Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is North America's greatest natural wonder — and no description, photo, or video can prepare you for the moment you first stand at the edge. The Colorado River has carved a canyon into the earth here over six million years, which is 1.6 km deep, up to 29 km wide, and 450 km long. The exposed rock layers tell almost two billion years of Earth's history — a third of the age of our planet.

South Rim

The South Rim is the most accessible and most visited part of the canyon — over 90% of all visitors come here. There are good reasons for this: excellent infrastructure, numerous viewpoints, the free shuttle bus, and several hotels and restaurants right on the rim. The South Rim is open year-round.

The best viewpoints on the South Rim:

• Mather Point — The first stop for most visitors and one of the most impressive. Only a 5-minute walk from the Visitor Center. Especially overwhelming at the first view into the canyon.
• Yavapai Point & Geology Museum — Panoramic view with a small museum explaining the geological history. Great at sunrise.
• Desert View Watchtower — At the eastern end of the South Rim. The 21-meter-high watchtower (designed by Mary Colter in 1932 in Pueblo style) offers the widest view over the canyon and the Colorado River. The drive here alone (40 km from Grand Canyon Village) is worth it.
• Hopi Point — The most popular sunset point. Only accessible by shuttle (Hermit Road Route).

The Rim Trail (21 km, mostly paved and flat) connects most viewpoints on the South Rim and is also suitable for families and less fit hikers.

North Rim

The North Rim is 300 meters higher than the South Rim and receives only 10% of the visitors — yet it is in many ways even more spectacular. Denser forests (spruces, firs, aspens instead of pines), cooler temperatures, and a view into the canyon that appears even more dramatic due to the steeper cliffs. The North Rim is only open from mid-May to mid-October (the access road is closed in winter).

The Bright Angel Point Trail (0.8 km, easy) leads to a breathtaking viewpoint. The Cape Royal Trail (1.3 km) ends at a point where you can see the Colorado River. The North Kaibab Trail is the only official descent trail from the north side — and significantly more challenging than the south side.

Descent into the Canyon

The descent to the Colorado River is the ultimate Grand Canyon experience — but also a serious undertaking. The most popular trails:

• Bright Angel Trail (South Rim) — 15.3 km to the river, 1,340 m elevation change. Most hikers only go to Indian Garden (7.2 km, 915 m descent) and turn back.
• South Kaibab Trail — Shorter (11.3 km to the river), steeper, but with better views. No water on the way!