A Picture Worth 1,000 Words Doesn’t Compare to Seeing the Grand Canyon in Person
Do you know those travelers that return home from every vacation to tell you that you must visit that location? I’m about to do that to YOU!
You must visit the Grand Canyon.
You can look at a million photos of the Grand Canyon but there is no image that even comes close to replicating the iconic Grand Canyon in person.
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is located in Northern Arizona, divided into four areas: South Rim, North Rim, West Rim, and East Rim. Also included are the National Park, National Forest, National Monuments, and Tribal Lands.
The Grand Canyon National Park was designated as a national park in 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson. The park is spread among 277 miles amidst the Colorado River. And while the view is the main attraction, there are many outdoor activities to enjoy at Grand Canyon National Park. Whichever area of the Grand Canyon you visit or whatever activities you participate in, you will be mesmerized by the stunning, unforgettable views.
What to Expect When Visiting Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is open all year round with lots to do for all ages and activity levels. In addition to helicopter, train, and bus tours, you can also ride a mule down into the canyon.
Grand Canyon National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. When planning your visit, keep in mind that Grand Canyon can get very crowded and hotels, lodges, cabins, and tours book up fast. Be sure to plan your Grand Canyon trip way ahead of the trip dates, so you don’t miss out on any of the fun.
The Grand Canyon Historic Village and Visitor Center area is approximately 13 square miles, and a great place to start a visit, and learn about the Grand Canyon and its history. At the Visitor Center, you can take a short walk to a canyon lookout spot or have access to restrooms, bicycle rentals, shopping, and more.
While at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, you’ll also be able to access free shuttles throughout the village and surrounding areas of the Grand Canyon. Shuttles run throughout the day every fifteen to thirty minutes from March 1st through November 30th. The shuttle can even take you to the area where you can hop aboard a bus for a 90-minute scenic drive around the South Rim. Buses typically stop at different lookout points so you can disembark the bus and take photos. Bus tours offer you a comfortable way to see the Grand Canyon while hearing interesting information and historical facts. If you’re adventurous and plan to take a tour aboard a mule ride, an expert guide leads the pack down into the canyon.
The Grand Canyon Railway transfers passengers from Williams, Arizona to the Grand Canyon Village. The train ride is not a tour, but it offers a quicker ride to the Grand Canyon than driving.
Prime Grand Canyon Location at the Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins
And speaking of the shuttle ride around the Grand Canyon, the shuttle can pick you up and drop you off right at the ideally located accommodations, Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins. Staying there offers guests a convenient short walk to the Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim.
Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins comes with a wealth of history as it was designed by Mary Jane Colter back in 1935 and is a Registered National Historic Landmark. Historic? Yes. But if you’re particular to staying in modern luxury hotels with a plethora of amenities, this is not the place for you.
The Bright Angel Lodge and cabins are rustic … very rustic. Take one step into the authentic lodge and you’ll see that the interior resembles that of a log cabin with a fireplace and an old-fashioned stagecoach. There’s even a Bright Angel History Room filled with Grand Canyon artifacts. The lodge is very charming and well maintained with the rustic décor.
The rooms in the lodge are very basic, but clean and comfortable enough for a one- or two-night stay. Keep in mind, staying at Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins right in the Grand Canyon National Park means that you avoid the wait of entering the park because you’re already inside. In fact, this iconic lodge and cabins are located right at the top of Bright Angel Trail Head, a short walk from the Grand Canyon’s edge. So you’ll have an up close and personal view of the Grand Canyon. The view and convenient walk to the canyon far outweighs the fact that you’re not staying in a boutique hotel.
The best advice I can give you is to plan to see a sunset and a sunrise. It will make for beautiful photo opportunities, and you will simply be amazed at the hues of color that you’ll experience.
One-Night Stay at Bright Angel Lodge
The Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins are very popular accommodations because of the location and reasonable rates compared to other lodgings at Grand Canyon National Park. You can stay in a room inside the lodge or one of 90 rustic cabins scattered among the property, some very close to the South Rim. Rooms with canyon views are limited so be sure to make your reservations early.
If you’re visiting Grand Canyon in the summer months, you must note that the cabins have NO air conditioning, and it can be VERY HOT and uncomfortable. Windows can open for some fresh air, but hot air is not refreshing. Some units have a television, coffee maker, and a mini refrigerator while others do not. Very important note: Not all accommodations on the property have a private bathroom. Be sure to inquire about that when you make your reservation.
We felt comfortable staying in a lodge room, but it was so very small. I don’t think I would have wanted to stay a second night. Planning a one-night stay was ideal and we paid $209 for one night in a standard room with one bed. And unlike other rooms, we had a private bathroom. We were surprised that the rooms had thin walls, but I suppose that’s just part of its age.
Also note, there is no designated guest parking. So parking in the Grand Canyon Village can be challenging. However, once you find a parking spot, there is no reason to drive the car, because the shuttle system can get you everywhere you’ll want to go.
While the lodge’s surrounding areas were noisy from the hustle and bustle of overwhelming crowds, once the park visitors began to leave, it did quiet down. And on a positive note, the Bright Angel Lodge staff are very friendly and welcoming.
Dining at Bright Angel Lodge
The Bright Angel Lodge offers onsite dining including The Harvey House Café, Harvey House Tavern, Bright Angel Fountain, Bright Angel Food Truck, and the Arizona Steakhouse.
The Harvey House Café is a casual restaurant serving diner classics for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can grab a coffee at the Bright Angel Fountain and take it with you to walk to the South Rim to enjoy the morning sunrise. The Fred Harvey Tavern is a cozy western-style saloon located near the top of Bright Angel Trail Head. If you’re craving steaks and BBQ dishes, make dinner reservations at the Arizona Steakhouse located inside Bright Angel Lodge.
You can also find other restaurants within walking distance of Bright Angel Lodge including El Tovar Dining Room and the Maswick Food Court.
Viewing this Natural Wonder Outweighed the Rustic Accommodations
The historic Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins offered a reasonable rate while providing rustic charm and the most perfect location in Grand Canyon National Park. If you’re planning a trip to the Grand Canyon, make your lodge reservations as soon as possible and book a room that offers canyon views.
The room at Bright Angel Lodge was clean, basic, very hot with no AC, and a bit noisy at times. However, the ability to sit and watch the sunset just steps from the room was wonderful. We loved the location and appreciated the friendliness of the staff. The food onsite was very good and reasonably priced.
A few final notes: You can arrive early in the morning and enjoy the Grand Canyon on the convenient free shuttle. Then, in late afternoon, take the shuttle back to the Village so you can check into the lodge. That same evening, take the short walk back to the canyon’s south rim and enjoy watching the sunset amidst the Grand Canyon. The following morning, wake up early, grab some coffee and go outside to enjoy the sunrise.
Be sure to wear hiking boots to maneuver uneven terrain and help avoid slips. As you walk around the rim, you’ll see a few different areas of stone steps that bring you down to different levels of the canyon. Walk slowly and carefully, especially if you are taking photos or videos. Also drink a lot of water.
I can’t stress enough that viewing a sunset and sunrise over the Grand Canyon is something you absolutely must experience for yourself.