Coming to and from Scottsdale for a day.

Question

First week of August, we plan on driving to GC AND back in the same day. We are taking my 86 year old FIL, so we aren't looking for hiking options. Just want him to see the canyon from easy vantage points (he is pretty mobile for 86, so he can do some walking). What would be the best entrance to start at? We did the same thing years ago with our little kids, but I do not remember where we entered.

Thanks for amy and all input.

Shelly

Answer

For a day trip from Scottsdale to the Grand Canyon, especially with an 86-year-old who can walk a bit but isn’t looking for strenuous hikes, planning for convenience and scenic viewpoints is key. The South Rim is the best option for this kind of visit because it is easily accessible by car, has excellent viewpoints, and provides shuttle services if needed. The South Rim is also the section most visitors see, and it has well-maintained paved paths and overlooks.

Driving from Scottsdale, the route is straightforward:

Take AZ-101 Loop north to I-17 north toward Flagstaff (about 2.5 to 3 hours).
From Flagstaff, take US-180 north toward Grand Canyon Village (approximately 1.5 hours).

Once at the South Rim, there are several easy, accessible vantage points where your father-in-law can enjoy the views without strenuous walking:

Mather Point: Iconic view right near the Visitor Center; mostly flat paved paths, great for photos.
Yavapai Point and Museum: Short walk from the parking area, offering panoramic canyon views and interpretive displays.
Grand Canyon Visitor Center area: Has rest areas, benches, and accessible paths leading to various viewpoints.
Desert View Drive: A scenic 25-mile drive east along the rim with multiple overlooks. Stops are short and mostly accessible by car and short walks to viewpoints, including the historic Desert View Watchtower.

Tips for making the day comfortable and enjoyable:

Arrive early to avoid the midday heat in August and secure parking at popular viewpoints.
Bring water, sunscreen, and hats, as the South Rim can be hot and sunny in summer.
Consider taking the park shuttle along the South Rim if parking is difficult; it’s free and stops at all major viewpoints.
Pack snacks or plan a quick meal at one of the park lodges or picnic areas to minimize fatigue.

In summary, enter via the South Rim (Grand Canyon Village entrance from US-180/Flagstaff) and plan short, scenic stops like Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Desert View Drive. This route balances driving time with accessible, memorable views, making it perfect for a single-day round trip from Scottsdale.

Coming to and from Scottsdale for a day.

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