Help fine tune GC Itinerary with 3 kids

Question

Hi!

I have read a gazillion blogs and tried to come up with an itinerary for a 36 hour GC trip. It's the details, like parking, what hikes that are bogging me down. Any input is appreciated. We have a 6 year old, 10 year old, and 12 year old. The 6 year old recently hiked 3 miles in boring Alabama forest with no issues, about 500 feet of elevation change for reference. Hoping the scenery helps motivate and distract him, along with some fun snacks.

We would prefer to avoid really crowded areas- I know this isn't always possible, but just a personal preference.

Thank you in advance!

Night 1: Arrive GC ~5:30

Head to El Tovar- hike along rim trail to find sunset spot (sunset @ 6:42)- ANY SPOT SUGGESTIONS that would keep us in walking distance for our 7:15 reservation at El Tovar?

Day 1:

Breakfast in Tusiyan

Visitor Center for Maps, Jr Ranger supplies. See Mather Point

Hike to 1st rest house on Bright Angel Trail. Have picnic lunch and hike back up.

OR Hopi point with lunch on trail. THOUGHTS???? Also, parking/shuttle recs?

Ice cream at GC village for snack

Afternoon short hike RECS?

visit ranger station to get junior ranger badges.

Back to hotel for rest/swim.

Is it worth it to drive to Lipan Point for Sunset? Good sunset recs for day 2?

DINNER recs in Tusiyan?

Day 2:

Breakfast in Tusiyan

South Kebab trail to Ooh Aah Point- this is only accessible by shuttle, correct?? OTHER recs for hikes on east side of park (max 3 miles with elevation)

Stop at Lipan point on way to east entrance on drive to Page?

Thank you!!

Answer

Your 36-hour Grand Canyon itinerary with kids is very doable and can be fine-tuned for both manageable hiking and memorable viewpoints. Here are some recommendations to help optimize your trip while keeping young children engaged.

Night 1 – Arrival and Sunset:

Since you arrive around 5:30 pm and have a 7:15 pm reservation at El Tovar, staying close to the hotel for sunset is best. The Rim Trail near El Tovar is perfect—it's flat and scenic, and you can easily walk 5–10 minutes to find a good spot. Ideal sunset viewing options within walking distance:

Trailhead between El Tovar and Bright Angel Lodge
Near Hopi House along the Rim Trail
Lookout near Kolb Studio for unobstructed canyon views

This allows you to see the canyon change colors without rushing back for dinner.

Day 1 – Breakfast and Morning:

Breakfast in Tusayan is convenient and plentiful. Afterward, head to the Visitor Center to pick up maps and Junior Ranger booklets. Mather Point is right nearby and offers a stunning panoramic view. Consider taking photos here first to avoid the heavier afternoon crowds.

Bright Angel Trail vs Hopi Point Lunch Hike:

For your children, Bright Angel Trail is better for a short hike with a picnic because it has rest houses, water, and clearly marked trails. Hiking to the first rest house (about 0.75 miles one-way) is manageable for all ages. Hopi Point is accessible via the shuttle and requires more walking along the rim; for young kids, it’s less convenient for a picnic lunch unless you do a short shuttle stop.

Bright Angel Trail – 0.75–1 mile to first rest house for picnic, easy return
Hopi Point – shuttle access, great views but more walking, less picnic-friendly

Shuttle recommendations: Board early at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center or Hermit’s Rest route to avoid long waits. Bring snacks and water for the kids.

Afternoon Activities:

After lunch and a brief rest, consider these short hikes or walks:

Trail along the Rim Trail near Powell Point – easy and scenic
Visit Yavapai Geology Museum – indoor option with canyon views
Walk to nearby viewpoints along the Rim Trail, like Hopi House overlook

Stop by the ranger station for Junior Ranger badge completion. Return to your hotel for rest and a swim if available.

Sunset Recommendations Day 1 & Day 2:

Evening of Day 1: Rim Trail near El Tovar, Kolb Studio, or Yavapai Point for convenience
Sunset on Day 2: Lipan Point is excellent if driving toward the east entrance; otherwise, Shoshone Point is quieter

Dinner Recommendations in Tusayan:

RP’s Stage Stop – casual, kid-friendly
Canyon Star Steakhouse – more upscale but family-friendly
We Cook Pizza & Pasta – quick, casual option

Day 2 – Breakfast and Hikes:

South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point is an excellent morning hike for families. It’s steep in sections but short (1.8 miles round-trip). Shuttle access is required if parking at the trailhead is limited. Alternative East Rim hikes (max 3 miles, moderate elevation) include:

Hike along Desert View Drive viewpoints – pull over for short walks at Moran, Navajo, and Lipan Points
Grandview Trail to a short segment (less crowded than South Kaibab)
Rim Trail segments near Desert View for flat, scenic walking

Driving to Page, AZ, after visiting Lipan Point is straightforward. Dusk driving on Highway 89 is generally safe, but keep headlights on and watch for wildlife, particularly deer and elk. Plan to leave with enough daylight to feel comfortable, as the road has curves and limited lighting.

Overall, this plan balances sightseeing, easy hiking, and kid-friendly pacing while avoiding overly crowded areas where possible. Bring plenty of water, snacks, hats, and sunscreen to keep everyone comfortable.

Help fine tune GC Itinerary with 3 kids

More Grand Canyon National Park Travel Questions

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions