6 Things To Do In Arizona's Grand Canyon Besides Hiking
By Katie Lawrence|Published March 23, 2022
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
When you think of the Grand Canyon, is hiking the first thing that comes to mind? It is for most people, and that’s understandable. After all, the park is home to some of the best trails on earth! While hiking is a big part of visiting Arizona’s very own world wonder, it’s only one of many activities available to tourists. Instead of tackling the infamous, 50-mile Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim hike, how about a rafting trip or scenic drive? Here are six things to do at the Grand Canyon that don’t involve any hiking. Get ready to experience the park in a whole new way!
Give your legs a break and see the Grand Canyon from a whole new perspective with a Colorado River rafting trip. Unlike hikes, which showcase the landscape from above, rafting takes you on a journey to the very base of the canyon. Trips can last anywhere from three to 18 days, and there are routes suitable for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike.
When you aren't in the mood to break a sweat, take in the iconic Grand Canyon views from the comfort of your own vehicle. Desert View Drive is a 23-mile scenic road that travels east along the South Rim. It connects Grand Canyon Village to the Desert View Watchtower and features six developed overlooks on the way!
Whether you prefer to pitch a tent or glamp in style, there are tons of unique lodging opportunities in the canyon. You can set up camp directly on the waterfront, or treat yourself to a luxurious stay at the historic El Tovar Hotel. Either way, spending the night in Arizona's favorite national park is an unforgettable experience!
One of the stops on Desert View Drive is the Tusayan Pueblo & Museum, the remains of a small Ancestral Puebloan village. Outside, a short and easy trail wraps around the ruins and features signs that provide information about the people who once lived there. There's also a museum and bookstore where you can dive further into the fascinating history!
There's no shortage of scenic overlooks that let you gaze out into the canyon without lifting a finger. One of them is the Desert View Watchtower, which boasts visibility of over 100 miles on clear days. Bright Angel Point is another favorite among visitors. Instead of embarking on the longest and most challenging hike in the park, you can see essentially the same views in less than one mile!
Few people know there's a massive sand cave hiding at the base of the canyon. Redwall Cavern, accessible only via paddling trip, is large enough to hold thousands of people. You'll also see ancient, fossilized marine life from the very inception of the canyon!
How many of these non-hiking activities have you done at the Grand Canyon? Tell us in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article to learn more about Redwall Cavern.
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