Grand Canyon Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Grand Canyon, Arizona - AZ, USA)

The Grand Canyon is officially one of the world's seven natural wonders, with many tourist attractions and breathtaking sightseeing opportunities. Created by the might of the meandering Colorado River and its tributaries, the Grand Canyon has become one of the biggest and most impressive natural attractions in Arizona. The Grand Canyon offers amazing views from the various viewpoints at either of the Grand Canyon's rims, with the many hiking trails here being popular attractions and activities.

Whatever you choose to do, the Grand Canyon visitor center has a wealth of tourist and attractions information to help you get the most out of your stay. Air and river tours are extremely popular in the Grand Canyon and as with many of the campgrounds, you will need to book well in advance. Those who would rather stick to ground level should visit the IMAX theater.

Canyon View Information Plaza

Address: East side of Grand Canyon Village, Grand Canyon, Arizona AZ, 86023, USA
Tel: +1 928 638 7888
The Grand Canyon Village Visitor Center, or Canyon View Information Plaza, is about 4 miles / 6 km from the park's southern entrance and is located near the popular Mather Point. Inside you will find exhibits relating to the natural history of the Grand Canyon area. Other attractions in the Grand Canyon Village Visitor Center include a souvenir shop containing regular canyon gifts, as well as books, maps, videos, CDs and DVDs. A ranger is stationed here during opening hours to answer any questions you may have regarding the park.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 17:00, seasonal variations apply
Admission: charge for parking

Helicopter Tours

Helicopter tours of the Grand Canyon provide one of the most breathtaking and memorable views of the Grand Canyon. Lasting up to one and a half hours, helicopter tours of the Grand Canyon travel below the canyon's rim, over the Hoover Dam and along the lively Strip in nearby Las Vegas.
Open hours: hours vary
Admission: charge

Bright Angel Point

Address: North Rim Drive, Grand Canyon, Arizona AZ, USA
Bright Angel Point is a short trail and out of all of the Grand Canyon's lookout points it is perhaps the most precarious, with attractions including some of the finest views of either rim. The trail is only a 1-mile / 1.5-km long trek and starts at the Grand Canyon Lodge. With sheer drop-offs and extremely narrow footing in places, Bright Angel Point is one of the most exciting trails on offer in the Grand Canyon area. The viewpoint itself juts out over the rim by a long margin, but keeping inside the railings is a must as many people die every year from falls here in the canyon.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Grand Canyon IMAX Theater

Address: 450 Arizona 64, Tusayan, Grand Canyon, Arizona AZ, 86023, USA
Tel: +1 928 638 2203
Located at Tusayan, about 8 miles / 13 km south of the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, is the Grand Canyon IMAX theater, a six-story high, 80-foot / 24-meter wide screen. Attractions at the IMAX Theater include a 30-minute film covering the magnificent Grand Canyon from the air and brave rafters fighting the Colorado River's huge rapids from the water. Also situated here, the Arizona Tourist Information Center has a booking desk for trips on the river and air tours of the park.
Open hours: March to October, daily - 08:00 to 22:00, films shown hourly on the half hour from 08:30 to 20:30; November to February, daily - 10:00 to 20:00, films shown hourly on the half hour from 10:30 to 18:30
Admission: charge

Bright Angel Trailhead

Bright Angel Trailhead is perhaps the nation's most well-known hiking trail attractions and traverses over 5,500 feet / 1,675 meters of Grand Canyon gorge before hitting the Colorado River at Phantom Ranch. The trail was originally carved out by rampaging bighorn sheep and was later used by the Havasupai Indians, as well as gold prospectors. Today the Grand Canyon's Bright Angel Trailhead trail is used by eager hikers and those less able adventurers on daring mules. Carrying ample supplies of water and using sunscreen is essential as temperatures soar at river level in the summer.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Cape Royal

Address: AZ 67, North Rim, Grand Canyon, Arizona AZ, 86022, USA
Situated on the relatively remote North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Cape Royal is the North Rim's southernmost viewing point, with attractions including a particularly interesting looping trail. The actual view point is a short walk from the parking lot and features spectacular views of the majestic canyon, including the aptly-named Angels Window, a huge hole. Not far from the viewpoint at the Grand Canyon's Angels Window Overlook is the narrow, forested Cliff Springs Trail, which takes in some remarkable features, with attractions including a limestone overhang and ancient dwellings.
Open hours: mid-May to mid-October
Admission: free

Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center

Address: Highway 67 and 89A, Jacob Lake, Arizona AZ, 86022, USA
Tel: +1 928 643 7298
The Kaibab Plateau on the Grand Canyon's North Rim has a scenic route through a forest of aspen, pine and fir, which begins at Jacob Lake. Many attractions and activities can be enjoyed near Jacob Lake itself, such as horseback riding and wildlife viewing, while the Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center has several hands-on exhibits.
Open hours: May to October, daily - 10:00 to 17:00, November to December, Saturday and Sunday - 08:00 to 16:00 (selected weekends)
Admission: free