The Grand Canyon Experience: Which Side Should You Visit?
if you are visiting the grand canyon for the first time and want the best experience, don't do what i did!
Visiting the Grand Canyon has been a bucket list item of mine from before I can even remember making bucket lists. While I’ve been to many “other Grand Canyons” (there are similar areas in Yellowstone and Thailand!), I finally made it to the real deal in July of this year. And I have to say, I was a tad disappointed. Here’s Why.
The North Rim Experience:
My first experience at the Grand Canyon was from the North Rim entrance. We stayed in Kanab, Utah the night before, which is a 1.5 hour drive to this point. The drive into the park was beautiful and worth seeing. We spotted tons of elk out along the roadside. Once you pass the park entrance, it’s a short drive to the main village where you can *normally camp, rent cabins, shop, eat, and go on various tours (most of these options are temporarily closed for COVID-19).
From the path to the overlook, you can see a bit of the canyon, and as our group stood there looking out we all agreed that it was a bit underwhelming compared to what we were expecting. For THAT view, aka the one you always see on Instagram, you have to go elsewhere (keep reading)!
Leave your pups at home for this one because the trail down to the overlook isn’t dog friendly and you’ll really only spend about 20-30 minutes here anyways. Taking photos was pretty fun in this area and you can be creative if you are willing to go off the path. We experimented a bit with angles and got some really cool shots!
The South Rim Experience:
Two weeks later, we found ourselves driving across the country yet again, and we stopped to visit the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. I had to see if it was better…I wanted to feel that awe-inspiring feeling that we didn’t get at the North Rim.
Ladies and gents, it DID NOT DISAPPOINT! The view here is INCREDIBLE!
While there’s not as many activities at the South Rim Center, it’s a lot bigger and more spacious. There are several large parking lots and you can walk or take a shuttle to the viewpoint. From the viewpoints, it’s canyon as far as the eye can see! We got there right as the sun was setting so we didn’t have as much time to explore off path, but that’s definitely an option here too if you choose.
Overall, I think the North Rim is better for the experience and has more activities/options, but the South Rim is better for the views.
helpful tips:
– Wear hiking shoes or sneakers. You’ll need to do some climbing for the best photos!
– Do some off path exploring (carefully!)
– Visit at sunset for the best light
– For the more adventurous folks: Camp for free in Kaibab National Forest or rent a tent site / cabin at the North Rim Campground, right next to the Village Center!
Have you been to the Grand Canyon yet?
Let me know what your thoughts were the first time you saw it!
Until Next Time,
