Grand Canyon National Park

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Hiking the Grand Canyon:

Picture this: You’re standing at the edge of one of the most iconic landscapes in the world, with the Grand Canyon sprawled before you like a giant painted masterpiece. The sheer scale of it takes your breath away—and then you remember: You’re about to hike it! Cue dramatic music. But don’t panic—whether you’re a family of first-time hikers or just a group of rookies eager to explore, the Grand Canyon has something for everyone.

In this guide, we’ll make sure your first Grand Canyon experience is smooth sailing—or should we say, smooth hiking? We’ve got the lowdown on the park’s multiple entrances, easy (and not-so-easy) hikes, and the best vistas, with plenty of tips to make sure your family gets the most out of this epic adventure!

Getting to the Grand Canyon: Picking Your Entrance Like a Pro

The Grand Canyon is huge—like really huge—so it’s no surprise that there’s more than one way to enter this colossal natural wonder. But don't worry, whether you’re coming from the south, north, or somewhere in between, we've got you covered.

South Rim (Main Entrance)

If you’ve seen those iconic Grand Canyon shots on Instagram (you know, the ones where people look like tiny ants in front of a giant chasm), that’s probably the South Rim. It’s the busiest entrance, and for good reason—it's where you'll find some of the best views, tons of family-friendly hikes, and all the amenities you need for a successful adventure.

Entry Fee: $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)
Family-friendly Features: Easy access to viewpoints, visitor centers, snack bars, and shuttles.
Perfect for: Families with kids, rookie hikers, or anyone who wants to check the "I’ve seen the Grand Canyon" box without breaking too much of a sweat.

North Rim

Want fewer crowds and a bit of peace and quiet? The North Rim might be your jam. But heads up: It’s only open from May to October, and it requires a bit more effort to get there. Still, the rewards are totally worth it—fewer people, cooler temps, and unique perspectives of the canyon.

Entry Fee: $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)
Perfect for: Families looking for a quieter experience and those who want a change of pace from the typical South Rim hustle.

East Entrance (Desert View)

A little off the beaten path but totally worth the detour, the East Entrance is perfect if you’re looking for a scenic route with a splash of history. The Desert View Watchtower offers incredible views, plus a dose of Native American culture and history.

Entry Fee: Included in the South Rim entrance fee.
Perfect for: Families who love a good detour and want to snap some awesome photos at sunrise or sunset.

Hikes and Vistas: Easy Trails for First-Time Hikers (and Kids Too!)

Alright, now that you’ve made it into the park, it’s time to hit the trails. But don’t worry—while some of the Grand Canyon’s hikes can leave you gasping for air (we’re looking at you, Bright Angel), there are plenty of easy, family-friendly trails that will make you feel like seasoned hikers.

Rim Trail

Let’s start with the Rim Trail. If you’ve got little ones in tow or you’re just getting your feet wet in the hiking world, this is your golden ticket. It’s mostly flat, paved, and runs along the rim of the canyon—so you get all the views without the sweat. Plus, it’s perfect for strollers if you’ve got a toddler who insists on never walking.

Length: 13 miles (but you can do shorter sections)
Difficulty: Easy (hello, family bonding)
Perfect for: Families, first-time hikers, and those looking for a relaxed stroll with jaw-dropping views.

Bright Angel Trail (Top-Down, Not Bottom-Up!)

The Bright Angel Trail is a classic, and you can take it as far as your energy (and the kids’ patience) allows. For rookie hikers, we recommend just doing the first bit of it before turning back. It’s steep, but it’s also full of amazing viewpoints that will make you feel like you're on top of the world—without going all the way down to the bottom (trust us, that’s a whole other level of hardcore).

Distance (one way): 7.5 miles to the river, but stop wherever you feel comfortable!
Difficulty: Moderate (but perfect for testing your stamina and bragging rights)
Perfect for: Families who want a challenge without going all in.

South Kaibab Trail: Ooh Aah Point

Okay, here’s the deal with the South Kaibab Trail: it’s steep, it’s a bit more rugged, and it will make you feel like a legit adventurer. But don’t worry, you don’t have to hike the whole thing. Ooh Aah Point is a short, sweet hike just a mile or so down the trail. The payoff? One of the best panoramic views of the Grand Canyon you’ll ever see.

Distance: 1 mile to Ooh Aah Point
Difficulty: Moderate (good for kids with some hiking experience)
Perfect for: Families looking for an epic view and a taste of the "real" Grand Canyon trail experience.

Pro Tip for Rookie Hikers: Stay Hydrated and Don’t Overdo It

Okay, we get it. The Grand Canyon is huge, and it’s tempting to go for that 12-mile trek to the bottom. But if you’re just starting out, remember: this isn’t a race. Take your time, pack plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen, and always be prepared to turn around if anyone’s getting tired (or grumpy). The Grand Canyon’s altitude and heat can catch you off guard, so pace yourselves—and if you’re with kids, keep their energy levels in mind!

Hiking to the Bottom of the Grand Canyon: Not for the Faint of Heart (But Totally Doable!)

Now, if your family is ready to take things to the next level, hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon is an unforgettable experience. But—and this is important—if you’re a rookie hiker, you’re going to want to plan carefully. It's not a "quick jaunt."

Bright Angel Trail to Phantom Ranch

This trail is the most popular (and probably the most talked about) route down to the bottom. It’s about 7.5 miles to Phantom Ranch, where you can rest, eat, and sleep like a true canyon explorer. But here's the kicker: Hiking back up is going to require some serious energy. The rule of thumb? Go down in the morning, and give yourself plenty of time to get back up. And don't forget those reservations if you're staying at Phantom Ranch—this place books up faster than you can say "water refill."

South Kaibab Trail to Phantom Ranch

This one’s a little shorter (just 6.3 miles down), but it’s steeper and more exposed to the sun. It's great for experienced hikers, but rookie families should probably take a rain check on this one unless you're really feeling adventurous.

Whether you’re gazing out at the Grand Canyon from the comfort of the rim or taking your first steps down one of the trails, the Grand Canyon will make you feel like you’ve just walked into a natural wonderland. With the right planning, a pair of sturdy shoes, and a sense of adventure, your family will walk away with stories and memories that last a lifetime.

So, grab your hiking boots, pack up the family, and get ready to experience one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth—because the Grand Canyon is calling, and you absolutely should go. Just remember: Take it slow, enjoy the journey, and don’t forget to snap some epic photos!