The Grand Canyon is one of America’s most famous and awe-inspiring natural attractions, and has been a road-tripping destination for generations. The North Rim and South Rim are accessed from opposite sides of the canyon, but most people visit the Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim. The North Rim is closed in winter, but the South Rim is open year-round and easily accessible from destinations like Las Vegas, Phoenix, Sedona, and Williams. The main access point for this section of the park is the South Entrance, where the main visitor center is located. It is also possible to enter via the east, at the Desert View Entrance, but for most people, this is a less convenient option.

To explore the park by road there are two options from the South Entrance Visitor Center. Hermit Road runs west, past the small resort area of Grand Canyon Village, more commonly known as the Village, to numerous overlooks. This road is open to private vehicles from December 1 to the end of February, but outside of these dates you must use the park shuttle buses. The other option, open to cars at any time of year, is the Desert View Drive, which heads east from the Visitor Center for 22 miles to the Desert View Watchtower. Both of these drives are fantastic and provide different perspectives of the canyon.

A variety of tours offer unique ways to experience the Grand Canyon, from helicopter rides to white water rafting. Some of these start right at the Grand Canyon, others depart from nearby cities, such as Las Vegas. There is some accommodation in the national park at the Village, which is operated by a concessioner of the park.