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If you are wondering where to enjoy the best Grand Canyon views, you are in the right place.
Being a frequent visitor to one of the magnificent wonders of the world, I cannot get enough of the surreal views no matter what time of the year I visit or how many times!
Whether you want a drive to enjoy the best views in the Grand Canyon National Park or want a quick hike to admire the blissful Grand Canyon views, I have covered them all.
It is hard for me to pick a favourite season or the awesome places to take in the best Grand Canyon Views.
This vast national park is beautiful in the spring and fall, but I love visiting Grand Canyon in the winter as well, thanks to the pleasant weather, powdery snow and roads opening up for driving(closed during the other seasons).
Spanning 277 miles of the Colorado River, Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most beautiful landmarks in the United States, the majestic icon of Arizona and one of the natural wonders of the world that will sweep you off your feet with its spectacular beauty of the panoramas of the Canyons.
I highly recommend enjoying the beautiful Grand Canyon sunset from the top spots. If you prefer fewer crowds, start your day by admiring the spectacular sunrise in the Grand Canyon National Park.
If you are wondering what to do in Grand Canyon in winter, or if it is even worth visiting Grand Canyon during winter, check out my guide to know more.
Let us get started with the best Grand Canyon views you can enjoy, then.
HOW TO GET AROUND TO ENJOY THE BEST GRAND CANYON VIEWS?
The easiest way to travel around the national park to reach viewpoints in the Grand Canyon is on the free shuttle buses that frequently run throughout the day, beginning about one hour before sunrise and ending about one hour after sunset, approximately every 30 minutes.
Apart from quickly getting around, these shuttle buses save you from the hassle of finding parking spots in the busy summer months.
But note that since there are plenty of visitors, the buses get filled up quickly, especially if you arrive to watch the sunset in Grand Canyon, as it is the best way to reach the trailheads right on time before sunrise and come back conveniently.
Take the orange route or the Kaibab Rim shuttle from the visitor to access Yaki Point, Yavapai Point, Mather Point, and Pipe Creek Vista.
If you are here between March and November, take the red line or the Hermit Road shuttle accessible between March 1 and November 30 to reach Pima, Powell, Mohave, Maricopa, and Hopi Points, all of which are not reachable by private vehicles if the roads are blocked by snow.
Note that there is no shuttle service offered along Desert View Drive, home to Grandview, Lipan, Navajo, and Desert View Points.
If you want a comfortable journey and enjoy the best on guided tours, I highly recommend these hand-picked tours from different locations to Grand Canyon.
✅ Grand Canyon Helicopter and Eagle Point Rim Landing Tour (6/5 50+ reviews 🤩) – Visit the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas even if you have limited time available with the ultimate half-day helicopter tour.
Fly in a state-of-the-art helicopter and pass Hoover Dam on the way to the canyon’s west rim, then land at the canyon and transfer to Eagle Point. Find more details here.
✅ Grand Canyon Sunset Tour from Sedona(5/5 40+ reviews 🤩) – Watch the sunset over the Grand Canyon on a full-day sightseeing tour from Sedona and some of the desert’s most scenic places.
Drive through Oak Creek Canyon and the Painted Desert, stop at a Native American trading post, visit spectacular overlooks on the South Rim and have dinner at one of the national park lodges. Check out the details here.
✅ Private Grand Canyon in Luxury SUV Tour(5/5 130+ reviews 🤩) – With just your group and a guide who knows the best viewpoints, shortcuts, and ways to beat the canyon crowds—as well as the local history and geology—you can expect a comfortable and customizable experience.
Lunch at the historic El Tovar Lodge is included. Check more details here.
✅ Sunset in the Grand Canyon from Sedona (5/5 100+ reviews 🤩) – See the sunset over the Grand Canyon—one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World—during this full-day tour from Sedona or the Village of Oak Creek.
Visit a historic Navajo trading post and eat dinner at the Grand Canyon Village.
National Park entrance fees and round-trip hotel transportation from included. Check out more details here.
✅ Grand Canyon Tour from Flagstaff (5/5 300+ reviews 🤩) – Explore Grand Canyon National Park and the canyon’s South Rim on this full-day tour from Flagstaff.
Walk a bit of the Rim Trail for up-close views of the natural rock formations.
Midday, stop for lunch at a local Navajo country restaurant that serves Mexican, American, and Navajo dishes. Check out more details here.
✅ Grand Canyon Tour from Williams (5/5 35+ reviews 🤩) – The Grand Canyon is one of the Natural World Wonders, and for good reason.
Discover the south rim of this stunning location on a full-day tour from Williams, Arizona.
Alongside a small group, stop at several viewpoints and learn about the history, geology, and ecology of the national park. Find out more details to book.
✅ Grand Canyon South Rim Small Group Tour (5/5 250+ reviews 🤩) – See the Grand Canyon South Rim on a tour from Las Vegas.
Traveling in a custom-designed van outfitted with leather captain seats and viewing windows means you have great views from beginning to end, and going overland from Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon is a true highlight, with desert scenery, rock formations, and a trip along historic Route 66. Check out more details here.
✅ Grand Canyon Signature Hummer Tour with Optional Sunset Views (5/5 1000+ views 🤩) – Make the most of your limited time and see the highlights of Grand Canyon National Park in just a couple of hours on this sightseeing tour.
Ride in a windowless, open-air Hummer and listen to commentary from your guide as you visit some of the canyon’s best lookout points, where you can hop out, take photos, and explore. Check out more details here.
✅ Full-Day Guided Trip to The Grand Canyon from Phoenix (5/5 100+ views 🤩) – The Grand Canyon is a must-see destination in the southwest.
Visit the natural wonders as well as other landmarks on this excursion from Phoenix.
Feel the natural healing powers of Sedona as you explore the Chapel of the Holy Cross vortex and then make your way to Oak Creek Canyon Vista. Check out more details.
THE BEST GRAND CANYON VIEWS ON THE SOUTH RIM
Check here for the best south rim tours.
✅Private Grand Canyon South Rim with Sedona Day Tour from Phoenix(5/5 80+ reviews🤩) – Visit the South Rim of the Grand Canyon with this private tour from Phoenix. Your professional guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you out to the park via the famous Route 66.
Once in the park, you’ll have about three hours to explore it, with the option to visit sights such as the Yavapai Lodge and the Geology Museum. Check out the details here.
✅Grand Canyon South Rim: Audio Driving Tour(5/5 10+ reviews🤩) – If you’re looking to explore the Grand Canyon without a massive tour group while on a budget, this Grand Canyon National Park South Rim Self-Guided Audio Tour is a great choice.
This experience is easy to download on your smartphone and can be played offline using your phone’s GPS.
Follow the 23-mile (37-kilometer) route through the national park’s South Rim and listen to the excellent commentary as you drive. Check out more details here.
✅Private Grand Canyon South Rim: Sunset Tour from Las Vegas (5/5 80+ reviews🤩) – The Grand Canyon becomes magical during sunset with dramatic gorges, red hues, and otherworldly vistas.
This private tour—one of few sunset canyon tours from Las Vegas—arrives at the south rim of the national park in time for sunset, with enough time for a guided walk.
What’s more, it stops in two towns along the famous Route 66 and—with an upgrade—the Hoover Dam. Check out the details here.
✅ Grand Canyon South Rim and Route 66 with Lunch (5/5 10+ reviews 🤩) – It’s easy to get stuck on the Strip when visiting Las Vegas but this tour makes sure that you see the beauty that lies just outside the city.
After heading onto Route 66, you’ll stop in the small town of Seligman on the way to the Grand Canyon, where you will enjoy free time to explore the South Rim at your own pace. Check out more details here.
MATHER POINT
The most famous among the spots for the best Grand Canyon views is Mather Point, a large, wide platform atop an impressive rock formation, and one of the top places to visit to watch a beautiful sunset in the Grand Canyon.
Thanks to its perfect location at the South Rim overlooking many gorgeous viewpoints on a peninsula into the Canyon, offering views of almost the entire Canyon.
Expect crowds at Mather Point no matter when you visit.
Located close to Grand Canyon Village, you can easily access this spot by walking for about 5 minutes from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, which begins above the rim and ends in front of the Bright Angel Lodge.
Soak in the blissful Mather Point Grand Canyon sunrise views from the one-mile drop, casting their glow over the Canyon, the beautiful views of the Colorado River, Phantom Ranch from here.
If heading west to the Grand Canyon Village, you will find Mather Point along Desert View Drive where there are also large dedicated and free parking lots.
On a clear day, soak in the best Grand Canyon views of the popular landmarks, including Bright Angel Canyon, the Isis Temple, Demaray Point, Bradley Point, Summer Butte, Cheops Pyramid, and the Zoroaster Temple.
From Mather Point, you can also take shuttle buses to get to other areas, so it is the best place to begin if you are on the South Rim.
YAVAPAI POINT
Among the most crowded spots for the best Grand views is Yavapai Point, located 0.7 miles West of Mather Point, in the South Rim.
Yavapai Point features a fenced platform from where you can enjoy the best sunrise in the Grand Canyon and the best views on the south Rim in the Grand Canyon.
Due to its popularity, the place gets filled quickly, and you need to be here at least an hour before sunrise to capture the best views possible.
You can enjoy the unobstructed views of the rising sun as there are no canyon walls, kissing the majestic landscapes with its tender dawn colours magically transforming the canyon landscapes from the gorge in the south Rim.
Admire the views of the Colorado River to the north, Plateau Point to the west, and a long thin ridge from Ooh Aah Point.
If you’re hiking the Rim Trail from Mather Point, head towards Yavapai Point, if you’ve already stopped at Ooh Aah Point or Yaki Point.
On this route, take a quick stop at the nearby Yavapai Museum of Geology, which gives you glimpses of the history and the geology of the park.
There is also the Yavapai Observation Station to check out more views here.
If you want to skip the walk, there’s a shuttle bus running from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center near Mather Point to Yavapai Point and the Geology Museum.
BRIGHT ANGEL TRAIL
The Bright Angel Trail offers one of the best views of the Grand Canyon. If you want to get on one of the trails in the Grand Canyon, I highly recommend this one.
Although this is a moderate to strenuous trail and only recommended for seasoned hikers, you will be rewarded with the best Grand Canyon views on this 12 miles round trip hike.
If you have more than two days in the Grand Canyon, one of the recommended things to do in the Grand Canyon in winter is go on a day hike along Bright Angel Trail.
Spring is the next best time to do the Bright Angel hike.
Avoid this trail in the summer as the weather gets scorching and there is no shade.
It is a strenuous hike only recommended if you are a seasoned hiker that begins just near the Grand Canyon Village and descends over 4300 feet to the base of the Colorado River.
It is a well-maintained trail that will reward you with splendid views of the Canyon, but an additional challenge when doing it in winter is that the initial part of the trail is steep and slippery as it is layered with ice.
It is best to carry hiking poles and traction devices.
You can only hike until Plateau Point for completing in a day, which is about 12 miles and Plateau Point is not reached by car. Although it may feel like a short distance, the elevation will take longer.
Other notable stops before arriving at Plateau Point are Mile-and-a-half Rest house at around 1.6 miles, Three-mile Rest house at around 3.1 miles, Indian Garden at 4.9 miles, and River Rest house at around 8 miles.
You can turn back after reaching other points if you want shorter versions of this hike.
Despite its length and difficulty, the trail attracts large crowds that love the outdoors.
It is best to begin your hike early as it takes around 8 to 10 hours depending on your pace, and the stops you make along the way.
If you want to spend overnight camping after your hike, head further for almost 2 miles to reach the Bright Angel Campground and Phantom Ranch.
HOPI POINT
Another busy place to watch beautiful sunset is Hopi Point along the South Rim, which offers spectacular Grand Canyon views of the sunset that casts its colours making the cliffs glow and the beautiful views of the Colorado River cutting into the Canyon into the west.
Unlike other places, you can see the complete sunset over the canyon rim with wide views.
Also, despite packed buses and crowds, you can still manage to secure a spot to enjoy these blissful views at Hopi Point.
Head further east of Hopi Point or move Southwest for better panoramic views.
Located by the scenic Hermit Road, you can reach Hopi Point through the park’s free shuttle service. Take the red line or the Hermit Road shuttle accessible between March 1 and November 30 to get to Hopi Point.
Alternatively, you can hike the Rim trail, a 2.5-mile route that takes you through stunning views of the surrounding panoramas before arriving at Hopi Point.
As with most of the pull-over areas, there is a large space for parking and restrooms here, but expect the parking to get quickly filled as it is a popular sunset stop.
MOHAVE POINT
One of the popular places for the best Grand Canyon views on the south Rim is Mohave Point located further along the Rim after Pima Point also along Hermits Drive.
You can walk between these two points and it is a beautiful trail offering splendid views of the gorge, Monument Creek Vista and The Abyss.
Mohave Point also has better views than Hopi Point since the canyon opens wider to the west offering full-length panoramic views comprising purple, pink, and red hues, and stunning views of the Colorado River and the Salt Creek, Granite, and Hermit rapids.
You can reach Mohave Point via the free Grand Canyon shuttle on the red line if you are here from March to November.
You can also reach Mohave Point by hiking the paved 3-mile Rim Trail from the village area.
Although spring is the best time to do this hike, I recommend doing this amidst the snow if you are okay with the cold weather as you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains.
YAKI POINT
One of the famous Grand Canyon sunrise spots is Yaki Point, which is also another fantastic sunset viewpoint.
If you are looking for places to enjoy the best Grand Canyon views, Yaki Point is the place to go.
Known for spectacular canyon views, it is one of the less-crowded places despite being a beautiful spot.
Watch the glorious colours of dawn decorating the vast expanse of the canyons on the horizon at sunrise here.
You can also see the famous South Kaibab trail below. Since it is the easternmost spot, you will watch the sunrise earlier here than in the other viewpoints.
Admire the views of Cremation Creek and the surrounding mesas.
Take the orange shuttle from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center to reach Yaki point if you are using the shuttle.
You can also take the 6.5-mile South Kaibab Trail to Yaki Point as well.
LIPAN POINT
An hour away from Grand Canyon Village, one of the less-crowded places to watch a beautiful sunrise in Grand Canyon Park is Lipan Point, which can also be accessed along Desert View Drive.
Unlike the other places to enjoy the best Grand Canyon views, you can see unique shadows on the canyon walls here during sunset, creating special visual effects, and stunning views of the Colorado River, curving gorgeously into the canyon leading to the inner gorges.
On the best day, you can see the colourful skies dominating the horizon, including the views of the San Francisco peaks and the Painted Desert in Petrified Forest National Park.
MORAN POINT
This is the second stop east of the beginning of Desert View Drive, offering unique and beautiful, far-reaching views along a wide section of the Grand Canyon and recommended for enjoying a quiet sunset in the Grand Canyon.
One of the most popular viewpoints along the South Rim, Moran Point is one of the popular places to enjoy the best Grand Canyon views, especially a lot of the Colorado River, the Colorado Butte, Cape Royal and the Red Canyon.
GRANDVIEW POINT
If you are up for a moderately challenging hike to witness some of the most spectacular Grand Canyon views, head to Grandview Point, the southernmost point of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim.
It is one of the highest Grand Canyon South Rim lookouts featuring expansive views of the canyons and many important landmark attractions.
Located approximately halfway between Desert View Point and the Grand Canyon Village, this pull-over spot offers the best Grand Canyon views – 180-degree, panoramic views of the Canyon and the Colorado River bending to the east.
If you are a seasoned hiker, I recommend hiking the Grandview trail.
This 12-mile trail is one of the offbeat trails involving a steep descent, which is more of a vertical drop on an unmaintained trail, so it is best only for experienced and fit hikers.
OOH AAH POINT
Located less than a mile from the South Kaibab trailhead, Ooh Aah Point offers one of the best views of the Grand Canyon.
As you descend the South Kaibab trail toward Ooh Aah Point, you’ll be treated to sweeping canyon views. Although it is a short hike, the trail is steep and may not be ideal if you are afraid of heights.
To reach the trail, pull off on Yaki Point Road and turn left after you see the sign for the South Kaibab Trail.
DESERT VIEW WATCHTOWER
Desert View Point is the easternmost viewpoint on the South Rim and one of the easily accessible places to enjoy the best Grand Canyon views.
Among the many viewpoints, one of the landmarks you should not miss is Desert View Watchtower, located next to the East Entrance Station.
If you enter Grand Canyon National Park from the east entrance, you can enjoy stunning first views of the canyon by climbing to the top of the Desert View Watchtower.
Among the many viewpoints, one of the landmarks you should not miss is Desert View Watchtower, located next to the East Entrance Station.
If you enter Grand Canyon National Park from the east entrance, you can enjoy stunning first views of the canyon by climbing to the top of the Desert View Watchtower.
Check out the iconic 90-degree bend of the Colorado River, the famous Granite Gorge and its distinct rock formations.
At Desert View, you’ll also find a huge parking lot and other facilities including restrooms, The Desert View Visitor Centre, and options to grab quick bites.
NAVAJO POINT
Although it is most famous for sunset, Navajo Point also offers some fantastic views of the Grand Canyon sunrise, including the panoramic views of the Colorado River and its white rapids.
It is another viewpoint to admire the best Grand Canyon views with a wide angle and is one of the best locations for capturing incredible wide-angle sunset views of the Grand Canyon.
You can see the Desert View Watchtower to the east and part of the gorgeous Colorado River below.
Since Navajo Point is half a mile west of Desert View, you can stop along South Rim from Grand Canyon Village.
JOIN AN HELICOPTER TOUR OVER THE SOUTH RIM
There is nothing better than being up in the sky to capture the best Grand Canyon views.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience can be the most memorable part of your trip as you will be treated to spectacular birdviews of the magnificent Grand Canyon.
Tours usually last for about 30 to 45 minutes and are expensive, but I highly recommend doing this as it is one of the most romantic experiences.
Enjoy the stunning views of the Painted Desert, Kaibab National Forest, the Dragon Corridor and many other prominent attractions in the national park.
Helicopter tours are available from cities and towns around the Grand Canyon, including Las Vegas, Tusayan and other cities.
If you are exploring nearby cities, these helicopter tours are the best way to have a quick and fantastic tour of this natural wonder.
Here are some of the tours I recommend:
Take this helicopter tour to admire the stunning landscapes of Arizona from above, as you fly over Sedona’s famous red rock formations, including cliff dwellings, mesas and buttes.
Unlike hot air balloon rides, helicopter rides are fast and quick but cover more ground.
When booking a helicopter in December, make sure to join in the morning to see many vibrant colours.
I highly recommend adding this tour to your trip to Arizona in December for fantastic aerial views stretching far across the Sonoran Desert.
SHOSHONE POINT
One of the hidden landmarks to enjoy the best Grand Canyon views on the South Rim with fewer tourists is Shoshone Point, which can be accessed on an easy trail.
Shoshone point offers beautiful 180 degree views of the Grand Canyon from its rocky edge.
To get here, drive a mile down the unpaved East Rim Drive to a parking area with picnic tables and restrooms.
The trailhead can be found here, that takes you to the rim through fantastic ponderosa pines. It takes about an hour to complete this hike.
The best times to visit this trail are May through November, when you can also find bikers on the route.
BLACK BRIDGE AND SILVER BRIDGE
One of the unique landmarks to enjoy the beautiful views in the Grand Canyon is the iconic Black Suspension Bridge.
The Black Suspension Bridge, also known as the Kaibab Trail Suspension Bridge, spans the Colorado River in the inner canyon of Grand Canyon National Park.
It is one of the best pull over points to take in the views. If you are hiking the South Kaibab Trail you will come across this bridge that is also used by mules going to Phantom Ranch.
Nearby is the Silver Bridge, located about 700 metres (2,300 ft) downstream.
It was an awesome experience to see the majestic Colorado River flowing beneath the river, and the different angle views of the canyon walls on either side of the river towering over.
THE BEST GRAND CANYON VIEWS ON THE NORTH RIM
CAPE ROYAL
One of the top spots to watch an epic sunset in Grand Canyon North Rim is Cape Royal, known for its magnificent views encompassing Marble Canyon to the Palisades of the Desert, offering some of the widest panoramic views to experience a fabulous sunset overlooking the Colorado River.
Enjoy the blissful views of the sunrise across the bend in the Colorado River best framed by an Angels Window on this moderate hike.
On clear days, you can watch the beautiful view as far as the Desert View Tower on the South Rim.
Cape Royal is the southernmost viewpoint in this region of the park and offer the best Grand Canyon views on the North Rim, where you can see the sandstone cliffs and the Mesa, including Freya Castle in the horizon.
BRIGHT ANGEL POINT
If you are looking for the best hiking trails for watching the best Grand Canyon views, especially stunning sunsets along the North Rim, Bright Angel Point is the place to be.
This easy trail is only 0.5 miles round trip and offers spectacular views along its narrow, paved path with landscapes transitioning from green forest of the Kaibab Plateau to a little forest of pinyon and juniper.
The trail to Bright Angel Point begins behind the Visitor Center, or from the Grand Canyon Lodge veranda.
Although a short trail, it drops off considerably at a few places and is steep, but you can complete it within an hour.
The viewpoint offers fantastic views of the sunrise over the gorge surrounded by high canyon walls on both sides.
POINT IMPERIAL
You cannot expect anything less splendid when you are at the highest point on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon at 8,803 feet, Point Imperial.
This northernmost boundary of the park offers beautiful Grand Canyon sunset views across the deserted landscapes and the eastern end of the Grand Canyon.
You can see the narrow walls of Marble Canyon widening to form a bigger gorge made of red and black Precambrian rocks, the Echo and Vermilion cliffs and the Little Colorado River.
From the north entrance, take Highway 67 to arrive at Fuller Canyon Road. Turn left here and drive until you reach the parking area of Point Imperial.
WALHALLA OVERLOOK
The Walhalla Overlook is about 22 miles from the North Rim visitor centre near the southern end of the beautiful Cape Royal Road.
If you are looking to enjoy the best Grand Canyon views without crowds, I highly recommend the Walhalla Overlook as it offers stunning views in the Grand Canyon away from the touristy crowds.
Admire the spectacular views of Echo Cliffs and the Painted Desert in the distance, and the views of the Unkar Delta and Colorado River in the Canyon below, home to multiple archaeological sites and a prominent settlement of the Native Ancestral Puebloans, residing here for over a thousand years.
The Little Colorado River Gorge can also be seen to the southeast.
You can take a short walk from the overlook to explore the sites and take in the views of the Colorado River.
Note that the North Rim is subject to seasonal closure until mid-May, which means you cannot access any of these viewpoints in the North Rim during these months.
Vehicle traffic is prohibited along State Route 67 and the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.
ROOSEVELT POINT
Named after the 26th President of the United States and his efforts to preserve the Grand Canyon in 1919, Roosevelt Point is one of the awesome places to enjoy the best Grand Canyon on the North Rim offering spectacular views of the Painted Desert.
Located close to the road about halfway between Bright Angel Point and Cape Royal, you will be rewarded with spectacular 180 degrees view of the Grand Canyon.
From the small roadside parking area, a short trail leads downhill to several wooden benches at the viewpoint, at the upper end of a long, thin ridge that extends 4 miles eastwards, descending several thousand feet in a series of mesas and buttes.
You can see the beautiful Colorado River in the north flowing into the gorge between the Vermilion and Echo Cliffs.
Check out the beautiful views of Tritle Peak, a slab of white Kaibab limestone east of Roosevelt Point, angling down steeply towards several red buttes.
To the south, you can see Kwagunt Creek, surrounded by gently sloping hillsides.
To get there, drive to the pullout on Cape Royal Road. You can see the plaque at the entrance.
THE WILDFORSS TRAIL
One of the beautiful hikes on the North Rim known for its pretty trail and spectacular views in the Grand Canyon is the Wildforss Trail.
This 9.6-miles roundtrip trail takes you through Wander amazing forest and canyon landscapes.
The trail is named after Gunnar Wildforss, an early twentieth-century artist from Sweden.
He lived and painted at the Grand Canyon in the 1930s.
He is known for his large and exquisite creations of water paintings that beautifully capture many landmarks and viewpoints in the Grand Canyon.
You can access this well-marked and moderate trail from a dirt road 0.25 miles south of the highway junction to Cape Royal and Point Imperial to arrive at the parking lot.
It is best to start your hike early as it takes half a day at least. Bring layers as the area tends to get windy.
CAPE FINAL
Another among the secluded spots to enjoy the best Grand Canyon views is Cape Final, which as the name suggests, is one of the last stops you can make to admire the final views before leaving the park.
If you are looking for a relatively easier hike on the north rim, I highly recommend Cape Final trail, a flat, forested trail, 2.1 miles long to the end of Cape Final.
Make your way through the canyon and rock cliffs peaking through the trees as the trail ends at Cape Final, offering you one of the most spectacular viewpoints on the North Rim of Grand Canyon.
To access the trail, take the main road into the park and turn right at the Cape Final Road junction. Follow the signs to arrive at the Cape Final parking lot.
ANGEL’S WINDOW
One of the newly popular spots to enjoy the best Grand Canyon views in the North Rim is Angels Window located on the southernmost tip of the Grand Canyon’s Walhalla Plateau.
Stroll along the easy half-mile walking path off to view the natural arch, from which the place gets its name. Admire the beautiful views of the Colorado River through the window.
Angels Window is located on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, at the end of Cape Royal Road.
To get there, take Highway 67 into the park at the North Entrance. Turn left towards Point Imperial, to the highway to the junction of Cape Royal Road.
Turn right onto Cape Royal Road and continue past Cape Final to the end at Cape Royal to arrive at Angels Window.
You can reach Angels Window from mid-May to mid-October.
In the winter, the road to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon often closes due to snow, but from 15 October until the snow comes, you may still access the North Rim for day use only.
TOROWEAP OVERLOOK
One of the viewpoints offering distinct views of the Grand Canyon is Toroweap overlook offering stunning views of the narrow and deeper canyon.
Capture the spectacular views of those canyon walls and the river below.
One of the reasons it is the least visited spots is that its remote location.
To get to this overlook, you’ll need a high-clearance vehicle, drive for over 60 miles on an unpaved road. There are no facilities, including water, gas, or food.
WHAT TO PACK FOR GRAND CANYON VIEWPOINTS?
Here are the things we recommend you pack for the Grand Canyon in winter.
- Hiking Boots
- Camping Sleeping Bag
- Wind Jacket
- Day pack
- Backpack
- Pocket-Sized Water Filter
- Reusable food storage bags
- Ultralight First Aid Kit
- Hiking Leggings
CLOTHING
If visiting the Grand Canyon during winter, one of the things to keep in mind is to pack in layers.
- Base Layer – Long Sleeve Sun-Protected Light Weight Top + Light Weight Hiking Pants
- Insulating Layer – Light Weight Pullover
- Outer Layer – Light Weight Windproof jacket with hood or Insulating Light Weight Jacket for fall/winter weather.
CAMPING ESSENTIALS
Here are some of the camping essentials you need:
- Cooler for food and water – Ultra Travel Cooler
- Camping Chair – Quad Camping Chair
- Camping Cot – Folding Camp Cot and Air Bed with Side Tables and Battery Operated Pump
- Sleeping Bags – Brazos Cold Weather Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping Tents – Ultralight Tent 3-Season Backpacking Tent 1 Person/2 Person Camping Tent
- Camping Lantern – Rechargeable LED Camping Lantern
- Reusable Water Bottle + Light Weight Water Filter
OTHER ESSENTIALS
Even if you aren’t into photography, you may want to bring a camera with a good lens.
Panasonic LUMIX DC-ZS70S is best if you prefer lightweight gear.
WHERE TO STAY TO ENJOY THE BEST VIEWS IN GRAND CANYON?
STAYS INSIDE GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
One of the top advantages of visiting the Grand Canyon in winter is staying at one of the Grand Canyon’s historic South Rim lodges, sometimes even at the last minute.
If you have been here during the summer, you will know that it is nearly impossible to get your booking to stay in South Rim during the busy summer unless you book months in advance.
There are six places to stay at Canyon Village. All of them are elegant, offering stunning views and excellent amenities for comfortable stays.
- El Tovar Hotel – It is one of the best historic National Park lodges in the US, and come here during winter to enjoy your stay at this elegant place
- Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins – One of the best cabins known for its rustic vibes.
- Kachina Lodge – A pretty modern-day hotel surrounded by fantastic views
- Thunderbird Lodge – Stay here if you want to be close to the centre of Grand Canyon Village.
- Yavapai Lodge – Also located in the heart of Grand Canyon Village.
- Maswik Lodge – Surrounded by wooden forests, it is a unique stay close to shops and restaurants.
STAYING IN NEARBY CITIES
If, for some reason, you prefer staying in the cities nearby, the closest town is Tusayan, Arizona.
This little town is very close to the South Entrance of Grand Canyon National Park. But the downside is that there are limited stay and food options.
If you prefer bigger cities, Flagstaff is the largest town near Grand Canyon.
There are many incredible things to do in Flagstaff, which deserves a day or two to be explored and is packed with more varieties of hotels.
HOTELS IN TUSAYAN
HOTELS IN FLAGSTAFF
- Unwind in the Pines & a Huge Playhouse! Near NAU
- Beautiful Mountain Retreat
- High Country Motor Lodge
- Little America Hotel Flagstaff
- Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort
USEFUL TIPS TO ENJOY THE BEST VIEWS IN GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
- Check the weather – Although not frequent, storms are expected at Grand Canyon National Park during late summer, between July to September. So check the weather before you leave.
- Stay safe – The roads become more fragile, slippery and dangerous. It is best not to get exposed during lighting and thunder, especially at the edge of rocky mountains. If storms occur, head to the nearest designated shelter points immediately. Avoid standing under tall or stand-alone trees.
- Do not go off the trail while hiking to the Grand Canyon sunset spots. While the splendid trails may entice you, stay within the trail within the fences.
- Winter drive on Hermit Road – One of the advantages of visiting Grand Canyon in the winter months is that between December 1 and February 28, you can drive your vehicle along Hermit Road to reach the sunset viewpoints.
- Extend your stay – Did you know? The Grand Canyon National Park is a designated destinations for stargazing. So spend sometime after soaking in the magnificent sunset views to watch incredible views of star-studded night skies, the perfect way to end your day in this gorgeous park.
- Check the timings – Look for Grand Canyon sunset time before planning your sunrise hike, as the time varies depending on the season you visit the national park. Note that the sunset and sunrise times in Arizona are in Mountain Standard Time. Daylight savings time is not observed here.
- Start early – It is best to take the commute time if using the shuttle or driving to the sunset spots in Grand Canyon. If you don’t stay in the campground or a nearby hotel, you may need around 30 minutes or an hour to reach the points or trails.
- Calculate time for hiking – Depending on your fitness levels and speed, and you may take more time than the average estimates provided if you are going to hike. It is best to know how long you may need, allowing you to time your sunset hike in Grand Canyon correctly.
- Parking options – If you are late, one of the best ways to make the most of your time is to park at the main visitor centre parking lot, from where it is easy to access some of the sunrise spots in the Grand Canyon.
- Carry essentials – Wear layers for your trip as the weather frequently changes. Great hiking shoes with a good grip, headlamps, jackets, water, and snacks are a must, irrespective of the hike.
- Watch out for snakes and other wildlife – Although the rattlesnake season runs from May through October, you may run into snakes at any time of year.
- Stay hydrated – Although temperatures can be low if you’re heading out before sunrise, once the sun is up, it quickly gets hot no matter which time of the year. Drink sufficient water to stay hydrated.
- Protecting from the sun – Going back, you will likely be exposed to the heat, as most trails have minimal or no shaded areas. Carry sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
- Points to fill water – You can fill your water bottles at Grand Canyon Visitor Center, Hermit’s Rest, Bright Angel Trailhead, Verkamp’s Visitor Center, Yavapai Point, and the South Kaibab Trailhead.
- Restrooms – Well-maintained restrooms are located at Yavapai and Desert View Points and the Visitor Center. Mobile toilets(Portapoty) are available at Hopi, Yaki, and Grandview Points.