Hello - Staying two nights at El Tovar in November. We have two kids 11 & 13. What are the best activities to do to get a flavor for the area in such a short time? Moderate hiking and driving (prefer under two hours once we arrive at El Tovar) we will drive from/to Phoenix so suggestions for stops along the way are also appreciated. Thanks!

El Tovar is a good choice. I don't know that you need to plan a lot of activities for your time at the Grand Canyon. Make sure to get up early and see the canyon at sunrise and then again at sunset. That's when it is the most beautiful. I would make dinner reservations at El Tovar for after sunset as it is a very good restaurant but you want to be outside during the sunset. I would just walk along the rim, check out the various viewpoints. Take the shuttle as far as it goes and then back again.

Go to the park service site:

https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm

Click on "plan your visit" then "things to do" then "ranger programs"

You will find ranger led hikes, talks, etc. every day of the week. Sign up for any that might interest you.

Do hike along the rim trail as far as you want and hike down into the canyon at least a short way on either Bright Angel Trail or South Kaibab trail or both.

Do visit the Visitor's Centers and stop at all the pull outs along the rim.

If you come up from the south on 89, stop at Sunset Crater and Wupatki (a Native American ruin) then enter the park from the east and stop at the pull outs on the way.

El Tovar is neat. When we were there last year we noticed young people enjoying board games in an upstairs seating area, so that would be nice in the evenings. Otherwise you will have plenty to fill your time. Enjoy-- GC is truly amazing.

Thanks emalloy I have been looking at the trails you mentioned. I definitely want to wake up to at least one sunrise as well.The pictures look amazing. Looking forward to staying at the El Tovar db6040 and jayne1973