I'm trying to see what and where would be the best way to see the Grand Canyon? When are you planning to visit? The trip is for my parents What time of year? Towards the end of September. Great. The best quality experience is drive oneself to Grand Canyon South Rim and spend 1-2 days. If you have more time to spend, you can add other destinations such as Lake Powell or Sedona. Well they would like to go for about a week. Great - they could certainly see a lot in a week. They should plan on flying them into Phoenix or Las Vegas. Either airport would be ~ 4. 5 hours from the South Rim. So you suggest flying into one of those places and driving to the Grand Canyon? Is that the closest? because I don't think they would like to drive all that time Yes, flying into either Phoenix or Las Vegas is the most convenient option for reaching the Grand Canyon. While it is a bit of a drive, the scenic views along the way can enhance the experience. Once they arrive at the South Rim, there are numerous south rim viewing options that provide stunning perspectives of the canyon, including popular spots like Mather Point and Yavapai Observation Station.
Long drives are a fact of life out here. There is an airport in Flagstaff, about 90 minutes from the park, but it does not have direct service (you have to connect from Phoenix).
Here's a video that addresses this particular issue ->:
So if they arrive in Las Vegas, its about 4.5 hours to the gran canyon?
Correct. A popular Las Vegas loop is Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon and Zion
Visitor loaded: https://grandcanyon.com/planning/grand-canyon-mule-rides/
Wow, do people really do that Mule trip??
Alley Definitely - and they book it 1 year in advance!!
What do you recommend for someone who is disabled?
Can't do much walking
Not the mule ride, that's for sure. What is the nature/extent of the disability? Cane? Wheelchair?
Cane but can't do very much walking for too long.
Most in-park roads are open to private vehicles. If one of the party has a disability, they qualify for an access pass onto the Hermit's Rest/West Rim Road, which is normally closed to private vehicles.
Would she just show her disability sign that hangs on her rearview?
Yes, at the entrance gate to the park.
OK thank you once again for your help, I will be returning, Im going to talk with them and take it from there.
Thanks for visiting.
Can you walk down with the mules if one is over the weight limit and the other rides?
Is there a tour the includes all 4 rims?
Is there a tour that does air, river, hiking &/or atv?
Dee,
All good questions..Thank You for Asking:
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Can you walk down with the mules if one is over the weight limit and the other rides?
The Mule Guides are not going to let you hike close to the Mules for Safety Reasons, however, you can hike down the Trails after the Mules while keeping a Safe Distance.
Learn more here: https://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/plan/mule-rides/
Is there a tour the includes all 4 rims?
No, not at this time. However, I may attempt to do a One Day Trip starting at Sunrise and driving to ALL 4 Rims in a Day before Sunset...I think I can do it. It'll be tight and a very long day...but I might try on Summer Solstice this year.
Thank You,
Karlyn
Is there any 4x4 roads that you can drive on
William,
Yes, the main viewpoint that requires 4x4 is the Toroweap Overlook:
https://grandcanyon.com/news/tuweep-campground-permit-required/
https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/tuweep.htm
Also, you can seasonally access Point Sublime with 4 x 4:
https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/trail-closures.htm
Report from the North Rim
updated May 18, 2022
Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim is open for the 2022 season.
The last day of the 2022 season for most commercial services will be October 15, 2022.
Point Sublime and North Bass access: The W-1 road starting near Widforss Trailhead and heading out through the Basin is dry and downed trees have been removed all the way to Sublime. W-1 gate will open on May 15. The W-4 which enters Grand Canyon from the north via Forest Road 268B has been cleared all the way to North Bass Trailhead. Crews as of Friday, May 13 are working south toward Sublime to clear any trees blocking access. Though 268B is likely to open on May 15, we have not received the final confirmation. To avoid having to turn around we recommend checking in at the North Rim Backcountry Information Center before heading out.
Enjoy,
Karlyn
This post really helped clarify my plans for visiting the Grand Canyon! I never knew there were so many great viewpoints. Can't wait to explore Rim Trail! Great tips, thanks!