It may have taken millions of years to create, but the view of the Grand Canyon never gets old for those lucky enough to see it. Whether you’re a first-time tourist or a regular sightseer, there’s always a new way to marvel at the vast expanse of the national park. So, if you plan to join the other 5 million annual visitors in the near future, now is a great time to discover some of the best views of the Grand Canyon.
The world’s most famous canyon, formed by the flow of the Colorado River and subjected to harsh weather conditions over millennia, is a geologic formation with stunning views and magnificent rock features. As one of the seven natural wonders of the world, there are few travelers who don’t have this brutal natural phenomenon on their wish list. But, as you might expect from a tourist attraction that spans 277 miles and reaches over 8,000 feet above sea level in places, there are several ways to “see” the Grand Canyon.
Depending on where, when, and how visitors enter the national park, the Grand Canyon can offer a huge variety of experiences. After all, walking across the Redwall Bridge is different and distinct from the more challenging trip to the canyon’s edge in Toroweap; just as booking IMAX tickets at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center is far from rafting down the Colorado River yourself.
Choosing a great view of the Grand Canyon is a bit like choosing a dish from the menu of a Michelin-starred restaurant; you really are spoiled for choice. There are so many sites along the north and south rims, there are excursions into the canyon basin, exploration trips into caves, trails through rock formations and tent sites for those who want to sleep under the stars.
Ask around, and you’ll often find widely varying opinions on the best place to see a sunset in the Grand Canyon or where the best viewing area is on the Grand Canyon to appreciate the panorama. As you’ll see, the best views of the Grand Canyon itself may not even be available from the ground. Indeed, thousands of visitors each year take to the skies to marvel at this natural wonder in all its aerial beauty.