Discover Grand Canyon National Park
Resources to immerse yourself.
RESOURCE OVERVIEW
To live a life of Sonder, you are more than just traveling, but immersing yourself in another place. Use this page to help you craft the best experience you can.
Ideas for using this page
Here are a few crafted ideas for you to experience more with your family!
History Night
Make some s’mores then discover the history of the Grand Canyon. Answer questions like: How long did it take for the canyon to form? Who lived here? And more!
Mystery Detective
Pick up a book or two on the mysteries of the Grand Canyon and become a detective! For more fun, read them aloud as a family!
Light Pollution?
Learn what light pollution is and then head outside to discover the night sky in your backyard – find out if there is any light pollution in your neighborhood while you camp out under the stars!
Science in the Canyon
Have a science in the canyon evening! Learn about Geology and what makes the Grand Canyon so unique, then make your own canyon at home!
Puzzled
Pick up a puzzle of the National park to complete before or after your travels & enjoy doing it together as a family!
Plant Mania
Discover types of plants that are native to the canyon, print some & then get outside and compare them to the plants around your home!
TRAVEL GUIDE
How long to visit? Best time to visit? Transportation? Points of Interest?
Additional Information? Guide Books?
How many days do you need to visit the Grand Canyon?
- Day Trip: If you have limited time, you can take a day trip to the Grand Canyon. A day will allow you to appreciate the stunning views from the rim, but you won’t have time for extensive hiking.
- Weekend Getaway: To explore the Grand Canyon more thoroughly, consider a weekend trip. You’ll have time to hike some of the popular trails and enjoy the visitor centers and viewpoints.
- Longer Stay: For a comprehensive experience, especially if you want to explore both the South and North Rims, or experience a longer hike, plan for 3 to 4 days or more.
Best Time to Visit
The Grand Canyon is accessible year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences:
- Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) offer pleasant weather, smaller crowds, and beautiful natural colors.
- Summer (June to August) is the peak season, with warmer temperatures, but it can get crowded. Make reservations in advance.
- Winter (December to February) sees fewer visitors, and you can enjoy a serene experience, but some areas may be inaccessible due to snow.
Transportation
- By Car: The most flexible way to visit is by car. Parking is available at the South and North Rims.
- Shuttle Buses: The Grand Canyon offers a free shuttle bus service that operates seasonally, providing transportation within the park and between the South and North Rims.
- Train: For a unique experience, check our The Grand Canyon Railway which offers a historic train ride from Williams, Arizona, to the South Rim. Check it our here!
Points of Interest Continued
- North Rim:
- Bright Angel Point: Provides stunning views and is accessible by a short trail.
- Transept Trail: Offers a pleasant walk through the forest along the rim.
- North Kaibab Trail: A challenging hike that takes you into the canyon.
- Havasu Falls: Located on the Havasupai Reservation, this area boasts stunning turquoise waterfalls and requires a separate permit to visit. Check it out here.
Points of Interest
- South Rim:
- Mather Point: Offers panoramic views of the canyon.
- Grand Canyon Village: Explore historic buildings, shops, and the visitor center.
- Bright Angel Trail: A popular hiking trail that descends into the canyon.
- Yavapai Point and Geology Museum: Learn about the canyon’s geology and enjoy incredible vistas.
Additional Information
Entrance Fee: There is an entrance fee for visiting the park, you can get the most up-to-date information on that cost here. If you plan to visit more national parks within a one year period, then the all access America the Beautiful pass is a great value! There are other discounted passes available as well.
Other Sonder Tips:
- Book accommodations well in advance, especially during the peak season.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks when exploring the canyon.
- Dress in layers, as temperatures fluctuate.
- Stay safe and adhere to park regulations, especially near the edge of the canyon.
Visiting the Grand Canyon is a breathtaking adventure, and whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a hiker, or simply seeking an incredible experience with your family, this iconic natural wonder has something to offer every traveler. Enjoy your journey and savor the unparalleled beauty of the Grand Canyon!
Guide Books & Recommended Websites
- Map
- Lonely Planet Grand Canyon Guidebook – a trusted and detailed companion, packed with insightful tips and practical advice
- Fodors Travel Guide Book – a comprehensive and expertly curated resource
- Lonely Planet Grand Canyon Website Guide – Our go to blog for planning travel
- Trekaroo – another go to spot when we plan our adventures. Great place to get tips on traveling with kids.
HISTORY & CULTURE
Sonderful Tip: Discovering the history of a place before visiting can make your experience more valuable and memorable! Keep a journal to mark the things that stand out most to you!
Overview
The Grand Canyon, located in the southwestern United States, boasts a rich geological history that spans millions of years. Here’s a brief overview:
FORMATION
The Grand Canyon’s story begins around six million years ago, when the Colorado River started cutting through the Colorado Plateau, exposing the layers of sedimentary rock.
The deepening and widening of the canyon were primarily shaped by the erosive power of the river.
GEOLOGICAL LAYERS
The Grand Canyon showcases some of the Earth’s most extensive and well-preserved geological records.
The exposed rock layers range from the ancient Vishnu Schist, which dates back over 1.7 billion years, to the relatively young Kaibab Limestone, at around 270 million years old.
Tag: Have a geology night discovering different rocks with this.
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES:
For thousands of years, Native American tribes, including the Havasupai, Hualapai, Hopi, and Navajo, have inhabited the Grand Canyon region. They consider the canyon sacred and have deep cultural connections to the land.
EXPLORATION
The first European known to see the Grand Canyon was García López de Cárdenas, a Spanish conquistador, in 1540. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that more extensive exploration began, with John Wesley Powell leading a historic scientific expedition down the Colorado River in 1869.
EARLY TOURISM
As the American West opened up to settlers and travelers, the Grand Canyon attracted attention for its unique beauty.
The establishment of the Grand Canyon National Park in 1919 marked a pivotal moment in its preservation, ensuring that it would be protected for future generations to enjoy.
Today, the Grand Canyon remains an iconic symbol of the Earth’s geological history and a testament to the importance of preserving our planet’s most awe-inspiring landscapes for generations to come!
Quick Links:
Early Explorers – Article on the early explorers (5 min. read).
Nature, Culture, & History by ASU – great resource with articles, an audio tour, & lesson plans for kids!
Associated Tribes – Article about the people of the Grand Canyon (5 min. read).
Whose Story is History? – great resource of articles centered around historically underrepresented narratives and perspectives.
Mining History & Miners – Article (10 min. read)
Early Entrepreneurs – Article about people who helped the Grand Canyon, includes further links to go more in depth. (5 min. read)
Civilian Conservation Corp – great 5 min. read on the first CCC of the Grand Canyon.
Human History – geared towards kids – includes some videos and short articles tracing the history of people in the area.
PARK INFORMATION
Information | Junior Ranger Program | Quick Links
Information
National Park: The park was established in 1919, the third national park to be established in the U.S.
UNESCO Heritage Site: Yes. The site is celebrated for its breathtaking vistas, profound geological history, and iconic Colorado River.
Size: The park encompasses approximately 1.2 million acres of rugged terrain, and it is divided into the more visited South Rim and the less-traveled North Rim. The canyon itself is 277 miles long and about 6,000 ft. deep!
Location: Located across northwestern Arizona, with visitors centers at both the North & South rims (plus some museums and shops).
Junior Ranger Program
The Junior Ranger program offers young visitors an opportunity to learn about the park’s natural wonders and cultural heritage while earning a badge through fun, age-appropriate activities.
Pick up a packet at any of the visitors centers and once completed, return to any visitors center to retrieve your badge!
There are also online programs if you can’t visit the park in person. Check our the one for 4-7 years here and the one for 8+ here.
Quick Links
If you would like to purchase something, PLEASE use our links! We receive a small commission and it helps us keep our blog running – but your price stays the same! We truly appreciate your support!.
- Official Youtube Channel for the Grand Canyon
- Official park website
- Map of the Grand Canyon
- Live Webcam – watch live views from inside the park!
- Virtual Tours – take a virtual tour of the park!
- Preserve & Protect – get involved in preserving the Grand Canyon with the Grand Canyon Conservancy!
- National Geographic Kids – website resource designed for kids to learn about the Grand Canyon!
- Understanding the Canyon – a more in depth magazine article looking deeper at the Grand Canyon.
PLANTS & ANIMALS
The plant and animal life within the Grand Canyon is as diverse and remarkable as the canyon’s geological features. In this rugged environment, you’ll find a variety of resilient plant species, from cacti and desert wildflowers to towering ponderosa pines.
The canyon is also home to a range of wildlife, including mule deer, California condors, bighorn sheep, and numerous smaller creatures like squirrels, lizards, and ravens.
The park’s diverse ecosystems, from the desert floor to the higher elevation forests, provide a unique opportunity for visitors to observe and appreciate the remarkable adaptation of flora and fauna to this challenging terrain.
Plants
Animals
BOOKS & PODCASTS
If you would like to purchase something, PLEASE use our links! We receive a small commission and it helps us keep our blog running – but your price stays the same! We truly appreciate your support!.
Behind the Scenery – podcast uncovering stories from the canyon!
Adventure in the Grand Canyon – mystery book for kids.
Grand Canyon – picture book and fictional story for children. Beautiful artwork throughout the book that any adult will also appreciate. Also comes in an audiobook format.
Grand Canyon – another picture book with photography instead of artwork, and interesting facts about the Grand Canyon.
Where Is? – short chapter book for young readers! Very engaging and makes reading the history of the Grand Canyon fun!
Grand Canyon Rescue – another short chapter book series that is great for young readers! This one is a fun mystery book.
The Ghost of the Grand Canyon – another short mystery book for kids.
Good Night Grand Canyon – darling board book for smaller children with cute illustrations.
Who Pooped in the Park? Scat and Tracks for Kids – great book for kids to bring with them on their trip to the national park. They’ll love trying to decipher clues to find out which animal prints they can find! Great for taking on a longer hike to help kids get excited to explore the area.
Grand Canyon Grab – part of the A-Z mysteries series, beginner chapter books for kids. Also comes in audiobook format, which I’d suggest listening to on a long drive!
Grand Canyon History Book – “a mixture of great storytelling, unlikely characters, and important ideas. The book will appeal to both general readers and scholars interested in seeking a broader understanding of the canyon.”
VIDEOS
1st Episode of Grand Canyon in depth. A series of 8 beautiful videos brought to you by the National Park Service. See the full playlist here.
1st Episode of the Night Spoken series, a very beautiful series inspired by the night sky at the Grand Canyon. 100% worth the watch! See the full playlist here.
Full documentary from How the Earth was Made series on History. It’s about 45 min. and goes in depth about the Grand Canyon.
- Official Youtube Channel for the Grand Canyon
- Free Public Domain Videography of the Grand Canyon
- Live Webcam of the park
ART & PHOTOGRAPHY
- Official NPS Flickr – Photography from the park.
- 100 Years of Grand – neat project by ASU collecting 100 years of history in photographs and documents.
- Artist in Residence – unique program to bring artists to the Grand Canyon!
- Art in the Park – event hosted every year to bring art to the Grand Canyon.
SCIENCE
Archeology – resources from the official park website.
Ecology – resources from the official park website.
Light Pollution – Discover the night sky at the Grand Canyon.
Geology – resources form the official park website
Geology for Students – collection of videos and articles to help teach students the study of rocks!
Air Quality & Pollution – resources from the official park website.
Astronomer in Residence – program through the Grand Canyon Conservancy.
Rock Tumbler Kit – by National Geographic, my kiddos have this & it’s an awesome STEM activity!
Archeology kit – fun gemstone dig kit for kids!
Geology Kit – great science kit for kids interested in geology or to learn about rocks before your trip!
Rock Collection – 30 pieces rock collection for kids!
Telescope – great for beginner astrologists!
TOYS & GAMES
If you would like to purchase something, PLEASE use our links! We receive a small commission and it helps us keep our blog running – but your price stays the same! We truly appreciate your support!.
Sonder Tip: Playing games as a family is a great way to make memories and build relationships, all a big part of living a life of sonder.
Grand Canyon Puzzle – 100 Pieces
Kids Puzzle – 48 Pieces
National Parks Pursuit – trivia board game
Trekking the National Parks – award winning strategy board game.
Get Wild – national parks quick rolling dice game, fun for families!
National Parks Quater Collection – book/map for collecting national parks quaters!
Grand Canyon Puzzle – 1000 pieces
Would You Rather – Road Trip Game – easy to play in the long car rides.
PARKS – National Parks board game – strategy game for ages 10+
TRAILS – Fairly easy strategy game, great for families.
Monopoly – national parks version!
National Parks OPOLY Jr. – monopoly for kids – we love monopoly because it teaches basic economics too!
FREE DOWNLOADS
From our family to yours, we sincerely hope you have enjoyed this page of resources and particularly these FREE downloads we crafted specifically for families like yours in mind! Thank you for being here!
What’s Included:
Journal Prompts
Find The Birds
Hiking Bingo
Maze Time #1
Maze Time #2
Post Card
Coloring Page
8×10 Photo
Dot To Dot
Trail Mix Recipe
