7 Mistakes to Avoid Planning A Trip to Grand Canyon National Park

Planning a trip to Grand Canyon National Park? Then you probably already know there’s a lot to figure out – when to go, where to stay, what to do, and how to get around.

But just as important as knowing what to do is knowing what not to do.

Over the years, I’ve helped many people travel to Grand Canyon National Park, and I’ve also made a few mistakes myself. From showing up without a park pass to underestimating drive times, I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) what can really throw off your trip. And I don’t want that to happen to you.

This is best for first-time visitors – or anyone who wants their trip to Grand Canyon National Park to go as smoothly as possible.

Want a sneak peek? One of the most common mistakes is thinking you can “just show up” and wing it. Spoiler: it almost never works out well.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the most common pitfalls people run into when they plan a trip to the Grand Canyon, and how to avoid each one, so your visit is full of awe, not stress.

Let’s make sure your Grand Canyon experience is unforgettable for all the right reasons.

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#7 Only staying a few hours

When planning your adventure to the Grand Canyon National Park, the number one mistake to avoid is selling the experience short by only staying a few hours. A typical whirlwind visit might last 5-7 hours, but this natural wonder isn’t just a ‘check off the list’ kind of place.  

The Grand Canyon is brimming with activities that go beyond the rim. From ranger talks to Junior Ranger programs for kids, there’s a slice of the park for every age and interest. Picture yourself embarking on scenic hikes, enjoying sensational sunset views, or even taking a mule trip into the canyon’s depths. And let’s not forget the stargazing opportunities; the night sky here is amazing!  

Spending only a few hours here? You’ll miss out on the park’s full splendor. To truly soak in the Grand Canyon’s grandeur, consider extending your stay. Whether it’s a full day to explore the rim or a few days to venture down the trails, give yourself the gift of time. .  

➡️ READ MORE: 30 Things to Do at the Grand Canyon 

#6 Only spending 17 minutes looking at the canyon!

Did you know that the average time spent looking at canyon is just 17 minutes! I think this is a huge mistake!   

Heading to the Grand Canyon and spending only a few minutes gazing into its depths is not doing it justice. The canyon isn’t just a single snapshot; it’s a full photo album with over 50 viewpoints on the South Rim alone, each offering a unique perspective on this geological masterpiece. From the dramatic drop-offs at Yavapai Point to the tranquil vibes at Shoshone Point, every angle tells a different story.  

And the canyon changes with the day’s light. Sunrise paints it with soft pastels, midday reveals the stark contrasts and textures, and sunset sets the rock ablaze with fiery hues. It’s a live show that deserves more than a mere 17 minutes.  

So, take your time. Wander along the rim, find your favorite viewpoint, or better yet, discover them all. Let the canyon’s ever-changing beauty unfold before you, and you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation that can’t be captured in a mere glance.  

➡️ READ MORE: The Best Viewpoints on Grand Canyon’s South Rim 

#5 Not going below the canyon rim

This mistake is a surprisingly common one. While the views from the top are indeed spectacular, they’re just the beginning of what the Grand Canyon has to offer. By not descending even a short distance, you’re missing out on a whole new world of awe-inspiring vistas and the true essence of the canyon.  

Trails like the Bright Angel and South Kaibab from the South Rim, and the North Kaibab from the North Rim, are your gateways to these extraordinary experiences. Each trail has its own personality, with switchbacks, resthouses, and lookouts that offer a more intimate encounter with the canyon’s grandeur.  

However, it’s crucial to respect the challenge these trails present.  Underestimating the difficulty of hiking back up is another common mistake! Remember, going down is optional, hiking up is mandatory. A rim-to-river-to-rim hike should not be attempted in one day. The canyon’s depth can be deceiving, and the climb back up is strenuous, often taking twice as long as the descent.  

So, pack plenty of water and snacks, and start early to beat the heat. Even if you only go a short way down, the perspective you’ll gain is immeasurable. Just be sure to plan, prepare, and respect the canyon’s depth and your own limits. 

➡️ READ MORE: Full trail guide to the Bright Angel Trail 

#4 Not riding the rapids

The Grand Canyon’s essence flows along the river that carved it, and to skip the chance to ride its waters is to miss a core part of the canyon’s heart-pounding, soul-stirring adventure. The Colorado River isn’t just a ribbon of water at the canyon’s base; it’s a historical pathway that adventurers like John Wesley Powell navigated in 1869, revealing the canyon’s wonders to the world. 

Embarking on a river trip offers a perspective you can’t get from the rim. You’ll witness the power of the river up close, see the geological layers rise dramatically above you, and feel the rush of adrenaline as you navigate rapids with names like Hance, Granite, and Lava Falls. The experience is primal, it’s thrilling, and it’s utterly unforgettable. 

There’s a river journey for every type of adventurer. Choose a motorized raft to cover more distance with ease, a paddle raft for hands-on action, or a wooden dory for a touch of tradition (my personal favorite). Each vessel offers a unique way to connect with the river’s rhythm. 

And the river itself holds secrets only accessible by water. Side trips can lead you to hidden waterfalls, secluded canyons, and ancient Puebloan ruins, places where the outside world feels a million miles away. These are the hidden gems that you can only discover from the river’s embrace. 

➡️ READ MORE: Guide to White Water Rafting through Grand Canyon 

#3 Not booking far enough in advance

The Grand Canyon isn’t just any vacation spot; it’s the second most popular national park in the country, drawing visitors from around the globe. Accommodations, especially unique ones like Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon, are in high demand. This isn’t a place where you can wing it with last-minute plans. 

Phantom Ranch, the only lodging below the rim, is so sought-after that it requires entering a lottery 15 months in advance. That’s right, over a year ahead! If you dream of sleeping beside Bright Angel Creek, under a canopy of stars (which I totally recommend!), planning ahead isn’t just recommended; it’s essential. 

But it’s not just Phantom Ranch. Campgrounds, hotels on the rim, and even popular tours and mule trips get snapped up quickly. To avoid the disappointment of missing out, start planning your Grand Canyon adventure early. Mark your calendar for booking windows and set reminders for lotteries. 

A trip to the Grand Canyon is a bucket-list experience for many. Treat it as such by giving yourself the best chance to enjoy everything it has to offer. Book early, secure your spot, and then you can relax and look forward to the trip of a lifetime. 

➡️ READ MORE: How to Get Reservations for Phantom Ranch 

#2 Only visiting the South Rim

While the South Rim is the most accessible and therefore the most visited, limiting your Grand Canyon experience to this area alone means missing out on the unique offerings of the North Rim.

With far fewer visitors, the North Rim provides a more secluded and intimate experience, allowing for a deeper connection with the natural beauty and tranquility of the park. 

The North Rim sits at a higher elevation, which results in cooler temperatures and a different mix of plant and animal life. The landscape here is lush and densely forested, a stark contrast to the more arid South Rim. This elevation also offers a new perspective on the canyon’s grandeur, with some arguing that the views are even more spectacular due to the increased height. 

Highlights of the North Rim include Point Imperial, the highest point in the park, and Cape Royal, which offers a sweeping panorama that’s hard to beat. There’s also the historic Grand Canyon Lodge with its stunning patio views, and the North Kaibab Trail, which provides a less crowded path for hikers venturing into the canyon. 

The North Rim’s high altitude means that it’s only open seasonally, typically from mid-May to mid-October, adding to its allure. Those willing to make the extra effort to visit the North Rim will be rewarded with a serene and deeply personal Grand Canyon experience, where the pace is slower and the moments linger longer. 

#1 Not having a detailed (and flexible) plan

With the overwhelming majesty of the Grand Canyon, it’s easy to assume you can just show up and wing it. However, the park’s vastness and variety demand a well-thought-out itinerary. Yet, just as important as a solid plan is the flexibility to adapt when the canyon—often full of surprises—throws a curveball your way. 

Whether you’re eyeing a day trip or a more extended stay, a structured plan ensures you make the most of your time. This could mean allocating specific periods for viewpoints, hikes, and activities, or scheduling your visit to the Visitor Center to glean valuable insights from park rangers.  

But what happens if you’re traveling with people who have different fitness levels and/ or interests.  Or if you want to mix things up throughout your trip?  That’s where flexibility becomes key. Having a plan is essential, but having a plan with different options so you can make different choices and mix and match makes much more sense.  

For those looking to streamline their planning process, purchasing a 1, 2, or 3-day itinerary can be a game-changer. These itineraries are designed to maximize your experience, offering a balanced mix of must-see highlights and hidden gems, all while leaving room for spontaneous moments that make a trip truly memorable. With a structured, adaptable plan in hand, you’re set for an unforgettable Grand Canyon adventure. 

➡️ Check out the three Grand Canyon National Park itinerary options. 

Travel Insurance

You should, of course, always have travel insurance when you plan a Grand Canyon trip, but especially when doing things like hiking.  You just never know.  Travel insurance also covers things like lost or stolen property, trip cancellation, and emergency repatriation. If you want to learn more about all this, check out my Guide to Buying Travel Insurance (on my other blog) before getting your insurance. 

➡️ A great insurance option is Travelex.  It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can compare Travel Insurance plans here or get a quote right now:

Enjoy your trip to the Grand Canyon!

Additional Planning Resources for Grand Canyon National Park

I hope this Grand Canyon trip planning guide was helpful. Do you have any other tips for visiting Grand Canyon National Park? I’d love to hear about them.  Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and 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).

If you liked this article about the planning a trip to the Grand Canyon, Pin It to your Grand Canyon National Park board! 

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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