Grand Canyon Village

Grand Canyon Village is the place you almost have to visit when you're seeing the south rim of the Grand Canyon. This is where the action is with hotels, shops and restaurants. This makes it very popular, and very busy. Once you've found a parking spot, ride the free shuttle to the Grand Canyon Village attractions and to the spectacular Canyon overlooks.

The most famous hotel in Grand Canyon Village is El Tovar. This was the first hotel on the rim and was built in grand style. It has a huge two-story entry, with tree trunks supporting the roof. The old wood is dark, and hunting trophies still hang from the walls as they did when Teddy Roosevelt stayed here. You'll also find the Bright Angel, Maswik and Thunderbird lodges on or near the rim.

There are two good restaurants here on the south rim. The Bright Angel Restaurant serves hearty breakfasts, moderately priced lunches and nice dinners. The Arizona steakhouse specializes in, what else? Steaks!

You'll also find a cafeteria type eatery at Maswik. It's open for any meal, and they have both hot and cold selections. The prices aren't bad either, and there's always a vegetarian option. On the rim, the Bright Angel Fountain serves sandwiches and ice cream. Mmmmm, ice cream...

Once you're checked in and fed, there several shops to visit. A couple of these cling to the rim and offer dizzying views. Kolb Studio has artwork and other souvenirs. There's a nice little art gallery downstairs as well. Last time I visited, photographs and history of the Havasupai people were on display. Lookout Studio carries a selection of interesting books. Don't miss the multilevel stone overlooks for the Canyon.

Grand Canyon Village is also where the mules depart from for tours of the Canyon. The Bright Angel trailhead is located by the mule corral. You can take a short day hike down this trail if you choose. There are good turnaround points at 1 1/2-mile rest house and three-mile rest house. Many people also hike all the way down to Phantom Ranch on the Bright Angel Trail.

The Rim Trail goes through Grand Canyon Village, as well as extending for many miles in both directions. You can make Maricopa Point by hiking a mile or so west of the Village, or ride the shuttle in either direction and hike different sections of the rim trail. Mather Point is reputed to be the most scenic view on the South Rim and is easily reached by free shuttle. And don't miss sunset at Hopi Point!

Grand Canyon Village Market
Supplies, Deli, Clothing and More

The Best Grand Canyon Village Steak
Several Choices for Carne at the Canyon

Maswik Hotel Grand Canyon Village
Modern, Convenient and Affordable

Christmas ornament from Grand Canyon
See the Selection from Verkamp's

The Arizona Steakhouse Grand Canyon Village
A great restaurant overlooking the Canyon (try the rattlesnake).

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