How to Spend 1 Day in Grand Canyon National Park

With just one day at the Grand Canyon, it's important to plan ahead to squeeze in as much as possible. Among the priorities: Visit the best lookouts, hike into the canyon, catch a sunrise or sunset, and tackle an outdoor adventure. Here are a few ways to spend your one day in Grand Canyon National Park.
Morning: Sightseeing on the South Rim
Most who have only one day at Grand Canyon National Park visit the South Rim from Flagstaff, Sedona, or Las Vegas. Day tours from these locations are usually include round-trip transportation and multiple canyon experiences. Tours typically offer guided hikes, helicopter tours, or a ride on the Grand Canyon Railway. If visiting independently, start early with a walk along the rim at sunrise. You won’t want to miss the views from Mather Point or a stop at the Visitor’s Center in Grand Canyon Village to get an introduction to the canyon’s history and geology.
Afternoon: Venture Below the Rim
Very few visitors to Grand Canyon National Park venture below the canyon’s edge. Hiking into the canyon gives a unique perspective of the canyon's size and you don’t even have to go very far. Take off down the South Kaibab Trail to be rewarded with views at OoAh Point, only 1.8 miles (2.9 kilometers) round-trip. If you feel more adventurous, hike Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point. For a thrill, opt for a helicopter tour of the canyon, jeep adventure, or skydiving experience.
Night: Sunsets and Stargazing
A full-day tour of Grand Canyon National Park can take 12 hours or more, but if you have free time at night, watch the sunset at Mohave Point. The Grand Canyon is especially peaceful at night, plus the park has some of the darkest skies in the country, making it perfect for stargazing. The park hosts stargazing events in summer, as well as evening ranger programs. Evening is also a nice time to visit Hopi House and Kolb Studio in Grand Canyon Village.
12 Tours and Activities | All Grand Canyon National Park Tours

45-minute Helicopter Flight Over the Grand Canyon from Tusayan, Arizona

Small-Group or Private Deluxe Grand Canyon Day Trip from Phoenix

Grand Canyon Complete Day Tour from Sedona or Flagstaff

Grand Canyon South Rim Jeep Tour with Transport from Tusayan

Grand Canyon West Rim Adventure by Plane with Skywalk

Grand Canyon Railroad Excursion from Sedona

Skydive the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon West Rim by Tour Trekker with Optional Upgrades

Small-Group Grand Canyon Day Tour from Flagstaff

Grand Canyon IMAX Movie

Sunset in the Grand Canyon from Sedona
