Indholdsfortegnelse for Grand Canyon 2026 i National Park Journal

The Grand Canyon is magnificent. But it’s just a small part of the incredible Southwest. As you turn these pages, you’ll learn everything you need to know for a truly memorable trip to the region. We’ve put together four of our all-time favorite road trips (starting on pg. 16) that will lead you through charming small towns, natural wonders, cultural sites and more on your way to the canyon. Oftentimes, it’s the journey there that sticks most in our minds. Happy trails.…

Tucked between Sedona’s red rocks and Mingus Mountain lies Cottonwood, an unpretentious town dotted with vineyards, a stunning national monument and a charming downtown where the locals are glad you’re there. It’s also home to Dead Horse Ranch State Park, a gorgeous Arizona gem less than two miles from downtown. You can mountain bike or hike on 20 miles of trails, do exceptional birdwatching, go on a guided horse trail ride and set up your tent or rent a cabin to stay the night. Nearby, you can explore an ancient hilltop pueblo at Tuzigoot National Monument. It was built by the Singua people who were artists and farmers, trading their goods across hundreds of miles. Cottonwood’s wine scene has exploded during the past decade with several tasting rooms in Old…

Discover the rings of Saturn or the arms of a distant galaxy at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, the world’s first International Dark Sky City. Located atop Mars Hill one mile from downtown, this incredible family friendly venue was founded in 1894 and is filled with rich history. In 1930, Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto here. Today, you can explore the moon, planets, beautiful galaxies and more through the advanced telescopes of the Giovale Open Deck Observatory. Unique in the world, this innovative observing plaza includes a luminescent walkway, solstice and equinox markers and a building that rolls aside to reveal six incredible telescopes. Experience the universe and its wonders with the historic and publicly accessible Clark Telescope, one of the largest in Arizona, and cap off your evening with a laser-guided…

Sitting at more than a mile high in elevation, Cedar City is one of Utah’s coolest towns—both literally and figuratively. Higher than much of the surrounding region, you’ll still find chilly nights and pleasant days, even in the height of summer. Mix that with an incredible arts scene and close proximity to amazing wilderness and outdoor recreation, and this mountain town is worth putting on your radar. While visitors flock to Utah’s five national parks, a fraction of the crowds make it to the breathtaking Cedar Breaks National Monument. Climb up to 10,000 feet along a 30-minute drive from downtown Cedar City to see this natural amphitheater filled with hoodoos and other rock formations across the color spectrum. Stop at the new visitor center at Point Supreme before walking the…

There’s a spot in southern New Mexico where you can stand in the middle of a never-ending sea of glittering white, even on a summer afternoon. There’s nothing visible for miles besides the white sand under your feet, the brilliant blue sky above your head and the dark smudge of distant mountains on the horizon. Modernist artist Georgia O’Keeffe, who called New Mexico home, said “I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way…things I had no words for.” Perhaps you’ll feel the same about this land as you drive through the high desert from El Paso, Texas, nestled on the border, to Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. In Carlsbad, go deep below the surface to see stalagmites reaching for the…

People have been living in Old Oraibi (pronounced “Oravy”) for nearly 1,000 years, and if you go on an Experience Hopi day tour, you’ll visit this ancient village as well as other significant Hopi sites. A little more than an hour from Grand Canyon’s South Rim, the Hopi Reservation offers travelers a rare glimpse into Native American life today. The modern Moenkopi Legacy Inn & Suites in Tuba City, Arizona is the place to stay before embarking on your tour. Its design melds modern comfort with Hopi history and culture to create a welcoming environment to discover more. From here, it’s also easy to get to Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell and Monument Valley. In the morning, your tour starts in the hotel lobby with a short overview by…

While your GPS might take you straight south on Interstate 10 from Phoenix to Tucson, if you never exited the highway you’d miss out on towns like Apache Junction, Superior, Florence and Casa Grande. Where else can you go on a bordello tour, stroll Sonoran Desert trails and experience a rainforest ecosystem, all in the same day? These are some of our favorite stops. If a ghost town makes you think of silent streets with tumbleweeds blowing by, think again. Goldfield, established in 1893, is nearly as lively now as it was at the turn of the century. Plan to spend the day at this Old West town as there’s so much to do. Ride a historic narrow gauge railroad, go underground on a mine tour or take a horseback…

Tucked against the southern edge of the 3.3-million-acre Gila National Forest, Silver City lures visitors with its dash of Old West charm and close proximity to wilderness areas. From historic downtown, you can see the Pinos Altos Range of the Mogollon Mountains rise to the north and east—a ubiquitous reminder of just how much adventure awaits beyond town. One of the most popular day-drive destinations is the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. Reachable in about an hour and a half, this historic site preserves the caves and temporary shelters inhabited by the Mogollon/Southern Ancestral Pueblo people from the late 1200s to 1300. Give yourself one to two hours to walk the moderately strenuous trail, discover the dwellings and marvel at the pottery and other artifacts left behind. Join a ranger-led…

I’ve been thinking about nostalgia a lot lately—a yearning for a simpler time. Maybe that’s part of the gift of growing older, or maybe it’s a response to what has been a challenging year on many fronts. Our national parks have come under fire, both figuratively and literally, in 2025. In February, more than 1,000 national park employees lost their jobs and in the following months staffing and funding have been a fluctuating challenge. Public lands across the West have been on and off the chopping block. And in July, a devastating wildfire erupted on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, destroying nearly everything including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, cabins, the campground, the visitor center and more (see pg. 53). Whatever it is, I find myself shying away from the…

1 Wow, what a hole. It’s easy to peer into the canyon from the rim, but if you want to get to the Colorado River at the bottom, it’s a long hike that isn’t recommended for a day trip. Outside the park, you can go on a guided one-day whitewater rafting trip along the canyon’s bottom at Grand Canyon West. 2 Here’s the nitty-gritty. You can buy a $35, 7-day pass at a park entrance station, or use your America the Beautiful or other interagency annual pass to get into the national park. No timed-entry reservations are required. 3 There’s no Uber. Things are spread far apart in the Southwest and you won’t find ride-share services to or from the park. The South Rim, the North Rim and Grand Canyon…

Mules, the offspring of a male burro and a female horse, have been carrying people and their gear into the Grand Canyon since the late 1800s. These surefooted creatures are well suited to descending and climbing the steep switchbacks into the canyon and were used by miners with prospecting claims before tourism became the main industry below the rim. When Fred Harvey Co. built Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, everything besides the stone had to be carried in on the backs of these beasts. Today, all supplies for Phantom Ranch are still carried in by mule, and trash and mail are carried back out. While there were allegations of mistreatment of the mules on the Havasupai Indian Reservation as recently as 2018, the concessionaire that operates…

1 Watson Lake You can hike the 6-mile Peavine Trail around the lake dotted with smooth, beautiful boulders. Or rent kayaks, canoes or stand-up paddleboards to explore the lake by water. For a unique experience, opt for an unguided moonlit kayak excursion from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Rent a paddle craft from Born to Be Wild Adventures. 2 Circle Trail This is a 56-mile loop trail around Prescott that passes through grasslands, chaparral, lakes and forests. There are 15 trailheads around the town that give you access to the loop. Find maps for the trailheads and more at prescott-az.gov. 3 Historic Downtown Prescott Filled with locally owned boutiques and restaurants, this vibrant downtown is fun to stroll. Sit in Historic Courthouse Plaza to people watch. Visit The Palace Restaurant &…

Tucked away from the glare of neon lights and tourist kitsch, the tiny town of Ash Fork offers a different taste of Route 66. Start at the free Route 66 Museum, filled completely with donated relics from the town and Mother Road’s past. You’ll find intricate dioramas made by a local artist showcasing the Escalante Hotel, a Harvey House property, in 1907 and the intersection of Route 66 that ran between 2nd and 4th streets. The five gas stations show just how bustling this spot was before the Interstate bypassed it. Check out a 1926 Model T Ford, alongside a 1940s firetruck, and the original town jail that arrived on a railroad boxcar from Yuma. Outside, take the history walk guided by bronze plaques sharing more of the town’s past…

For some, gazing down at the rivers and sandstone cliffs of Canyonlands National Park from the Island in the Sky viewpoints is enough. For others—those who aren’t afraid of sore muscles and getting dirty—it only scratches the surface. If you fall into the second category and are eager to explore this incredible park more deeply, a mountain bike trip on Moab’s most famous route, the White Rim Trail, is a must. This double-track, four-wheel-drive road and mountain bike trail covers 77 miles of Canyonlands’ magnificent scenery. Choose from a three or four-day trip with Holiday River Expeditions, and you’ll ride the entire sandstone and gravel trail with a small group and knowledgeable guides. The trip is supported by a four-wheel-drive van that carries water, camping supplies and food so that…

This fast-growing Sonoran Desert community is carving out a reputation as an outdoor adventure hub, perfectly positioned at the gateway of Saguaro National Park. Here, getting outside is more than a pastime—it’s part of daily life. The Tortolita Mountains rise to the north, the Tucson Mountains to the west and trails branch off in every direction. A local favorite is the Wild Burro Trail, which begins conveniently at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain’s parking lot (no reservation required). The first few miles are gentle along the sandy paths, and then you have the option to continue down more strenuous and difficult terrain. For even more walking, head to Ironwood Forest National Monument, home to one of the longest living trees in the Arizona desert as well as an impressive saguaro named…

While people often refer to it as one place, there are four distinct areas you can visit. It’s important to plan ahead as these four regions are all a several hour drive apart. The North Rim and the South Rim are part of Grand Canyon National Park. You can use your park pass here and will find hiking trails and more and, on the South Rim, hotels and campgrounds. The closest town to the North Rim is Kanab, Utah and the town of Tusayan, Arizona is right on the South Rim’s doorstep. Havasu Falls and the village of Supai are on the Havasupai Indian Reservation, which is only accessible by a long hike down into the canyon. You must have a permit to visit and can stay in the campground…

DAY ONE 5 a.m. Watch Sunrise at Mather Point From this popular viewpoint near Grand Canyon Village, you can peer more than 60 miles across the canyon and spot Phantom Ranch far below. It’s a great place to watch the sunrise or sunset, but gets busy due to its ease of access. Arrive early. 7 a.m. Eat Breakfast at El Tovar Hotel Thanks to your sunrise mission, you’ll be up nice and early to enjoy breakfast at the historic El Tovar Hotel. Breakfast is served from 6:30 to 10 a.m. Reservations are reccommended, especially if you want to snag a table by the windows with a stunning view over the canyon. You’ll find traditional breakfast choices with a Southwestern flair. 8:30 a.m. Hike into the Canyon on Bright Angel Trail…

■ Eat Local Try Singing Pandas, a fun, family friendly Chinese restaurant with a robust live music calendar. Craft 64 made the 50 Top Pizza List for Arizona, and Feringhee is the state’s only fine dining Indian restaurant. For a different kind of evening, head to Merchant Square, an indoor antique mall with more than 400 local vendors and Chandler’s best barbeque. American Way Smokehouse serves house-smoked meats and sides with a distinctly Arizona bent. Try the chili verde pulled pork sandwich, or the unique smoked egg salad sandwich. ■ Get Out in Nature It’s easy to hit the trails and explore the beautiful Sonoran Desert from Chandler. South Mountain Park and Preserve is just 15 minutes west of downtown. Immerse yourself in saguaro cacti, rocky peaks and sweeping views as…

GRAND CANYON VISITOR CENTER & IMAX Nothing can properly prepare you for the heart-pumping magnificence of the Grand Canyon—except maybe a visit to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and IMAX in Tusayan (Too-Say-Ann) located just 1.5 miles from the South Entrance to the national park. On the giant, six-story IMAX screen, catch the movie Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time. The breathtaking 37-minute film takes you through the 1.7-billion-year history and culture of one of the world’s greatest natural landscapes—no backpack required. Beyond the theater, the visitor center includes the Explorer’s Café for pizza and deli sandwich pickup, adventure store with souvenirs and maps, and friendly local staff ready to answer your questions. Park passes are available on site, as well as electric vehicle charging stations. Want to go deeper into…

The remote beauty of Grand Canyon might seem incongruent with the idea of modern rail, but unlike many national parks, it is possible to visit this world wonder without ever sitting behind the wheel. Taking public transportation is less direct than driving, resulting in longer journeys, but it’s often cheaper and more climate friendly to get on a bus or a train. Whether you prefer not to drive or are looking for a way to reduce your carbon footprint on your next trip, here’s how to get to the Grand Canyon without a car. Amtrak offers routes to Flagstaff, Arizona from Los Angeles and Chicago. The Los Angeles line takes about 11 hours, and the Chicago line, 30. Both have overnight options in cabins with beds so you can sleep…

2026 marks the 100th birthday of America’s most iconic road: Route 66. Established in 1926, the legendary route stretched 2,448 miles from Chicago to California. Since then, the road and its famous shield-shaped sign has become an emblem of Americana. In bad times, migrants fleeing the Dust Bowl drove Route 66 to California, their cars weighed down by possessions and unrealized dreams. In good times, World War II veterans saw the road as a path to freedom, loading their families into cars to explore the charm of small towns, California’s sunny beaches and Disneyland. While it was decommissioned in 1985 and replaced by five interstates, the remnants of the road have not lost their allure for countless travelers seeking nostalgia and seemingly simpler times. In Chicago, find the sign marking…

While the deserts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah may seem barren at first glance, these places are full of life, right down to the dirt underneath your feet. Cryptobiotic or “living soil” covers many of the deserts in the Southwest. Cyanobacteria is dormant when dry but when wet, these tiny organisms move through the soil and leave sticky fibers behind that create a thick, erosion-resistant layer. It works like a sponge and is great at absorbing and storing water in the dry desert. Lichen, moss and other organisms grow on this mat and form a living crust. Cryptobiotic soil is the reason this arid part of the country isn’t just sand dunes. The crust keeps sediment from washing or blowing away and helps plants access water even in dry…

Less than 30% of the world’s population can go outside and clearly see the Milky Way when they look up. Light pollution—the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels—can disrupt wildlife, impact human health and contribute to climate change. Plus, it keeps us from the wonder and awe of looking up and seeing the stars. That’s why Dark Sky Places are so important. They protect a diminishing resource most of us never even think about: darkness. From the depths of Grand Canyon National Park to communities like Flagstaff, Arizona and Helper, Utah, people all over the Southwest are working to reduce light pollution, protect dark places and certify them through DarkSky International. A visit to this part of the country is one of the best times to step outside after dark…

When you think of the American Southwest, crazy cacti with twisting, turning arms probably come to mind. Sometimes they look like people giving each other a hug, or like aliens with three arms. The saguaro cactus has become a symbol of the Southwest and they only grow in one place in the world: the Sonoran Desert. Tucson sits in the middle of this iconic landscape and is home to Saguaro National Park. Known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage and unique charm, Tucson is often overlooked but well worth a visit. As a graduate of the University of Arizona, I’ve had the chance to explore Tucson for the past several years and can truly attest to the magic it has to offer. Here’s my plan for the best weekend ever.…