I am in charge of the plans this year for the annual summer trip my family takes with our cousins. We have decided to go to the Grand Canyon, and will be flying out of Boston.It was suggested that we fly into Vegas, as it's often cheaper, and there are more direct flights available. Has anyone out there done this, and is it a good idea? If not, where have you flown into? Also- there will be four adults and 5 teenagers (12-17). Where is a good place to stay (around the GC) that would be somewhat rustic (we don't want the Holiday Inn thing) but yet with enough "going on" to appeal to teenagers, if there is indeed such a place??? We are up for some whitewater rafting, but have only done it on the Kennebec in Maine---any input on rafting in the vicinity of the canyon? Know there are lots of questions here, but hope some of you out there can help..thanks in advance!

We flew into Phoenix and drove to the canyon from there. It was very do-able. Vegas is an option for more varied airfares.With 4 teenagers we stayed at the Best Western hotel outside the canyon park area(only 10-15 minute drive into the park from the hotel)It had a pool,arcade,pool tables and a BOwling Alley in the hotel!Eateries within walking distance.All were happy.

Vegas would be a good place to fly into; due to availability of flights and rental car bargains.
It's about a five hour drive from Vegas to the Canyon.

There is very little in the way of "rustic" in the south Canyon area, other than Bright Angel Lodge, and even that's a stretch. And if the teenagers are not interested in one of the most spectacular sights on this planet, they won't find much to enjoy themselves. The Canyon is its own destination; there's not much else "going on."

Whitewater trips in the Canyon are fully booked about a year in advance, and cost about $200 per day person; with the shortest trips being three days. You don't so "some" whitewater rafting when you come to the Canyon; you REALLY get into it.

Chelley, I just booked flights from NY to Phoenix for our April GC trip and they were less than Vegas - $240 total. If I had boked last month they would have only been $160! I couldn't really wait for a better deal though since we are going Easter week at Spring break, but I still think it's a good price for good flights at good times.

You might find cheap flights into Phoenix rather than Vegas. Lot's more family resorts in the Scottsdale area for you to spend the balance of your vacation in.

Oh, we are spending a few nights in Scottsdale, one in Sedona, we booked the mule trip (do it now), 1 night at lake Powell to do either a raft trip or rent a powerboat. We'll spend a few days at GC since we'll hike and do the mule ride. If you have activities planned for the GC you'll obviously spend more time there, but if your going to go all that way to peek at the Canyon then leave, a half hour should do it!

Make reservations for Grand Canyon lodges now also. It may already be too late for summer