Think you need to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy the Grand Canyon? Not at all! I used to believe the same thing until I discovered dozens of ways to experience this natural wonder without setting foot on a trail. From scenic trains to helicopter rides, there’s so much more to the canyon than hiking.
I’ve spent countless hours exploring the Grand Canyon’s rim-side attractions, and I’m here to tell you about the best ways to see those billion-year-old rocks without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re traveling with kids, dealing with mobility issues, or just prefer to take it easy, these activities let you experience the canyon’s magic in comfort.
Let’s take a look.
If you are planning to visit Grand Canyon National Park by yourself, make your planning easy and stress free with a detailed itinerary. I have 1-, 2- and 3-day Deluxe Itineraries for the South Rim and a 1-2-Day Basic Itinerary for the North Rim that include all the park highlights, give you choices based on your preferred activity level, and take all the stress out of planning your trip
No time to discover the best things to do in Grand Canyon for non hikers? Pin it and save it for later:
Table of Contents
1. Scenic Drive Along Desert View Drive
Taking Desert View Drive is one of the best ways to see the Grand Canyon without hiking a single step. This 23-mile road starts at Grand Canyon Village and takes you east to the Desert View area.
Although it’s described as a “scenic drive”, I personally don’t think the drive itself its that scenic. However, it deserves its name because you’ll pass by more than half a dozen amazing viewpoints where you can pull over and snap photos.
The Desert View Watchtower is a must-stop spot at the end of the drive. It’s open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Only 25 people can go up to the top of the tower at once and there are 85 steps to climb. If you have the mobility, I recommend it – the views from the top are incredible. I’d suggest getting there early in the morning to beat the crowds.
If you’re driving in winter, you’ll have the road mostly to yourself. Summer visitors should plan for early morning or late afternoon drives when the lighting is perfect for photos and there’s less traffic. Don’t forget to pack snacks – there’s a market and deli at Desert View for a lunch break.
2. Rafting on the Colorado River
Want to see the Grand Canyon from a totally different angle? Take a raft trip down the Colorado River.
There are several options.
To go through the main part of the canyon that forms the national park, you need to traverse several pretty major rapids. Trips that use traditional white water rafts or wooden dories typically last 5-6 days and you need to hike up or down the Bright Angel Trail. Definitely NOT for non-hikers.
However, you can also take a larger motorized raft. These still go over the rapids, but the larger raft makes them smoother. And because they’re motorized, they go more quickly, so you can go through the entire canyon – and not have to hike at the start or end. These are still multi-day trips.
If you’re looking for a one-day rafting trip, you have two options. Both are technically outside the national park, but are very cool, nonetheless.
1. Marble Canyon
This is just above Lees Ferry, which is officially the start of the Grand Canyon, between Lees Ferry and Glen Canyon Dam. These are calm water float trips and go through the famous Horseshoe Bend.
➡️ Book a half-day float trip through Marble Canyon here (from Page)
2. West Grand Canyon
These are usually done as day trips from Las Vegas. The Grand Canyon isn’t as wide or deep here as it is around the South and North Rims, but it’s still amazing and this is a great way to experience riding the Colorado River without hiking or taking more than a week to do it.
➡️ Book a river rafting trip through West Grand Canyon here (from Las Vegas)
Most rafting companies run trips from spring through fall. Book ahead – these trips fill up fast, especially in summer. Remember to bring sunscreen and a hat – the sun reflects off the water and can be pretty intense.
➡️ Read More: White Water Rafting In The Grand Canyon
3. Helicopter Tours Over the Canyon
Want the most jaw-dropping views of the Grand Canyon? Book a helicopter tour! You’ll get 30-45 minutes of amazing aerial views that show off just how big and beautiful this place really is. They give you perfect photo opportunities of popular spots like Mather Point from way up high.
Most flights take off from Grand Canyon Airport, which is in Tusayan, near the South Rim.
Here’s a tip: book your flight for early morning. The light is better for photos, and the air is usually calmer. Plus, morning flights tend to be cheaper.
Bring your camera, but don’t worry too much about getting the perfect shot – the pilots know all the best angles and will make sure you get amazing views.
➡️ Book a helicopter ride from Las Vegas
➡️ Book a helicopter flight from Tusayan (near the South Rim)
4. Scenic Airplane Flights Over the Canyon
Looking for a no-fuss way to see all the Grand Canyon bucket list spots in under an hour? A scenic airplane flight lets you take in miles of gorgeous canyon views from your comfy window seat. Most flights take off from the Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan, just 10 minutes from the South Rim.
The standard 50-minute flight gives you a bird’s eye view of the sprawling canyon, and you’ll spot landmarks like the North Rim and the Colorado River winding below. Your pilot will point out cool features through the headset, so you won’t miss a thing.
I’d suggest booking an early morning flight when the air is smoother and the light makes the canyon walls glow. Most planes have big windows perfect for photos.
Pro tip: sit on the right side of the plane – that’s usually where you’ll get the best views of the canyon (though the pilots do make every effort to give everyone a good view).
➡️ Book a scenic Grand Canyon flight with optional Hummer tour
5. Mule Rides Along the Rim
If you’re not into hiking but want to get a close-up look at the Grand Canyon, a non-hiker friendly activity is riding a mule.
There are two main options – a short 3-hour ride through ponderosa pine forest to a viewpoint, and a multi-day ride down to Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon. The longer rides need to be booked 15 months ahead! Both these trips are super popular, especially in summer.
The rides follow safe, well-maintained trails along the rim, giving you amazing views without having to walk. Your guide will share fun facts about the canyon’s history and point out cool rock formations along the way.
Before you book, keep in mind there are some rules: riders must be at least 4’7″ tall and speak English to understand safety instructions. There’s also a weight limit of 225 pounds.
Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and bring water and sunscreen. The morning rides are usually less crowded and cooler – perfect if you’re nervous about the Arizona heat.
A word of warning if you’re thinking about booking the longer ride to the bottom of the canyon. This may seem like a much easier option than hiking, but I took the short 3-day trip and was never so glad to do anything as get off that damn mule! I felt like my legs were being ripped out of my body by the end. And that was after about an hour in the saddle! But, I’m not used to riding and clearly don’t have the right muscles developed for riding, so you may well have a different experience.
So, while this is one of the most iconic things to do at the Grand Canyon, make sure you’re prepared for it!
6. Visiting the Grand Canyon Village and its Historic Buildings
Grand Canyon Village is where you’ll find some of the coolest old buildings in the park. The Bright Angel Lodge, built in 1935, has cozy cabins perfect for families – just remember there’s no AC! Stop by the Kolb Studio, run by two photographer brothers in the early 1900s, to check out cool exhibits about canyon history.
The village shops on the historic Hopi House stock Native American jewelry, canyon photos, and hiking gear if you want souvenirs.
Check out the History Room in Bright Angel Lodge. There are old photos and various items from the canyon’s human history. Don’t miss the Geologic Fireplace, a large stone fireplace built from stones taken from each of the main layers of the Grand Canyon – how cool is that!?
Make time to walk through the Tusayan Pueblo and Museum, open Thursday to Monday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can walk around an 800-year-old pueblo and learn about the people who lived here way back when. The outdoor trail takes about 30 minutes and gives you a peek into ancient canyon life.
7. Ranger-Led Educational Programs and Talks
Want to learn about the Grand Canyon without walking far? The daily scheduled programs at the Visitor Center are perfect. Every day, rangers give talks about the canyon’s geology, wildlife, and history right on the rim. You can catch a park film at the Visitor Center Theater between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM – “We Are Grand Canyon” shows on the hour, while “Grand Canyon: A Journey of Wonder” plays on the half-hour.
Kids love the Junior Ranger program! They’ll get an activity book to complete and earn a cool badge. If you’ve got a 4th grader, they can get in free with the Every Kid Outdoors pass.
The Desert View Watchtower has ranger-led talks focusing on Native American history and culture. Programs change with the seasons, so check the daily schedule when you arrive. Morning programs usually have smaller crowds, and you can easily grab a seat near the front.
8. Exploring the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and Its Exhibits
The Grand Canyon Visitor Center is your first stop for getting to know the canyon without walking far. Between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM, you can catch two amazing films in the theater – “We Are Grand Canyon” plays on the hour, and “Grand Canyon: A Journey of Wonder” runs on the half-hour. Both movies give you 24 minutes of stunning canyon views from your comfy seat.
Want to skip the crowds? Get there right when they open at 8:00 AM or wait until mid-afternoon. By mid-morning, the place gets pretty packed, especially during summer months. I’m usually hiking early in the morning, so I like going around 2:00 PM when most folks are out at the viewpoints.
The center’s displays tell you all about the canyon’s rocks, wildlife, and the people who’ve called it home. Rangers are always around to answer questions, and they’ve got great tips about which viewpoints are best for photos. Don’t forget to grab a park map – it shows all the shuttle stops and nearby restaurants.
9. Sunset and Sunrise Viewing at Popular Viewpoints
Mather Point is perfect for sunrise views, and you won’t have to walk far from the parking lot. Get there 30 minutes before sunrise to grab a good spot – in summer that means around 5:00 AM. The morning light hits the canyon walls just right, turning them from purple to orange to red.
For sunset, head to Hopi Point along Hermit Road. From March to November, you’ll need to take the free shuttle bus. In winter, you can drive your own car. The sun sets behind the canyon around 5:00 PM in winter and 7:30 PM in summer. I like getting there an hour early to find a comfy spot on the wall.
Want great photos? Bring a tripod for those low-light shots. The best colors show up about 15 minutes after the sun drops below the rim. If you’re staying at the South Rim lodges, you can walk right out to Yavapai Point for sunset – it’s less crowded than Mather Point but just as pretty.
➡️ Read More: Best Grand Canyon Viewpoints
10. Grand Canyon Railway Journey
Take a nostalgic ride on the Grand Canyon Railway! This 65-mile train trip starts in Williams, AZ, and drops you right at the South Rim. The train leaves Williams at 9:30 AM and pulls into Grand Canyon Village at 11:45 AM, giving you plenty of time to see the sights.
During the 2-hour ride, you’ll see the landscape change from pine forests to high desert plains. The conductors tell funny stories about old train robberies, and there’s even a cowboy music show in the passenger cars. You might spot elk or pronghorn antelope out your window.
The railway carries about 230,000 people every year, so book your tickets early. Pick from different classes of service – the basic coach cars are comfy, but the first-class cars have bigger windows and snacks.
Pro tip: sit on the left side going up for the best views. The return trip leaves the canyon at 3:30 PM, perfect timing after a day of sightseeing.
One caveat: This is a great way to see the canyon as a day trip. However, it does mean that you’ll be at the South Rim at the same time as most of the park’s daily visitors. If you prefer a quieter, less-crowded experience, stay overnight so you’re there before and after the train’s day visitors.
➡️ Book Grand Canyon Railway train tickets
11. Exploring the Yavapai Geology Museum
Looking for an easy way to understand how the Grand Canyon formed? Stop by the Yavapai Geology Museum. The big windows give you million-dollar views of the canyon while you learn about its rock layers. If you look carefully, you can even see Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon.
The museum displays show you how the Colorado River carved through 2 billion years of rock to make this amazing place.
Inside, you’ll find cool 3D models of the canyon and samples of all the different rocks you can spot from the rim. Rangers hang out here to answer questions, and they know their stuff!
The observation deck outside has telescopes set up so you can zoom in on rock formations and maybe spot tiny hikers on the trails below.
Get here before 10″00 AM to beat the tour buses. Late afternoon is another good time – the sun hits the canyon walls just right for photos. The museum’s small, so give yourself about an hour to see everything. Bring quarters for the telescopes!
12. Stargazing and Night Sky Programs
The Grand Canyon is an International Dark Sky Park, making it one of the best places in the US for watching stars. Head to Mather Point or Yavapai Point after sunset – both spots have great views of the night sky and parking nearby. Just remember, if you’re visiting during a full moon (like December 26), the Milky Way won’t be as bright.
Park rangers often run night sky talks where they point out constellations and share Native American star stories. They bring out telescopes so you can see planets and star clusters up close. In summer, programs start around 9:00 PM, while winter programs kick off earlier around 7 PM.
Want good star photos with your phone? Find a spot away from the lodge lights, use night mode if you have it, and prop your phone against something steady. The best stargazing happens two hours after sunset on clear nights. Bundle up – it gets chilly at the rim, even in summer!
13. Native American Cultural Demonstrations
At the South Rim, you can often watch artisans from 11 local tribes show off skills passed down for generations. The Grand Canyon Visitor Center frequently hosts daily demos of basket weaving, jewelry making, and pottery from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The artists share stories about their work while they create – it’s like getting a mini history lesson!
Head to the Desert View Trading Post to see Navajo silversmiths at work. They’ll show you how they shape silver and turquoise into beautiful jewelry. You can buy pieces directly from the artists, and they’ll tell you about the meanings behind their designs.
During summer months, Hopi dancers often perform traditional dances at the amphitheater near Hopi House. Shows may happen twice daily at 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Get there 15 minutes early to grab a seat in the shade. Kids especially love watching the Eagle Dance and learning about its meaning.
Remember to be respectful when taking photos – always ask permission first. Some demonstrations don’t allow pictures because of cultural beliefs.
Note that displays and performances can vary, so always check with the NPS to see of they are happening when you visit.
14. Dining With a View at Canyon-Side Restaurants
The El Tovar Dining Room sits right on the rim. The back porch is a great place to relax, enjoy a drink and soak in the views. The restaurant is a classic national park lodge dining room with wooden beams and dramatic art. Make dinner reservations a few months ahead – the sunset slots fill up fast! Try their signature Arizona-raised beef or local trout while watching the sun paint the canyon walls.
On the North Rim, Grand Canyon Lodge’s dining room has floor-to-ceiling glass windows offering breathtaking views over the canyon. I recommend trying to get a reservation for a little before sunset – that way you can see the sunset as you have dinner. It’s incredible!
15. Wildlife Viewing and Birdwatching Along the Rim
You’ll spot lots of wildlife right from the South Rim walkways – no hiking needed! The early morning hours around Mather Point are perfect for watching elk graze near the parking lots. They’re most active at dawn and dusk, so grab your coffee and head out early. The photo above was taken just outside Kachina Lodge.
Keep your eyes on the sky for California condors soaring past the rim. These huge birds have a 9-foot wingspan, and they love riding the warm air currents near Yavapai Point. Bright Angel Lodge’s patio is another great spot to see these rare birds – about 85 now live wild in the canyon.
Desert bighorn sheep often hang out on the cliffs below Desert View Watchtower. Bring binoculars to get a better look, especially in spring when the lambs are playing on the rocks. Ravens and rock squirrels are everywhere along the rim – just remember not to feed them, no matter how cute they look begging for snacks. Rock squirrels are technically the most dangerous animal in Grand Canyon National Park! Because people feed them and then get bitten!
The best wildlife photos happen in the soft morning light. Set up your camera near any rim viewpoint about 30 minutes after sunrise, and wait quietly – the animals will come to you.
Ready to Experience the Canyon Your Way?
There you have it – 15 amazing ways to experience the Grand Canyon without hiking a single trail. From the comfort of a vintage train car to the thrill of a helicopter ride, these activities prove you don’t need hiking boots to make unforgettable memories here.
Remember, the key to a great non-hiking Grand Canyon trip is planning ahead. Book your tours early, check the weather, and time your visits to avoid crowds. Whether you’re watching condors soar past the rim or enjoying a sunset dinner at El Tovar, you’ll find that some of the canyon’s best experiences don’t require any hiking at all.
If you are planning to visit Grand Canyon National Park by yourself, make your planning easy and stress free with a detailed itinerary. I have 1-, 2- and 3-day Deluxe Itineraries for the South Rim and a 1-2-Day Basic Itinerary for the North Rim that include all the park highlights, give you choices based on your preferred activity level, and take all the stress out of planning your trip
Enjoy these non-hiking Grand Canyon activities!
Additional Planning Resources for Grand Canyon National Park
⭐ Grand Canyon Guide
⭐ Grand Canyon South Rim Deluxe Itinerary
⭐ Grand Canyon North Rim Basic Itinerary
⭐ Planning A Trip to Grand Canyon National Park: 7 Mistakes to Avoid
⭐ Bright Angel Trail Guide
⭐ How Long to Stay in Grand Canyon National Park
⭐ White Water Rafting In The Grand Canyon
⭐ Best Things To Do In Grand Canyon (South Rim)
⭐ Best Grand Canyon Viewpoints
⭐ Guide To Making Reservations For Phantom Ranch
⭐ 15 Top Tips for Visiting Grand Canyon National Park
⭐ How To Get To Grand Canyon National Park
⭐ The Best Airports Near The Grand Canyon
⭐ The Airport Nearest Grand Canyon National Park
⭐ The Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon National Park
⭐ Visiting Grand Canyon National Park: What To Expect Throughout the Year
⭐ Best Books about the Grand Canyon
⭐ Vacation Rentals In and Near Grand Canyon National Park
⭐ Vacation rentals in Flagstaff
⭐ Vacation rentals in Sedona
⭐ 12 Fun Facts About the Grand Canyon
⭐ Easy Hikes in Grand Canyon National Park
Do you have any other non-hiking activities at the Grand Canyon that you’d recommend? I’d love to hear them. Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know.
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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.
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