With 277 miles length, selecting the route to get the best out of your trip to the Grand Canyon can be difficult decision, mostly if it's your first time visiting this major American wonder.
Depending on your plans (sightseeing, hiking, kayaking in the Colorado River) and the days you will spend on your trip, there are different places you need to consider adding in your to-visit list. Also, based on where you're coming from, you'll find one of the 4 main sectors of the GC more suitable to start your journey.
South Rim
Think of this region as "The most Grand Canyon part the Grand Cayon", since many of the vast and astounding views you relate to this natural wonder are located here. Whit over 20 viewpoints scattered across South Rim, most of them allows you to explore all the way down to Colorado River, soul of the Canyon.
This region has well-established seasonal weather, but as a desert area, you can expect strong temperature changes between day and night. Even when there's always the possibility, you'll find snow in the canyon, is between December and February that you'll have the most chances to watch it in its winterish splendor
Grand Canyon West
Before start: this region does not belong to the GC National Park, but it doesn't lack in beauty. In fact, due to its proximity to Las Vegas, Grand Canyon West has become the 2nd most visited region of the canyon.
GC West is home of the Skywalk, a unique experience that lets you walk 70 feet out over Grand Canyon, with nothing but a glass floor below you, truly unique experience. You can also schedule a visit to the magnificent Havasu Falls when you're in GC West, a hard-to-reach place that is worth the effort.
Grand Canyon East
As little as it can be in acknowledgment, it is true that GC East has its own charm, where you can have the chance to take pictures from the rim and the Colorado River behind, a view you won't get in any of the other GC's regions.
With Horsehoe Bend as its most iconic spot, a place of wonder where you'll spend your time contemplating the natural beauty, GC East is a place you'll have to consider adding to your Grand Canyon vacation plan.
North Rim
Even though it roughly receives a fraction of the visitors South Rim receives, North Rim offers a different Grand Canyon experience than the rest of the park, due to its lower temperatures and unique plant and animal life in the park, where you can spend a pleasant time between Ponderosa pines.
Since this part of the Canyon closes during heavy snowfall season, there's a relatively small window to visit North Rim between May and October. It is also less accessible from major north and western cities that are closer to other parts of the Park. Think of this region as the GC for people looking for a quieter, colder, more forest-like experience.
