Grand Canyon Adventure: Hike, Raft, Ride & Explore w/ Family

Charles (Chuck) Sieber

5/14/2024

grand-canyon-national-park-historic-yavapai-observation-station

The Grand Canyon—those two words alone conjure up images of breathtaking vistas and epic natural beauty. But what if we told you there's more to the Grand Canyon than just crowded viewpoints and bus tours? This isn't your typical sightseeing trip! Get ready to rewrite your bucket list because the Grand Canyon is about to become your new obsession, especially for adventure-seeking families craving outdoor thrills.

Adventure Awaits: Beyond the Rim

Ride Like a Wrangler:

Explore the Canyon's depths on a mule ride—a historic tradition dating back to 1887. It offers a unique way to experience the Canyon's vastness and witness its geology up close. Choose from a scenic rim ride perfect for families or the ultimate adventure—a two-day Phantom Ranch overnight ride that descends deep into the Canyon's heart.

Become a Canyon Explorer:

Lace up your hiking boots and embark on unforgettable trails. For seasoned adventurers, the Bright Angel Trail offers a challenging descent into the Canyon, following a historic route used by Native Americans and early explorers. Witness the Canyon's rich geological tapestry and immerse yourself in its history.

Difficulty: Strenuous.

Length: 9.5 miles round trip.

Elevation Change: 4,460 feet.

Uncover Ancient Secrets:

Hike the short and easy loop trail at the Wupatki National Monument, a fascinating archeological site where you can explore the remnants of an 800-year-old Ancestral Puebloan village. Discover partially excavated rooms and learn about the history of this region's indigenous people.

Trail Difficulty: Easy. Length: 0.5 miles.

Elevation Change: Minimal.

All Aboard the Grand Canyon Railway! Embark on a time-warp adventure aboard the Grand Canyon Railway, a historic train that has been hauling explorers to the Canyon since 1901. Ride in vintage train cars with an entertaining crew who will regale you with tales of the Wild West. This scenic journey is a fantastic introduction to the Grand Canyon, especially for families with young children.

Planning Your Grand Canyon Adventure

The Grand Canyon offers something for everyone, from heart-stopping adventures to historical explorations and family-friendly activities. This blog post is just a starting point! Use the keywords and phrases throughout this post to delve deeper into your specific interests:

Learn more about Grand Canyon activities suitable for families with kids.
Research the best times to visit the Grand Canyon's South Rim, North Rim, or West Rim.
Discover hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path adventures.

No matter your travel style, the Grand Canyon awaits. Let your adventure begin!

Want to see these breathtaking adventures in action? Check out an informative video showcasing Grand Canyon activities by American Travel Fun.

Need more Grand Canyon resources? Our National Park Service website is a treasure trove of information for planning your trip, including:

Comprehensive details about Grand Canyon National Park, including the North Rim, South Rim, backcountry, camping, and a downloadable PDF trails map. Click here for our - Grand Canyon National Park page.

South Rim Mule Trips are offered year round.

Visit Xanterra's website for more details and to book a trip. Or call (303) 297-2757 or toll free (888) 297-2757.

South Rim Mule rides may be booked 15 months in advance and fill up early. Plan ahead!

Reservations for Phantom Ranch trips are by an online lottery.

A waiting list is only maintained for day-before cancellations, and chances of obtaining reservations on the waiting list are slim. For day-before waiting list information, call (928) 638-2631 or contact the Bright Angel Lodge transportation desk inside the park.

Restrictions - Riders Must Be:

At least 9 years of age.
Be at least 57 inches (4'9") tall.
Weigh less than 200 lbs. or 225 lbs fully dressed (depending upon the trip)
Be able to understand instructions in English.

Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

North Rim Mule Rides are offered May 15th through Oct. 15th.

Visit Grand Canyon Trail Rides' website at canyonrides.com for details or to book a trip, or call (435) 679-8665.

North Rim mule trips do not go to the Colorado River.
One-hour rides along the rim and ½ day rim or inner canyon trips are usually available on a daily basis.

Register in the lobby of the Grand Canyon Lodge (on the North Rim) at the Canyon Trail Rides Desk, open 7am-5pm daily.

Restrictions:

7 or 10 year age limit, depending on trip.

200 lb/94 kg or 220 lb/102 kg weight limit, depending on trip.

Visit them at canyonrides.com.

National Forest Trail Rides - South Rim

One-hour and two-hour trail rides through the pines of the Kaibab National Forest and twilight campfire and wagon rides are available. Both horses and mules are utilized. Apache Stables is located just outside of the South Entrance to Grand Canyon National Park at the north end of the community of Tusayan. For information and reservations call (928) 638-2891.

Soar Like a Condor:

Keep your eyes peeled for the majestic California Condor, one of the largest birds in North America, with a wingspan of nearly 10 feet! Witnessing these incredible birds soaring through the vast canyon skies is an unforgettable experience. The best time to spot condors is early morning or late afternoon when they are thermalling for lift.

History Comes Alive:

Take a trip back in time at the Desert View Watchtower, a masterpiece designed by visionary architect Mary Colter. Explore the intricate details and imagine the lives of the Ancestral Puebloan people who once called this land home. Be sure to climb to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the Eastern Grand Canyon.

Bright Angel Trail Destinations

First Tunnel - 0.1 miles (0.2 km) roundtrip / 20 minutes

Second Tunnel - 1.8 miles (2.9 km) roundtrip / 1-2 hours / 590 feet (180 m) elevation change

Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse - 3 miles (4.8 km) roundtrip / 2-4 hours / 1,120 feet (340 km) elevation change

Three-Mile Resthouse - 6 miles (9.6 km) roundtrip / 4-6 hours / 2,120 feet (645 m) elevation change

Havasupai Gardens - Check with a park ranger before attempting as a day hike.
9 miles (14.4 km) roundtrip / 6-9 hours / 3,040 feet (925 m) elevation change

Plateau Point - Check with a park ranger before attempting as a day hike.
12 miles (19.6 km)

roundtrip - 9-12 hours / 3,080 feet (940 m) elevation change

Grand Canyon: 8 Must Do Things! You Never Knew Existed. 3 & 8 are Wild! (2024)

Forget everything you thought you knew about the Grand Canyon! This video blasts past the typical viewpoints and dives into 8 UNBELIEVABLE adventures that will transform your trip from ordinary to extraordinary. Imagine riding a historic train with cowboys and toe-tapping music, or embarking on a mule ride with dizzying cliffside views. Want something even wilder? How about rafting the mighty Colorado River or soaring through the sky alongside California Condors? This isn't your grandpa's sightseeing tour - it's a VIP pass to the Grand Canyon's hidden gems! Buckle up and get ready to rewrite your bucket list, because by the end of this video, the Grand Canyon will become your new obsession!

Conquer the Rapids:

For an adrenaline rush, white water rafting on the Colorado River is a must! Imagine carving your way through the heart of the Grand Canyon, surrounded by towering canyon walls and soaking in the pristine wilderness. Choose from thrilling one-day adventures or multi-day expeditions for a true backcountry experience.

River Trips and Permits

1 Day Commercial River Trips - Half-day and full-day smooth water trips on the Colorado River.

2 to 5 Day Noncommercial River Trips - Noncommercial trips that launch from Diamond Creek and takeout at Lake Mead typically are 2 to 5 days in length. Permits for these whitewater trips are available to the public starting one year in advance and are distributed on a first-come first-served basis.

Commercial River Trips (River Concessioners)

1 Day River Trips.

3-18 Day River Tr ips

Motorized and non-motorized whitewater rafting trips which launch from Lees Ferry and take-out at Diamond Creek vary greatly in length. Motor trips usually take a minimum of 7 days to reach Diamond Creek, but half trip options are available for those who wish to hike in or out at Phantom Ranch. Individuals can choose between commercial and noncommercial trips.

3 to 18 Day Commercial River Trips

These are professionally guided raft trips, available to the public and often reserved a year or two in advance.

12 to 25 Day Noncommercial River Trips

These are self-guided raft trips, sometimes referred to as private river trips. Permits for these trips are made available to the public through a WEIGHTED LOTTERY.