Dallas Guide and Texas Travel Destinations
All you need to know to make the most of your trip to the Grand Canyon National Park
Things to do and places to see in an unforgettable road trip to the Grand Canyon and surroundings.
Things to do and places to see in an unforgettable road trip to the Grand Canyon and surroundings.
The ultimate travel itinerary to the Grand Canyon and surroundings.
Top things to do in and around the Grand Canyon, including the best stops along the way and mini guides to Flagstaff, Sedona, Page and Monument Valley.
I know two types of people:
The ones that have had the Grand Canyon at the top of they travel bucket list since… ever.
And the ones that never paid much attention to it, until they were eventually dragged there and fell irremediably in love with the place ♥
A road trip to the Grand Canyon is a once in a lifetime adventure you should not miss while living in Dallas – or anywhere else in the world, really!
Yes, we are (really) far from there – around 15 hours driving, to be more precise. But the AMAZING places to stop along the way make the journey as stunning as the destination and are absolutely worth the drive.
I just took this trip last Thanksgiving break. And it was mind-blowing!
I’m one of the ones that have been wanting to visit the Grand Canyon forever, so I knew I would love it.
But what I didn’t anticipated was that I would be as baffled by the attractions along the way and travel destinations around the National Park as I was by the Grand Canyon itself!
Here I share with you the top 10 places to visit on a road trip from Dallas to the Grand Canyon, totaling over 30 things to do and see throughout Texas, New Mexico and Arizona.
Dig into it, prepare your own itinerary and hit the road!
And if you don’t have time to explore the surroundings, and is visiting Arizona with the sole purpose of visiting the Grand Canyon National Park, skip the next lines and read this article instead. A mini Grand Canyon guide containing 10 life-saving tips to make the most of your short visit to the Grand Canyon.
For more road trip ideas -from day trips to longer vacations – take a look into our Trips from Dallas page.
Bad thing is that it takes forever to reach the Grand Canyon driving from Dallas.
Good thing is that it’s mostly done through THE Mother Road, Route 66!
Embrace it and make your trip from Texas to Arizona a once in a lifetime journey through Historic Route 66.
Remember that here is not about the destination, but the journey. The roadside attractions are all quick stops for a photo op (and in some cases a meal or roadside fun).
What makes this road so unique is the history behind it. So, to make the most of your Route 66 adventure learn about its history and golden times.
And don’t laugh out too loud, but consider maybe watching the Disney animation Cars before hitting the road – for those unaware, the fictitious town of Radiator Springs is a composite of iconic places found on Route 66 and its story resembles the one of the small towns along the once highly traveled road, which fall into oblivion once Interstate 40 was built.
Most of the trip from Dallas to the Grand Canyon is done on I-40, which replaced the original Route 66 road.
In this itinerary between Dallas and the Grand Canyon, I-40 will take you through the Route 66 Small Towns and icons in Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. And, in some points, allow you to drive original preserved stretches along Route 66 – just follow the signs.
Follow below the Route 66 roadside attractions not to be missed between Texas and Albuquerque (the first recommended stop in this trip).
Other iconic Route 66 places along the way, between Albuquerque and the Grand Canyon, are mentioned as stops throughout the post. Look for this symbol:
320 mi/ 4h 50m from Dallas
Legendary Conoco Tower and adjacent U-Drop Inn Cafe are the starting points of this trip through Route 66. Can you recognize it from the movie Cars?
The Cafe is no longer operating (it's currently a Visitor Center).
So, stop for a quick snapshot and head to the nearby Big Vern's Steakhouse instead, a famous Route 66 restaurant.
51 mi/ 44 min from the Conoco Tower
Did you know Texas has its own leaning tower? Ok, it's not Pisa. But it is cool! And a great photo op.
The Britten Water Tower, AKA as the Leaning Tower of Texas, is a Route 66 icon and it's right off the highway (on your right side when you're heading towards Amarillo).
16 mi/ 16 min from Britten Leaning Water Tower
The VW Slug Bug Ranch is a less touristic version of Cadillac Ranch, with VW Beetles buried instead of Cadillacs.
Sounds lame, I know, like a copy of the real thing. Honestly, I only gave it a try because I had already been to Cadillac Ranch and wanted to see something new. I'm glad I did! I loved it!
No crowds, amazing place for pics and to unleash your inner outlaw - you can bring your own spray paint can and graffiti the cars, walls and everything else you see covered in street art!
23 mi/ 22 min from the VW Slug Bug Ranch
Great stop for lunch. The Big Texan is part of Route 66 history and famous for the 72 oz Steak Challenge - eat a huge steak plus side dishes in less than 2 hours and you don't pay the bill.
I've been there twice and in both occasions there were people trying it!
It was fun to watch: one guy made it and almost passed out afterwards. The other failed.
13 mi/ 16 min from Big Texan Steak Ranch
A worldwide famous route 66 icon.
You have to see it at least once in your lifetime, so make a quick stop and go there if only for a selfie LOL.
It's right off the road and free, just park, walk a small distance and check the famous buried Cadillacs for yourself.
You are encouraged to graffiti the cars - it's part of the art installation. So, don't forget to bring your own paint spray cans here too.
40 mi/ 37 min from Big Texan Steak Ranch
Step in front of this sign and you can say out loud that you've been in the very middle of Route 66!
It marks the midpoint of the Mother Road and is located just across the street from the Midpoint Cafe, in Adrian, Texas.
Grab a bite, take a selfie and get back to the road.
64 mi/ 58 min from Route 66's Midpoint in Adrian, TX
Entering New Mexico, make a quick stop in Tucumcari, just off I-40. A tiny Route 66 sort of abandoned town, with a well-preserved stretch of the Mother Road, landmarks and interesting attractions.
Stop by the Blue Swallow Motel and Tee Pee Curious (they are only a few feet apart).
The vintage Blue Swallow Motel is an over 80 years old Route 66 Landmark and one of the only motels along the Mother Road still operating in its original configuration.
Tee Pee Curious is the last remaining original curio shop in New Mexico and a unique place to shop gifts and grab your Route 66 souvenir.
Other attractions to check in Tucumcari, if you have extra time to explore the area, are the New Mexico Route 66 Museum and the Dinosaur Museum.
After a fun day exploring the Route 66, recharge your batteries in Albuquerque, right on I-40 on your route to the Grand Canyon.
Albuquerque is New Mexico’s largest town, founded over 300 years ago as a Spanish colony, and part of historic Route 66 as well.
Spare one day to explore the city. Best things to do in Albuquerque include Old Town, Sandia Peak Tramway and Petroglyph National Monument.
At Sandia Peak, go up to enjoy superb panoramic views of Albuquerque. The Sandia Peak Tramway is the longest aerial tram in the US and riding it is one of the must-dos in the city.
At Petroglyph National Monument, check one of the largest Petroglyph sites in North America. The National Monument features symbols and marks left by Natives and Spaniards in volcanic rocks 400 – 700 years ago and is a great place for hiking and exploring.
Albuquerque’s Historic Old Town is the place to go to experience the city roots. It is quaint and lovely area marked by the gorgeous and distinctive New Mexico’s architecture. Stroll through over 150 small shops and galleries, offering amazing native handcrafts. Stop by Black Bird Cafe for a gourmet coffee and quick bite (their chocolate cake is to die for). Visit the Iglesia de San Felipe de Neri, an over 300 years old church. For dinner, try Antiquity Restaurant or La Crepe Michel, both charming, top-rated and right at Old Town.
Leaving Albuquerque towards Arizona, stop by Acoma Pueblo, AKA Sky City.
Acoma Pueblo is a federally recognized tribal entity, historic site and the oldest continuously inhabited community in the U.S. A special place, nestled on top of a mesa, with beautiful views and a lot of Puebloan history.
It can only be visited through a guided tour, which takes you up by bus from the visitor’s center to the Pueblo.
There, a Native guide will take you through the streets and landmarks and you’ll learn how the Acoma Indians used to live 4 to 5 centuries ago. You can also buy native handcrafts directly from the residents, which display their work in front of their homes.
Visiting Acoma Pueblo is overall a superb cultural experience, that will immerse you in Puebloan history. A trip back in time to New Mexico’s roots.
88 mi/ 1h 20m from Acoma Pueblo, NM
Drive a few more miles stop by El Rancho Hotel on Historic Route 66, in Gallup, right off I-40.
El Rancho is a historic hotel that hosted famous Hollywood movie stars in its Golden Times. A fun place to explore or even spend the night (have in mind it's a vintage and old hotel, though).
The lobby is imposing and cozy at the same time, covered with a lot of memorabilia and antiques resembling the old days (sort of a small museum). El Rancho Hotel also features a native shop and restaurant on site, open to the public.
Entering Arizona, head to the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park, right on your route to the Grand Canyon.
For those wondering if they should visit the Painted Desert OR the Petrified Forest, good news: they are both the same and can be seen in a single visit. Checking on these places is a must; the landscape is magnificent ♥
The Petrified Forest National Park is actually inside the Painted Desert area, which covers a big portion of Arizona.
The visit starts at the Painted Desert Visitor Center. From there, there is a 28-mile paved drive that takes you through the Painted Desert towards the Petrified Forest Area. There are several stops along the 28 miles – 12 to be more exact – with overlooks and trails.
The first part of the drive takes you through the scenic Painted Desert Area. In the second part you’ll find ancestral Puebloan homes and petroglyphs (super cool!). And the final part is the Petrified Forest itself, which is something out of this world. What looks like scattered logs are in fact rocks and crystals, very unique.
A visit to the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest can last anything between a couple hours to a full day (if you decide to hike, which a highly recommend because the area is gorgeous). I had only 1h 30m before the park closed to visit it, and as much as I had time to see almost everything I wanted, I must confess it was a bit of a rush. I would say 3 to 4 hours would have been ideal.
For a condensed visit, I would recommend stopping at the Painted Desert Overlooks (number 3 in the map you’ll receive at the Visitor Center), Newspaper Rock, to see the Petroglyphs (number 5, it was pretty neat!) and them spending the rest of the time exploring the last portion of the route (8, 9, 10 and 11) were the Petrified Forest is – this is the most unique part, so focus your time here.
19 mi/ 20m from the Petrified Forest (exiting South)
Leaving the Petrified Forest towards Winslow and Flagstaff (your next stops) you'll stumble upon Wigwam Motel, a registered historic landmark and one of the only 3 surviving Wigwam motels in the US.
Wigwam was a popular hotel chain in the 30's and 40's, famous for its teepee shaped rooms. Featured in the movie Cars, it became an icon of the Disney animation.
Nowadays the Holbrook location has replicas of the Cars characters in front of the teepees. "Kids" will go crazy (is it ok I got actually more excited than them? LOL).
Looking for a cool photo op on Route 66? Take advantage that Winslow is in your way from the Wigwam Motel to Flagstaff and stop for a quick snapshot.
Right in front of the Standin’ on the Corner Park you’ll spot a cool Route 66 sign on the street.
Winslow is also home to cool attractions that worth a stop on your way to the Grand Canyon:
18 mi/ 20 min from Standin' on the Corner Park, Winslow
Life is about second chances!
If for some reason you had to skip the Petrified Forest National Park, but still wants to take a close look to the painted desert, try this hidden gem just 20 minutes off Winslow.
The Little Painted Desert County Park is a top-rated Painted Desert rim drive and looks super cool.
I didn't go there, because actually I didn't know it existed until I started making some researches to this post! - shame on me - but it's definitively a place I'll check out in a future trip.
It's a 40 minutes detour on your way to Flagstaff (20 each way) and recommended time for the drive through the Painted Desert rim is roughly 2 hours.
26 mi/ 27 min from Standin' on The Corner, Winslow
Right after Winslow, on your way to Flagstaff and just off Hwy 40, you'll find the best well-preserved meteor impact crater in the world.
The huge 4,000 foot wide crater was formed over 50,000 years ago by an asteroid that hit the Earth.
The crater is located inside a private area, features a lookout point and is accessible by the public with an entrance fee.
Some visitors get disappointed claiming that it's just... a big hole. I disagree. It's not about the crater, but what caused it, and it's a one-of-a-kind attraction you can't find everywhere! - that's why the Meteor Crater attracts worldwide attention.
Worth a stop, in my opinion.
Flagstaff can be a great base to explore the next attractions mentioned in this post. It’s within a reasonable driving distance from them, which can be visited as a day trip – this was my original plan, but things had to be adjusted due to a major winter thunderstorm warning.
Anyhow, Flagstaff is not only a place to sleep. It has enough great attractions nearby to be considered a destination by itself. It’s also part of Route 66 and has a well-preserved historic portion of it, which is a lively area full of pubs and restaurants.
Plan to spend at least one to two full days of your trip exploring the Flagstaff surroundings – but if time is short and you have to make choices, I would skip Flagstaff and focus on Sedona, the Grand Canyon and Page (where the Antelope Canyon and the Horseshoe Bend are located).
Best things to do in and around Flagstaff include the Historic Route 66 District, Lowell Observatory, Walnut Canyon, Wupatki and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monuments and Bearizona:
Lowell Observatory is an over a century old observatory and the very place where Pluto was discovered.
It operates as an astronomy museum, with educational activities and programs, and has an outdoor area with giant telescopes to observe stars and planets.
12 mi/ 20 min from Flagstaff
Walnut Canyon biggest draw are the ancient dwelling cliffs nestled in the canyon.
It's an outdoor cultural experience, an immersion into the life of the Puebloans that once inhabited the area.
19 mi/ 30 min from Flagstaff
Wupatki National Monument and Sunset Volcano and a 2 in 1 type of attraction. Both are in the same area (19 miles apart), under the same administration and can be explored in a single visit.
At Wupatki you can spot several well-preserved ruins of ancient Anasazi and Sinagua Tribes, a cultural experience and step back in time. Sunset Crater is a once active volcano, with lava fields and an amazing place for hiking.
31 mi/ 35 min from Flagstaff
If you love wildlife or have kids in tow, you must visit this place. AMAZING!
It's drive-through wildlife park with rescued animals from harming conditions - those who wouldn't survive out of the preserve.
You get to see bears, wolves and tons of wildlife in their environment from a really close distance from your car or tram tour (2 or 3 feet sometimes!). It's a beautiful experience.
You can drive your own car or take a tram ride (included in admission). I did both, and despite the route being the same, the experiences were distinct. In the car I could do that on my own pace. With the tram tour, the knowledgeable guide added to the experience with interesting facts and explanations.
The park also has a small petting zoo, a walk-thru area and shows such the Birds of Prey - don't miss it.
There is a restaurant and vendors on site, as well as a great gift shop. Plan to spend at least half a day there.
Sedona is STUNNING. It was love at the first sight. Wow.
Sedona rocks (literally, LOL)! It’s a desert town surrounded by canyon walls and red rock buttes, making the landscape something out of this world.
Sedona is also considered a Vortex, a place with special energy on Earth, attracting mystics and artists from everywhere.
This is a place that can be easily entertain you for 2 to 3 days, and even be a destination on its own – I don’t discard getting back there in the future to spend a week just hiking and breathing in the town special atmosphere.
Despite of feeling short, my one-day visit to Sedona was still VERY enjoyable. I highly recommend you including Sedona in your itinerary, even if you have only one day to explore around, just like me.
All best things to do in Sedona are very close to each other and you can still get a good glimpse of the town and enjoy its best attractions in a quick visit.
Here are the best things to do in Sedona and how to explore the area in a short time frame:
Drive to Sedona from Flagstaff through State Road 89 A. It's jaw-dropping. With sharp curves, the scenic drive takes you from Coconino Forest into a canyon and the views are spectacular.
If time allows, stop for a hiking at West Fork Trail, highly recommended by a local as one of the top things to do in Sedona.
Then have lunch or a quick bite at Indian Gardens Market and Cafe - this place is gorgeous.
In Sedona, head to the Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179) to explore the area.
Start by visiting the stunning Chapel of The Holy Cross, nestled in a rock, with floor to ceiling windows and a beautiful architecture. It's a true gem not to be missed.
Next hike nearby Bell Rock, one of Sedona's famous vortexes.
While all Sedona is considered a vortex area, - a place with stronger energy on Earth - there are 4 special vortexes there said to be points were the energy is even stronger: Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon.
Bell Rock is one of the most recognizable and easily accessible ones.
The Bell Rock Trail is a 1 to 1.5-mile loop trail, family-friendly and relatively easy - if you don't decide to climb up Bell Rock.
I did some climbing, it was amazing, but I must admit it was not easy. The trail that takes you to the top is not well-marked and it's VERY steep in some points. If you have an adventurous side and is in good shape, give it a try though - the views are superb!
After hiking Bell Rock, head to Airport Mesa to watch the most beautiful sunset. Another famous Sedona's vortex, Airport Mesa is famous for the jaw-dropping panoramic views of the city.
Here you have 2 options. You can take the Airport Mesa hiking trail or, alternatively, park your car at the nearby parking lot (keep driving for about an extra half a mile from the Airport Mesa head trail and you'll reach it) and walk across the street to watch the sunset.
Anyway the views are gorgeous and this place is a must-stop to breath in the stunning Sedona's landscape, even more startling at the golden hour, when the rocky mountains changing colors create an unforgettable scenery.
After a busy day filled with a lot of outdoor adventure, indulge in some shopping and reward yourself with a special dinner.
Sedona is an extra charming town and strolling through its shops and streets is a must. Top off your day walking along lively Main Street or the unique Tlaquepaque Arts & Craft Village (or both). Then have dinner at the Pump House Station Urban Eatery, right at the Tlaquepaque, or at the charming and unique ChocolateTree Organic Oasis, a few minutes driving from there.
And you’re finally there: the one and only Grand Canyon!
The Grand Canyon National Park is as mind-blowing as I thought it would be. I fell in love at the first sight and highly recommend visiting it to anyone, do that at least once in your lifetime! It’s a must-visit place on Earth.
Having that said, the Grand Canyon attracts people from all over the words, meaning… it can get VERY crowded. Especially during school breaks and holidays.
But there is a way of skipping the crowds and having a blast even on the busiest times of the year!
Lessons I’ve learned the hard way! I hope my experience helps you to have the time of your life there!
In brief, enter the Grand Canyon through the East Entrance to avoid long lines (if possible), use alternative parking lots (the one you are told to go gets crazy and leaves you really far from the top things to do) and plan in advance (cellphone coverage is poor and the Visitor Center information line huge).
And make sure to cover the top things to do in your plans, spare at least 2 to 3 days to visit the Grand Canyon and extra time to explore the STUNNING surroundings.
In the Grand Canyon, watching a sunset and sunrise, driving Desert View Drive and going down the canyon through Bright Angel or South Kaibab trails are musts. In the surroundings, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley and Sedona are not to be missed!
Page is a small Arizona town, by the Utah border, where Mother Nature has been especially generous.
Page is famous for two impressive nature wonders: Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. And they by themselves totally worth the less than 2-hour drive from the Grand Canyon East Entrance.
The drive itself is very scenic, taking you first through Navajo Lands and the Little Colorado River Gorge, and then bordering the Painted Desert. Breathtaking.
Below I explore further the places you cannot miss in a trip to Page – the very reasons why you should include it in your Grand Canyon Itinerary in the first place.
But there is more to Page than its most popular attractions. Home to beautiful Lake Powell and surrounded by stunning Glen Canyon, page offers tons of outdoor things to do.
If you have extra time, also consider visiting the Glen Canyon Dam (right at the town), driving to Lone Rock Beach and Wahweap Overlook (about 15 minutes from Page) and hiking Hanging Garden and Rim Trails.
And, maybe, venturing into neighboring Utah to hike Toadstool Voodoos Trail and spot unique formations – something was at the top of my wish list for my trip to Page, but that I had to skip last minute due to a major winter thunderstorm.
On your way to Page, take a detour and visit Navajo Bridge.
Nestled in the Glen Canyon area, the Navajo Bridge a pair of steel bridges crossing the Colorado River. One, the newer, is used for traffic. The other one is an historic pedestrian bridge you can cross walking for beautiful views of the Colorado River.
The drive there is very scenic. And Navajo Bridge is on your way to Lees Ferry, one of Page's top attractions, featuring historic buildings and River Trail, an easy 2-mile round trip through Glen Canyon, along the Colorado River.
Right before arriving to Page, stop by emblematic Horseshoe Bend, a work of art from nature.
To get to the viewpoint, you'll have to hike a short and easy trail, with some elevation (about 10 to 15 minutes each way, depending on your pace).
Once you reach Horseshoe Bend, the views are superb. There are no guardrails, so be cautious and keep a safe distance from the edge (surviving to walk Antelope Canyon and drive Monument Valley is more important than that perfect selfie LOL).
Plan to watch a sunrise or sunset there if possible: it gets even more magic under dusk and dawn lights.
Antelope Canyon is jaw-dropping - for real, my mouth was wide open the entire way LOL!
It gets worldwide attention, especially after the world's most expensive photo was taken there a few years ago (it was taken by photographer Peter Lik and sold for 6.5 million!)
There are two possibilities here: visiting Lower or Upper Antelope Canyon.
They are both similar (part of the same formation), but Upper Antelope gets sold out faster because of its special lightning, ideal for photography.
Antelope Canyon can only be visited through guided tours for safety reasons. There is a daily limit of visitors on both sides of the canyon for preservation purposes, so make reservations in advance!
Lower Antelope receives light the whole day (this picture was taken there!). Upper Antelope only at specific hours, but when it does beam lights are formed, making the scenery extra special (the photo sold for 6.5 million was taken there!).
I took the Lower Antelope Tour and highly recommend it! It takes about one hour, and the trail is mostly flat and easy. Exception for some steep stairs - but nothing crazy, my kids ages 5 and 9 did it with some help.
Another bucket list attraction, Monument Valley is a must-visit travel destination for those venturing through Arizona.
A sacred place for the Navajo people, Monument Valley was featured in several movies, from Stagecoach, staring John Wayne, to counter-culture classic Easy Rider and Hollywood hits Back to the Future, Thelma & Louise and Forrest Gump. It is also in the cover of 2003 Led Zeppelin DVD and one of the filming locations of Metallica’s “I Disappear” video, just to name a few. In other words, it’s an American icon.
I’ve visited Monument Valley on my way back to Dallas, from Page. It adds about 1h30 to your trip and is absolutely worth the detour.
I had only a few hours to explore the area. So, I opted for taking the scenic drive throughout the only portion of Monument Valley open to self-guided tours – the back-country area can only be accessed through guided-tours, said to be amazing.
Scenic Valley Drive is a 17-mile unpaved road that takes you through Monument Valley’s most iconic formations. It has 11 viewpoints along the way to see humongous rocks with specific shapes, where you can get out of the car and breath in the views.
There is also a nice visitor center, gift shop and restaurant there. And a 3.3-mile loop trail, Wildcat Nature Trail, that takes you around West Mitten Butte, one of the most recognizable Monument Valley formations.
You can easily spend a day at Monument Valley – especially if you want to hike Wildcat Trail (allow 2 to 3 hours for that and bring water!), or even more if you decide to explore the back country through guided-tours.
But if you have only a few hours like me, I would still recommend you visit it. Monument Valley is much more imposing in person than in the pictures and in 1h30 to 2h00 you’re able to take the scenic drive in a moderate pace and immerse into the landscape. Go for it!
A trip through Arizona will take you to places you must visit at least once in your life: Route 66, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Sedona.
And as a bonus you’ll stumble upon unbelievable places, such as the Petrified Forest, Painted Desert, Meteor Crater and Bearizona, just to name a few of the awesome attractions I covered in this post. Arizona is mind-blowing!
So, plan this trip now. Add it to your bucket list for the upcoming months or, if it’s already there, just finally do it!
You’ll need at least one full week to visit the main attractions of this itinerary. But the more the merrier. If you have more time don’t worry, there are tons of things to see in these places and I promise you won’t get bored!
Read the post, choose your favorite places to visit and hit the road! Then get back here to brag about your awesome experiences and share new findings!
Have you ever been to the Grand Canyon? Did you visit the places in its surroundings recommended in this post? Do you know of any other place not far from there that deserve to be on the “must-visit places near the Grand Canyon” list? Leave your comment below!
12 things I wish I knew before visiting the Grand Canyon National Park. Check it out and make the most of your trip!
6 Dos and 6 Don’ts to make the most of your trip to the Grand Canyon, in Arizona.
The one and only Grand Canyon. The magical nature wonder that attracts millions of people from all over the world.
A trip to the Grand Canyon has been in my bucket list forever. But life always kept delaying my plans, for one reason or another. Last Thanksgiving, I decided to be stronger than my excuses and finally had the guts to hit the road – with two kids in tow – to embark on my dream trip!
I’m SO glad I did it! The Grand Canyon lived up to the dream. It was absolutely majestic and breathtaking. And the journey from Dallas towards Arizona and the Grand Canyon surroundings took my breath away – full itinerary to be published soon!
This is a road trip anyone living in Dallas (or anywhere in the world, really) MUST take at least once in a lifetime!
My visit to the Grand Canyon was not free of humps and bumps along the way, of course. I spent two days exploring the National Park. Did everything wrong the first day LOL. Learned from it and had the time of my life in the second one.
Here is what I’ve learned and everything you need to know to skip the tourist traps to make the most of your visit to this awe-inspiring nature wonder:
The drive towards the Grand Canyon National Park’s East Entrance is as scenic as it gets.
It features Navajo Lands in one side and the Little Colorado River Gorge in the other, and you enter Kaibab National Forest as you approach the park.
There are several viewpoints along the way, as well as Navajo stands selling authentic native arts and crafts.
Plus, the East Entrance is not as touristic as the South. Lines to access the Grand Canyon National Park tend to be much shorter there (especially important during high season and holidays!), and the setting is absolutely gorgeous.
Grand Canyon’s East Entrance has its own viewing area, featuring a beautiful native themed Desert View Watchtower – go up for panoramic views and for the first wow of the day.
For me, East Grand Canyon felt like a more authentic and less exploited side of the National Park than the (very) touristic South Rim.
I highly recommend you use this entrance for the reasons mentioned above and for the ones that I cover in the “don’ts”.
Only exception here is if you are not visiting by car. The South Rim is your best bet in this case, as it offers free shuttles to explore the Grand Canyon. And there are no shuttles connecting East and South Grand Canyon (they are connected by scenic Desert View Drive, inside the National Park, which can only be traveled using private vehicles).
Drive then Desert View Drive, which connects East and South Entrances. It’s a paved and well-maintained road, open year-round (with possible eventual closures due to inclement weather).
Desert View Drive is a gorgeous scenic drive, with amazing stops along the way, including the South Kaibab Trailhead. It was one of my favorite things to do in the Grand Canyon.
If you don’t have a car, ride the red bus in the Grand Canyon South Rim, to explore Hermit Rest Route Instead (in the opposite side of the Grand Canyon from Desert View Drive).
This route also features several viewpoints. Including Hopi Point, considered one of the best places to watch the Sunset at the Grand Canyon National Park because of the unobstructed views.
Both routes deserve your attention, so if you have your own car and have enough time, plan to take the two of them.
The Rim Trail is a 12.8-mile trail, mostly paved and flat, and accessible in some points.
It’s perfect for a leisure and slow-paced walk, with amazing views of the Grand Canyon along the way.
Some stretches are protected by guardrails and some are not, but it’s a wide path an overall safe even for families with little kids (just keep them close and under control and you should be more than fine).
Grand Canyon’s Rim Trail is a great option to explore the National Park for those that for one reason or another cannot – or choose not to – hike down the Grand Canyon.
You don’t need to walk the whole 12.8 miles – the trail is divided in sections as short as 0.5 miles.
One good option is to park your car at the Yavapai Point and Geology Museum and walk 1.9 miles towards the Bright Angel Trailhead (you can walk one way and take the shuttles back to Yavapai Point later).
This stretch of the Rim Trail has cafes, restaurants and gift shops in the Verkamp’s Visitor Center surroundings (perfect for a lunch break).
From the end of this stretch, nearby the Bright Angel Trailhead, catch the red bus to explore Hermits Rest Route several viewpoints (and maybe stop by Hopi Point for unobstructed views of the most spectacular sunset).
Seeing the Grand Canyon from the top is not the same as walking ON it!
(maybe the difference between observing the moon from a spaceship or getting out and walking on it – ok, I might have gone overboard here LOL)
If conditions allow, hike down the Grand Canyon for a more immersive experience.
Hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon can last from long hours to days – and must be an awesome experience.
But you can also hike a small portion of these same trails and still have an amazing time and unique views, reserved only for those who venture into the canyon.
I walked a portion of both Bright Angel Trail, right off the Rim Trail, and South Kaibab Trail, off Desert View Drive.
The trails are steep and scary – there are no guardrails – watch your step and use caution. The views, jaw-dropping.
Ooh Aah Point, 1.8 miles into South Kaibab Trail, is considered the most family-friendly way to hike down the Grand Canyon and said to have spectacular views.
Honestly, I didn’t get this far. There was snow and ice everywhere and I needed to survive this trip to write this post LOL.
If you must choose one among both trails that I mentioned, I would go with Bright Angel. It felt a little easier – at least in the first mile – and the scenery was staggering.
Those are the best times of the day to breath in Grand Canyon’s undeniable and overwhelming beauty.
Dawn and dusk accentuate the Grand Canyon colors and somehow make it even more stunning.
Here are the best points in the Grand Canyon for sunset and sunrise watching:
Arizona is a GORGEOUS State, and the National Park surroundings as mesmerizing as the Grand Canyon itself.
Make sure to spare at least 4 to 5 days to explore the must-visit places around.
Be prepared for some driving: Arizona is a big State and most top attractions are within 2h00 – 2h30 from the Grand Canyon – but trust me, they are absolutely worth the drive!
Monument Valley, Sedona and Page should be on the top of your list and are not to be missed (take a look into the pics below and you’ll understand why).
But there are many other amazing things to do and travel destinations around to be considered if you have extra time.
I’ll be covering all the places to visit in the Grand Canyon surroundings, as well as the best stops between Dallas and the Grand Canyon, in my upcoming post.
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The Grand Canyon is one of the most visited attractions in the planet. People flock there from the whole world, so crowds are unavoidable, especially during high season.
But there is a smarter way to visit the Grand Canyon than doing what everyone else is told to do, and it can save you some hassles.
One of the most important things to do is to avoid using the South Entrance.
I didn’t know it LOL – to be honest, I didn’t even know I had an alternative until I visited it for the first time. And it costed me one precious hour of my life in the line waiting to enter the park…
Plus, skipping the East Entrance would’ve been a shame, for the reasons I mentioned in the “Dos” above.
So, unless you have a very good reason to use the South Entrance – is on your route and the East Entrance is a huge detour; you don’t have a car or you’re staying in a hotel in the South Rim – avoid it during the busiest times of the year at all costs.
Head to the East Entrance instead, which is even more beautiful and authentic than its counterpart in my opinion.
If you MUST access the park by car through the South Entrance though, and crowds are too bad, you can park your car in the gate community of Tusayan and ride the free purple shuttle into the park, skipping the long entrance lines.
But have in mind that you won’t be able to drive Desert View Drive then – only accessible through private vehicles – and that you must have a valid park entrance to use the shuttle (can be purchased online in advance).
You can also use the Grand Canyon Railway Tour to skip the lines and get into the park. It departs from nearby Williams and reservations must be made in advance.
“What do you recommend?”, I innocently asked to the lady at the park entrance after grabbing the map she handed to me.
“Go to the Visitor Center. Drive about half a mile until you see it. Then park your car and start from there” said she politely, probably for the thousandth time in the day.
And so, I did. Along with the other zillion people that had been waiting for one hour in the lane to enter the park, just like me, and had heard the very same instructions.
The result? Another 40 minutes driving in loops, trying to find a parking spot.
Just to find out later, when I hopped on the (wrong) bus (LOL) that there are several other parking lots scattered throughout the Grand Canyon Village – most of them almost empty, right on Thanksgiving week.
And that they are just by the places the shuttles take you too (I could have avoided the shuttle waiting time too!).
So, if you ever visit the Grand Canyon by car, do yourself a favor. Look at the map they will hand to you at the booth entrance and look for alternative parking lots in case the Visitor Center’s is full – which will mostly likely happen during high season and holidays.
My recommendation would be to park at the Verkamp’s Visitor Center or Bright Angel Lodge parking lots (parking lots C and D) – with easy access to the Bright Angel Trail, Rim Trail and Red and Blue bus stops.
Plan ahead! Don’t count on your cellphone to plan on the go. Cellphone coverage is poor in the Grand Canyon and your internet will probably not work there – this is especially true for the South Rim.
You can always stop by the Visitor Center and count on the wonderful rangers to help you out. But if it’s a busy time, not only you’ll have trouble parking your car near the Visitor Center, but you will probably have to face a huge line to ask for information as well – and you are at one of the most amazing places of the world, so your time here is precious, you don’t want to waste it!
So, dig into this post and check the Grand Canyon National Park page as well. They have great recommended itineraries, according to the time you have available to spend there.
This is the easiest and most accessible way to visit the Grand Canyon, so thumbs up for the Rim Trail. It is also an amazing place to take a break in one of the several restaurants, cafes or gift shops along the way.
But the Rim trail is also the most touristic part of the Grand Canyon, and almost “too civilized” for my taste LOL. So, check on it, but don’t limit your visit to the Rim Trail.
To fully experience the Grand Canyon, I highly recommend that you go down the canyon, even if only for a short distance. Hiking down the Grand Canyon is a once in a lifetime experience you can’t miss, and the most authentic way to explore this humongous nature wonder.
In the “Do’s” you will find two recommended trails to go down the Grand Canyon (#4). I did both, for about 1h30 each, and it was enough to give me a whole new perspective. This was the Grand Canyon I had dreamed of.
If for any reason hiking is not an option for you, another way to experience the most authentic side of the Grand Canyon is to explore the stunning view points along Desert View Road (if you have a car) or Hermits Rest Route (if you’re riding the shuttle).
The Grand Canyon is way more civilized than I was anticipating. No, you are not going to the middle of nowhere.
The roads are paved and well-maintained, there are TONS of people everywhere and you can find everything from an Urgent Car to a Post Office inside (even a garage for emergency repairs and a kennel!).
There are tons of restaurants and cafes, and even small grocery stores, inside the Grand Canyon. Prices are decent – not much more than you would pay outside the National Park. And there are ATMs there as well, in case you need cash – but credit cards are widely accepted.
Most of the cafes and restaurants are concentrated near the Verkamp’s Visitor Center, right off the Rim Trail. But you also find a Market, Deli & Cafe at the East Entrance viewing area and other options throughout the South Rim. Check the map you’ll receive at the entrance of the Grand Canyon National Park to find the nearest to the places you’re planning to visit.
So, just do your normal prep, as you would do in any trip. No need to go crazy with foods and supplies and prepare as you were going to war LOL.
Your entrance fee is valid to access the Grand Canyon for 7 days!
Keep the ticket in your windshield and come and go as many times as you wish in one week. Plan to visit at least one more time if possible.
My visit to the Grand Canyon lasted two days – the original plan was three, but a winter thunderstorm warning changed our plans.
I would say one day is too short, two days enough, three to four days ideal. With an extra day I could have done things in a slower pace and some more hiking – which I love.
But in 2 days I was able to cover most of what I wanted to see there (not everything though).
A trip to the Grand Canyon is a once in a lifetime experience and you’ll have a blast no matter what.
This is one of the most impressive places on Earth, so even if you do everything wrong, you’ll still love it! LOL
Having that said, some tips can save you time and headaches, and make your visit to the Grand Canyon National Park even more enjoyable.
In this post I’ve covered the things I wish I knew before I traveled to the Grand Canyon. That could have saved me time to invest in exploring further and spared me from some hassles.
Here’s a quick summary to use as a checklist on your future visit to the Grand Canyon:
I hope these recommendations help you to make the most of your visit to the Grand Canyon and enjoy every second you have there.
This is an outstanding trip to take, have fun!
And if you have other tips to make a visit to the Grand Canyon easier, or wants to share your experience there, leave a comment below. I’ll love to hear from you 🙂
