Mather Campground

Over 200 miles of the Colorado River flow through Grand Canyon National Park. Fishing is best before its confluence with the Little Colorado River. Trout fishing is also great on Bright Angel Creek in the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, although a long hike is required to reach its waters.

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon has so many incredible hikes. For a memorable view of the inner canyon, take the South Kaibab Trail down to OoAh Point. If you’re feeling more adventuresome, take the Bright Angel Trail all the way down to Plateau Point.

Venturing into the depths of the Grand Canyon on the back of a mule is one of the most memorable ways to enjoy the park. South Rim mule rides may book up a year in advance so book well ahead of time. Both scenic rim rides and overnight trips to Phantom Ranch are offered.

Rafting the entire Grand Canyon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it's not the only way to paddle the canyon. Several outfitters offer half- and full-day, smooth-water paddling trips from Lees Ferry, as well as paddling adventures on Lake Powell and to Horseshoe Bend.

The Grand Canyon's soft, crumbly rock is not the best suited for rock climbing but there still are a few established climbing spots in the canyon. The Zoroaster Temple and the O'Neill Butte are some of the most popular climbs in the park.

Snowsports are limited in the Grand Canyon, but diehards will find downhill skiing at the Arizona Snowbowl, just north of Flagstaff. During occasional years of heavy snow, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing may be available near the Grandview Fire Tower.

The closest swimming holes you’ll find near Grand Canyon National Park are at Tusayan hotels. Although outside park boundaries, the turquoise pools in Havasupai offer some of the best swimming spots in the U.S. A permit and a long hike are required to reach the pools.

Rafting the entire length of the Grand Canyon from Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek is by far the most amazing way to experience the Grand Canyon. Trips last from 7 to 18 days, and it often takes years to score a spot on. Half canyon trips are available for those who want to hike out of the canyon at Phantom Ranch.

The South Rim is one of the best places to see the endangered California condor in the wild. They are the largest wild birds in North America and are often seen near the Bright Angel Trail. You may also see bighorn sheep, coyotes, mule deer, and gray foxes at the South Rim.