From the Verkamp Center walk over to the Hopi House. Even if you're not in the market to shop for some Native American-made wares the interior of Hopi House is worth seeing, especially the thatched ceiling which is made in the traditional Hopi manner. Luckily for all of us, they didn't recreate Hopi House 100% authentically or we'd be crawling through a hole in the roof to enter the building rather than walking through a front door.
The typical ceiling of the Hopi style: saplings, grasses, and twigs with a mud coating on top, resting on peeled log beams.
Your next stop on your tour is the El Tovar Hotel, a curious mix of Southwestern and Norwegian architecture. But that's not the draw of the El Tovar - it's their dining room that serves world class gourmet breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The El Tovar's restaurant is the premiere restaurant in the Grand Canyon, having served the likes of Teddy Roosevelt, Paul McCartney, Bill Clinton, Oprah Winfrey and Albert Einstein.
Reservations are now required for both lunch and dinner and are highly recommended for breakfast as well.
Online reservations can be made here.
I recommend having breakfast there and ordering the Peach Melba Belgian Waffles.
Dress Code: El Tovar Dining Room is a classic, fine dining experience. While jackets are not
required, please use discretion to dress appropriately (shorts and flip-flops discouraged)
The hotel itself is beautiful but I found a HUGE variance in price per night depending on the date you book - anywhere from $250 per night to $787 per night for the same room!
There are other places to stay in and around Grand Canyon Park that are more reasonable.
If you wish, make the Santa Fe Railroad Station your next stop - although I'll cover that later in this article. If you do go to see it, then afterward you'll need to backtrack the way you came, past the El Tovar to continue the walking tour.
Your next stop will be the Buckey O'Neill Cabin.
Photo credit: Natl. Park Service
This cabin is the only remaining building from the early pioneer settlement era of the Village. Built on this site in 1895 by William Owen "Buckey" O'Neill, the 2-room office and bunkhouse—complete with v-notched logs, rough mortar chinking, and a native stone chimney—was the rustic home of Buckey and his wife while they operated a small hotel on the South Rim. The consummate entrepreneur, Buckey improved the Bright Angel Trail and camp at Indian Garden and promoted the Grand Canyon Railroad to benefit both his tourism and mining interests.
Buckey O'Neill died in Cuba in 1898 during the Battle of San Juan Hill, fighting with Theodore Roosevelt's Rough Riders. After his death, the cabin changed owners several times and was razed by the railroad and the Fred Harvey Company to replace it with the Bright Angel Lodge. The architect of the re-built Bright Angel Lodge and its cabins, Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter renovated Buckey's cabin as a guest cabin that is part of Bright Angel Lodge's guest cabins to this day.
Your next stop on your walking tour will be the Lookout Studio,
Photo credit: Whit Richardson
Visitors to the Grand Canyon today may stop in the Lookout Studio just west of the Bright Angel Lodge to buy gifts, books, professional photos or other creative items. Be sure to walk out onto the deck and look through the telescope.
Continue on to the Kolb Studio.
Photo credit: Natl. Park Service
Photographers Emery and Ellsworth Kolb helped turn the Grand Canyon into a national icon. They built Kolb Studio, one of the earliest tourist destinations on the South Rim. The brothers began to take photographs of the mule riders from a small toll shack on the Bright Angel Trail. The toll shack would later become today's five story home, theater and photo studio built right on the edge of the canyon! The studio was used to document the trips of visitors and create imagery of Grand Canyon for 75 years.
Nearly demolished in the 1960s, this structure stands today as a park icon, art gallery, and bookstore for visitors in the vicinity of Bright Angel Trail.
Currently, visitors can purchase artwork, books, gifts, souvenirs, and basic hiking gear, or simply stop by for park information and exhibits on the Kolb Brothers' life and adventures on the edge of the canyon.
Last stop on your tour: the Bright Angel Lodge.
Located right on the canyon's edge at the west end Village Historic District, the lodge was designed by Mary Colter in 1935, to resemble a rambling pioneer settlement with a variety of buildings that feature exposed timber, adobe and natural rock walls. The lodge has, two restaurants, a gift shop, lounge, fountain and coffee shop, a small museum, and a transportation desk, where mule trips and bus tours may be booked.
Bright Angel has 90 lodging units ranging from cozy historic units with shared bathrooms, to standard lodge rooms and historic cabins, to the one of a kind "Buckey O'Neill Cabin". Accommodations range from rustic cabins (with in-room coffee maker, satellite TV, and private bath) to lodge rooms (with no television and a shared bath). All rooms are equipped with telephone and refrigerator. Most rooms have only one bed and they are on the small side.
Please note: Rooms with canyon views are very limited and cannot be guaranteed.
That concludes your walking tour of the Grand Canyon Village proper but there are a couple of more stops you might want to make. The first is Hermit's Rest.
The only way to get to Hermit's Rest is via the Red Line shuttle you board in Grand Canyon Village near the Bright Angel Lodge.
Several miles to the west of Hopi House, is an entirely different type of structure. Hermit's Rest. The building, originally constructed as a rest stop for the short stage line that ran from El Tovar to this location, is a stone building placed several feet back from the rim edge, and is tucked into a small man-made earthen mound, built around and atop the building to blend it in with its setting.
Hermit's Rest was designed to resemble a dwelling constructed by an untrained mountain man using the natural timber and boulders of the area. From the entrance path a haphazard looking structure of stone and wood greets the visitor, and the approach to Hermit's Rest is marked by a small stone arch set in a stone wall along the original pathway from the parking area to the building. The exposed portions of the building that are not banked into the earth are of rubble masonry bonded with cement mortar, structural logs, and a few expanses of glass. The chimneys are gently battered rubble masonry. The first thing I wondered when I saw it was how it was still standing!
If you're not going to Hermit's Rest, then head on over to the Mule Pen.
Photo credit: Natl. Park Service
This livery barn is the home of the Xanterra mules that carry visitors and supplies into the canyon.
Based on their historic usage, these three buildings were referred to as the Fred Harvey company's "Transportation Department." Today's Mule Barn was originally the Livery Stable used to house company horses that pulled carraige tours around the village. Visitors traveling to the canyon via horse-drawn coach, could also stable their horses here.
In the 1920's, as horse-drawn tours were discontinued, mules that carried visitors to the bottom of Grand Canyon.were moved from the adjacent barn across the road (the original mule barn), to this building, in order to accommodate a growing number of mules.
So here's my challenge to all of you travelin' adventurers: Book a mule ride down into or at least along the rim of the Canyon. You haven't experienced the Grand Canyon until you've done this.
PLEASE NOTE: The North Rim of the Canyon is closed for the 2025 travel season due to fire damage so North Rim mule rides are not available this year.
This video by Cheryl of We're In The Rockies does a great job of explaining everything about the mule rides.
I'm not a city slicker but like Cheryl, I'm not wild about horses - or mules in this case. Yes, the mules hug the outside rim when walking the trail so this gives you an idea of the drop you're hugging...
Yes, you'll think your heart is in A Fib when that initial panic attack hits. LOL But as long as you observe the #1 rule "No leanin' no screamin' " you'll come out of your ride life and limb intact. Those mules are amazingly sure footed and have walked that trail so many times I'm sure they could walk it in their sleep.
Once I trusted my mule I relaxed and had a blast on the mule ride.
If you've never done it before, start out with a short 2 hour South Rim ride.
Mule ride options include 1-3 hour rides along the rim of the canyon, 3-hour rides into the canyon, and multi-day trips to the bottom of the canyon. The cost ranges from $60 to over $2,000 for the multi day rides down to the bottom of the Canyon and the Phantom Ranch.
Phantom Ranch cabins and canteen. Photos credit: Scott Temme/Xanterra
On with exploring the Grand Canyon...
Hiking
PREPARATION: Hiking in the Grand Canyon can be deceptive and downright dangerous, even to an experienced hiker. Over 250 people require rescue from the Canyon every year. You don't want to end up being one of them. The only South Rim trail not designated as STEEP is the Rim Trail. The trails can be deceptive in that while you may start out on a relatively flat, paved trail it doesn't stay that way and becomes very steep and brutal to climb near the end of the trail, leaving you exhausted when trying to finish your hike.
Temperatures during the summer months are normally hot, places to find shade are few and far between and you'll need to bring sufficient water with you to stay adequately hydrated.
Here are some more hiking absolute musts:
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Wear appropriate comfortable hiking shoes or boots. These trails were not designed for flip flops or sandals, especially the unpaved portions of the trail.
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Wear a sun hat of some kind.
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Stay on the designated marked trails, don't venture off of them.
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Before you begin your hike let someone know where you'll be hiking just in case something would happen (such as an injury) that you'd need rescue, so someone knows where to find you. This is true even if you're just doing a day hike.
HIKE SMART
For a safe and enjoyable hike prepare before you arrive.
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Review the Hiking Tips section.
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In summer read the Summer Hiking page and in winter read the Winter Hiking page.
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Check the Backcountry Updates and Closures page for current information on trail conditions and situations affecting the backcountry.
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Watch the HIKE SMART: Your Essential Guide to Hiking in Grand Canyon video.
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Listen to the Hike Smart Podcasts (transcripts available).
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Hiking the Corridor? Be sure to visit the Key Hiking Messages webpage and the Trail Courtesy Practices That Leave No Trace webpage.
The Rim Trail extends from the village area to Hermits Rest. Begin from any viewpoint in the Village or along Hermit Road. The Rim Trail offers excellent walking for quiet views of the inner canyon and for visitors who desire an easy hike. No water west of Bright Angel Lodge. By using the shuttle buses, you can customize your hike to meet your needs. Part of the trail is paved and accessible. The Rim Trail is 14 miles long but you don't have to do all 14 miles, you can stop and turn around at any time or catch a shuttle bus.
This is also the only trail that allows dogs on it - a rarity in the national parks.
Bright Angel Trail
(Steep) The Bright Angel Trail begins just west of Bright Angel Lodge and offers day hikes that range in distance up to 12 miles (round trip). Some shade. Seasonal water subject to pipeline breaks. Check at the Visitor Center or Backcountry Information Center for water status. Upper portion of the trail may be extremely icy in winter or early spring.
Bright Angel Trail
South Kaibab Trail
(Steep) The South Kaibab Trail begins south of Yaki Point on Yaki Point Road. Access to the trailhead is by shuttle bus (Kaibab Trail Route). Offers day hikes that range in distance up to 6 miles (round trip). Best views for a relatively short hike. Steep trail, no water, little shade. Water available seasonally at the trailhead. Upper portion of the trail may be extremely icy in winter or early spring.
South Kaibab Trail
Photo credit: Pro Art Inc.
Hermit Trail
(Steep) The Hermit Trail offers hikes to Santa Maria Spring, 5 miles (round trip), and Dripping Springs, 7 miles (round trip). Trail conditions are tougher than the Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails. Unmaintained steep trail requires caution. Begins 500 feet west of Hermits Rest. Water from springs must be treated before drinking. For experienced desert hikers. Hiking boots recommended.
Photo credit: Wildland Trekking
Grandview Trail
(Very Steep) The Grandview Trail offers hikes to Coconino Saddle, 2.2 miles (round trip), and Horseshoe Mesa, 6.4 miles (round trip). Trail conditions are tougher than the Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails. Unmaintained steep trail requires caution. Begins on canyon side of retaining wall at Grandview Point on Desert View Drive (12 miles east of village). For experienced desert hikers. Hiking boots recommended.
Photo credit: Grand Canyon Chamber & Visitors Bureau
BICYCLING
If you're not up for hiking, biking is a great way to see the park and Grand Canyon.
Both regular bicycles and E bikes are available to rent.
Canyon Adventures provides rentals and guided bicycle tours between mid-March and October 31. When the weather permits, rentals and tours may be offered at other times of the year - check their website for current availability.
Please read this page for the regulations and restrictions re: bicycling the Grand Canyon.
I did the The Hermit Road Greenway Trail, between Monument Creek Vista and Hermits Rest, provides a 2.8-mile (4.5 km) bicycle path away from the road and, in places, along the rim of Grand Canyon.
I highly recommend it. If you're not used to bicycling on a regular basis then I recommend renting an E bike to do the trail.
The Hermit Road section of the Greenway Trail accommodates hikers, bicyclists, e-bicyclists, and visitors using wheelchairs. The trail meets Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas. Much of the trail follows the 1912 alignment of Hermit Road. There are six overlooks, including Pima Point, in addition to multiple resting areas along the trail.
Bicycling on the South Rim: S. Kaibab Trailhead & Yaki Point
Looking for a scenic, yet shorter cycling opportunity? Follow the paved Greenway Trail to the South Kaibab Trailhead and then ride along Yaki Point Road to Yaki Point. Access the Greenway near Grand Canyon Visitor Center and follow the South Kaibab Trailhead signs. In about 2.4 miles (3.9 km), you will come to the trailhead parking area.
From here, turn right and follow the trailhead road until you come to Yaki Point Road. Make a left and follow it 0.5 miles (0.8 km) to Yaki Point. There are plenty of spectacular canyon views along the Greenway Trail and once you reach Yaki Point.
Like Hermit Road, private vehicle restrictions eliminate most traffic. Shuttle and tour buses do utilize Yaki Point Road, so cyclists should pull to the right shoulder in a safe location, dismount and let buses pass.
If you become tired of cycling, you can catch the Orange Shuttle (Kaibab Rim Route) at Yaki Point, The South Kaibab Trailhead, or Pipe Creek Overlook, put your bike in the front rack, and ride the bus back to the Visitor Center.
Photo credit: Natl. Park Service
During the summer months, it is possible to return with bicycles to the Visitor Center on the Tusayan Shuttle, after riding the 6.5-mile (10.4 km) Greenway trail from Grand Canyon Village to the gateway town of Tusayan. The Tusayan (Purple) Route is in operation from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends.
South Rim: Park in Tusayan & Ride the Shuttle
Want to leave the long entrance lines and parking frustrations behind? During the summer you can Ride the Tusayan (Purple) Route Shuttle into the park, then cycle along the park's roads and Greenway Trails.
The Tusayan (Purple) Route will be in service between Memorial Day and Labor Day, 2025.
If you are looking for a fun, mostly downhill ride back to Tusayan – pick up the Greenway Trail near Grand Canyon Visitor Center and follow the signs to Tusayan. It is a 6.5-mile (10.5 km), downhill ride on a smooth, paved trail.
You can also ride your bike or e-bike into the park from Tusayan, but be prepared for a steady, 6.5-mile uphill ride and no services, including water or cell phone coverage, until the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.
You must have a valid park entrance pass to ride the Tusayan Shuttle. For more detailed information about the Tusayan (Purple) Route, and how to purchase a park entrance pass, visit this webpage.
Bicycling on the South Rim: Touring/Camping
Traveling to the South Rim via bicycle?
Bicyclist campsites are available at Mather Campground on a first-come, first-serve basis. Bicycle/backpacker sites are $6.00 per person, per night. NO cars are allowed.
Advice on visiting the Skywalk - skip the expense, there are better and far
less expensive options in the South Rim.
The Grand Canyon Skywalk is NOT located near the South or North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Rather it is located at Grand Canyon West, on reservation land owned by the Hualapai Indian Tribe.
But many people travel to the Skywalk, thinking it will somehow surpass what they'll see in the South Rim so I wanted to give you a head's up on the Skywalk and what you can really expect.
When you arrive at Grand Canyon West, there's an enormous parking lot. Expect to drive around for about 15 minutes looking for a parking space. The Visitor Center is located next to this parking lot. If you didn't purchase tickets in advance, the Visitor Center is where you buy your tickets. Wait time in line: 30 minutes.
You cannot drive to the Skywalk, you must take their shuttle bus. Wait time in line: 15 minutes.
Line to board the shuttle bus
You'll get off the shuttle bus at Eagle Point, which has a decent view of the Canyon. Take your photos there because you will not be advised that cell phones, cameras or anything else are prohibited on the Skywalk.
The tribe has professional photographers that will nick you $17 for a single photo or $69 for a photo package. You will be required to put all of your personal items in a locker that will be provided for you before being allowed on the Skywalk.
Expect to wait in line another hour and a quarter to get into the Skywalk building itself.
If you want to have your photo taken the wait in that line was another 30 minutes. These photos are not of you out on the Skywalk itself! They are taken before you get out on the Skywalk.
Before you actually get on the Skywalk you will have to put on a supplied pair of booties meant to protect the glass. Nothing wrong with that as I've been to similar attractions where the glass was so scratched you could barely see anything below you.
However, be advised that the Skywalk is not 4000 feet above the Canyon as advertised. It is built on a plateau only 700 feet above the Canyon so you aren't going to see the remarkable view you're expecting to see. You'll spend 10 minutes on the Skywalk itself and the cost for a family of 4 to do this is $300. The view of the Canyon from the Skywalk platform is mediocre at best.
Then there's returning to your car. You will board a shuttle again but it will not take you directly back to your car. It will make stops at Guano Point for those who want to spend time there seeing Guano Point. It will then stop at Hualapai Ranch for those who want to spend time there. There are no shuttles that will take you directly back to the Visitor Center and parking lot so you'll spend time at Guano Point and the Hualapai Ranch whether you want to or not.
Rather than waste your time and money at the Skywalk, there are far better views in the South Rim area of the park that will cost you nothing but the $35 entry fee you paid to get into the park.
Alternatives: From the Grand Canyon Park Visitor Center, walk to Mather Point for this view:
View from Powell Point on the South Rim:
View from Mohave Point:
The Grand Canyon and Grand Canyon National Park is breathtakingly beautiful. I've been there three times now and each time have experienced it in a new and unique way.
The Grand Canyon is divided into five parts, only two of them being within Grand Canyon Natl. Park itself - the South Rim and the North Rim. Grand Canyon West, sometimes called the West Rim, is managed by the Hualapai Nation and is located 241 miles west of the South Rim, about a 4.5-hour drive. And Havasu Falls is down in the canyon in an area owned by the Havasupai tribe. A favorite photo spot, Horseshoe Bend, is also not inside the national park. It’s in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area with a parking lot in the city of Page, Arizona.
Photo credit: iStock
The South Rim is the part of the park the majority of people visit as it's more developed for tourists. It's open year round.
The North Rim is a more remote area that has fewer visitors than the South Rim. It's accessible from mid-May to mid-October due to snow.
However, please note the North Rim is closed for the 2025 travel season due to damage from a fire.
Grand Canyon West is a popular day trip destination with its Skywalk and zip lines. It's located near Las Vegas and is accessible by car.
Havasu Falls is not part of the park itself but is noted for its beautiful waterfalls. It is owned by the Havasupai tribe.
We'll focus on the South Rim for the most part since that's the area most people visit and the North Rim is closed for this year.
GRAND CANYON VILLAGE
GETTING THERE: While the village is accessible by vehicle, what you want to do is park at the Mather Visitor Center and take the complimentary Blue Line Shuttle into the Village itself because there's a severe lack of parking in the Village itself.
Photo credit: National Park Service
Begin your tour of the village at the Verkamp Visitors Center. I'm going to rearrange the walking tour above just a bit so that if you have kids, you can get them started on the activity explained below.
The Visitors Center contains a display about the park and a gift shop.
If you have kids ages 4 and older, pick up a Junior Ranger activity book for each of them. This activity is FREE! and books are gauged to the age of the child.
Books are also available at one of the park's visitor centers, backcountry ranger stations, or Grand Canyon Conservancy bookstore. Specialized books are available for the North Rim, South Rim, and Canyon Explorers.
The Grand Canyon Junior Ranger books are designed with place-based activities to be completed on a visit to the park. If you are visiting the South Rim and need a screen reader accessible or fillable PDF version of the South Rim Junior Ranger book, please download that here.
Bring along some pencils, colored pencils and a clipboard for each and keep the kids entertained completing the book to become a Junior Ranger. When they've completed their book, return to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, the Verkamp Visitor Center or the Tusayan Museum and when the kids review it with a park ranger or staff member they will be awarded a Grand Canyon Junior Ranger badge.
You must be in the park in order to receive a badge, they cannot mail Junior Ranger books or badges.
Matt and Cheryl have a website called We're In the Rockies that focuses on travel destinations in the West that's absolutely top notch. They did the following video for kids on the Junior Ranger Program.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Grand Canyon Railway Hotel & Train
I wasn't sure whether to put this under Accommodations or Attractions so we're going to backtrack to Grand Canyon Village for a moment and that railway depot you saw on your self guided tour of the Village.
Grand Canyon Village train depot
On my last trip to the Grand Canyon we elected to stay at the Grand Canyon Train Hotel. Budget conscious travelers tend to bypass the hotel for less expensive accommodations but to be honest, the base price of a one night stay was $353.95 plus tax, which I personally feel isn't all that out of line considering it includes your $35 park entrance fee. We booked a hotel package with the train luxury dome or parlor car (with a discount) bringing our 1 night stay total to $633.50.
There are six different train car options to choose from:
Pullman Class From $27.99 /adult , $14.39 /child
Coach Class From $35.99 /adult , $22.39 /child
First Class From $67.99 /adult , $51.99 /child
Observation Dome From $79.99 /adult , $75.99 /child
Luxury Dome From $95.99 /adult (Adults only)
Luxury Parlor From $95.99 /adult (Adults only)
The hotel itself was gorgeous, comfortable and the room spacious enough for us.
The AAA 3-diamond 298-room hotel is right next door to the train depot and just a block away from downtown Williams and historic Route 66. Amenities include complimentary wi-fi, an indoor pool and hot tub, delicious dining options at the Fred Harvey Restaurant and Spenser’s Pub, a fitness center, an outdoor firepit area, a playground for the kids and a business/computer room for those on business trips.
The luxury Parlor Car we booked. Photo credit: Grand Canyon Railway
Grand Canyon Railway provides service to and from Williams, Arizona and Grand Canyon National Park. Service occurs throughout the year, weather permitting. Please note that you do not see the Canyon itself during this train ride! However, you will see an array of different scenery during your trip that's every bit as beautiful.
We both agreed the package was worth the money we spent and that we'd do the trip again.
By the way, you don't have to stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in order to ride the train!
CAMPING
For the really budget conscious (and even those who aren't!) Grand Canyon Park has some beautiful campgrounds that you'll pay around $20 a night for.
On my first trip to the park we camped at Mather Campground, the most popular and centrally located of the campgrounds. It's open to tents and RV's under 30 feet long. We paid $18 per night.
An added bonus: Elk would occasionally wander through.
There are 5 campgrounds within Grand Canyon National Park: Mather, Desert View, Trailer Village RV Park, the North Rim, and Phantom Ranch. Know that these campgrounds fill up fast so you need to make your reservations as early as possible. There are also many camping, glamping, and boondocking options near the park.
Again, Cheryl from We're In the Rockies did a great comprehensive video on accommodations:
There is a place Cheryl didn't mention in her video that you may be interested in.
Highland Grand Canyon Glamping.
Highland Grand Canyon is a boutique off-grid glamping retreat just 4 miles from the South Rim. It features five spacious safari tents with king beds, heated mattress pads, and private covered porches all tucked into the pines for peace and privacy. Wake to forest views, spend your day exploring the canyon, and return to stargazing by night. Highland is close to the Canyon but feels a world away from the crowds of the National Park and you don't need to book 6 months to a year in advance.
Their shared spaces include 2 bathroom units but these aren't your typical campground bathrooms.
Photo credit: Highland Grand Canyon Glamping
There's also a really nice outdoor kitchen with gas grill under a pergola and a firepit.
If you are deciding between glamping Grand Canyon style or staying at a traditional Grand Canyon hotel, Highland offers something different; something slower, quieter, and closer to nature.
Photo credit: Highland Grand Canyon Glamping
Oh, and they're dog friendly too!
Pricing is around $255 per night before taxes are added.
Of course, the further away from the park itself you get, the easier and less expensive accommodations are to get. We discovered we rather liked staying in Williams, which is about an hour away from the park and we didn't mind that hour drive in at all because we liked getting away from the tourist crowds in the park.
There are plenty of nice accommodations in Williams to suit any budget.
DINING
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon has MANY restaurants inside and outside the park as well as grocery stores. Dining inside the park includes coffee shops and fountains, grills, grab & go, a food court, fine dining, and lounges. The El Tovar Dining Room has views of the Grand Canyon and is the highest-rated restaurant with the rest receiving lukewarm reviews.
Outside the park in Tusayan, AZ visitors can expect to find several chain restaurants, and in Williams, AZ, several locally owned restaurants with higher reviews.
FOR THE BUDGET CONSCIOUS: buy groceries in Tusayan, and eat picnics in the park.
FOR QUICK FOOD: try Fred Harvey Food Truck or Bright Angel Cafe
FOR FINE DINING AND A MORE MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE: you must try El Tovar
FOR A MORE CHILL EXPERIENCE: eat on the outside porch at Yavapai Tavern
FOR FOOD THAT ACTUALLY TASTES GOOD AT A REASONABLE PRICE: head to Williams, AZ
Although we did have breakfast at El Tovar, we found our best option was picking up some picnic foods in Williams and packing picnic breakfasts and lunches. That way we didn't have to drop what we were doing to backtrack to one of the Village restaurants, which often have long lines and offer just okay food.
The food at the Village grocery store is pricey.
We did stop for some grab and go lunch at the Fred Harvey food truck, which is located between El Tovar and the Hopi House. $
Fred Harvey food truck
The food truck serves lunch and snacks from 11:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Food is mostly hot dogs, sandwiches, ice cream. While it is the most affordable place to eat at the South Rim, a hot dog will still set you back $8.
Our next favorite pick was the Maswik Lodge. It's walking distance from the Village Restaurants and is still considered part of the Village. We thought it was still overpriced though even if it does have a lot of parking nearby unlike the other Village eateries.
And you have some options:
Maswik Food Court: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a food court stye atmosphere with no views of the Canyon. It also felt hot and stuffy to us. BBQ, Mexican, pizza by the slice, salads, packaged snacks, and drinks available and a pretty good selection of them.
Pizza Pub: Open for lunch and dinner. Pizza and salads. We opted not to eat here after a couple on their way out told us the pizza was "just OK".
General store & deli: market, sandwiches, snacks. Overpriced in our opinion.
We didn't try this one yet but if we make another trip to the Grand Canyon we will: Yavapai Lodge. $-$$
Friends of ours tried it on their trip and reported the food and atmosphere were great, especially the outdoor seating area. The Lodge also has indoor dining.
This is a 5 minute drive from the Village and again you have some options:
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Yavapai Dining Hall: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner specializing in American and Southwest fare.
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Yavapai Tavern: Serves lunch, dinner, and craft beer. Burgers, wraps, and pizza. Offers outdoor seating and a fun atmosphere.
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Yavapai Coffee Shop: Open for breakfast and lunch. Serves coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and ice cream.
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Yavapai Cafe: Grab-and-go sandwiches and pizza by the slice.
We found our favorite restaurant right next door to our hotel - the Red Raven the locals recommended. We were immediately impressed simply by the fact it wasn't Route 66 decorated like the rest of the restauants in Williams.
It must be a local favorite because every table in the place filled rapidly. It's just a small, quaint place but it has excellent food and service.
Red Raven serves primarily steaks, seafood and pasta.
They serve brunch and dinner.
We ended up eating at Red Raven more than once we liked it so much. Some of the meals we had:
If you stay in Williams, we highly recommend you give Red Raven a try. Just get there early or have a reservation because they fill their tables fast and there's usually a waiting line to get in.
That's the scoop on the South Rim portion and most popular area of Grand Canyon National Park. If you can swing it, spend at least 3 days at the Grand Canyon to experience it.