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The Grand Canyon is one of those places that everyone should see at least once in their life. Standing on the rim and looking out at miles of colorful rock layers and deep cliffs is impossible to describe until you’re there.
The park covers over a million acres, so it can feel overwhelming to plan your visit. This 3 day Grand Canyon National Park itinerary makes it easy. You’ll hit all the major viewpoints, enjoy some great hikes, and have time to just relax and take it all in.
This 3 day itinerary focuses on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. It’s the easiest area to access year round and has the most campgrounds, trails, and shuttle routes. The North Rim is beautiful too, but it’s about a four hour drive each way and only open from mid-May through mid-October.
Contents
Planning to Visit Grand Canyon National Park
Park Pass
Entry costs $35 per vehicle and covers everyone inside for seven days. If you plan to visit several national parks this year, go ahead and get the America the Beautiful annual pass for $80. It covers all national parks and is worth it after just two or three visits.
Best Time to Visit
The South Rim is open year round and has the most viewpoints, visitor centers, and services. Summer is hot and crowded, but spring and fall bring comfortable temps and fewer people. Winter can be beautiful too if you don’t mind some snow. The North Rim has fewer crowds but is only open from mid-May to mid-October.
Getting Around
Once you’re parked, the easiest way to explore is with the park’s free shuttle system. The shuttles run to all major viewpoints, lodges, and trailheads. Parking fills up fast near the visitor center, so plan to leave your RV or car there and let the shuttles take you around.
Visiting with Dogs Pets are welcome on the Rim Trail and throughout most developed areas on the South Rim, as long as they’re on a leash. They aren’t allowed below the rim or inside park buildings, so the Rim Trail is the best way to enjoy the canyon with your dog.
RV Access
RV travel at the Grand Canyon is easy if you plan ahead. Roads on the South Rim are wide and paved, but parking is limited near popular stops. Large rigs are not allowed on Hermit Road when shuttles are running, but you can take the bus instead.
Camping Reservations
Campgrounds near the South Rim fill up quickly. Book early through Recreation.gov or one of the nearby private parks.
3 Day Grand Canyon National Park Itinerary
Day 1: Classic South Rim Views
Start your first morning at Mather Point, just behind the visitor center. It’s one of the most popular spots for a reason: the view stretches for miles, and the morning light brings out the layers of red and gold rock.
After soaking it in, follow the Rim Trail west toward Yavapai Point and Verkamp’s Visitor Center. This section of the trail is paved and easy, with endless photo opportunities and benches where you can just sit and stare. It’s also one of the few areas of the park where dogs are allowed, so feel free to bring your pup along for the walk.
In the afternoon, hop on the Kaibab Rim (Orange) Shuttle to Yaki Point. It’s one of the best places to watch the sunset, with a wide view of the canyon and fewer crowds than Mather or Hopi Point. Bring a light jacket, it cools off quickly when the sun drops.
Grab dinner in Tusayan or cook at your campsite. If you’re staying inside the park, try Arizona Steakhouse at Bright Angel Lodge for a solid meal with canyon views.
Day 2: Hiking Into the Canyon
Start early and leave your RV or car parked. Take the Village Shuttle (Blue Route) to the Bright Angel Trailhead. This is one of the most famous trails in the park and gives you a real feel for the canyon’s scale. You don’t have to go far. Many people hike just to the 1.5 Mile Resthouse or 3 Mile Resthouse before turning around. Going down is optional, coming back up is mandatory, so know your limits.
Easier Option: For a shorter, less crowded hike, take the Kaibab Rim (Orange Route) Shuttle to South Kaibab Trailhead. The hike to Ooh Aah Point is only 1.8 miles round trip and delivers the perfect postcard view.
After your hike, relax in Grand Canyon Village. Visit the Kolb Studio or the historic El Tovar Hotel, browse the gift shops, or grab a drink on the rim. If you want a nice dinner, the El Tovar Dining Room has the best views, while Arizona Steakhouse is a bit more casual.
Catch one more shuttle ride to Hopi Point or Pima Point for sunset before heading back to camp.
Day 3: Hermit Road and Relaxed Exploring
Your last day is all about taking it easy and enjoying the views. Leave your RV parked and hop on the Hermit Road (Red Route) Shuttle, which stops at nine viewpoints along the western rim. The road is closed to private vehicles for most of the year, so the shuttle is the only way to explore this section.
Plan to stop at Maricopa Point, Powell Point, and Mohave Point for great photo ops. Ride all the way to Hermit’s Rest, where you’ll find restrooms, a gift shop, and a small café.
If you’d rather get a little exercise, walk part of the Trail of Time, a paved interpretive section of the Rim Trail that explains the canyon’s geology. It runs between Yavapai Point and Grand Canyon Village and is easy for all fitness levels.
Spend your final afternoon revisiting your favorite viewpoint or just relaxing at your campsite. End your trip with one last sunset at Pima Point, a quieter overlook with a wide open view of the canyon and the Colorado River below.
Where to Stay
RV Camping Options
Trailer Village RV Park is the best choice for RV travelers. It’s inside the park near the visitor center, with full hookups, paved sites, and easy access to the shuttle stops. You can leave your rig plugged in and take the free park buses everywhere you need to go.
If Trailer Village is full, check out our complete list of nearby campgrounds and RV parks here.
Lodging for Non RV Travelers
- El Tovar Hotel – Historic lodge right on the rim with classic rooms and canyon views.
- Bright Angel Lodge – Rustic cabins steps from the rim and close to shuttle stops.
- Yavapai Lodge – Modern, budget-friendly rooms near the visitor center and shuttles.
Final Tips for Visiting the Grand Canyon
- Bring more water than you think you need. The dry air and elevation sneak up on people.
- Parking fills up early, so plan to park once and use the shuttle system.
- Download offline maps before you go. Cell service is spotty in most of the park.
- Wear sturdy shoes, even if you’re only walking short trails. The canyon’s paths are rocky and uneven.
- Don’t rush. Take time to sit quietly and just watch the light change over the cliffs.
Happy Travels!
Christina Pate is a seasoned full-time RVer who, along with her husband Justin, has journeyed across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Drawing from her extensive travels, RV repairs and RV renovations, she founded Travels with Ted to guide and inspire fellow RV enthusiasts. Christina is also the co-author of The Owner’s Guide to RV Maintenance and the creator of My RV Log Book.
