Loika

Plan on traveling to the GC in early May for 2 nights. Due to the size of the Park, am not sure if we should stay north or south rim. We have never been there before, will be 4 people, two in their late 50s. We plan on staying on-site. We are fit enough to do some hiking, but no more (for the older folks) than about 6 miles at a clip. Any and all opinions on which rim, accommodations, etc., will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Loika

curmudgeon

South Rim is probably best for first time visitors. My memory is that N Rim facilities don't open until late May, anyway, due to the high elevation.

doug_stallings

If you are planning on staying in the park, you had better make your reservations immediately. Most of the nights in May are already sold out. As Loika said, if you are going in early May, then it's a simple decision because the North Rim does open until May 15. But for first-timers, I think the South Rim offers more; the North Rim will be pretty cold still in May.

You'll find that there are often cancellations at in-park lodgings because people book a year in advance, but I'd strongly recommend booking anywhere you can find an available room in either Tusayan or at the South Rim itself and then trying to find an in-park cancellation if you can't get one of the park lodgings.

If all else fails, the Grand Canyon Railroad offers overnight lodging packages in the park in connection with a train ticket from Williams, but this would give you only one night in the park, though these rooms are typically available at later notice.

Kristinelaine

I am confused that you say "the Grand Canyon Railroad offers overnight lodging packages in the park". When I look at their website it looks like their hotel is not IN the park, but in Williams. Am I missing something?

utahtea

As mentioned the N. Rim isn't opened till mid-May, so looks like your decision is made for you. I'd recommend the S. Rim for first time visitors any way for the WOW factor and IMHO, there's more to do at the S. Rim. Losts of rim trails and when you get tired, you just pick up the shuttle bus and go back.

If you can't get lodging in the park, Tusayan, is just outside the park near the Grand Canyon Village. I'd also keep calling back to see if there were any cancelations within the park at Grand Canyon Village.

Utahtea

enzian

It is worth calling Xanterra to see if there are rooms available at any of the lodges inside the park: 888.297.2757. Cancellations occur all the time, but especially 30 days in advance. So in early april you might find something. Otherwise, try the hotels in Tusayan; it is just outsdie the park entrance, about 15 to 20 minutes from the rim by car.

MikePinTucson

The Grand Canyon Railway offers overnight lodging inside the park at the Maswick Lodge. Not right on the rim, but pretty close. Most of their packages also have one night at their hotel in Williams.

I would suggest checking the Xanterra website at least twice a day for cancellations. We were able to get lodging (at one of the rim lodges) about 3 weeks before our last visit.

Loika

Thank you all very much. You were most helpful. -Loika