Nice! Well, seems I did everything ok for just going on a whim 👍 lol. Drove from Milwaukee WI to Salt lake to ski for a week, from there drove to Bryce, and Zion, and then Grand Canyon. The only rim open was the South. I got there at evening to watch sunset, drove out of the park and slept in my suv in the mcds parking lot, got up early and experienced sunrise. I was there on March 30 and 31. Crowds weren't bad at all. Especially at sunrise. It was awesome. Great tips you give. Nice channel 🙂
You can book one way tickets on the train. We are going in April and have a train trip from Williams to the South Rim on Thursday, and a return trip on Friday. Staying at the GC Railway Hotel Wed and Fri nights, and the El Tovar on Thursday night. It is the best of both worlds.
We took the train to and from the rim and it was a great day. Several people on board were taking the train up and staying at one of the lodges for a couple of days and coming back down later. You can check luggage and they will deliver it right to your room. It does not have to be just a day trip.
Winter is the best time to visit GCNP Lipan Point is the best place to watch the sunset Downhill from Desert View on SR 64 until the road straightens out is the best place to watch the sunrise Red Canyon / New Hance trailhead is the best place on the S.Rim to be alone w/ the Canyon , it is also the best place to hear the River The hike out to Yuma Point is the best dayhike in GCNP The hike down to Indian Gardens is the worst dayhike in GCNP The Cameron Trading Post is the best alternative to staying on the S.Rim Altitude lost is altitude is altitude that must be regained is the best advice that I can give a visitor to GCNP
I worked at the Grand Canyon south rim for five years. You didn't mention not get too close to the edge on really windy days. A two year old girl was literally blown off the edge when a wind gust came. So sad
Take the tour for the sunset. They take you out to Hermit's Rest or another of the far west overlooks, and there will be many other people out there who took the shuttle bus or hiked there. However when it is over you get to hop back on the bus and get back down to the village within 30 minutes. The others are fighting for spots on the shuttle buses or walking back and that can take hours.
You are really helping us with our vacation plans, thank you. What do you think about the Amtrak destination tour to the Canyon? We are looking at the round trip package from Chicago.
I just took that trip (started in Springfield, MA, then through to Chicago, then down to the Grand Canyon, and then back) and it was absolutely incredible! I simply cannot recommend it enough. The train trip was incredible, the hotels were great, and it was wonderful having everything taken care of for us and not having to plan everything out. You should absolutely do it!
I am planning to go to visit Grand Canyon south rim in mid December. Unfortunately I won’t have a lot of time for the visit , perhaps a bit more than half day, but I am driving , what do you guys suggest me to do?
Thank you for your tips and insight of what to avoid and how to. Wondering if the Fall or Spring time would be better ? Any advice would be appreciated.
I personally went in April, May, and September. It's really out of the way and a much longer drive, but going to the North Rim is fantastic with the fall color. Bring your own food, EVERYTHING IS EXPENSIVE as they need to have it brought in. South Rim is great if you don't mind all the people. Never been there in Winter, but not afraid to. If you don't mind the COLD, GIVE'R HELL!! I think it would be incredible!
Thanks for the video!...Can you tell me if there are affordable/"cheap" (under $100 a night) roadside "mom and pop" type motels or low end Motel 6/Super 8 type motels in Tusayan or between Williams and the park?Places that usually exist everywhere, but aren't on expedia/orbitz type booking sites.
A place called Two Guns or Twin Arrows, AZ is the best spot near there, amazing viewing. If you get a cloudless night it's worth a visit.See pics here: www.groundedlifetravel.com/15-bucket-list-experiences-you-must-visit-in-arizona/
We had a planned group trip in April. 2 weeks where we packed it in and packed it out. Hiked along the trails. Swam in the freezing creeks. Camped outside at the campsite/ ranch at the bottom. The night skies were beautiful. Best time / trip of my life. Stunningly beautiful.
Thank You...I want to take my wife there in a few days and I just heard there are no shuttle buses running now. I heard that Hermit Road is the best place and you must take shuttle bus there. I do not want to drive 3 days to get there and not be able to go to the best places bc no shuttle buses. Is it possible to just drive your car and take in the grand canyon that way...stop at the view points and do a little hiking and just use your car to get around or should I wait until the shuttle buses are running again...Help!
No. There are some points, especially on the west rim toward Hermit’s rest, that are closed to private vehicles, except in the winter when the shuttle buses are not running.
If anyone ever tells you that the Grand Canyon is too busy and you should visit Sedona because it's less known, they are lying to you. If you want non-crowded Grand Canyon, go early, the South Entrance gate is open 24 hours, the shuttle vans start running before dawn. Sedona, on the other hand is like MTV Dance Party during freaking spring break. People. Everywhere.
Oh, there are plenty of great hikes in and near Sedona ... just stay well away from "the 'Y'." Unfortunately these days Sedona is drowning in its own yuppie popularity, as you say. But there are plenty of great trailheads, both there and to either side along the Mogollon Rim.
Nice video with good advice, but you made a mistake about the train ride. While I would never ride the doggone thing, you should tell train fans that if they wouldn't mind spending more money, the railway offers several packages that allow staying overnight at the rim hotels, so you can take your time and see the sun set and rise. The ride is also two hours and fifteen minutes each way, with only 3 hours at the rim if you return the same day. I love trains, but would avoid the thing because I hate fake wild west shows, which appear to be mandatory "entertainment", and I would be annoyed by the singers onboard who sing folk songs and play their guitars even if you don't like what they're doing. Also, I would for sure get stuck next to the obnoxious parents with 5 loud bratty kids who would be throwing ice cubes and yelling the whole darn way up and back from Williams. Worse, I'd likely be stuck next to some hideous blue haired guy who would complain about the scenery, the comfort of the seats, etc etc etc, and while not doing that, would insist on telling me all about his decades of successful business ventures or the fact that he and his wife have seen every national park, national monument, and in fact, every country on the planet. Screw that. Have fun, as you say, in your own car, even if parking at the rim might be a royal pain. :-)
Wow, that’s a pretty negative opinion on something you have never done. I agree that the cowboy singers and train robbers are not my thing, but most people do enjoy them. Some of the singers are actually very talented, although they are better to watch when they are playing on the patio at one of the local restaurants in the evening. But if you really don’t want to see them, you can go visit the cafe car during their show. They only play about 15 minutes of the trip. And for the kids, there are a couple cars that are 12 years and up. No screaming kids!
My mom and I took Grand Canyon railway to canyon one day came back the next. This way we were able to see more and was not so rushed..
Nice! Well, seems I did everything ok for just going on a whim 👍 lol. Drove from Milwaukee WI to Salt lake to ski for a week, from there drove to Bryce, and Zion, and then Grand Canyon. The only rim open was the South. I got there at evening to watch sunset, drove out of the park and slept in my suv in the mcds parking lot, got up early and experienced sunrise. I was there on March 30 and 31. Crowds weren't bad at all. Especially at sunrise. It was awesome. Great tips you give. Nice channel 🙂
You can book one way tickets on the train. We are going in April and have a train trip from Williams to the South Rim on Thursday, and a return trip on Friday. Staying at the GC Railway Hotel Wed and Fri nights, and the El Tovar on Thursday night. It is the best of both worlds.
Nice tips. The most important one is that you need to go into it to truly appreciate it's size! 👍😀
I never did. But I did go to the edge with a couple of fun-loving guys who were fond of saying things like, "Aw, man, that's DEEP!"
@@martharetallick204 Lol 😀
thanks for the info. the “mmm hmm” was driving me nuts tho
😂
Am going in mid-May, made my lodging reservations back in early February. Found your channel while looking for the best spot for sunrise/sunset.
We took the train to and from the rim and it was a great day. Several people on board were taking the train up and staying at one of the lodges for a couple of days and coming back down later. You can check luggage and they will deliver it right to your room. It does not have to be just a day trip.
Winter is the best time to visit GCNP
Lipan Point is the best place to watch the sunset
Downhill from Desert View on SR 64 until the road straightens out is the best place to watch the sunrise
Red Canyon / New Hance trailhead is the best place on the S.Rim to be alone w/ the Canyon , it is also the best place to hear the River
The hike out to Yuma Point is the best dayhike in GCNP
The hike down to Indian Gardens is the worst dayhike in GCNP
The Cameron Trading Post is the best alternative to staying on the S.Rim
Altitude lost is altitude is altitude that must be regained is the best advice that I can give a visitor to GCNP
I worked at the Grand Canyon south rim for five years. You didn't mention not get too close to the edge on really windy days. A two year old girl was literally blown off the edge when a wind gust came. So sad
😢so sad🙏🙏
😭😭😭
Dumb parents
Bad supervio
So sad 😭
Thank you for this video! Is very helpful. Do we need to bring a road map? I was told that there may not be reception to use my GPS.
Soooo glad I watched this video before booking the train trip. I did notice that it was a pretty long ride.
Have a great time at the Grand Canyon!
Where's the best places to see the sunset/sunrise on the south rim?
Thanks for the info
We going there next week
Just checked the weather gonna be hot ..but we excited though
Merino wool socks were a GREAT thing to have on the Bright Angel trail.
Great pointers.. thank you for this
You are so welcome!
Thank you. I’m curious about hotels during this time of COVID-19. Did you see many changes? Also, Are car rentals more difficult/expensive?
During covid, my wife and I went to the North Rim. The NPS were limiting visitors and we felt like we had it to ourselves. Our trip was fantastic!
Take the tour for the sunset. They take you out to Hermit's Rest or another of the far west overlooks, and there will be many other people out there who took the shuttle bus or hiked there. However when it is over you get to hop back on the bus and get back down to the village within 30 minutes. The others are fighting for spots on the shuttle buses or walking back and that can take hours.
Thank you for the info. I don.t think this a trip for me with foot and ankle issues. :(
Bozo
You are really helping us with our vacation plans, thank you. What do you think about the Amtrak destination tour to the Canyon? We are looking at the round trip package from Chicago.
I just took that trip (started in Springfield, MA, then through to Chicago, then down to the Grand Canyon, and then back) and it was absolutely incredible! I simply cannot recommend it enough. The train trip was incredible, the hotels were great, and it was wonderful having everything taken care of for us and not having to plan everything out. You should absolutely do it!
I am planning to go to visit Grand Canyon south rim in mid December. Unfortunately I won’t have a lot of time for the visit , perhaps a bit more than half day, but I am driving , what do you guys suggest me to do?
Thank you for your tips and insight of what to avoid and how to.
Wondering if the Fall or Spring time would be better ? Any advice would be appreciated.
I personally went in April, May, and September. It's really out of the way and a much longer drive, but going to the North Rim is fantastic with the fall color. Bring your own food, EVERYTHING IS EXPENSIVE as they need to have it brought in. South Rim is great if you don't mind all the people. Never been there in Winter, but not afraid to. If you don't mind the COLD, GIVE'R HELL!! I think it would be incredible!
@Grounded Life Travel - do you recommend to arrive in January?
Oh well, already got strike one. We’re going in June and staying in south rim in the park
Same :(
Same
Great job on your video...it inspired me to make my amateur version lol. What software do you use for editing? Keep up the good work!!!
We use Adobe
Great tips you guys! I’d planned a one day trip, but now thanks to you I know better. 🚘 🧳
Take the train up from Williams and then stay overnight in one of the lodges in the park and take the train back down to Williams the next day.
Very informative. Thanks.
Great tips guys. Thanks so much! Lynn and Danny
Is a solo trip in late October good?
that is a great time to go, good weather and low crowds
This year it look frosting . I m going tomorrow and kind of freezing
Thanks for the video!...Can you tell me if there are affordable/"cheap" (under $100 a night) roadside "mom and pop" type motels or low end Motel 6/Super 8 type motels in Tusayan or between Williams and the park?Places that usually exist everywhere, but aren't on expedia/orbitz type booking sites.
We booked a vacation package through Amtrak which is coming up soon. I hope to upload something when we get back.
best spot for astrophotography? can the milky way be seen?
A place called Two Guns or Twin Arrows, AZ is the best spot near there, amazing viewing. If you get a cloudless night it's worth a visit.See pics here: www.groundedlifetravel.com/15-bucket-list-experiences-you-must-visit-in-arizona/
Great tips...awesome...thanks for your tips..
We had a planned group trip in April. 2 weeks where we packed it in and packed it out. Hiked along the trails. Swam in the freezing creeks. Camped outside at the campsite/ ranch at the bottom. The night skies were beautiful. Best time / trip of my life. Stunningly beautiful.
Thank You...I want to take my wife there in a few days and I just heard there are no shuttle buses running now. I heard that Hermit Road is the best place and you must take shuttle bus there. I do not want to drive 3 days to get there and not be able to go to the best places bc no shuttle buses. Is it possible to just drive your car and take in the grand canyon that way...stop at the view points and do a little hiking and just use your car to get around or should I wait until the shuttle buses are running again...Help!
If you have a car can you drive to all the vista points or is the roads authorized for bus shuttles only?
Yes, you can drive
No. There are some points, especially on the west rim toward Hermit’s rest, that are closed to private vehicles, except in the winter when the shuttle buses are not running.
What month the grand canyon color orange or red?
Oh great! Now spring and fall are gonna be more busy than summer 😂
Sorry. I live in AZ. It's alot closer.
Thanks
I LOVE your “hmm hmmms” I feel a oneness with you ❤❤😊😊
Great Video!!!
Awesome channel
Thank you!
Thank you!
Do they still have helicopter rides? My wife and daughter were thrilled. We did our trip towards the end of the day. Yeah, pricey.
If anyone ever tells you that the Grand Canyon is too busy and you should visit Sedona because it's less known, they are lying to you. If you want non-crowded Grand Canyon, go early, the South Entrance gate is open 24 hours, the shuttle vans start running before dawn. Sedona, on the other hand is like MTV Dance Party during freaking spring break. People. Everywhere.
Oh, there are plenty of great hikes in and near Sedona ... just stay well away from "the 'Y'." Unfortunately these days Sedona is drowning in its own yuppie popularity, as you say. But there are plenty of great trailheads, both there and to either side along the Mogollon Rim.
The only real mistake you can make is taking one step in the wrong direction
1. Don’t take a tour bus to it. You will more than likely be stuck on the side of the road
Just dont fall in. Dont fall for it.
"A aha sand drop aha"
Nice video with good advice, but you made a mistake about the train ride. While I would never ride the doggone thing, you should tell train fans that if they wouldn't mind spending more money, the railway offers several packages that allow staying overnight at the rim hotels, so you can take your time and see the sun set and rise. The ride is also two hours and fifteen minutes each way, with only 3 hours at the rim if you return the same day. I love trains, but would avoid the thing because I hate fake wild west shows, which appear to be mandatory "entertainment", and I would be annoyed by the singers onboard who sing folk songs and play their guitars even if you don't like what they're doing. Also, I would for sure get stuck next to the obnoxious parents with 5 loud bratty kids who would be throwing ice cubes and yelling the whole darn way up and back from Williams. Worse, I'd likely be stuck next to some hideous blue haired guy who would complain about the scenery, the comfort of the seats, etc etc etc, and while not doing that, would insist on telling me all about his decades of successful business ventures or the fact that he and his wife have seen every national park, national monument, and in fact, every country on the planet. Screw that. Have fun, as you say, in your own car, even if parking at the rim might be a royal pain. :-)
Wow, that’s a pretty negative opinion on something you have never done.
I agree that the cowboy singers and train robbers are not my thing, but most people do enjoy them. Some of the singers are actually very talented, although they are better to watch when they are playing on the patio at one of the local restaurants in the evening. But if you really don’t want to see them, you can go visit the cafe car during their show. They only play about 15 minutes of the trip.
And for the kids, there are a couple cars that are 12 years and up. No screaming kids!
You are a good looking woman..
Totally agree !
Limited to wife with her electric cart… and a short walk….
Sorry but You guys just beat about the bush a lot . Too much repetition of the same thing .