Grand Canyon Village

Grand Canyon

Located right on the south rim of the Grand Canyon, Arizona, specifically in Coconino County, Grand Canyon Village is one of the top tourist destinations in the Grand Canyon area. As a census-designated place, it has a population of 1,460, 651 households, and 345 families during the 2000 census.

Grand  Village, located on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park in Northern Arizona, holds some of the best scenic overlooks in the park, including Yavapai Point. Begin your Grand tour at the visitor center. Here you can pick up a copy of the self-guided walking tour brochure for in-depth information on the canyon and its history. Highlights of the tour include Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel Buckey O’Neill Cabin, Hopi House, Lookout Studio, and Kolb Studio. You’ll also learn how Grand Canyon Village grew up around the Santa Fe Railroad starting in 1901. Stop by the rustic Grand  Railway Depot, which welcomes Grand Village Railway passengers to the village.

There are many activities in the area, including helicopter tours, horseback rides, a scenic train ride, and mule trips. And, of course, the hiking can’t be beat. Some of the best hikes include Bright Angel Trail, South Kaibab Trail, Rim Trail, and Hermit Trail. Backcountry permits are not required for day hikes, but – with the exception of Phantom Ranch – they are if you plan to spend the night.

You can book one of the many hotels in the Grand  Village and use it as your springboard to many Canyon adventures, including but not exclusive to the following:

Helicopter  Air Tours

Talk about a visual feast. There is really nothing like a bird’s eye view of the Grand village. It matters not whether you are peering out of the window of a fixed wing aircraft or feeling the wind whip around your hair as you gawk down below from a helicopter; the experience is exhilarating.

Many helicopter tour companies have their exclusive landing areas in the Grand Village. After flying you from Las Vegas, the helicopter or jet airplane will make a slow descent 4,000 feet below the rim to let you savor the views of this spectacular natural wonder, before heading home for your awaiting accommodations in the Grand Canyon Village.

River Rafting Tours

One of the most exciting things you can ever do at the Grand  Village is go on a river rafting tour. Ask any of the 22,000 river runners what they think and they will tell you that braving the rapids of the mighty Colorado River is unlike anything they have ever experienced. If you are one for thrill-seeking adventure, then this is the activity for you. There are sixteen licensed Grand Canyon river rafting companies that operate private boaters all through the Grand Canyon National Park. You can book your reservations early along with your accommodations at one of the hotels at Grand Canyon Village.

There are sixteen licensed Grand village river rafting companies that operate private boaters all through the Grand Canyon National Park. You can book your reservations early along with your accommodations at one of the hotels at Grand Canyon Village.

Grand Canyon Railway

While many people choose to fly in from Las Vegas to visit the Grand  Village and the Grand Canyon itself, going by railway from Williams, Arizona to Falstaff just northwest of the Canyon is a wholly different experience. Think halcyon days where there are regular stops to let the motorists get their “kicks on Route 66.” This is an especially good choice if you are traveling with your family. The view of countryside Arizona from the train ride is worth the longer travel time. Arizona to Falstaff just northwest of the village is a wholly different experience. Think halcyon days where there are regular stops to let the motorists get their “kicks on Route 66.” This is an especially good choice if you are traveling with your family. The view of countryside Arizona from the train ride is worth the longer travel time.

There are, of course, many more things you can do at the Grand  Village. There’s hiking and camping, and tons of other activities.