For many Americans, Memorial Day means the “Unofficial” Official Summer kick off.  And with a 3-day weekend, what better way to than to kick off summer with an All American Road Trip

Typically for Memorial Day, we hop in the car and head to one of the greatest wonders of the world… and one of our amazing National Parks…

The Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon Lodging

There are a couple of in-park lodging options, but you do need to book those way in advance as with any park campgrounds.  

There is a little town right outside of the Grand Canyon that have great little inns and hotels. So that is a great option.

We instead opt for our camping or glamping and stay in a cabin just outside the town of Williams.

Williams is a cute little town right on Route 66.  Still has that 50s vibe to it.

Williams is only a 45 minute drive to the Canyon. They also have a train that goes right to the park.  That’d be a fun trip!

Visiting the Grand Canyon

**Please bear in mind, that of this writing, Grand Canyon while is open, health measures are in place, such as limiting capacity, temporary closures.  Be sure to check the National Park Service website for updates.

Grand Canyon gets busy, especially on holiday weekends.  Park your car and take the shuttle around the park.We typically park at the Visitor’s Center, check out Mather Point.  Then hop on the shuttle to the Bright Angel Trailhead.  From there, we hike down 

Hiking the Grand Canyon

To hike the Grand Canyon is unique and challenging.  The colors change with the different view points. What makes it challenging is the easy part – going down – is first.  Hiking back up is hard and challenging.  Make sure you bring lots of water with you.  Maybe even electrolyte powder. Take it easy.  It’s best to start early when it is cool.

There are rest houses on the trail at the 1.5- and 3-mile markers.

After our hike, we check out the Village area.  There are studios and lookout points where you can learn more about the history.

Check out the Junior Ranger program. You get a little booklet that you complete and turn it in for your Junior Ranger badge.  How many badges can you collect?

Once safe to do so, the park will re-start the Ranger programs.  These are fun lessons on learning about everything about the Grand Canyon.  Some are short little hikes about geology or conservation.  

After exploring, we take a drive through Desert View Drive.  Take your time, you can usually spot Elk.  Then we go to the Grandview lookout.  Breathtaking.

That is one packed day of exploring the great outdoors and one of our National Wonders. We had a carload of tired kiddos after all the exploring.

C’mon Let’s Go!