Hikes and walks are outstanding at the North Rim. Bright Angel Point Trail is an easy walk on a paved path with a great view of the South Rim and Roaring Springs some 3,041 feet below. The North Kaibab Trail is the only North Rim trail to the canyon floor. Mule trips are available on this trail. Biking is also excellent at the North Rim and allowed on most park roads.
With its awesome Canyon overlooks, Village facilities and popular "below the rim" trails, the South Rim offers visitors a host of things to do and see. Again, advanced reservations are necessary for most all commercial tours and activities-and many provided by the Park Service. The Guided Tours and Information web site by the Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce and the Grand Canyon Explorer's Reservations and Services Page are excellent visitor resources.
Two scenic drives begin in the Grand Canyon Village area. The West Rim Drive is about an 18-mile round trip to Hermit's Rest (a great point to view a Canyon sunset!). Between Memorial Day and September, visitors must use the park's free shuttle bus on this drive. Autos are allowed on the East Rim Drive-a 52-mile round trip to Desert View. There are a number of wonderful observation points and attractions along both drives.
According to the Park Service, there are no easy hikes at Grand Canyon National Park. However, the Rim Trail-Nature Walk, located in the Village, is mostly paved, easily accessed and a good trail to bring the kids. Famous Bright Angel Trail is a two-day hike and a 19-mile-round-trip to the inner canyon. Mule trips at the South Rim have always been a popular adventure, but may be limited in the future. Commercial river trips on the Colorado are a great way to tour the Canyon floor. Canyoneers is one of an assortment of companies that provide a variety of river packages. Non-Commercial river trips presently have an unbelievable 12+ year waiting list! Fishing in the park is excellent, but requires an over-night hike to the inner canyon. All over-night trips in the canyon require a park permit. If you enjoy a train ride, the famous Grand Canyon Railway is another great way to get around the park above the Rim.
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