As humans, we all spend our days working on the basic trivialities of life.
Things like inbox clearing, remembering to take the dog for a walk, and essentially trying to get through the day without letting the existential realisation that we are, in fact, a tiny spec in the fabric of the universe sink in too much.
The human brain is so brilliant at deflecting this reality that you can almost feel a palpable squeeze of your synapses when you first lay eyes on the monumental size and scale of the Grand Canyon.
It’s just so massive. Colossal beyond comprehension. So skin-tinglingly dwarfing it could humble an ego of even Donald Trump proportions.
The closest we might have here in Australia might be the Three Sisters lookout in the Blue Mountains. Which, even as we’re writing this, feels almost like an embarrassing comparison to make (which is saying a lot because the sisters is one of the most breathtaking sunsets you can enjoy an hour out of Sydney).
If you’re feeling a bit bummed out because you hate your job, or your girl/boyfriend left you, or your neighbours are arguing with you over some fence line, all you need to do is book a flight to Flagstaff Arizona and get yourself here.
We almost wish we could go back and view the crevasse for the first time again because for a few seconds every single so-called problem becomes absolutely nullified by the fact that this 1680 million year old gap in the Earth’s crust gives approximately zero &*()’s about whether you’re on the planet or not.
Do yourself a favour and put this at the top of your bucket list because it’s a heck of a lot cheaper and guaranteed more fun than decades of therapy.
To get you started here’s our go-to guide for Grand Canyon greenhorns.
You Don’t Have To Stay In The Park (But It’s Nice If You Can)
In the slightly less big ticket national parks you can get away with not booking a camping/RV space. In fact, many of the campsites in places such as Joshua Tree are normally first come first served.
Not the case with the Grand Canyon.
Mather Campground is a beautiful RV and tent area within the park, just a short walk from the Grand Canyon Village – which houses a small supermarket, gift shop and post office. Spaces here are bookable up to 6 months in advance and people are pretty organised when it comes to snagging spots.
However, before you give up and try the Trailer Village RV Park just outside the park’s South Rim entrance, give the ranger station a go and ask if anyone has forfeited or not checked in for their spaces.
Sometimes you might get lucky and score a couple of nights amongst the deer in the park proper. However, it’s not the end of the world if you have to book into one of the private RV parks.
This is because…
You’re Going To Be Taken Care Of Either Way
They’re used to crowds here and you’re going to get very well acquainted with the official Grand Canyon shuttle bus system.
During the summer season the park runs this free service between Grand Canyon Village and Tusayan, following four different routes.
Blue Route: Also known as the Village Route, this connects the visitors centre with lodges and campgrounds.
Orange Route: Also known as the Kaibab Route, this is the best route to take if you want to just b-line it straight to the rim. You’ll stop at 5 scenic points and the Yavapai Geology Museum.
Red Route: Also known as Hermit Road route, this stops at nine scenic overlooks and some of the best walking tracks. This is also a favourite for those looking to sit out the sunset from Mohave and Pima Points.
Tusayan Route: Perfect if you’re parked at Trailer Village RV or want enjoy some of the restaurants in nearby Tusayan.
Shuttles operate approximately every 15-30 minutes from 6am to 9.30pm but double check finishing times as these can shift seasonally.
Where You Shoot Is Almost As Important As When To Shoot
Let’s be honest, you’re not going to struggle to take a good picture here. There’s ancient red earth that shifts colours throughout the day literally as far as the eye can see. However, sunset is definitely a hot ticket time at the Grand Canyon (for obvious reasons) so it helps have a plan in order to nab the best spots and beat the crowds.
Most people will tell you to hit Yavapai Point for your first visit in order to capture those uninterrupted panoramic views over Bright Angel Canyon.
The catch is you’ll be jockeying with hundreds of other tourists all trying to recreate that perfect shot pretending you’re all alone.
Our tip?
Take the green shuttle route (or Kaibab Trail route) to Yaki Point at about 7pm (the sun goes down around 8pm). There are many weathered paths off the standard trail where other brave photographers have hunted down some epic precipice locations.
Think about that for a moment.
And it goes without saying, be EXTREMELY careful as you climb down towards the edge.
On another day take the Blue line and the then the Red line to Hopi Point, where you’ll spy glimpses of the Colorado River as it winds its way through the canyon.
Hikes Are Not For The Faint-hearted
Catching the shuttles to and from the lookouts are nice but we don’t think you truly appreciate the size and scale of the Grand Canyon until you attempt (and we mean attempt) Bright Angel Trailhead on the south rim.
This trek will take you from rim to river, with a number of beautiful rest stops along the way.
But the trail is seductively dangerous in the sense that the hike down (6,850 total feet) feels practically effortless take in the breathtaking sights and sounds.
However, here’s where a lot of visitors get stuck because what goes down must invariably come back up.
Also, on the return trip you’re going to be in a world of pain, your cells with me bursting with all the sweat pouring out of every pore, and by the time to reach the top again you’re going to feel like you’ve been to war and back.
**If you spot some clueless tourists strolling down without a hat or water be sure to spread the safety word. They’ll thank you later… if they make it back…**
There Are Always A Few Rules To Keep In Mind
The official stance on getting next to the canyon ledges and veering off path is that it’ll definitely get you in trouble with the rangers. However, you’ll spy tons of photographers who choose the flout the rules and risk life and limb for those stomach-churning cliffside Instagram shots.
We can’t promise you won’t want to do it. Our advice is to just be careful and keep a keen eye out for the rangers.
Other things to know:
Pets are welcome but keep them leashed for the safety of your animals and the elk that also call the park home.
Don’t drone. We know, it’s one of life’s cruelties that droning is illegal in most US national parks but if every man and his drone crashed into the crevasse, it’ll play havoc with the threatened California Condor population.
Speaking of the condors, we know this might be obvious to most of you but don’t throw coins into the canyon.
For some reason tourists from all over the world seem to look at the Grand Canyon like it’s Rome’s Trevi Fountain, chucking all sorts of loose change over the cliff in a classic douche human move thinking it’ll up their luck for the lottery or something.
We can promise that it won’t do anything except kill the condors who mistake the flash of metal for food (which might be one of the saddest things you’ll read today).
