Grand Canyon Visit / tips

[lewdog998]

I am picking up a Subaru Outback in San Diego at the end of October and driving it back to Tennessee. My parents are shipping it from Hawaii (where they live to their house here). Anyways, I thought I would take a week or so to drive it back and save them $1500 bucks. Shipping to San Diego is 1000 vs 2500 to Nashville.

I was thinking about going to the Grand Canyon, as neither my girlfriend or I have been. Then we will go to Ouray CO for a couple days. Been there plenty.

my question....does anyone have a Grand Canyon visiting tips. Not going to stay overnight, so I want to get in and out. Dont want to get caught in tourist traffic. Any particular point or look out that is not so crowded or whatever. Might not even be an issue this time of year. suggestions are welcome.

as stated earlier, in an Outback, so trails are probably off limits.

Thanks

 

[ElectroBoy]

I am picking up a Subaru Outback in San Diego at the end of October and driving it back to Tennessee. My parents are shipping it from Hawaii (where they live to their house here). Anyways, I thought I would take a week or so to drive it back and save them $1500 bucks. Shipping to San Diego is 1000 vs 2500 to Nashville.

I was thinking about going to the Grand Canyon, as neither my girlfriend or I have been. Then we will go to Ouray CO for a couple days. Been there plenty.

my question....does anyone have a Grand Canyon visiting tips. Not going to stay overnight, so I want to get in and out. Dont want to get caught in tourist traffic. Any particular point or look out that is not so crowded or whatever. Might not even be an issue this time of year. suggestions are welcome.

as stated earlier, in an Outback, so trails are probably off limits.

Thanks

Be prepared for winter weather. The south rim is at 7000 feet elevation and snow is possible. The temperature likely be 50s F during the day 30s F at night. Consult the NPS website.
Weather and Climate - Grand Canyon National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

From Rt 40 drive to the canyon. Stop in the village for a while. See the touristy stuff. Drive out along East Rim Drive and stop at all the impressive viewpoints. Continue to Rt 89 south to Flagstaff.

Plan where to stay in Grand Canyon village or drive to Williams or Flagstaff. In Flagstaff there’s lots of hotels and I’ve been to a good brew pub: Beaver Street Brewery. If you need a laundry in Flagstaff there’s an excellent one: Supermat. GC Village lodging is expensive and reservations are needed and fill fast. Be aware that the south rim is very popular and crowded all year round.

Xanterra

There’s no real 4WD trails that I’m aware of, but are lots of viewpoints to drive and walk to. Check the ranger station for the latest info for ideas and conditions. Hike down the Bright Angel trail for a ways if you have time.
It’s something to see, even if you don’t hike, don’t rush through it if you can help it.