A Grand Canyon honeymoon will take you and your new spouse on a romantic vacation filled with adventures surrounded by breathtaking vistas. Located in Northern Arizona, the Grand Canyon National Park spans 278 miles and is a canyon sculpted by erosive waters flowing down into the Colorado River.
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Is Grand Canyon National Park a Good Place for a Honeymoon?
While the Grand Canyon touches four states (Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and Colorado), the red rock geological wonder is most accessible from Arizona. Many newlyweds travel to this spot because it’s one of the most incredible places where they can enjoy adventure and romance.
What Activities Can You Do on a Honeymoon at the Grand Canyon?
- Go hiking. Grand Canyon offers some of the country’s best hiking trails; Bright Angel Trail at the South Rim is the most popular. You can also hike the Rim Trail, which kicks off at the South Kaibab trailhead and ends at Hermit Rest (where you can watch a beautiful sunset).
- Watch a majestic sunset. Apart from Hermit Rest, Yavapai Point is another popular spot to get the best views of the sinking sun. When you visit the Yavapai Geology Museum, you’ll be able to know the exact time of sunset during your trip.
- Enjoy an exciting rafting adventure. Whether exploring the South or North (or even the East and West Rim), you can go on a whitewater rafting adventure via the Colorado River. Most rafting packages also include swimming, hiking, and camping.
- Explore the Hopi House. Northeastern Arizona is home to the sovereign nation of the Hopi Tribe. Taking inspiration from the tribe’s pueblo dwellings and way of life, the Hopi House is another famous site you can visit while in Grand Canyon. The house was first built in the early 1900s.
- Take a day trip to Sedona or Phoenix. Up for a road trip? Sedona is about two hours from Grand Canyon, while Phoenix is about 3.5 hours away. When you go to Sedona, one of the best sites to visit is Red Rock State Park. The Desert Botanical Garden, meanwhile, is a gem in Phoenix.
- Go on a helicopter tour. View the red rock canyon from above. This is one of the only ways to understand how immense this world wonder truly is.
What Is the Best Month to Visit the Grand Canyon?
The best time to visit if you want a thinner crowd and lower daytime temperatures is from April to early June, especially from March to May. Because it’s such a popular destination, park rangers encourage visitors to make reservations beforehand, especially if they plan to visit in spring, fall, or summer.
The canyon divides the park into the North Rim and the South Rim, with the latter as the more popular destination as it’s nearer to tourist attractions and is open year-round. The North Rim is only open from mid-May to mid-October due to weather conditions.
Is a Grand Canyon Honeymoon Expensive?
If you choose Grand Canyon as your honeymoon destination, prepare a budget of anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 per couple. If you prefer to splurge, you can enjoy a luxurious honeymoon for about $8,000.
How To Plan a Budget Grand Canyon Honeymoon
- Travel during the off-season and book your flight and accommodation in advance.
- If you want to cut down on lodging expenses, consider camping.
- Purchase passes on coupon sites and watch out for honeymoon package deals.
- Since the park is vast, identify beforehand what you want to visit and do so you can plan your itinerary efficiently.
- Know that the park offers free admission on many occasions throughout the year; plan your visit accordingly.
Where to Stay at the Grand Canyon
Bottom of the Canyon
There is only one lodging option below the canyon rim. Phantom Ranch is located on the north side of the Colorado River and east of Bright Angel Creek. It’s a unique, sought-after place because arriving at the ranch already demands adventure. You can choose to go there on foot or by raft or mule.
After you check-in, you will be treated to a cozy cabin-style experience. Some of the most popular activities at the ranch include hiking, fishing, rafting, guided tours, and star gazing.
Inside the National Park
If you want to stay inside the park but outside the rim (the competition for a room in Phantom Ranch can be tight), you have other options. These include lodges and the historical hotel El Tovar. The hotel was first built in 1905 and has accommodated prominent figures such as Theodore Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, and Paul McCartney.
There are also camping grounds where you can set up your tent. If you’re staying in the North Rim, your only option is the Grand Canyon Lodge. However, it’s only open from mid-May to mid-October.
Outside the National Park
Tusayan is the best area to book your stay outside the Grand Canyon. A top-rated lodging here is the Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon. The town is located at the South Entrance, about 20 minutes away.
Because of its proximity to the national park, many businesses offer jeep tours, safari, and helicopter rides. Another alternative is Flagstaff, home to the well-known Little America Hotel (a property set in a 500-acre private forest).
What Is the Best Way to Travel to the Grand Canyon?
The most convenient and fastest way to get to Grand Canyon from any state in the US is to fly. The closest airport is in Flagstaff, Arizona. From there, you’ll have an hour-and-a-half journey to the South Rim. If you’re coming from nearer states, such as Las Vegas or Utah, you can drive your own car or rent one.
Traveling Around the Grand Canyon
A vehicle is essential if you explore more than one rim in the national park. For context, the visitor center in the south is about a 4-hour drive away from its northern counterpart. There are shuttle buses from the South Rim to various nearby locations if you want to save on travel costs.
What Types of Accommodations Are Available at the Grand Canyon?
Only a few honeymoon hotels and resorts call the Grand Canyon home, with the abovementioned Phantom Ranch and El Tovar being the most popular. However, you can always go glamping or camping.
As mentioned, you can also stay outside the park, where you can find hotels and vacation rentals in nearby areas such as Tuasayan and Flagstaff.
What to Pack For a Honeymoon at the Grand Canyon
For your Grand Canyon tour, it’s best to prepare for the warm and cool weather, so layers are essential. Apart from those, make sure to bring the following:
- Hiking clothes and shoes
- Reusable water bottles
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats
- Waterproof coat (just in case it rains)
- Casual and sleek attire (not too formal) for dinner engagements
- Swimwear
- Bug spray (if you’re traveling during summer)
- First aid kit
Is the Grand Canyon Safe to Visit?
This national park is generally safe to visit. A Grand Canyon honeymoon is bound to be a spectacular romantic getaway. To ensure nothing undesirable happens, follow these safety precautions:
- Only explore and walk along designated walkways and trails; watch out for trip hazards.
- Before any outdoor activity, be honest with your capacity and know your limits.
- Especially when the temperatures are high, avoid hiking or strenuous outdoor adventures during midday.
- If you encounter animals, don’t feed or approach them.
- If you’re driving, do so with utmost caution.