Advice for touring Grand Canyon South Rim and close areas

[jeromedawg]

Hey all,

Heading to Grand Canyon next week and meeting up with friends as well. First day we'll be on our own as our friends are going to Bearizona (we're not really interested in this hence the reason why we're going straight to GC) but we'll be together the second day. Our friends' dad is going and was a tour bus driver there so they're just going to go wherever he decides to take them, and we have no idea. That said, I'm wondering if we should try to do more of an 'off the beaten path' type of driving tour (if that exists). We'll be staying in Valle and coming from Vegas the first day (leaving Vegas maybe around 10am or earlier and heading straight to GC I think before we head back to Valle to check in to the campground). Our kids are young (5 and 3) so probably won't be able to handle much hiking before they get tired. We may have to bring the strollers.

It looks like it takes roughly 4-5 hours from Vegas to get to Grand Canyon so if we were to leave at 10am we'd probably get there around 2-3pm. Campground check-in is 3pm and we also are planning to cook our own dinner. Just don't want to venture out too far or tire ourselves out too much. I suppose we could try to leave earlier like 8am to give ourselves a bit more time at GC? 

Any suggestions or advice on what we can do? Even a scenic driving tour would work I think. But I also don't want to 'overlap' whatever their dad is planning to do (I have no idea and I don't think they do either - I think they're going to just wing it haha). FWIW or if it matters, I ordered a national parks pass so we'll have that too.

[sailinlight]

We visited Grand Canyon in July, driving up from Vegas. For kids that age, walking along the south rim trail from the visitor center toward Grand Canyon village is probably plenty, there are really amazing views and it's paved. If you get to the village and have enough energy left over there are trails you can start out on to down into the canyon a bit. This is what we did with a 9 and 10 year old. In July the crowds were really minimal and they weren't even charging an entrance fee, not sure if it's busier now.

[jeromedawg]

We visited Grand Canyon in July, driving up from Vegas. For kids that age, walking along the south rim trail from the visitor center toward Grand Canyon village is probably plenty, there are really amazing views and it's paved. If you get to the village and have enough energy left over there are trails you can start out on to down into the canyon a bit. This is what we did with a 9 and 10 year old. In July the crowds were really minimal and they weren't even charging an entrance fee, not sure if it's busier now.

We did a bus tour out of Vegas years ago and this is pretty much how it went - bus drops you off at the Bright Angel lodge/Visitor center area gives you a few hours and then picks you back up. I'm not sure what our friend's are going to do so I guess we could just do this and then hope that they don't repeat it on Wed - or appeal to their dad, since he did tours and knows where else to go, to do more of a driving tour where we caravan LOL

[sailinlight]

Also, I haven't been to Bearizona but my wife and kids have and they loved it FWIW

[jeromedawg]

I'm just wondering but is one day or even half a day "good enough" for a casual trip to the Grand Canyon? I mean, I feel like we're going so far and based on our last experience you can spend hours walking around but more than a day seems a bit overkill unless you're into hiking (which would be nice if our kids were older). Our friends were wanting to go back twice on their schedule which is why we were considering going twice as well.

[BussoV6]

If you have the time and your own vehicle, try and visit the north rim of the canyon. Much less crowded and wild. Also colder, so check the weather beforehand.

[jeromedawg]

If you have the time and your own vehicle, try and visit the north rim of the canyon. Much less crowded and wild. Also colder, so check the weather beforehand.

I had thought of that! I'd be a bit apprehensive with the drive though - not sure how many more hours that will add to the day. We're on somewhat limited time the first day we get in so don't want to overextend ourselves time and energy wise.

We may just decide to do the Bearizona thing after all... I know the Grand Canyon Caverns was something that popped up but my wife was saying she wasn't very comfortable about going inside of an enclosed space with other people amidst COVID. I'm sure it's ventilated down there but the idea is now implanted in my head haha

[researcher1]

I'm just wondering but is one day or even half a day "good enough" for a casual trip to the Grand Canyon? I mean, I feel like we're going so far and based on our last experience you can spend hours walking around but more than a day seems a bit overkill unless you're into hiking (which would be nice if our kids were older). Our friends were wanting to go back twice on their schedule which is why we were considering going twice as well.

I'm not even clear how long you plan to stay.
You talk of driving up at 10am and arriving at 3pm on Day 1.
Do you plan to go back to Vegas the afternoon of Day 2?

What do you mean "considering going twice as well"?
Are you talking about taking two separate trips from Vegas to the Grand Canyon?

I think you are too concerned with tagging along with your friends planned itinerary, instead of doing what works best for your family and meeting up with them when it's convenient.

[jeromedawg]

I'm just wondering but is one day or even half a day "good enough" for a casual trip to the Grand Canyon? I mean, I feel like we're going so far and based on our last experience you can spend hours walking around but more than a day seems a bit overkill unless you're into hiking (which would be nice if our kids were older). Our friends were wanting to go back twice on their schedule which is why we were considering going twice as well.

I'm not even clear how long you plan to stay.
You talk of driving up at 10am and arriving at 3pm on Day 1.
Do you plan to go back to Vegas the afternoon of Day 2?

What do you mean "considering going twice as well"?
Are you talking about taking two separate trips from Vegas to the Grand Canyon?

I think you are too concerned with tagging along with your friends planned itinerary, instead of doing what works best for your family and meeting up with them when it's convenient.

So the full itinerary (well, some parts tentative like the Grand Canyon) is this:
Monday - Vegas
Tuesday - Leave Vegas for Grand Canyon (hang around visitor center area), check into campground at 3pm or later (camp overnight near GC)
Wed - Grand Canyon (camp overnight near GC)
Thurs - Leave GC campground, drive to Willow Beach (camp overnight at WB)
Fri - Leave Willow Beach in the afternoon drive to Vegas and spend the night
Sat - Drive home from Vegas

When I say "going twice" - I'm just referring to going back to Grand Canyon more than once in general during our time there and in the context of the itinerary. The campground we're staying at is about 45 minutes away.

Our friends actually planned this trip for the husbands' 40th birthdays. So it was somewhat intentional of them to plan to do at least some things together. I think it's reasonable to spend Wednesday with them in GC. And prior to this, I planned the Willow Beach segment for us apart from them. They're planning to do GC on Wed and Thurs but I don't really want to go to GC on Thurs before driving to Willow Beach (would rather go straight to Willow Beach). This leaves Tuesday kind of "up in the air" because initially we didn't really want to do Bearizona but there aren't many other 'options' unless we visit an 'off the beaten path' location in GC that isn't too time or energy consuming.

[researcher1]

So the full itinerary (well, some parts tentative like the Grand Canyon) is this:

Quite frankly, this sounds like a complete cluster, especially with two young kids in tow.

You're driving xx hours to Vegas, spending just 1 night, then driving 5 hours to the campground?
Staying there for 2 nights, then a 4 hour drive to another campground, where you're spending just 1 night.
Then pack up to go to Vegas (again) for just 1 night, then drive xxx hours back home?

That's a total of 4 hotels/campgrounds during a 6 day vacation.
The vast majority of your time will be spent driving, checking into/out of hotels, and setting up/breaking down camp.
As soon as you get unpacked/settled into one place, it will be time to pack up and head to the next.

I would seriously simplify your itinerary, particularly with a 3 and 5 year old kids.
Stay in Vegas for 2-3 nights, then pick one campground to stay.
Or better yet, rent a nice VRBO to stay at the entire time and take a few day trips (Vegas, Red Rock, Hoover Dam).

[jeromedawg]

So the full itinerary (well, some parts tentative like the Grand Canyon) is this:

Quite frankly, this sounds like a complete cluster, especially with two young kids in tow.

You're driving xx hours to Vegas, spending just 1 night, then driving 5 hours to the campground?
Staying there for 2 nights, then a 4 hour drive to another campground, where you're spending just 1 night.
Then pack up to go to Vegas (again) for just 1 night, then drive xxx hours back home?

That's a total of 4 hotels/campgrounds during a 6 day vacation.
The vast majority of your time will be spent driving, checking into/out of hotels, and setting up/breaking down camp.
As soon as you get unpacked/settled into one place, it will be time to pack up and head to the next.

I would seriously simplify your itinerary, particularly with a 3 and 5 year old kids.
Stay in Vegas for 2-3 nights, then pick one campground to stay.
Or better yet, rent a nice VRBO to stay at the entire time and take a few day trips (Vegas, Red Rock, Hoover Dam).

Haha, too late now - everything is booked :) BTW: The campground we're going to near GC is actually a 'glamping' type campground so no dealing with setup/teardown (other than us bringing our own grill and food). Really the only time we'll be setting up and breaking down camp is at Willow Beach.

One of our friends has FOUR kids ages ranging from 2-8 but they did the whole glamping thing before and liked it enough to want to do it again.  But yes, drive time is a factor too. Luckily, our kids do pretty well in the car overall (we've taken plenty of 7-8 hour road trips, including stops, to/from NorCal).

BTW: from the hotel to the campground we're staying at, it's closer to 4 hours of driving. The Willow Beach Campground (where we're going to have to setup/teardown) is on the way *back* to Vegas from GC, and is 1hr away from the hotel we'll be staying at in Vegas before heading back home. 

[norajean]

It is 2 hours from LV to the GC, not five.

[researcher1]

It is 2 hours from LV to the GC, not five.

By helicopter maybe.

Show me a route from the Vegas strip to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center South Entrance (where the OP plans to visit) that takes 2 hours?

[jeromedawg]

It is 2 hours from LV to the GC, not five.

By helicopter maybe.

Show me a route from the Vegas strip to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center South Entrance (where the OP plans to visit) that takes 2 hours?

Probably referring to the West Rim. South entrance for sure is 4-5 hours. We're probably just going to do the Bearizona thing then go with everyone on Wednesday. Not quite sure exactly what the itinerary will be for Wed but likely part of it will involve driving the Desert View route (the Desert View stop is closed but the rest of the stops and route are open). 

[mm1970]

I'm just wondering but is one day or even half a day "good enough" for a casual trip to the Grand Canyon? I mean, I feel like we're going so far and based on our last experience you can spend hours walking around but more than a day seems a bit overkill unless you're into hiking (which would be nice if our kids were older). Our friends were wanting to go back twice on their schedule which is why we were considering going twice as well.

For the age of your kids, it's totally fine. 

We've been to the GC several times.  We camped there one summer when Kid #1 was five.  He loved it. (2 nights). We visited again, not camping with both kids when Kid #1 was 11 and kid #2 was 5. 

First time, mostly we hiked along the canyon path, the paved path.  That was really all we were up for.  We also went out to the Desert View watchtower.  Second time, Kid #1 REALLY wanted a longer hike, but we weren't prepared for it - and we had a five year old.  So we hiked along the rim, and that was plenty.  Even keeping track of the kids was WORK.  We walked about 3.5 miles that day.

[GreenToTheCore]

I have decades of experience with this area. Some thoughts:

- The paved rim trail has solid views and probably matches the activity level for your kids' ages.
- If you'd like a "hike", try Shoshone Point. However, take into account your kids since there are no railings at the end. And stay on trail.
- Bearizona is generally a hit, many locals get a season pass so I don't think it's a tourist trap.
- If you want other activities near Williams:
    -- Can time your visit with a train arrival/departure. I always loved trains when I was a kid.    https://www.thetrain.com/
    -- Red Mountain Trail is a shortie but goodie  https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55160
    -- Hikearizona.com is a good resource   https://hikearizona.com/map.php?M=3&SHOW=YES&STx=3&D_T=30&G_T=10000&sRID=87&PN=1&ID=34
- Water, water, water. It doesn't matter that it's Fall.
- Don't Bust the Crust, the desert is a delicate place
        https://www.fs.usda.gov/rmrs/dont-bust-biological-soil-crust-preserving-and-restoring-important-desert-resource
        https://lnt.org/desert-travel-101-dont-bust-the-crust/


Good call on Willow Beach. When the kiddos are older, kayaking up or hiking to AZ Hot Springs is a fun overnight camping adventure.  https://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=422
Enjoy!

[jeromedawg]

I'm just wondering but is one day or even half a day "good enough" for a casual trip to the Grand Canyon? I mean, I feel like we're going so far and based on our last experience you can spend hours walking around but more than a day seems a bit overkill unless you're into hiking (which would be nice if our kids were older). Our friends were wanting to go back twice on their schedule which is why we were considering going twice as well.

For the age of your kids, it's totally fine. 

We've been to the GC several times.  We camped there one summer when Kid #1 was five.  He loved it. (2 nights). We visited again, not camping with both kids when Kid #1 was 11 and kid #2 was 5. 

First time, mostly we hiked along the canyon path, the paved path.  That was really all we were up for.  We also went out to the Desert View watchtower.  Second time, Kid #1 REALLY wanted a longer hike, but we weren't prepared for it - and we had a five year old.  So we hiked along the rim, and that was plenty.  Even keeping track of the kids was WORK.  We walked about 3.5 miles that day.

I have decades of experience with this area. Some thoughts:

- The paved rim trail has solid views and probably matches the activity level for your kids' ages.
- If you'd like a "hike", try Shoshone Point. However, take into account your kids since there are no railings at the end. And stay on trail.
- Bearizona is generally a hit, many locals get a season pass so I don't think it's a tourist trap.
- If you want other activities near Williams:
    -- Can time your visit with a train arrival/departure. I always loved trains when I was a kid.    https://www.thetrain.com/
    -- Red Mountain Trail is a shortie but goodie  https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55160
    -- Hikearizona.com is a good resource   https://hikearizona.com/map.php?M=3&SHOW=YES&STx=3&D_T=30&G_T=10000&sRID=87&PN=1&ID=34
- Water, water, water. It doesn't matter that it's Fall.
- Don't Bust the Crust, the desert is a delicate place
        https://www.fs.usda.gov/rmrs/dont-bust-biological-soil-crust-preserving-and-restoring-important-desert-resource
        https://lnt.org/desert-travel-101-dont-bust-the-crust/


Good call on Willow Beach. When the kiddos are older, kayaking up or hiking to AZ Hot Springs is a fun overnight camping adventure.  https://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=422
Enjoy!

Thanks all! We just got back and had a blast! Under Canvas, albeit expensive, was a nice experience. It was temperate in that area and also GC during the day but temps dropped into the 30s overnight and we definitely weren't used to it coming from CA where temps generally don't drop under 60 at night hahaha! We ended up doing the Desert View drive for the first part of the visit which I thought was cool. I think one person in the party preferred to have hung around the visitors center (also claiming the view at Mather's point was superior to the rest, even though I think it was due to it being later in the day) but I honestly think we would have been bored out of our minds if that was the only thing we did. Also, I have a feeling that if we had hit the visitor's center area first (late morning) it would have been terribly crowded.

We ended up joining for Bearizona and it was pretty cool overall I think. We saw a lot of bears so there was no issue there lol.

We made sure to have plenty of water - this was especially important down at Willow Beach where it was WAY hotter (easily got into the 100s). The heat was nearly unbearable. And we didn't feel comfortable having the kids go into the water there either. I ended up fishing a bit and skunked on stripers but got into some small stocker rainbow trout for an hour or so before taking off, as consolation. Water levels have dropped drastically which I think hasn't been helping with the bite. Anyway, I think we definitely want to go back to Willow Beach but not with those temps - maybe when it's a bit cooler.

[GreenToTheCore]

Great to hear, glad it all worked out!