The most famous National Park in the United States: the Grand Canyon. When we visited in April 2021, the North Rim was closed due to the pandemic, but we still enjoyed every moment we spent on the South Rim. We camped at Mather Campground, which was ideal because of its convenient location (about a 5 minute drive from the South Rim). The campsite is beautiful, with tall pines that offer shade and the perfect place to hang a hammock. We camped in the Aspen loop — if you do this, try to get a site between 10 and 25, as they are closest to water and full of trees.
There are a multitude of hikes you can do in the Grand Canyon, varying in difficulty. For an easier, but beautiful, family-friendly stroll, we recommend walking to Mather Point from the Visitor’s Center for sunrise or sunset. For a hike varying in length with little elevation gain, we recommend the Rim Trail. You can take the free park shuttle to any point along the 14 mile trail and then walk back. The trail offers spectacular views of the Canyon and the Colorado River and it allows you to fully experience the magic of this national park without too much physical exertion.
For those who are looking for a challenge, we have the perfect hike for you. The Bright Angel Trail goes from the rim of the canyon all the way down to the Colorado river, 6860 ft below… and back up again. The entire trail CANNOT be done in one day, and a backcountry permit is required to camp at Bright Angel Campground (or anywhere else at the bottom of the canyon). If you want to do the entire trail, you have to plan at least 2 months in advance (the earlier the better), because permits sell out quickly.
Because of the general spontaneity of our trip, we failed to acquire a permit. If this applies to you, DON’T WORRY because there are other challenging and exciting options. We hiked the Bright Angel Trail down to Indian Gardens. It was still very strenuous, with a 4000 ft elevation gain over 5 miles. If you decide to do this hike (you should!!), we recommend leaving early in the morning to avoid the scorching daytime temperatures in the Canyon. DO NOT rush this hike. Make sure to pack A LOT of water and snacks to fuel your body. There are also refill stations along the trail. As the signs throughout the trail say “Down is optional. Up is mandatory.” Know what you are getting yourself into.
Despite its challenge level, the Bright Angel Trail is beautiful. It provides incredible views of the canyon above and below, and reaching the green oasis of Indian Gardens provides a refreshing change of scenery and a place to eat and refill water before the long hike up.
One of our favorite parts of camping trips is the constant possibility of changing plans. You are literally carrying your house with you. Though some things cannot be done with a last-minute mindset, that doesn’t mean that it isn’t still a fun (and often relieving) attitude to have. There are always amazing things you can do, even planning just hours in advance. That is the beauty of the outdoors!!
The busiest time of year in the Grand Canyon is the summer. However, if you want to hike into the canyon, the heat of summer is probably a bit too extreme. In mid April, the temperatures during the day were comfortable in the canyon (high 60s – low 70s), and a little chilly on the rim (high 40s – low 50s). It did snow briefly, and nights camping were cold (in the 20s). Definitely check the forecast before you come so you are prepared. Weather changes quickly in this National Park.
The Grand Canyon is a special and astoundingly beautiful place. Pictures do not do it justice. If camping isn’t your thing, the park is accommodating to all types of stays. With hotels and Airbnbs both in the park and a short drive away, the park has all the amenities you need for a comfortable and happy stay. You will not regret making the trip!!
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