Going to the Grand Canyon has always been a dream of mine. Even though I had visited 12 years ago, this recent trip felt as special as the first time. Perhaps it’s because I’ve changed a lot over the years. The way I think and appreciate places now is very different from what I valued back then.
One of the things I value most now is the opportunity to reflect on how small we are compared to the vastness of the Grand Canyon. The sheer scale of it is humbling. Its oldest layers, located deep in the canyon, date back approximately 1.7 to 2 billion years. Yes, billion, with a B. It’s a powerful reminder of how brief and tiny our lives are in the grand timeline of Earth.
For my wife, this was her first visit to the Grand Canyon. Watching her reactions and seeing her marvel at the immense beauty of the place made the experience even more memorable.
Reflection and admiration were the main highlights of our visit, but we also learned a lot and have practical tips to share about the viewpoints. We visited the South Rim, which is considered the best and most accessible of the canyon’s rims. Unfortunately, we only had about eight hours to explore, but we made the most of it. Here’s how we spent our day.
What We Did in One Day at the Grand Canyon
We arrived early — before 8 AM on a Saturday — so parking wasn’t an issue. If you’re planning to arrive later, keep in mind that parking could be more challenging. Just a few minutes after passing the toll, we spotted a deer herd grazing peacefully in the park. It was a lovely start to our day.
Deer herd in Grand Canyon
Initially, we thought about doing a hike, but we decided against it. With only one day, we felt it was better to focus on the viewpoints and enjoy the scenery from different perspectives. Plus, it was colder than we expected. A brisk wind made it feel even chillier than the forecast suggested, so be prepared for the wind if you visit.
1. Mather Point
Mather Point is the easiest and most accessible viewpoint. It’s close to the village and offers a stunning view. This is a must-see, especially if you’re short on time. In my opinion, it’s the best viewpoint of them all.
Mather Point View
If you’re feeling adventurous, just beyond Mather Point, there are rocks you can climb down to for a picture on the edge of the canyon. It’s dangerous, so be cautious, but it’s a unique spot.
Me on a rock just after Mather Point
We spent most of our time here, exploring both left and right from the main viewpoint. We also took moments to sit and simply take in the scenery. If you only have a few hours, this is the best place to visit.
2. Yavapai Point and Geology Museum
Yavapai Point offers a broader perspective of the canyon’s immense size. The Geology Museum here is fascinating, with detailed explanations about the rocks, the passage of time, and the canyon’s history. My favorite part was the large model of the Grand Canyon. It really puts into perspective how vast it is.
To give you an idea of its size, we drove three and a half hours from the West Rim to the South Rim — and that distance is just a small fraction of the entire canyon. The scale is truly mind-blowing.
large model of the Grand Canyon
A quote I really liked from there was by Enos Mills which said “Given enough time, nothing is more changeable than rock”.
3. Desert View
Desert View is about a 30-minute drive from Mather Point. The drive itself is scenic, with several viewpoints along the way. If you have time, stop at places like Grandview Point to enjoy even more views.
Complete view of the Desert View viewpoint
At Desert View, there’s a historic watchtower, but it was too crowded for us to go up. What we loved most about this spot was the view of the Colorado River, which isn’t as visible from the other viewpoints. The sight of the river winding through the canyon adds another layer of beauty to the experience.
Cview of the Desert View viewpoint with the Colorado Riveer
Final Thoughts
Returning to the Grand Canyon after 12 years was an incredible experience. Seeing it with fresh eyes and sharing it with my wife made it even more special. Her reactions to the sheer beauty and scale of the place were priceless.
If you ever have the chance to visit the Grand Canyon, I highly recommend it. It’s a place that leaves a lasting impression and reminds us of the wonders of nature and the vastness of time.
Cheers.