Expert: Elizabeth Rose Mitchell - 5/5/2009

Question
Hi Elizabeth,

We are planning to go to visit the Grand Canyon in first week of June. We are going to be in Vegas for a 2 days and then we want to drive down to GC, spend the day there and the night ans then head back to Vegas by afternoon.

Since this is the first time we are visiting the Grand Canyon, I wanted to know from you which would be the best place to visit in the Grand Canyon, the south, west, north rim? (consdiering that we are going to be driving in from Vegas)

Also if you can recommend what would be a good option to spend the night at/near GC? The hotel/lodge inside GC seems expensive but is it worth it? If we plan to stay outside, is there any place we can stay that is really close?

Thanks in advance for answering so many questions from me!
Laurie.


Answer
Hi Laurie:

This will be a quick trip so believe staying inside the park on the rim is crucial. There is nothing like being there to watch the sunset and, perhaps, the sunrise over the canyon.

Most people go to the South Rim. Sometimes it's hard to get a reservation at the North Rim.

I would recommend staying at either El Tovar or Bright Angel Lodge. Maswik is ok as it is 1/4 mile from the rim... walking distance.
There may be tours, such as helicopter tours from Las Vegas.

Here's more info:
http://gosw.about.com/od/grandcanyon/Grand_Canyon_Travel_Guide.htm

Have fun planning.

Liz
http://gosw.about.com