JimT

I have 3 days to spend in Grand Canyon area, but not sure how to explore the area. Should I visit the South rim or the North Rim? Since I cannot book a room inside the National Park, I am not sure what is the best place to stay outside the national park.

Since Las Vegas and Phoenix are more or less the same distance from the park, I am not sure which city is the best place to fly to.

Thanks for any information that I can get.

Jim in Houston

PaulRabe

Phoenix and Vegas are equally convenient for getting to the Canyon. Make your choice based on the TOTAL cost of a flight and a car rental.

North or South? is a perennial question on which no absolute consensus has been made. North is cooler, less crowded, more arboreal, and has fewer facilities (which is a plus or a minus, depending on your view). South is closer, more accessible, and (to most people) has better views. Even some who prefer the North admit the South is a better choice for a first time visitor.

If you can't get a room within the Park, the best place to stay is as close as you can find a vacancy. That may be Tusayan, or Williams, or Flagstaff. Particularly in the summer, do *NOT* arrive at the Canyon without firm lodging reservations.

Info on The Canyon can be found at

www.nps.gov/grca
www.kaibab.org
www.grand.canyon.national-park.com
www.thecanyon.com

GJLinda

You might consider Cameron, about 50 miles east of the South Rim entrance. I think it's a 3 diamond AAA. Stayed there in April and it was fine. Room was clean, with newer furnishings and had a balcony.

Placename

What time of year? The North Rim access and acccomodations are closed in the winter months.

No need to stay in Cameron. You can stay in the park at the South Rim (or North Rim, if open) but you MUST have reservations. Tusayan, just outside the park is also very convenient.

Visiting the NPS park site would be the way to start planning

WhereAreWe

Really depends on what you're interested in - 3 days is a long time at the South Rim if you just want to go to various viewpoints and peek over the edge. If you're into hiking and photography you can definitely fill up the time better. If not, I'd plan on an overnight stay at the Grand Canyon and spend the other 2 days elsewhere.

Phoenix is a bit closer and gives you the option of visiting a few places along the way (Sedona, Flagstaff, Montezuma Castle). Personally I think it's a bit easier to get in/out of Phoenix - both the airport and the city.

Dayenu

We will be flying to Phoenix, visiting Sedona and on to the South Rim. When I was researching lodging found recomendations to stay in Tusayan if cannot get anything in the canyon park.

Keep checking with the park, some people make reservations a year in advance, and cancel. Some make reservations in 2 places, and cancel one.