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No matter how short on time you are, the Grand Canyon is always worth the stop. Even if your drive is longer than your visit, you should absolutely take the time to see the Grand Canyon at least once in your life. Here’s what you can see at the Grand Canyon in two hours.
Why only Two hours?
You may be wondering why you would only spend two hours at the Grand Canyon. Well, that’s how long I had when I visited the Grand Canyon. It was all we were able to see on our drive, and while I would have loved to stay at the Canyon for days or weeks, all I had was two hours. I didn’t have more to spare. How can you possibly regret giving the time you do have to see one of our Nations most iconic National Parks? You won’t. I promise.
So while I truly hope that you have more time to spend at the Grand Canyon, if you only have two hours at the Grand Canyon, I want to help you make the most of the time you have.
When is the Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon?
For a short trip like this one, any time of year is a good time to visit the Grand Canyon. But to make the most out of your trip, you’re going to want to avoid the summer peak season. With a limited amount of time, you’ll want to be sure you visit at a time when there isn’t large crowds of people all flocking to the same observation decks.
Where Should I Stay when Visiting the Grand Canyon?
If you have two hours at the Grand Canyon, you’ll want to make sure you are staying somewhere nearby to make the most of the time here. When we visited, we stayed in Williams, Arizona. Williams is 60 miles South of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, making it about an hour drive away, one way. If you are looking for an even closer place to stay, consider staying at the park. Here are a few options of places you might want to stay during your trip. Click the links below to learn more:
- Bright Angel Lodge (Inside the Park!)
- Yavapai Lodge (Inside the Park!)
- Mather Camp Grounds (near Mather Point)
- Red Feather Lodge (on park grounds, 7 miles from Mather Point)
- The Grand Hotel (on park grounds, 7 miles from Mather Point)
- Travelodge In Williams, Arizona (60 Miles from Mather Point) This is the no-frills place we stayed at. A perfect spot if all you’re concerned about is a place to spend the night.
- Holiday Inn Express in Flagstaff, Arizona (80 Miles from Mather Point)
- Double Tree in Flagstaff, Arizona (80 Miles from Mather Point)
What to do with Two Hours at the Grand Canyon
With only two hours at the Grand Canyon, you’ll have to plan your visit wisely. Here’s an itinerary for a great two hour trip to the Grand Canyon.
Watch the Sun Rise at the Grand Canyon
If you can, arrive at the Grand Canyon early enough to watch the sun rise. There’s a crisp fog that falls across the entire Canyon. The sun crests over the horizon and quickly illuminates everything below. It is an amazing experience that you should absolutely witness if you can.
Visit a Look Out Point
Yaki Point at the Grand Canyon
This is my preferred look out point because it gives you a great panoramic view of the Canyon. At Yaki point, you’ll have to look behind you if you want to look anywhere but down, into the depths of the Canyon. This is the perfect place to watch the sunrise or sunset when you only have two hours at the Grand Canyon.
Mather Point at the Grand Canyon
If you plan to visit Mather Point, you’ll want to get here very early. Mather Point is very close to the main Visitor’s Center at the Grand Canyon. There are three bus routes that all stop at this point. It is also a fully accessible look out point, no stairs to get here. Naturally, that makes it a very popular place to visit. Arrive early.
Hike the Trails in Between the Lookout Points
Most people talk about hiking down into the Canyon. But, if you only have two hours at the Grand Canyon, you’re not going to have time to hike down into the Canyon. Did you know there are hiking trails all around the Grand Canyon, too?
An easy Rim hike is between Mather Point and Yaki Point, only 0.7 miles of trails separate the two. Hiking along the Rim Trail is easily customizable based on the time you have to spend in the park. Use this map from the National Park Service to decide what you have time to see on your visit
Take a Drive
If you want to see more of the park in a shorter amount of time, consider taking a drive around the rim to some look out points. The most popular drive along the Grand Canyon is a 25-mile route known as Desert View Drive. If you have time to spare and want to see the park from multiple points of view, hop on some or all of the Desert View Drive.
It is pretty difficult to see into the Canyon from the car, so I much prefer to hike along the rim trail which gets you much closer to the edge.
Two Hours at the Grand Canyon
- Visit a Lookout Point – Check out Mather Point or Yaki Point for easy-to-access views!
- Hike the Rim Trails – Use this map from the National Park Service to scout out the best route for the time you have available.
- Take the Desert View Drive – if you have more time, check out the 25-mile drive to see some extra stops along the Canyon.
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