Unforgettable Things to Do at the Grand Canyon: Tours, Rafting, Camping & More

One of the most breathtaking ways to experience the Grand Canyon is from above. Helicopter tours reveal red rock cliffs, winding rivers, and remote corners you can’t reach from the rim.

• Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour (South Rim): Panoramic views of the canyon’s widest and deepest sections.
• Las Vegas Departures: Many tours begin in Vegas, offering aerial views of Hoover Dam and Lake Mead along the way.
• Sunset Tours: Watch the canyon glow gold and crimson as the sun dips below the horizon.

If you’re short on time, a Grand Canyon helicopter tour is one of the best ways to see it all in just a few hours.

For those craving adventure, Havasupai Falls (also called Havasu Falls) is a must. Hidden deep within the canyon, this turquoise waterfall feels like another world.

• The Hike: 10 miles one way, requiring advance permits.
• Why Go: The contrast of blue-green water against red canyon walls is unforgettable.
• Tips: Permits sell out quickly each year so be sure to book as soon as they open.

This is more than a hike, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime Grand Canyon experience.

Few adventures compare to rafting the Colorado River through the canyon’s heart.

• White Water Rafting: Multi-day expeditions that mix adrenaline-pumping rapids with quiet nights under the stars.
• Smooth Water Trips: Family-friendly floats with calm waters and sweeping views.
• Rafting Tours: Guided trips range from one-day floats to week-long adventures.

Whether you opt for a calm float or a white-knuckle ride, a Grand Canyon rafting trip offers a perspective few visitors ever experience.

Waking up to sunrise over the rim is an experience you’ll never forget. Camping in the Grand Canyon ranges from developed sites to remote backcountry escapes.

• South Rim Campgrounds: Mather Campground is the most popular and close to the main viewpoints.
• North Rim Campgrounds: Quieter, more secluded, and perfect for stargazing.
• Backcountry Camping: Requires permits but rewards you with solitude and sweeping skies.

Camping lets you slow down, disconnect, and truly take in the landscape.

If sleeping under the stars isn’t your style, Trailborn Grand Canyon offers comfort and design-forward accommodations just minutes away. Find a room and recharge after a day of exploring.

Located at Grand Canyon West, the glass-bottom Skywalk extends 70 feet over the canyon’s edge.

• The Experience: A heart-pounding stroll above a 4,000-foot drop.
• Why It’s Popular: Offers a one-of-a-kind vantage point for thrill-seekers.
• Good to Know: Operated by the Hualapai Tribe and separate from Grand Canyon National Park.

The Grand Canyon Skywalk isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s one of the most memorable ways to see the canyon.

As the sun sets, the canyon’s colors shift through deep gold, pink, and violet — it’s a scene that never gets old.

• Best Spots for Sunset: Hopi Point, Lipan Point, and Cape Royal.
• Photography Tip: Arrive early to claim your spot; these overlooks are popular.
• Why It Matters: Watching the light move across the cliffs is pure Grand Canyon magic.