Frommer's Favorite Experiences

Looking into the Canyon for the First Time: Above a sweeping curve in the river and with views far downstream to the west, Lipan Point is the most dramatic and easily accessible place to view the canyon, as well as a superb spot to watch the sunset. The Unkar Delta, one of the most archaeologically rich areas in the park, is visible directly below the overlook.

Driving along Desert View Drive: You'll see more of the canyon on this route than on the canyon's other two main drives (The Cape Royal Rd. and Hermits Rest Route). The westernmost overlooks open onto the monuments of the central canyon; the eastern ones have far-ranging views of the Marble Platform and the northeast end of the canyon. Along the way, you can stop at the 825-year-old Tusayan Pueblo, which was once occupied by the Ancestral Puebloans. The Watchtower, a historic building artfully fashioned after towers built by the Ancestral Puebloans, is a perfect place to finish the drive.

Picnicking at Vista Encantada: These picnic tables have canyon views and provide a convenient stopping point when you're visiting the overlooks on the Cape Royal Road. You'll find few tables on the South Rim, so there you'll need to be more creative. If the weather is calm, pack a light lunch and walk along one of the rim trails until you find a smooth rim-rock or bench on which to picnic.

Discovering a Piece of History: Blending almost seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, the Hopi House was designed by Mary Colter in the early 20th century to house Hopi artisans and sell their wares. Although the building no longer serves as a residence, it still sells Native American arts and crafts.

Bicycling along Hermits Road in Summer: During high season, when this road is closed to most private vehicles, motorized traffic consists mostly of the occasional shuttle bus. Between shuttles, you'll often have the gently rolling road and some of the overlooks to yourself.

Walking along Rim Trail: This walk along the rim affords views straight down into the canyon. Paved and smooth, it lets walkers enjoy the scenery without worrying too much about their footing. Its 10-foot width allows groups of friends to stroll side by side. And, given its location between two of the park's busiest overlooks, it can be surprisingly quiet.

Watching the Sunset from the Westernmost Deck of Grand Canyon Lodge: While the sun disappears behind the pines along the rim, you can soak up the colors on the horizon while sitting in a comfortable chair and sipping a beverage from the nearby saloon. After the sun sets, warm up by the immense outdoor fireplace on the lodge's eastern deck. For unobstructed views, go to Lipan Point on the South Rim or Cape Royal on the North Rim.

Hiking below the Rim: With views 1,300 feet down to the Colorado River, Plateau Point is a prime destination for fit, well-prepared day hikers. The hardest part of this 6.1-mile (each way) trip is on the Bright Angel Trail, which descends 4.6 miles and 3,060 vertical feet from Grand Canyon Village to Indian Garden. The trail head for the Plateau Point Trail is a half-mile west of Indian Garden on the Tonto Trail. From there, it's a smooth and relatively level stroll to the overlook. This is an especially tough hike in summer, when you may not want to venture further than Indian Garden.

Admiring the Waterfalls of Havasu Creek: Surrounded by the red-rock walls of Havasu Canyon, these turquoise-colored falls seem to pour forth from the heavens into the cauldron of Grand Canyon. Travertine dams the creek in places, forming many seductive swimming holes. The 10-mile hike or mule ride from Hualapai Hilltop helps ease you into this area, home to the Havasupai Indians.

Rafting through Grand Canyon: Expensive and worth it, oar-powered rafting trips negotiate thrilling rapids on the Colorado River. Between the rapids, they move slowly and quietly enough to reveal the subtle magic of the canyon. During stops hikers have access to some of the prettiest spots anywhere.

Drinking a Beer with a View: It's hard to imagine a more inspirational view of the South Rim than that from the deck of El Tovar. A draught beer come sunset could be the defining moment in your quest to better know the Canyon.

Escaping the Crowds: The vast majority of park visitors seldom venture farther than a half-mile from a parking area. If you're willing to walk a half-mile or more, whether it's on a corridor, rim, or wilderness trail, you'll begin to experience some quiet and solitude. This is one of my favorite ways to enjoy the canyon.