Grand Canyon Village

Some of the most awe-inspiring views of the Canyon are from locations inside Grand Canyon Village. Here, Lookout Studio is perched on the rim with it's three balconies cascading down the canyon wall. If the clean air and elevation don't leave you tingling, the view will!

Grand Canyon Village features several places to stay right on the Canyon rim. The oldest and most famous hotel on the south rim is El Tovar. The dark wood structure was built in 1905 and visited by Theodore Roosevelt in 1906.

Bright Angel Lodge is next to El Tovar. Lodge rooms and cabins can be had for a good price, no TV and maybe a shared bath, but it's a popular and economical choice.

Thunderbird and Kachina Lodges were built in the 1970's due to increased demand for lodging in Grand Canyon Village. These are affordable motel-style rooms overlooking the rim. They keep talking about tearing them down but are still taking reservations for at least one of the buildings for 2010.

Maswik Lodge is the newest addition to the lodging options offered in Grand Canyon Village. It's back from the rim and about 1/4 mile walk to the rim and shops. The close proximity of Maswik Cafeteria (open 24 hours) is a plus. Being away from the crowds is nice as well, and you can still get a glimpse of the Canyon from some of the balconies.

All Grand Canyon Village hotels are now managed by Zanterra. You'll want to make reservations well in advance.

Grand Canyon Village offers several good eateries. The Bright Angel is the main restaurant on the south rim. They offer good fresh food at a decent price. We've had breakfast and lunches there and have never been disappointed. You may even get a view of the Canyon from your table. The restaurant entrance is inside the Bright Angel Lodge.

Arizona Steakhouse is also right on the rim. This is one of the fine dining options in Grand Canyon Village. They have steak (of course), but try the rattlesnake if you're in the mood for something different.

Maswik Cafeteria is open 24 hours and is located away from the rim next to Maswik Lodge. Offers both hot and cold food cafeteria-style, always with vegetarian options. This is the only place to buy food "after hours" in Grand Canyon Village.

Bright Angel Fountain is a soda fountain, sandwich and snack shop right on the rim next to the Bright Angel Restaurant. They have ice cream!

All of the south rim mule rides depart from Grand Canyon Village. The mule barn is in the center of the village, and every morning the train of mules follows a marked path to the rim-top corral where they will await their passengers. The Park offers both 1/2 day and full day rides, and they haven't lost a passenger yet! If you want to ride a mule from Grand Canyon Village down into the canyon, you'll need to make reservations up to a year in advance.

Arriving from Williams, AZ, the train stops at the depot in Grand Canyon Village for a few hours of sightseeing for it's passengers. The trip takes 2 and a quarter hours one way and passes some great scenery. Wildlife can be spotted from the train, as well as masked robbers.

The train pulls a variety of beautifully restored historic rail cars including two dome cars. They all have restrooms, an attendant, and can be reserved by groups.