April 1st

The Grand Canyon lies before us like a geology book millions of years in the making. Upon arriving at the Visitor Center — where you can also pick up a newspaper with current information about the Grand Canyon — we first explore Mather Point, located right next to the Visitor Center. The views are truly spectacular!
The Grand Canyon is the most visited canyon in the world and an absolute must on this trip. It is the ultimate canyon, offering breathtaking scenery that constantly changes with the shifting light.
Today we hike along the rim of the Grand Canyon from Mather Point, past Yavapai Point and Hopi Point, all the way to Grand Canyon Village with its shops and restaurants. This is also where the Bright Angel Trailhead begins — a trail leading down into the canyon that we only walk partway. Anyone wanting to hike all the way down and back up should plan for 2 days with an overnight stay at Phantom Ranch, or be an extremely fit and experienced hiker (expect roughly 4 hours for the descent and 8 hours for the return without stops!).
In the late afternoon, we drive along the rim on Highway 64 / Desert View Drive (20 miles), passing the South Kaibab Trailhead — the second trail into the canyon — and countless viewing points such as Grandview Point. Our destination is Desert View Point at the far end of the park, with its views into the Painted Desert (a colorful stone desert).