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Is 2 Days Enough For The Grand Canyon?

Last Update on December 11, 2022
by Maxtour
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The Grand Canyon is a spectacular sight to behold, as it stretches out over an astonishing 277 miles. Trying to see everything at the Grand Canyon in two days would be impossible. But what about for a sightseeing visit? Is 2 days enough for your Grand Canyon Trip?

Short Answer: Yes, 2 Days Is Enough Time For A Trip To The Grand Canyon

Long Answer: There is a ton to see at the Grand Canyon, and how much time you will need depends on how much you want to see.

For some context, on many of our small group Grand Canyon tours, we give people about 3 hours to visit the Grand Canyon. During this time, we are able to soak in 3 of the best viewpoints at the Grand Canyon, get some great photos, and get a great feel for the majestic wonder that is the Grand Canyon. Take that time and expand it to 2 days at the Grand Canyon, and you should have plenty of time to tick off all of your must-sees.

You will still need to do some planning if you want to experience everything you want to see at the Grand Canyon. First off, you need to know what time each day will be best for planning your trip. In just two days, you can view all the sights and escape with memories that will last a lifetime! The following are the things you can do in 2 Days At The Grand Canyon to make your trip even better:

1. Hike Bright Angel Trail

If you want to experience one of the best trails of Arizona, in your 2 Days At The Grand Canyon, then hiking Bright Angel Trail is a must. It is located on the South Rim and offers some breathtaking views with great stretches of cool refreshing desert. You can hike it completely or use it as an access point to other trails like gaining strenuous slopes along the Rim Trail or heading down from the summit of Point Imperial, where you will come across breathtaking views and rock formations. The trail is 7 miles long and can be done in 2 hours for experienced hikers or 3-4 hours for newbies depending on your pace.

2. Hike Hopi Buttes Trail

In addition to Bright Angel Trail, Hopi Buttes Trail is another section of the South Kaibab Trail that can be accessed from the point within Grand Canyon National Park. It is 3 miles long and offers amazing views towards the North Rim. With its spiny juniper and red rock formations, it is one of the most beautiful trails around the country. The trail is relatively easy to traverse with minimal elevation gain and is suitable for all levels of hikers.

3. Go Cliff Jumping

The Colorado River is one of the major attractions of the park that offers amazing views and unparalleled adventure. If you want to experience the river in a new way, then cliff jumping is just for you. It is a great way to cool off and gain an adrenaline rush with activities like cliff jumping and swimming across the smooth, clear waters. The best time to go cliff jumping at the Grand Canyon is during spring when the river level is low and there is a lot of people around.

4. Hike Horseshoe Bend Trail

Horseshoe Bend is one of the most popular hikes in the Grand Canyon that is a must-do if you have never been there. It is an easy hike that offers amazing views and beautiful scenery of the canyon. When you reach the trailhead, you will see a point where you can see the Colorado River flowing through the canyon is blocked by rocks. This is where Horseshoe Bend Trail starts and from here, it is a 2-mile steep descent to the riverbed. There are also some great photo opportunities along this trail with its outstanding views on both sides of the path.

Related Reading: Is Horseshoe Bend Part Of The Grand Canyon?

5. Visit the Tusayan Museum

While in Tusayan, it is a must-do to visit the Tusayan Museum and gain insight on the area's rich history and culture. There are several exhibits here that can teach you about the native tribes that lived there and their way of life. The museum is open daily from 8 am to 8 pm with extended hours during summer months.

6. Hike Kaibab Trail

If you want to do something different, then hiking Kaibab Trail is a must-do in any trip to Grand Canyon National Park. It offers amazing views of pine forests, aspen trees, and wildflowers that grow along the trail which makes it one of the most scenic hikes in Arizona. Another advantage of hiking Kaibab Trail is that it offers sweeping views of the canyon, unlike other trails that only offer the bottom of the canyon. It is a challenging hike but as you walk along steep slopes, you will be rewarded with an amazing view of both rims of the Grand Canyon.

7. See The Grand Canyon Skywalk

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Arizona is located right within Grand Canyon National Park - The Grand Canyon Skywalk. It is a horseshoe-shaped platform that extends out from the edge and offers views like no other on a clear day when looking towards North Rim. It is located near the West Grandstand and is open daily from 8am to 8pm.

8. Watch Sunset at Mather Point

No trip to Grand Canyon National Park is complete without watching the sunset from Mather Point. When the sun sets and the skies turn orange, you will feel like you are in a postcard with extraordinary views of this national treasure. Make sure you have a pair of binoculars and watch out for wildlife like elk, bald eagles, and coyotes that roam around the area.

10. Board a Helicopter

If you want to truly experience the thrill of flying, then renting a helicopter is the answer. Choose between Bell Helicopters or Grand Canyon Air Tours and be amazed at how these machines can transport you to locations the normal way will never reach. Try it for yourselves and feel like a tour guide throughout your trip.

One should certainly visit the Grand Canyon and many other places during their lifetime. It is high time that one should try to understand what it is like to be a tourist in such a breathtaking environment.

Bottom Line

There is a lot to see at the Grand Canyon, and even if you have 3 hours it is worth the trip. If you have 2 days you can see a lot more and check off most of the things you label as "must-see" at the Grand Canyon.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Maxtour

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