsure about the process of buying and activating a digital SIM card, we recommend checking out our article on the topic.

Grand Canyon 3-day travel guide – Withdrawals, banking fees and travel budget

With the US Dollar (USD – $) as the country’s official currency, any withdrawal using a UK bank card might incur in the payment of several different fees. Besides the percentual fee referring to the currency conversion, some UK banks may also charge a flat commission for withdrawals made outside the UK. In some instances, you may well end up paying 5%-6% of your original withdrawal in banking fees.

On the other hand, exchanging money before your trip is not a viable solution either. Besides not being any cheaper, it’s also not safe or wise to carry so much money on you during your trip. As such, we recommend using the services of online banking fintech companies such as Revolut, N26 or Monzo.

Although each have their own limitations and fees, they allow you to withdraw a certain amount in foreign currency without any fees involved. And even after that threshold is reached, costs are much smaller when compared to traditional banks.

It’s also worth mentioning that electronic payments have become the standard all over the US, so the need to withdraw cash is becoming increasingly less common. However, in case you do find yourself needing to do so, almost all banks charge a fee for using a foreign card, which can range from a modest 1,00$ to a hefty 7,00$ per withdrawal. So, it’s a good idea to withdraw as much as possible each time to avoid unnecessary additional fees.

On the other hand, if you prefer to have some cash on hand, we recommend exchanging your money for dollars back at home. Due to the high demand for the currency, the rates offered by currency exchange offices don’t usually shy too much away from the official market rates (especially when compared to other currencies). Additionally, given the prevalence of the dollar, you could even contact your bank to inquire about the possibility of doing the money exchange through them. In these cases, the rate is often even better.

Grand Canyon 3-day travel guide – Safety, scams and frauds

Since this is a nature-focused destination, safety recommendations mainly revolve around the surrounding environment rather than scams or fraudulent schemes. Therefore, start off by planning your visit carefully, consulting the park’s official website to get information on weather conditions, trail closures and other safety alerts. In fact, park’s rangers will be happy to share any tips they might deem valuable if you go to one of the Visitor Centers. Be sure to bring a physical map and not rely solely on your phone, as signal coverage can be weak or nonexistent in remote areas, and your battery may run out. During your visit, always stay on designated trails, avoiding steep slopes, loose rocks and unstable surfaces. According to official recommendations, you should keep a safety distance of at least 2 meters of all edges and respect ranger-installed barriers.

As you’ll be spending your days hiking, staying hydrated is crucial. This is especially relevant for those visiting the Grand Canyon, as the sites is located at an altitude of over 2000 meters. The elevation, coupled with high solar exposure and strong winds may lead to some serious sunburn (and you might not even notice it until it’s too late). Therefore, make sure to wear a hat and sunglasses and apply loads of sunscreen. Also, carry plenty of water, especially in the hot, dry summer months, and always keep snacks on hand, such as protein bars, nuts, fruit or canned tuna. For minor injuries or accidents, having a basic first aid kit with essentials like bandages, pain relievers, rubbing alcohol, gauze and wraps can be helpful as well.

Besides, official guidelines warn against throwing rocks or any other object from the canyon’s rims, as you may inadvertently hit a hiker or cause a landslide. If you’re renting a car, make sure to fill up your tank every time you come across a gas station, as these can be quite spread out and you may drive for hours until you see one. If you’re traveling solo, make sure to let someone of trust know about your planned route and expected return time so they can alert authorities if needed. Finally, though it goes without saying, always respect park rules and regulations by following signs and ranger instructions, and help preserve the reserve by leaving no trace behind, including trash, personal belongings or food waste.

Where to sleep in the Grand Canyon – Hotels and Accommodation

If you’re looking out for a place to stay on our Grand Canyon 3-day travel guide then we got your covered!

Actually, first you have to choose whether you prefer to stay inside the national park proper, as there are plenty of lodging options within the area. For visitors hitting the South Rim (like yourself), most accommodations can be found in the Grand Canyon Village and in Tusayan, 10 km away from the Visitor Center. However, the convenience of staying inside the park comes at a cost, with room fares absurdly inflated for those wishing to sleep there. You can check the park’s official website for room rates and dates availability.

Alternatively, you can stay in one of the towns located near the South Rim’s official entrances, with Williams and Flagstaff standing out as the best options. While it’s true you won’t be at the heart of it all, you’ll still be relatively close… and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg! Obviously, this is only an option you can pursue if you’re renting a car, otherwise you will waste a lot of time and money in shuttles/trains trying to get to the Grand Canyon every day. On a final note, and regardless of your choice, you’ll be using the South Entrance to access the national park.

That being said, here are a few hotel options which have passed our value-for-money test.

Hotels in Tusayan

• Glamping – Highland Grand Canyon Glamping
• € – Grand Canyon Hotel & Suites
• €€ – Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel-South Rim
• €€€ – Holiday Inn Resort The Squire at Grand Canyon by IHG

Hotels in Williams

• € – Highlander Motel
• €€ – Holiday Inn Express & Suites Williams by IHG
• €€€ – The Lodge on Route 66
• €€€€ – Sheridan House Inn

Hotels in Flagstaff

• € – Kings House Motor Hotel
• €€ – Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Flagstaff East
• €€€ – Drury Inn & Suites Flagstaff
• €€€€ – Residence Inn by Marriott Flagstaff

Transportation between Phoenix International Airport and the Grand Canyon

Despite being the busiest international air hub (relatively) near the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, Phoenix Airport is still about 3h30 away from the national park, so planning ahead how to move between the two is paramount. That being said, you’ll be better off by renting a car – not just for this specific route, but rather for your entire adventure. As per usual, you can rent your vehicle online beforehand (we recommend Rentalcars.com) and pick it up upon arrival in Phoenix.

Sadly, if you don’t feel too comfortable renting a car, the alternative can be quite tiring and time-consuming. Either way, let’s get to it! First off, there is no direct public/collective transportation from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon, so you will always need to transfer in the towns of Williams or Flagstaff. That said, you can use Groome Transportation, a shuttle company that manages several routes from/to Phoenix Airport. The trip to Flagstaff lasts 3h20 and costs $61,00, and you can visit the company’s website to buy tickets and check times. On the other hand, if you prefer to transfer in Williams, then you’ll need to catch the bus from Phoenix Bus Station. Luckily, the road terminal is connected to the airport through the PHX Sky Train, a free-to-use railway line that stops at 24th St Station, right next to the station where you’ll hop on a Greyhound bus to Williams. Tickets cost $33,00 and the journey takes 5 hours. We recommend buying your tickets beforehand online, as there is only one daily departure.

Now that we’ve covered how to travel between Phoenix Airport and the towns of Williams and Flagstaff, it’s time to unveil how to make it to the Grand Canyon. Starting with Flagstaff, there are more Groome Transportation shuttles that make the rest of the journey to the Grand Canyon. Yap, they have one shuttle from Phoenix Airport to Flagstaff + another one from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon. Why don’t they also have one that just makes the whole trip from the airport to the canyon… I guess nobody knows! Nonetheless, the shuttle from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon Village (Maswik Lodge) takes 2 hours and costs $46,00. Alternatively, if you chose to travel to Williams, there are two ways to make it to the Grand Canyon. Firstly, you can also take a shuttle from Groome Transportation (1h15; $37,00). The other option is to hop aboard the Grand Canyon Railway, an historic railway line that exclusively travels between Williams and the Grand Canyon Village. There is only one daily departure each way, with the train leaving Williams at 9h30 and arriving in the Grand Canyon 2h15 later. Tickets cost $69,98 round-trip and must be purchased online (possible travel solution if you’re based in Williams). Sadly, one-way tickets are not available online, so you’ll need to call 800-843-8724 to guarantee a seat. In that case, one-way tickets cost $55,99.

Grand Canyon 3-Day Travel Guide – How to get around

As you’ve probably gathered from the detailed instructions on how to go from the airport to the national park, public transportation leaves a lot to be desired. Unlike Europe, where collective transport is deemed essential, in the US everything was built with road traffic in mind, leading to far less efficient public transportation systems in its major cities (let alone rural/natural areas).

Luckily, in the specific case of the Grand Canyon, the park’s authority has put together several different free shuttle lines linking the main tourist attractions within the South Rim.

Renting a car in the Grand Canyon

A rule of thumb for almost any destination in the US – except for major cities – renting a car is usually the best way to explore and get around. Naturally, the Grand Canyon is no exception! When it comes to convenience and flexibility, having your own vehicle makes all the difference. Upon arriving at Phoenix Airport, you’ll find several rental agencies offering all types of cars. However, we strongly recommend arranging your rental well in advance in platforms like Rentalcars.com, where you can compare prices and availability before your trip. Additionally, and before making any decision based purely on personal preference or budget, it’s important to consider the park’s terrain, as well as your experience driving that type of car.

As always, it’s best practice to carefully check online reviews, read all documents thoroughly before signing and document the car’s condition beforehand (with photos and videos). After all, we know very well how this industry operates! On the bright side, you won’t need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in the US, as both the UK and Ireland and the US have a mutual agreement recognizing each other’s standard driving licenses. Keep in mind that the entrance fee to Grand Canyon National Park varies depending on whether you are bringing a car in or not (more details in the ticket section below). Additionally, make sure to refuel whenever possible, since there is only 1 gas station in the whole area of the South Rim! If you need fuel, you’ll find more gas stations in Tusayan, right next to the park’s South Entrance.

Lastly, if you’re visiting in winter, you might come across snowy roads and potentially harsh weather conditions. That said, be sure to use appropriate tires and know how to install and remove snow chains. Better safe than sorry!

NOTE: If you’re staying outside the national park – namely in Williams or Flagstaff – renting a car is an absolute must! Otherwise, you’ll waste a lot of time and money traveling to/from the Grand Canyon.

Free shuttles in the Grand Canyon

While renting a car is the most convenient way to explore the park, it’s not essential to make the most of your visit to the Grand Canyon. To make things easier for visitors, the park’s management offers several free shuttle services that transport passengers between the main points or landmarks across the South Rim.

Currently, there are four main shuttle lines: the Village Route (Blue), the Kaibab Rim Route (Orange), the Hermits Rest Route (Red) and the Tusayan Route (Purple). For shorter visits, the red and orange routes will help you reach the most famous landmarks in the Grand Canyon. The Kaibab Rim Route, for example, connects the Grand Canyon Visitor Center to the South Kaibab Trailhead – the traditional starting point of the iconic Rim Trail – passing through other popular spots such as Yaki Point, Pipe Creek Vista, Mather Point and the Yavapai Geology Museum. On the other hand, the Red Route follows Hermit Road, a 10-km stretch with countless viewpoints along the way. Just keep in mind that this road is closed to private vehicles from March 1 to November 30, remaining open only to shuttle services.

Alternatively, if you’re staying in Tusayan, the purple line is essential for traveling for free to the Grand Canyon Village (10 km; 20 minutes), where you can then transfer to one of the other routes departing from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. As for the Blue Route, it is especially useful for those staying in Grand Canyon Village, as it connects the various lodges, campgrounds, restaurants and supermarkets within the resort area. You can check the stops, maps, travel times and schedules at the respective links shared above for each shuttle line.

America the Beautiful Pass – Tickets for Grand Canyon National Park

Although the Grand Canyon is a vast outdoor destination, a ticket is still required to enter through one of the park’s official entrances. Currently, the entry fee is $20,00 per person and the ticket is valid for three days. However, if you’re driving, the fee is $35,00 per vehicle, covering all passengers. This means that whether you’re alone, with a partner or in a group, the total cost remains $35,00 per car. Tickets can be purchased at any official entrance using a credit or debit card (cash is not accepted).

That said, the best value for money is undoubtedly the America the Beautiful Pass, an annual pass that grants access to over 2000 paid recreational areas in the US, including its vast collection of National Parks. Naturally, the Grand Canyon is included in this list. For just $80,00, you can visit all the included sites for one year, counting from the date of purchase. Just like a regular ticket, the pass covers all passengers in a single vehicle as well. Essentially, if you plan to visit at least three different national parks (considering each charges $35,00 per car), you’re already saving money off the pass. Plus, you’ll have an entire year to return to the US and explore other parks. Besides the Grand Canyon, the pass includes other iconic national parks such as Yosemite, Glacier, Yellowstone and Zion, among many others! You can purchase your pass in person at any of these locations or online (link above). However, even if you buy the digital version, keep in mind you must still present a physical copy of the pass, meaning you’ll need to pick it up at a designated location or have it shipped to your home (shipping fees apply). For this reason, we recommend purchasing your pass a few weeks in advance.

IMPORTANT: If you’re staying outside the national park and visit the Grand Canyon aboard one of the shuttles from Groome Transportation, you’ll be charged an admission fee of $8,00. This is the standard fee for participants of commercial tours.

Best 1-day hikes in the Grand Canyon

Rim Trail: Arguably the most famous trail in all of the Grand Canyon, this is the route that – as the name very well suggests – takes you along the rim of the canyon. Needless to say, the views over what is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World are nothing short of breathtaking. Though it is long (20 km in total), you can cut it short anytime you want and leave the trail. Plus, there’s barely any elevation change and the path is fully paved.

Bright Angel Trail: Actually, this trail’s full length is a daunting 30 km round-trip that will take you all the way to the canyon floor (and back). However, most visitors choose to hike only as far as the Three Mile Resthouse or the Havasupai Gardens, taking in the canyon views, the unusual rock formations and the thousand-year-old Native American petroglyphs.

South Kaibab Trail: Just like the Bright Angel Trail, this trail’s original extension stands at over 30 km long. That said, there are several key landmarks along the way that visitors often use as turnaround points. Among them are Ooh-Aah Point (3 km), Cedar Ridge (5 km) and Skeleton Point (9.5 km), with the latter offering views over the Colorado River.

Hermit Trail: Starting at the end of the famous Hermit Road, this is the trail to follow at the end of the free shuttle’s red line. You can choose to hike to Santa Maria Spring or to Dripping Spring, although this may not be ideal for those uncomfortable with heights, as the trail ledges are super steep and offer barely any protection. Also, keep in mind this trail can only be accessed via the aforementioned shuttle between March 1 and November 30.

North Kaibab Trail: Although not relevant to our itinerary, it’s worth including at least one option located on the North Rim. In this case, the most popular short hike along the North Kaibab Trail leads to the Coconino Overlook, although it’s also possible to continue even further to the Roaring Springs (and still get back in the same day).

Eating in Grand Canyon National Park – Restaurants, supermarkets and take-away

Best restaurants in the Grand Canyon Village

• Plaza Bonita Restaurant (Mexican)
• Arizona Steakhouse (steak)
• Maswik Pizza Pub (pizza)
• Drigo’s Restaurant (brunch)
• Yavapai Tavern (pub)
• Foodie Club (sandwiches, wraps AND salads)
• Harvey House Café (hamburgers and breakfast)
• El Tovar Dining Room (varied)
• Bright Angel Lodge (varied)
• The Fountain (takeaway)

Best restaurants in Flagstaff

• Miz Zip’s (American Diner)
• Mary’s Café (American Diner)
• Mike & Ronda’s The Place West (American Diner)
• Satchmo’s (Cajun/Creole)
• Tacos Los Altos (Mexican)
• Little Thai Kitchen (Thai)
• NiMarcos Pizza Downtown (pizza)
• Five Guys (hamburgers)
• Aspen Deli (sandwiches)
• Wildflower (varied)

Best restaurants in Williams

• Goldie’s Route 66 Diner (American Diner)
• Red Garter B&B Inn (American Diner)
• Nanys Tacos (Mexican)
• El Corral on 66 (Mexican)
• Historic Brewing Barrel House – Williams (beerhouse)
• Spenser’s Pub (pub)
• Miss Kitty’s Steakhouse & Bar (steak)
• Station 66 (pasta & pizza)
• The Little Chicken Spot (chicken)
• Pine Country Restaurant (varied)

Grand Canyon 3-Day Travel Guide – What to See and Do in 48 Hours

As mentioned above, 3 days is just the perfect amount of time to experience the very best the Grand Canyon has to offer – if you keep up the pace! That said, and with a full 48 hours in the national park, you can spend one day completing the Rim Trail, regarded as one of the best walks in the US. Along the way, you can pass through Mather Point Overlook, Yavapai Geology Museum, the Verkamp’s Visitor Center or Hopi Point. As for the second day, and so you can rest your legs after walking for over 20 km, we recommend driving along Desert View Road and Hermit Road, stopping by their numerous viewpoints, monuments and visitor centers. Finally, you’ll cap things off with a day trip to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, both located outside the national park. It might be a bit packed, but it’s entirely doable!

Without further ado, here’s what to see and do in the Grand Canyon in 3 days:

Grand Canyon 3-Day Travel Guide: Day 1 – Rim Trail

Welcome to the Grand Canyon – the most famous natural attraction in the USA! Stretching nearly 450 km in length, 29 km in width and reaching a maximum depth of just under 2 km, it’s hard not having to pick up your jaw from the floor at the overwhelming scale of this place. Moreover, this is one of those sites that truly have an aura to them, probably fueled by its status as a must-stop destination along the legendary Route 66. As we’ve mentioned several times throughout this guide, we’ll be focusing on the South Rim, the most popular and easily accessible section of the Grand Canyon, located near cities like Flagstaff, Williams or even Sedona. With that in mind, your first day in the park will be dedicated to the iconic Rim Trail, the most famous hike in the entire Grand Canyon. Connecting South Kaibab Trailhead to Hermit’s Rest, the full route spans 20 km, passing through some of the park’s most visited viewpoints. Since doing the full trail might be a bit of an overkill, we recommend walking for “just” 8 km along the section from South Kaibab Trailhead to Bright Angel Trailhead, considered the stretch that includes some of its most important highlights. Luckily, the entire trail is paved and well-marked, so the distance is easier to manage for people of all fitness levels.

If you’ve rented a car, just drive to one of the trail’s starting points mentioned above. On the other hand, if you don’t have a car or prefer to leave it at the Visitor Center, you can always take the free shuttles. To get to the South Kaibab Trailhead, take the Kaibab Rim Route (Orange line). As for the Bright Angel Trailhead, take the Hermits Rest Route (Red line). For more details, check the transportation section of this guide. In any case, assuming you’ll start at the South Kaibab Trailhead, your hike will lead westwards. As expected, most places of interest are viewpoints and scenic overlooks, especially Pipe Creek Vista and Mather Point Overlook (probably the most iconic viewpoint in the Grand Canyon). On the other hand, so it isn’t all about trekking and panoramic vistas, you can also stop at Verkamp’s Visitor Center and at the Yavapai Geology Museum, an open-air exhibit with geological and morphological information about the canyon. A totally different geography lesson! At the end of the day, just hop on the shuttle back to the Grand Canyon Village or drive to your accommodation.

First day wrap-up:

• Rim Trail
  • South Kaibab Trailhead
  • Pipe Creek Vista
  • Mather Point Overlook
  • Yavapai Geology Museum
  • Verkamp’s Visitor Center
  • Bright Angel Trailhead

Grand Canyon 3-Day Travel Guide: Day 2 – Desert View Drive e Hermit Road Drive

After a very active first day, the second stage of your Grand Canyon adventure brings a much more relaxed pace. Instead of hiking trails, this time you’ll be covering many kilometers by road, exploring the two most scenic drives in the national park: Desert View Drive and Hermit Road Drive. Once again, you can choose to use your own rental vehicle or use the orange and red shuttle lines. Starting with the Desert View Drive, located east of the Grand Canyon Village, it’s worth making strategic stops at Yaki Point; Grandview Point, one of the highest overlooks in the canyon; Moran Point, with a direct view of the Colorado River; the Tusayan Ruins, a small archaeological site with remnants of an 800-year-old Native American settlement; Navajo Point; and the Desert View Watchtower, a lookout tower with phenomenal views of the canyon, located near the East Entrance.

After lunch, you’ll make your way back to the Visitor Center and start Hermit Road Drive, an 11-km scenic route with jaw-dropping views over the Grand Canyon. On an important sidenote, remember that private vehicles are not allowed on this road from March 1 to November 30, when only the shuttle services can pass through. In any case, the shuttle stops at many scenic viewpoints along the road, such as Trailview Overlook, Maricopa Point, Hopi Point, Mohave Point, The Abyss and Pima Point. The final stop is Hermit’s Rest, where you can catch the shuttle back to the Grand Canyon Village, followed by the drive (or another shuttle) to your place of accommodation.

NOTE: Alternatively, if you prefer to complete more hikes in the Grand Canyon, you can always choose to combine one of these drives with another trail. On the east side, you could drive along Desert View Road and hike the South Kaibab Trail; while on the west side, you could follow Hermit Road and walk part of the Bright Angel Trail or the Hermit Trail.

Second day wrap-up:

• Desert View Drive
  • Yaki Point
  • Grandview Point
  • Moran Point
  • Tusayan Ruins
  • Navajo Point
  • Desert View Watchtower
• Hermit Road Drive
  • Trailview Overlook
  • Maricopa Point
  • Hopi Point
  • Mohave Point
  • The Abyss
  • Pima Point
  • Hermit’s Rest

Grand Canyon 3-Day Travel Guide: Day 3 – Day trip to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend

Now that you’ve had the chance to visit the National Park, you’ll use the third and final day of your adventure for the classic day trip to Antelope Canyon, a place that has gained a cult status and is now basically as popular as the Grand Canyon. Located about 200 km from the South Rim, this second canyon went viral on social media thanks to the way light filters through its many cracks and crevices, creating a natural spectacle that’s perfect for photography lovers. Since this light effect is the true highlight of Antelope Canyon, most visitors aim to arrive at around noon, when the sun is just at the perfect angle to light up the canyon walls and paths in red and pink. However, it’s important to keep in mind that Antelope Canyon is located within the Navajo Nation, an Indian reservation (the largest in the US) that is governed autonomously by this Native American tribe. Therefore, you need to prepare your visit in advance since you can’t simply show up get inside.

For starters, it’s worth noting that Antelope Canyon consists of several different sections spread over a relatively large area. Typically, the most popular entrances are to Lower Antelope Canyon and Upper Antelope Canyon. That said, it’s not possible to visit this place independently, as the reservation requires all visitors to join a guided tour. You can book your tour through the operators listed on the official Navajo Nation website or via platforms like Viator. There is also an $8,00 fee to enter the reservation, though this is usually included in the tour price. Most tours depart from the town of Page and last around 90 minutes. Unfortunately, public transport options from the Grand Canyon (or from towns like Williams, Flagstaff or Sedona) to Antelope Canyon are practically non-existent, meaning you’ll need to make a pretty steep investment if you haven’t rented a car. For example, this tour from Flagstaff (including a stop at Horseshoe Bend) costs €270,00 per person, while a one-way shuttle from the Grand Canyon to Page with National Park Express (tour not included) costs $95,00. As for the experience, it absolutely lives up to the hype – a stunning and “insta-worthy” spot, well worth the detour for anyone visiting the Grand Canyon.

Be that as it may, your day doesn’t end there, as there’s another iconic location that’s traditionally combined with a visit to Antelope Canyon: the famous Horseshoe Bend, located just 7 km away from downtown Page. Probably the most famous riverbend in the world, the best way to appreciate this winding curve of the Colorado River is by heading to the specifically created viewpoint designated by local authorities. Unsurprisingly, the view is another one of Arizona’s signature images. Unlike Antelope Canyon, you don’t need a tour to visit Horseshoe Bend, since the viewpoint access area is open to both pedestrians and vehicles. However, there is a $10,00 fee per vehicle to get in. Note that the parking lot is about a 15-minute walk from the viewpoint. After admiring this amazing sight, you can either go all the way back to your base, spend the night in Page or continue on to your next destination (in case you’re visiting several national parks across the US). Either way, you can now cross the might Grand Canyon off your travel bucket list!

Third day wrap-up:

• Antelope Canyon
• Horseshoe Bend