Let’s try a little experiment.
Imagine visiting one of the most beloved national parks in the country. You take it all in. You go home. And instead of thinking, “Well, that was something,” you think, “Absolutely not,” and immediately leave a one-star review for the world to see.
Welcome to the internet’s relationship with Grand Canyon National Park.
This post isn’t about why the Grand Canyon is wonderful. (Plenty of people have covered that.)
It’s about the tiny but vocal group of visitors who left the Grand Canyon feeling disappointed enough to open Yelp or TripAdvisor and put their displeasure in writing.
And wow — did they put it in writing.
I spent far too long scrolling through the Grand Canyon’s worst reviews, collecting the most dramatic, baffling, and unintentionally funny takes I could find. Not to argue with them. Not to shame them. Just to appreciate them… from a safe distance.
Think of this as a curated reading list of expectations vs. reality.
Or a reminder that no place — no matter how iconic — is immune to a one-star rant.
If you love national parks, you’ll probably laugh.
If you’re planning a trip to Acadia, you’ll probably learn something.
And if you’ve ever wondered how someone can visit a place this famous and walk away unimpressed—keep reading.
Hilarious Bad Grand Canyon National Park Reviews
A great example of uncontrolled erosion leaving a dangerous and ugly scar on an otherwise beautiful forest.
Yelp
It’s too big. I almost fell like 20 miles away from it by my car but I could still see it. Also my wife decided to divorce me while we were there. It’s also to big. I was expecting smaller.
Yelp
I’m hoping this one is a joke. It might be …
Whoopity do, Grand Canyon. You are a giant hole in the ground. You were caused be erosion. You don’t have roller coasters or dippin’ dots. Jeeesh. Can you say “overrated?”
Yelp
Dude seriously it’s just a big hole in the ground and it’s all dirt. No shade trees, nothing interesting at all. … you can walk around on the dirt and look at the giant gaping hole in the ground and take pictures of the dirt. Big whoop. Not even worth the drive.
TripAdvisor
Very disappointing 5 hour drive for a hole in the ground expected to see the Colorado River and nothing
TripAdvisor
Couldn’t see what all the fuss is about. … It’s just a hole in the ground. A big hole, mind.
TripAdvisor
Seriously. It’s a hole in the ground. To me, it’s not spectacular, it’s not pretty. It’s a giant hole in the ground. There’s nothing to see from the top.
TripAdvisor
Lots of people had the same thought. Yes, it’s a very big hole. But a hole like no other.
Went to the Grand Canyon this past week and let me tell YOU it’s a big ole waste o time! There was dirt EVERYWHERE and the hiking trail was too long! Also where are the vending machines?? And no where to charge my phone! It’s way too deep to even see the bottom! … ! Grand Canyon more like grand blandyon
Yelp
The trails down below the rim are ling – but you can hike part of them easily enough. Read my Guide to The Bright Angel Trail for more info about this iconic trail.
Nothing here but desiccated bone dry just like California drought ...There is nothing there! … Easy place to commit murder. Just push the dude over the cliff and no body find out. Such a creeper. No plant, no life, it’s like a picture of death.
Yelp
Don’t waste your time and hard earned money on this overpriced, overcrowded experience.
Yelp
The trek to views were bad, tiring. We reached here and asked, why all the fuss? Ok views.
TripAdvisor
If you’re looking for something to do, check out my list of 30 Things to Do on the South Rim.
I’ve been to a number of so called landmarks in my time – but what the hell was this? Just an overblown sandy ditch. Really don’t get the fascination! Took two hours to get there – should’ve stayed in my hotel and watched a DVD instead…
TripAdvisor
A bit of a waste of a day I’m afraid. If you’ve seen pictures you’ve seen it. Don’t waste your time.
TripAdvisor
Very dull and boring. Not a lot to see and loads of selfie sticks ready to take your eye out! Don’t waste your time or money on this its just not worth it.
TripAdvisor
The Grand Canyon is a joke … There are no animals, no greenery, no clear blue streams… just a muddy river, rock, and sheer cliffs. You’ll go “ooh” and “ahh” for 30 seconds, and then feel guilty that you’re ready to leave after that… A hole. A very, very large hole.
Yelp
The views were ok. However, I just find it unacceptable that in this day and age wifi was non-existent. I had lots of good photos but was unable to Snapchat them!
TripAdvisor
It was just a pile of dirt and rocks. I think you would have more fun at a park with a little sand box and a couple of rocks and one of those cute cactuses for $5 so save your money and time and DONT GO TO THE GRAND CANYON.
TripAdvisor
There are no wildlife and very few wild flowers … after gazing the canyon for 3 minutes from the rim, you have seen it all.
TripAdvisor
If you have a different opinion and would enjoy the views, here are 25 Viewpoints along the South and West Rims.
If you like rocks and lots of dirt, this is the place. You hit the jackpot! It takes 3 hours to drive to the interior of the canyon so if you got little kids, this can be a headache for them sitting still. There are no internet reception for the iPhone for the iPhone addicts. In awe for a brief 5 minutes and then the kids will realize it’s just rocks without entertainment, restrooms.
TripAdvisor
Totally an overrated location. Cluster of ugly looking rocks and a gorge that runs for miles. Boring is an understatement. Don’t waste your time visiting.
TripAdvisor
If all this hasn’t put you off, check out my:
What did you think of these reviews? Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectorsand comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).
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About the Author
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Newsweek, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.