Order of visits to Grand Canyon rims

Question

We are going to Grand Canyon from Grand Junction, Colorado via Page, AZ for 3-4 days. We will do East rim first since it is closest. Which rim should we go to second, third and fourth for efficiency if then we will be going to Kingman, Peach Springs, Bagdad for rockhounding.

BJJ

Answer

When visiting the Grand Canyon, it's essential to plan your route efficiently, especially if you're planning to explore multiple rims in a short period of time. Since you're already planning to visit the East Rim first, here's a suggested order for the rest of your visit to minimize backtracking and maximize your time at each location, considering you'll be heading toward Kingman, Peach Springs, and Bagdad for rockhounding after your Grand Canyon visit.

First: East Rim (Desert View) - As you mentioned, this is the closest rim to Page, AZ, so it makes sense to start here. You'll get to see impressive viewpoints, including the iconic Desert View Watchtower, which offers panoramic views of the canyon and the Colorado River.
Second: South Rim - After Desert View, head toward the South Rim. This is the most popular and most visited rim, offering many attractions and viewpoints like Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and the Grand Canyon Village. Since you're heading to Kingman next, the South Rim is also on your way and is the most accessible with a range of services and accommodations.
Third: West Rim (Hualapai Reservation) - The West Rim is home to the famous Skywalk and offers a unique experience with less crowding compared to the South Rim. It's a bit further out of the way but could be worth the detour if you're interested in seeing the Skywalk or visiting the Hualapai Tribe’s cultural sites. Keep in mind that it’s a longer drive and may take more time than other rims, so plan accordingly.
Fourth: North Rim - Finally, the North Rim is more remote and less crowded, offering stunning views and a more serene atmosphere. However, it’s much more out of the way compared to the other rims and is only open seasonally (usually mid-May to mid-October), so make sure it’s open during your visit. If you're short on time, you might want to skip the North Rim, as it requires a longer drive and detour from your planned route toward Kingman.

This order of visits helps you cover the key Grand Canyon viewpoints and allows you to move efficiently toward your next destinations in Kingman and beyond.

After exploring the Grand Canyon, you’ll be well-positioned to head southwest toward Kingman, and from there, you can continue your rockhounding adventures in Peach Springs and Bagdad. Have a great trip!

Order of visits to Grand Canyon rims

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