The place to Keep in Grand Canyon Nationwide Park: 9 Greatest Areas

The Grand Canyon National Park is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of The World and as cliché as it might sound, that one fact should be enough to convince anyone to take a trip to northwestern Arizona.

The National Park Service (NPS) grants the Grand Canyon National Park the honor of being the second most popular national park in the United States. Following behind the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina and Tennessee, the Grand Canyon is estimated to see approximately 5.9 million tourists a year. In 2021, the NPS reported a total of 4.53 million visitors, and for good reason.

The Grand Canyon is divided into the North, South, and West Rim. The South Rim is open all year. Ninety percent of the park’s yearly tourists visit the South Rim.

Cities immediately south of the park include Williams, Tusayan, and Grand Canyon Village. Larger cities farther south include Flagstaff and Sedona.  

Viewing the Grand Canyon National Park comes in many forms and fonts. Visitors to the natural wonder can choose from a variety of accommodations and exciting, and oftentimes thrilling, activities.

Whether you want to rough it in the great outdoors within the borders of the park, upgrade to a glamping experience or peer over the edge of the canyon from the comfort of your hotel room, there is a place to stay for every type of traveler in and around the Grand Canyon. Keep reading to learn about the best areas and accommodations in Grand Canyon National Park.

TL;DR

Best Areas to Stay in Grand Canyon National Park

• Best area for first-timers/tourists – Grand Canyon Village
• Best area for budget travelers – Kanab
• Best area for overall exploring – Flagstaff
• Best area for families – Williams
• Best area for safety and history –Tusayan
• Best area for adventurers – Grand Canyon West
• Best area for the road less traveled – North Rim
• Best area for luxury travelers – Sedona
• Best area for road-tripping – Page

Where to Stay in Grand Canyon National Park

1. Grand Canyon Village: Best Area for First-Timers/Tourists

Grand Canyon Village is the most visited area for tourists seeking adventure within the walls of Grand Canyon National Park. Open all year round, the NPS says the village is the only place where the railroad reaches the rim of the Grand Canyon. As the closest town to the mouth of the South Rim, Grand Canyon Village is the best place to stay in Grand Canyon for first-time visitors as all the action is just outside your door.

Visitors to the village are often there strictly to visit the Grand Canyon and want to make the most of their time inside the park. If that’s you, some of the best hikes include the Rim Trail, Bright Angel Trail, and Grandview Trail.

The Number 1 hiking trail in the South Rim is the South Kaibab Trail. The South Kaibab snakes down into the canyon and provides the most stunning views including visions of limestone layers, rippled sandstone, dizzying drop-offs, and a ridge that makes you feel like you’re skating along the Earth’s spine.

Those participating in easier day hikes in the South Rim and leaving room to explore the rest of the village will find a handful of activities that don’t include walking. The Grand Canyon Railway Depot, for example, offers a free shuttle bus, and the Yavapai Geology Museum provides fascinating tidbits of history from the topography of the canyon to how travelers migrated through the desert.

Tourists can also get an aerial view of the park in a helicopter or ride deep down into the canyon on the back of a mule as a classic Grand Canyon experience. Here are some of the best activities to do in Grand Canyon Village:

• Grand Canyon Railway Depot
• South Kaibab Trail or Bright Angel Trail
• Hike Grand Canyon South Rim
• Mather Point
• Take a Guided Ranger Tour in South Rim
• Ride a Mule
• See the View from a Helicopter
• Visit the Yavapai Geology Museum

Besides the best array of activities, the village also provides some of the best Grand Canyon lodging options located directly inside the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Six hotels are a part of the Grand Canyon Lodge brand and are located in the park with El Tovar Hotel, Bright Angel Lodge, Maswik Lodge, Thunderbird Lodge, Kachina Lodge, and Phantom Ranch each on the canyon rim.

Each one offers different levels of hospitality, but all sell out quickly because of the premier location. So booking in advance for these Grand Canyon hotels is recommended. Red Feather Lodge, Bright Angel Lodge, Maswik Lodge, and Yavapai Lodge are great budget options. Yavapai Lodge rooms are air-conditioned with free parking out front.

El Tovar Hotel is a historic hotel located directly on the rim and was built from local limestone and pine trees. In 1987, El Tovar Hotel was designated as a National Historic Landmark. The Bright Angel Lodge is also another registered National Historic Landmark. Kachina Lodge and Thunderbird Lodge are both more modern and contemporary.

For those looking for a real adventure, a stay at the Phantom Ranch is a must. The ranch is nestled at the bottom of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim along the Kaibab Trail and is an excellent spot to stay overnight for those trekking on a multi-day hike.

The Grand Hotel at Grand Canyon is also a nice option just outside of the park entrance. It is the only 3-Diamond Hotel near the Grand Canyon and provides an indoor pool and hot tub. Check out the best hotel options in Grand Canyon Village:

See Related: Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon: What is Better?

2. Tusayan: Best Area for Safety & History

Tusayan is located just one to two miles outside of the Grand Canyon area and is one of the safest areas to explore ancient history. The Grand Canyon Airport is also located in Tusayan and offers airplane tours. This makes it one of the most convenient places to stay near the Grand Canyon.

Due to its proximity, the town offers a free shuttle bus to take visitors into the park and houses the official Arizona State Visitor Information Center. Within walking distance from the center is the National Geographic IMAX Theater where guests can view the history of the park. 

The IMAX movie mentions the Grand Canyon Tusayan Ruins, which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the town. The ruins are an 800-year-old Pueblo Indian site.

NPS considers the spot to be one of the major archaeological sites in Arizona. The Grand Canyon Tusayan Museum holds more information on the prehistoric tribal site and includes a shop and handcrafted ancient souvenirs. 

Inside the park, visitors should also try the Hermit Trail, a favorite hiking trail that provides access to a historic area of natural wonder. Guests can also go for a jeep tour, ride a horse at the Apache stable and visit the Plaza Bonita. Other fun things to do in Tusayan include:

• Discover the Tusayan Ruins
• Watch the IMAX movie
• Try one of the best hikes in Arizona: Hermit Trail
• Stop by the National Geographic Canyon Visitor Center
• Visit the Desert View Trading Post
• View Guano Point
• Take in spectacular views from the overlook

The two best Grand Canyon hotels in Tusayan are the Holiday Inn Express and the Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn. Both offer a great place to stay near the Grand Canyon and offer amenities such as indoor or outdoor pools and laundry facilities. Any of these places are sure to enhance your stay:

3. Williams: Best Area for Families

A little further south of the Grand Canyon Village and Tusayan is the town of Williams. Williams is known as a gateway to Grand Canyon National Park and is the perfect spot for families with young children and teens visiting the Grand Canyon.

This northern Arizona city is home to an estimated population of 3,000 residents. Its charm comes from the ability to maintain a small-town feel while still possessing a handful of fun activities and tourist attractions for those visiting the Grand Canyon National Park.

Williams hosts a variety of animal encounters at the Bearizona Wildlife Park and Grand Canyon Deer Farm. The wildlife park is home to a handful of wild game including bears, wolves, bison, and elk. Visitors can drive through the park or take a walk to see the majestic beasts up close.

After Bearizona, families should visit the deer farm. The farm is a popular destination for families and small children who want to interact with smaller species such as goats, llamas, porcupines, and a zebra-donkey hybrid, which according to the website is called a zonkey. 

Williams also offers many historical learning opportunities to stimulate more than just the senses. The petroglyphs carved into the canyon walls in Kaibab National Forest exhibit prehistoric life. Kids can learn about the Old West and watch historical re-enactments at the Wild West Junction.

Visitors to Williams should also take a stroll along the historic Route 66. The portion of the highway in Williams is a two-mile loop of old post offices, fire stations, and grocery shops that at night turn into a vast array of old-school neon lights, restaurants, and gift shops. Here’s a list of the best things to see in Williams:

• See wildlife at Bearizona Wildlife Park
• Ride the Grand Canyon Railway
• Visit Williams Depot
• Feed deer at the Grand Canyon Deer Farm
• Walk in the Downtown Historic District of Williams
• Stroll Route 66
• Check out ancient petroglyphs at Kaibab National Forest
• Learn about the Old West at Wild West Junction

Williams hotels include many name-brand, mid-range places to choose from including Best Western, Holiday Inn, and Comfort Inn. Budget hotels include a Super 8 and the Williams AZ Hostel. However, the best stay in Williams, or rather, the most unique at least, is the Canyon Motel and RV Park.

Guests can stay in an authentic caboose or railcar suite. The motel also offers modern amenities for campers including an indoor swimming pool, laundry facilities, playground, and bath house. Find the best family-friendly lodging options below:

See Related: Best Things to do in Arizona & Places to Visit

4. Flagstaff: Best Area for Overall Exploring

Many of the small towns and cities leading up to the Grand Canyon offer modest housing and activities, but for those visiting the Grand Canyon who want a little something more, a stay in the mountain town of Flagstaff is the perfect option. Flagstaff is roughly a one-to-two-hour drive to the Grand Canyon but is a much larger city compared to its southern counterparts in Williams, Tusayan, and Grand Canyon Village.

Flagstaff offers a charming downtown essence with plenty of outdoor activities. For example, there are six national monuments within a two-hour drive of Flagstaff. The Walnut Canyon National Monument and Wupatki National Monument both preserve ancient pueblos. The Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument shows the impact of a volcanic eruption, and guests can walk along the Lava Flow Trail.

Flagstaff also boasts one of the oldest and most famous astronomy centers in Arizona: Lowell Observatory used to be a major base for NASA. After its discontinuation, the observatory became a beacon for phenomenal stargazing and learning about the moon. Aside from historical monuments, stargazing, and the great outdoors, Flagstaff is a modern city with a mall, breweries, and a waterpark. Here’s what to do in Flagstaff from outdoor to indoor activities:

• Check out a panoramic view at Humphrey’s Peak
• See the Walnut Canyon National Monument
• Check out ancient volcanic remains at San Francisco Peaks
• Explore Coconino National Forest
• Wupatki National Monument
• Take a tour of Angel’s Gate
• Venture to Little Colorado River Tribal Park in Cameron
• Visit Flagstaff through any bike tour

The best hotels in Flagstaff offer more than the closest towns to the canyon. Set in a 500-acre private forest, Little America Hotel is the city’s only AAA-approved 4-Diamond hotel. This spacious accommodation offers an on-site restaurant with contemporary cuisine, rooms with gorgeous mountainside views, an indoor pool and hot tub, access to a nature trail, playground, and a 24-hour travel center and convenience store.

On the flip side, the High Country Motor Lodge is a Grand Canyon hotel that brings what the hotel website calls an “off-the-beaten-path approach to 1960s roadside culture.” The hotel offers a nice communal lawn, backwoods to explore, and the first Nordic Spa Experience in Arizona, with rooms inspired by the night sky and the desert scenery.

5. Sedona: Best Area for Luxury

The Grand Canyon State is mostly known for its great outdoor experiences and natural scenic beauty. Arizona often brings outdoor adventurists from all over the world who rough it in tents and modest motels, but who’s to say you can’t also live in luxury as an outdoor enthusiast? The city of Sedona is the closest you’ll find to luxury while staying within a stone’s throw from many national parks.

Sedona offers up breathtaking views on a silver platter. Some of the most popular sights in Sedona include Cathedral Rock, Oak Creek Canyon, and Devil’s Bridge. Guests can also participate in luxury activities like the Verde Valley Wine Trail, take a driving tour to the Grand Canyon, go off-roading in a private jeep tour of Sedona and surrounding areas, or take to the skies in a Sedona helicopter tour for an aerial view you’ll never forget.

For non-outdoor activities, guests should visit Mii amo, a destination spa in Boynton Canyon. The staff of this 16-room spa creates personalized programs that can include body scrubs, spiritual therapies, butter wraps, massages, and maybe even a tarot card reading.

Shopping is also a favorite luxury hobby and visitors to Sedona should make a stop at Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village. The outdoor shopping center includes galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. Below is a good mixture of indoor and outdoor adventures in Sedona:

• Cathedral Rock Hiking Trail
• Hike Broken Arrow Trail
• Star gaze at the night
• Explore the great outdoors at Oak Creek Canyon
• Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross
• Try the most popular hike in Sedona, Devil’s Bridge
• Rent a 4×4 and go off-roading
• Drink on the Verde Valley Wine Trail

The best hotels for luxury in Sedona are household names such as the L’Auberge de Sedona, Amara Resort and Spa, and the Hilton Vacation Club. But it’s accommodations like the Enchantment Resort, The Wilde Resort and Spa, and Ambiente that play with the surrounding red rock landscape to provide a truly all-encompassing stay for nature lovers and luxury travelers.

The Ambiente is the first landscape hotel. This adult-only resort offers 40 individual Atriums with unforgettable views of Coconino National Forest and the notable red rocks.

Playing with the idea of being part of the landscape, Ambiente offers unobstructed views of the stars at night, floor-to-ceiling bronzed glass windows, an outdoor pool, and rooftop terraces to spend intimate time both in and outdoors. Any of these hotels are sure to wow all luxury travelers to Sedona:

See Related: Enter the Realm of the Eagle on Grand Canyon Skywalk

6. North Rim: Best Area for the Road-Less Traveled

The North Rim is closed during the winter months and is a five-hour drive from the South Rim. Although less populated, North Rim provides some unbeatable views with fewer crowds. Page, Arizona, and Kanab, Utah, sit just above the North Rim.

The North Rim is a haven for returning visitors to the Grand Canyon and those looking to spend more time away from crowds and on the road less traveled. Known for its harsher climate, this section of the park closes in winter and reopens around mid-May.

The NPS says this side of the canyon only sees 10 percent of all park visitors. Hiking from south to north is a total of 21 miles, but a 220-mile drive.

Tourists brave enough to visit this side of the rim will experience tranquil scenic drives, difficult hikes, stunning views, and plenty of stimulating off-roading adventures. Bright Angel Point Trail is perhaps one of the most popular hikes.

Although it’s just a short walk, the trail is steep with drop-offs and stairs. One of the most difficult trails in Grand Canyon National Park is Nankoweap Trail.

The 11-mile trail is perfect for backcountry hikers with a permit who want a challenge. The trail comes within inches of plunging cliffs, has no natural water hubs, and is entirely exposed to the elements. Fun, right?

For those who still want to visit the North Rim’s rugged beauty, but aren’t experienced adventurers, there are still plenty of incredible hikes and drives for first-timers. Point Imperial is the highest point on the North Rim at 8,803 feet.

The peak overlooks the Painted Desert and the east side of the Grand Canyon. Cape Royal is also an excellent scenic drive. Visitors can also take a mule ride or drive an ATV around the canyon. Try your luck at adventure with any of these activities:

• Take a tranquil scenic drive
• Listen to a ranger program
• Snap a stunning photo of the Bright Angel Point Trail
• Mountain bike
• Ride a mule or ATV around the canyon
• Visit the North Rim Visitor Center
• Hike the 14-mile North Kaibab Trail

Lodging at the Grand Canyon’s North Rim is limited due to its location and climate. For those wanting to stay inside the park, the NPS North Rim Campground is available inside the canyon. The Grand Canyon Lodge sits just above the canyon and is the only lodging in the park on the North Rim.

The lodge offers cabins or hotel rooms, air conditioning, and free parking; it is as close to luxury as it gets on the north side. As the only lodging option, rooms fill up almost 13 months in advance.

The next closest town and lodging options lie just outside of the rim at Jacob Lake. The small town offers cheap lodging and an on-site restaurant at the Jacob Lake Inn. View the short list of North Rim lodging options here:

7. Kanab: Best Area for Budget Travelers

Kanab is a city in Utah located just north of the Arizona border, and while most people skip right over it to get to Zion or the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, it’s an amazing spot known for its natural beauty and good weather. It’s an excellent place to stay for those wanting to visit Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon in one vacation. Kanab is also a great place for budget travelers because of its central location and free or reduced outdoor activities.

Visitors to Kanab should purchase an annual park pass. The America the Beautiful pass covers entrance fees at all lands managed by the NPS and the US Fish and Wildlife Service for an annual fee of $80. With one pass, outdoor enthusiasts can visit Zion, an hour’s drive from Kanab, Bryce Canyon, an hour and a half drive, and the canyon, which is roughly a three-hour drive from the city.

Other outdoor adventures include a scenic drive down Johnson Canyon Road or Cottonwood Canyon Road, a Jeep off-road tour to Peek-a-Boo Canyon, and a stop at what is considered one of the most famous natural phenomena spots in Arizona: The Wave. Guests to Kanab should also consider stopping to cool off in the waters of Lake Powell. A visit to all of these natural wonders will provide a lifetime of excitement:

• Hike Buckskin Gulch
• Drive the scenic Cottonwood Canyon Road
• Love on rescue animals at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
• Splash in the waters of Lake Powell
• Visit the quirky Moqui Cave Museum
• Check out Bryce Canyon National Park
• Road trip to the North Rim
• Hike Zion National Park & the Wave

As far as where to sleep in Kanab, one of the most unique Grand Canyon hotels coincides with an incredible tourist attraction. The Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is a no-kill shelter for rescue animals of all kinds. Visitors can take a tour of the shelter, play with furry friends, and donate or volunteer their time while on vacation.

The sanctuary also doubles its effort in saving animals by providing not only a pet-friendly hotel option but what their website calls “pet-centric lodging” in Kanab. The Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile offers 40 rooms with a slide-out pet bed, a fenced dog park, a splash zone, and a washing station. Staying at the hotel also helps support the sanctuary.

For those not visiting with pets, some of the best hotels include Quail Park Lodge, Canyons Lodge, and Canyon’s Boutique Hotel. However, no stay is quite as incredible as staying at BaseCamp 37.

This glamping option stows visitors away in a safari-style tent with soft beds and a hot shower. The women-owned company offers an unforgettable view of sleeping under the desert stars. You can’t go wrong with any of the accommodations below:

See Related: Fun & Best Things to do in Kanab, Utah

8. Page: Best Area for Road-Tripping

In between Jacob Lake and Kanab is the Arizona city of Page. Page is one of the best places for overall exploring near the Grand Canyon.

Next to Kanab, it is the perfect location to road trip to the many renowned national parks and monuments in the area including Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, and Monument Valley. There are opportunities to hike, boat, golf, bike, and sightsee all within the surrounding area of Page.

Tourist attractions in Page near the Grand Canyon include Antelope Canyon, Navajo Nation, and Horseshoe Bend. Horseshoe Bend attracts millions of visitors a year and is perhaps one of the most photographed views in Arizona. Just as the name suggests, Horseshoe Bend is a horseshoe-shaped bend that is filled by the Colorado River.

Visitors see the view from thousands of miles above. Next to Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon is another attractive Arizona landmark.

The slot canyon seems otherworldly. Surrounded by red walls that reflect the shifting daylight is a remarkable experience that everyone visiting Arizona should walk through once in their life.

The revelry doesn’t stop there. In addition to Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, visitors to Page can drive a short distance to check out two impressive national monuments and one of the world’s largest natural bridges.

The Vermilion Cliffs look like a mirage shifting in the hot Arizona sun while the Rainbow Bridge National Monument, located in San Juan County in Utah, is one of the world’s largest known natural bridges. The NPS reports that neighboring American Indian tribes consider the bridge to be sacred and access to it is limited. Take a trip to these national parks, monuments, and other sites in Page:

• Go on a walking tour to Lower Antelope Canyon
• Stop by Powell Museum
• Kayak or hike Antelope Canyon
• See the incredible view of Horseshoe Bend
• Visit Rainbow Bridge National Monument, one of the world’s largest natural bridges
• Check out Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
• Take a day trip to Zion
• See fossils at Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Staying in Page? Stay in style. While basic amenities are available at name-brand hotels in the city, one of the most exclusive ways to visit is at Shash Dine’ EcoRetreat. This campsite is 12 miles south of Page and is located on a ranch.

The glamping experience offers canvas bell tents and two covered sheep wagons. Both lodging options are fitted with comfortable bedding, water, snacks, and a handful of games, books, and entertainment. A small breakfast of fruit, muffins, yogurt, and coffee is served each morning.

For those wanting to sleep inside a traditional four-wall room, the best hotels include the luxurious Hyatt Place Page on Lake Powell or the mid-range priced Hampton Inn and Suites in Page. Hyatt Place offers gorgeous views of the desert, free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and a pool. Stays in Page are unique. Consider lodging at these options when visiting:

9. Grand Canyon West: Best Area for Adventurers

The West Rim, referred to as Grand Canyon West, is not considered part of the national park. The territory is owned by the Hualapai Indians (park passes will not work here) which gives it a unique and hidden spot for adventurers who want to go off the beaten path and experience the Indian reservation.

The west side of the canyon isn’t anything like the northern or southern canyon rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. Although the closest to Las Vegas, it’s not a part of the park at all but a part of the Hualapai Reservation.

The Hualapai Indian Reservation was established in 1883 and encompasses about one million acres and 108 miles along the Grand Canyon. Visitors to the canyon’s West Rim can take a self-guided tour to learn more about the Hualapai Tribe and how the indigenous people live at Eagle Point. Guests can also stop by the Hualapai Cultural Center to learn more about the tribe’s history.

Aside from learning about the ground you’re walking on, visitors to the West Rim will likely experience two of the most thrilling adventures in the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon Skywalk is a 10-foot-wide horseshoe-shaped glass bridge that extends 70 feet over the rim of the canyon.

The glass panels give an unobstructed view of the 4,000 feet of space that leads to the canyon floor below. It stretches so wide that visitors can see a view of the Grand Canyon’s East Rim.

The other is by taking one of countless available helicopter rides, though we recommend this helicopter ride and landing tour, where you’ll fly to a private landing site on the canyon floor, giving you time to explore. These activities will get your blood rushing, in a good way:

• Grand Canyon Skywalk
• Float the river with Hualapai River Runners
• Check out Guano Point & Eagle Point
• Learn about the Hualapai Tribe
• Visit the Hualapai Cultural Center
• Eat at Caverns Grotto
• Channel your inner Lightening McQueen and coast Route 66

There are but a handful of lodging options right in the Grand Canyon West Rim area: the Cabins at Grand Canyon West, the Grand Canyon Western Ranch, or the Grand Canyon Glamping Resort. The next closest lodging option is the Hualapai Lodge on Route 66, which is located approximately two hours from the entrance of the West Rim.

The lodge is situated on the longest remaining stretch of the original historic Route 66. It offers modern amenities like an on-site restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, spa, and gym.

For anyone who wants to up the cool factor when staying in Arizona, book the Grand Canyon Caverns Cave Room for a night. The caverns are the largest dry caverns in the United States and carved within its walls is one of the rarest lodging options. The Grand Canyon Cavern Suite is located 220 feet underground with walls over 65 million years old.

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