Please be advised that rooms do sell out well in advance for the busy season (May – Oct) but it is possible to get a room even as close as a week in advance due to cancellations and tour rooms that are returned to inventory. Naturally the lowest cost rooms are the first to sell out and are limited in number. The Bright Angel and the El Tovar sell out very quickly and have a limited number of rooms. Most often the cabins have only one bed and some have no bathroom facilities in the room but are located “down the hall”. The town of Tusayan features very nice facilities with a few more amenities such as bowling and game rooms, swimming pools etc. Tusayan features nationally known chain hotels such as Holiday Inn , Best Western, and Quality Inn.

Click here for list of hotels in Grand Canyon National Park

Click here for list hotels in Tusayan

Located next to the park boundary, Moqui Lodge has rooms with 2 double beds, and includes a full cooked to order American-style breakfast in the restaurant each day. There are 130 rooms at the Moqui Lodge.

Quality Inn at Grand Canyon

Located adjacent to the IMAX Theatre, the Quality Inn is a superior property featuring atrium dining, outdoor pool, and an indoor hot tub located in the Wintergarten Lounge. Rooms are spacious and have 1 king or 2 doubles and feature a coffee maker and mini bar. The Quality Inn has 176 rooms with new suites completed in September, 1996. Off season discounts are available November-March including the suites.

Red Feather Lodge

Located in the center of Tusayan, the property features an outdoor swimming pool, gift shop and a Denny’s restaurant located on the premises. Standard rooms have 2 double beds; Deluxe rooms have 2 queen beds. Also available are 2 suites. Red Feather Lodge has 225 rooms. Off season discounts are available November to March.

Holiday Inn Express

Located between the Red Feather Lodge and Best Western Squire Inn, the property has 166 rooms. Every room comes with a continental breakfast and features 2 queen beds. New suites were completed in September 1996. Off season discounts available November to March.

Best Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn

The Best Western is a resort type property with 250 rooms. Standard rooms have 2 queen beds; suites are also available. The hotel features a family game room, bowling alley, an exercise room and sauna with a hot tub. The Squire Inn also provides an outdoor pool and tennis courts for the guests as well as two restaurants. Off season discounts are available November to March.

The El Tovar hotel is the historic hotel built in 1905 and has 76 rooms – only 4 rooms, which are suites, have views. The El Tovar typically sells out several months in advance.

Kachina and Thunderbird Lodges

These modern motel units were built in the 1960′s and located along the rim between the El Tovar and the Bright Angel Lodge. While there are a limited number of rooms with limited views, views are not guaranteed. The lodges have 97 rooms.

Bright Angel Lodge

Located on the rim and built in 1935 on the site of the original Bright Angel camp of the 1890′s, the lodge offers rooms and cabins. All cabins include a private bath and one bed (there are 6 cabins that include a sofa bed). Bright Angel Lodge has 80 rooms.

Maswik Lodge

Located on the site of the historic Motor Lodge, Maswik features cabins, standard and deluxe rooms. Maswik cabins are seasonal and rented only from May – September (dates may vary due to weather conditions). Standard rooms (Maswik South) have 2 double beds. Deluxe rooms are the largest rooms and are located about 300 yards from the rim. These rooms are the ones that are often released from the tour inventory. Maswik Lodge has 277 rooms.

Yavapai Lodge

Located across from the Park Headquarters and Visitors Center and adjacent to the Post Office, Bank and Babbitts General Store. Yavapai West are one story units with 2 queen beds; Yavapai East are 2 story units with 2 double beds. Yavapai Lodge has 350 rooms.

Getting To The Dam

If you have the opportunity, rent a car for the trip to the Hoover Dam. There is ample parking in the modern parkade at the site ($2 per vehicle), the drive is pleasant and you will then have the freedom to stop in Boulder City or Lake Mead. As you drive South on Highway 93 to Boulder City , take the Truck Route to bypass the town, it is faster and you can stop in Boulder City when you are returning. After passing the Gold Strike hotel and casino, you begin your downward descent towards the Arizona border. Rounding the final corner presents a spectacular vista of the high-tension electrical wires, throngs of people, cars, busses, trucks and the face of the Hoover Dam descending below your line of sight. You will be making a left into the parkade and then follow the signs and crowds on foot to the Visitors Center where you purchase your tour tickets, enjoy the interpretive displays and watch a film chronicling the history of the dam.

The Tours

There are two tours available, the Powerplant tour and the Hoover Dam Tour. The Powerplant tour lasts 30 minutes and you will be part of a group as large as eighty people traveling down a well-defined tour path. The Hoover Dam Tour is approximately one hour long and you are in a group of no more than twenty people. In general the Hoover Dam guides are more experienced than the Powerplant tour guides and this tour takes you many places that the Powerplant tour cannot. There is no doubt that the Hoover Dam Tour is worth it.

The Hoover Dam Visitor Center opens at 9:00 AM and the first tour departs at 9:35 AM (last tour at 5:15 PM). You will want to beat the rush and arrive early. The dam is built in a valley which magnifies the heat and by mid-morning it can be stifling outside. There is much demand for the tours and you will likely end up waiting until your allotted tour departs. The vistas are amazing from along the top of the dam and it is best to take your pictures in the cooler morning temperatures.

Recommended – Hoover Dam Helicopter tour

Click here for more information

Quick Tips

Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:45 PM (every day, except Christmas when the Visitor Center is closed)
Parkade Costs: $7 per vehicle
Standard Tour Costs: Adults (Ages 17-61) $11.00; Seniors (62+) $9.00; Juniors (ages 4-16) $9.00; Children (Ages 0-3) Free; U.S. Military (in Uniform) Free; U.S. Military $9.00;
Hoover Dam Tour Costs: $30
Hoover Dam Tour Limitations: NO children under age 8 permitted
Other: There are plenty of restroom facilities, and a snackbar/gift shop on both the Nevada and the Arizona sides of the dam.

Another “must see” area is the “Boom town of Laughlin,” located 90 miles south of Las Vegas. Today this little town on the Colorado River Canyon has become the second largest gaming nucleus in Nevada.

An average of 310 days of sunshine each year and mild average temperatures, Las Vegas has a number of outdoor recreation and a lifestyle second to none. Las Vegas has 27 major golf courses and a AAA Baseball team in the Pacific Coast League. Las Vegas is also the “Boxing Capital of the World” and each year plays host to some of the biggest fights held in each weight division, many of which are held outdoors.

For a list of attractions in Las Vegas click here.

Adventuredome at Circus Circus
At the fully enclosed, 5-acre Adventure Dome, 18 special rides and attractions appeal to thrill seekers of all ages. Featuring a roller coaster, boat ride, IMAX, Inverter and more. Wristbands allow unlimited rides. Hours vary.

A.J. Hackett Bungy
Home of the pure adrenaline rush. The innovator of modern-day bungee jumping is approaching its 11th year of operations. A.J. Hackett Bungy has jumped more than 1 million clients without a fatality — an unrivaled 100% safety record. Open seven days a week, weather permitting.

All-American SportPark
Your need for speed will be quenched at one of the three officially licensed NASCAR® tracks. You’ll feel like you’re at your favorite Major League ballpark when you step up to the plate at Slugger Stadium or try the 9-hole Indoor Championship Putting Course, indoor climbing walls, interactive sport arcade, pool tables, shuffleboard, darts, food court and more. Free, round-trip transportation is available from the Strip. Open daily.

Beach Parties at Hard Rock Hotel
Every Wednesday is “World Beat” beach party featuring live entertainment, island drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Experience the peace and serenity of an indoor garden as you stroll this magnificent, glass-domed conservatory. Its 13,573 square feet is filled with delicate flowers and exotic plants, changed seasonally. Free admission.

Bellagio Fountains
Dancing waters burst into the air and exude the splendor of the upscale resort in this property-frontage show. Laser lights and music from well-known composers/performers add to the synchronized drama of the 1,200 shooting fountains. Mon.-Fri. 3-8 p.m.; Sat. & Sun. noon-8 p.m., every half-hour; 8 p.m.-midnight, every 15 minutes. Free admission.

Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art
Comprised of 26 major paintings and sculptures, including works by such artists as van Gogh, Picasso, Degas, Manet, Cezanne and other, Masterworks form the Phillips Collections brings a selection of late 19th- and early 20th-century art to Las Vegas. Open daily 10 a.m. -10 p.m.

Callaway Golf Center
The desert landscape gives way to greenery and waterfalls when you visit this 42-acre site at the south end of the Strip. Enjoy golfing any time; it’s lit for nighttime play. Have your swing electronically evaluated. Nine holes, driving range. On-site bistro, pro shop and instruction.

Casino Legends Hall of Fame
See the largest collection of Nevada casino memorabilia ever assembled, celebrating the legends who made Las Vegas the gaming and entertainment capital of the world. Must be 18 to enter.

Chinatown Plaza
Nine, full-sized dinosaur skeletons in the Jurassic Chinasaurs Exhibit. Distinctive shops display works of art, hand-crafted items and exquisite jewelry. Oriental restaurants. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Check your hotel for free shuttle service.

Coney Island Emporium
Enjoy the sights and sounds of a Las Vegas tribute to the East-coast resort of yesteryear. More than 32,000 square feet of games of skill, video arcades, bumper cars, a laser-tag arena and a prize center with hundreds of items for you to win. Located on the 2nd floor of the New York-New York Hotel & Casino. 9 a.m.-1 a.m. Sun.-Thurs., and until 2 a.m. Fri. & Sat. and prior to school holidays.

Cowboy Trail Rides
Ride along rustic mountain trails and high desert trails on an authentic mustang. Catch sight of wild burros and free-ranging wild horses. All rides accompanied by true cowboys. First-time tenderfoots and kids ages 6 & up OK, too. Sunset BBQ and Kyle Canyon Road rides available. Free shuttle departs from Excalibur.

Desert Demonstration Gardens
The beauty of the Southwest landscape comes alive in this gentle walk through a living exhibit. Each season holds its own special beauty. Attendants answer your questions and will help you learn how to create your own water-smart garden.

Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage
Watch these amazing creatures as they play in huge aquariums. Tour guides take you to an underground viewing room where a video of a dolphin birth (named “Squirt”) is shown. Mon-Fri. 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m; Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Driving 101
Bridge the gap between fantasy and reality as you strap into an open-wheel race car to blast along a professional track. Taught by actual race drivers, you’ll experience the thrill of commanding a purpose-built champ car, learn the maneuvers necessary to be a pro and have the opportunity to “graduate” to an even higher level of excitement.

Elvis-A-Rama Museum/Show
Featuring $3.5 million of original Elvis Presley personal items and memorabilia, including his 1955 Cadillac limo, purple Lincoln, “Peacock” and “Cisco Kid” Vegas jumpsuits, Hollywood movie costumes and $75,000 ruby ring. Fifteen-minute, live-tribute show included with admission. Daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Voted as Las Vegas Review-Journal’s best museum;

Ethel M Chocolate Factory Tour
You’ll find yourself lured along by the heady smell of chocolate at Ethel M as you see how candy is made. It’s a self-guided tour that finishes on a sweet note — free candy! A desert garden invites you for a stroll afterwards. Free admission.

Today’s multi-fuel stoves are lightweight, compact and best of all, burn almost anything. They are simply great. They boil water fast (approx. 1liter in 3 ? min.) and can use a wide variety of fuels. However, I suggest avoiding diesel and gasoline, as they have a tendency to clog up the fuel jets on the stove, and sticking with Coleman camp fuel or NAPHTA. One downside, these multi-fuel stoves are a little loud. Kind of like having a little jet engine next to you camp. If you really need quiet, I suggest trying a butane stove.

Butane (or canister) stoves are the choice of hikers who prefer smaller lighter stoves. They use pressurized canisters of butane/propane or isobutane. They also burn a little hotter than multi-fuel stoves (boil 1 liter in approx. 3 min.). One of the biggest “pros” is that they often have igniter switches that don’t require matches. THIS DOESN’T MEAN YOU CAN LEAVE YOUR MATCHES AT HOME. But the “con” is that on most canister stoves, the stove itself sits on top of the canister. The outcome of being, if you do not have a flat surface, the stove can be unstable. This can be critical when your chow is on the line. Also, they use a non-refillable pressurized fuel canister. If you have one that is half empty you have to choose whether to carry a full one, or risk running out of fuel.
If you are an ounce counter, like most people, you will appreciate the butane stoves size and convenience when packing. If, like me, you don’t mind carrying a little extra weight when it comes to cooking you might prefer the heavier, larger multi-fuel that allows for a little better heat control, and it’s refillable, liquid fuel bottle.
Before making a decision on which model to purchase, take into consideration the following criteria when choosing a camp stove that is right for you.

Key criteria:

Weight – most stoves weigh somewhere between 200 and 600 grams. Canisters being on the lighter end of the scale, while Multi-fuels are heavier.

• Fuel- Multi-fuel stoves have an advantage in that they use refillable bottles and burn a variety of readily available fuels. Canisters burn hotter but it can be hard to tell how much fuel you have in the pressurized canister.
• Flame control – Multi-fuel stoves have a little better flame control for the true camp chef who needs that low heat for making the perfect beanie-weenie concoction.
• Boil time – Canisters generally will boil a liter of water in 3 minutes while multi-fuels will take between 3.5 – 5 minutes depending on fuel.
• Stability – Because the on canister stoves, the stove itself sits on top of the fuel canister, they are usually less stable than multi-fuel stoves that sit low to the ground, with the fuel bottle resting next to the stove.

Other considerations – Airlines do not allow passengers to bring full fuel bottles on flights. Keep this in mind and make sure you will be able to purchase fuel at your destination if you are flying.

Recommended model – I would recommend the MSR Dragonfly multi-fuel stove for its easy set up, flame control and stable platform. However, this particular stove is rather pricey for the budget hiker. If price is a criteria try one of the similar but cheaper ones.

GPS is a network of satellites orbiting the Earth, transmitting the time and their location using radio signals. On Earth, the small device receives information from several satellites, and determines how far it is from each satellite and relates that information in terms of longitude and latitude. It does this by measuring and analyzing the time transmitted by the satellite, and comparing it to the current time. By knowing how long it took for the signal to reach the device and how fast the signal travels, it can then calculate its distance from that satellite. Do this with several satellites and BINGO! You know right where you are.

Okay, enough of the boring stuff. What it really means is that you can take this on your next hiking trip and always know where you are, even if you don’t.

Does this mean you can never get lost again? No, knowing where you are is useless unless you can relate your location to some other known location like a town or highway, but it can reduce the chances of being lost by a great deal. For example, you can’t find where you are on your map and you’re not exactly sure if you can retrace your path. Pull out your handy GPS and fix you location. Then see if you can place yourself back on the map. Or, if you were thinking ahead, every so often you would have stopped and marked your location on your GPS so you could look to your device to help retrace your steps. I don’t think technology gets any better!

Here are few things you should consider before purchasing a device or deciding on which model to buy.

Weaknesses

Even though these devices work very well, there are conditions in which it you may not be able mark your location accurately. Canyons, tall objects and atmospheric conditions may interfere with satellite signals and create incorrect or insufficient information about your location. Canyons can block signals from getting to the unit entirely and tall obstructions such as buildings can deflect signals. Atmospheric conditions may slow signals, which can impact the timing of the calculations and ultimately cause errors. Although these errors are usually relatively small (feet not miles) it is important to recognize and be prepared for them.

Another factor to consider is when your GPS tells you how far away a landmark or waypoint is, this information is linear (as the crow flies) and does not take into account hills, swamps or other obstacles.

Finally, to use your device proficiently, you will need to spend a good deal of time with the instruction manual and your GPS. It’s better to figure it out in your comfortable home than when you are lost in a rainstorm, at night.

Tips

• Never use your GPS as your primary navigation system at the Grand Canyon (Continue to use your compass, map and navigation skills).
• Periodically mark you location along your route.
• Read the instruction manual before going anywhere, and take it with you just in case.
• Download any maps of the area in which you will be traveling.
• Make sure that you’ve recharged your battery before hitting the trails.
• Keep in mind that like any other new technology, next year’s model will be faster, more powerful, lighter and cost less. So don’t be upset that you don’t have the latest and greatest. Remember, it still works the same as when you bought it.
• When shopping for a GPS, look at several places. Many stores have a limited selection and prices for identical models can vary greatly.

Features to Consider:

• Channels – The number of channels a GPS has access to, impacts the time it takes to acquire a location. The more channels, the less time. Almost all of the devices out on the market today have 12 channels.
• Base Map – Some GPSs come out of the box with a basic map of North America or some equivalent. This map would include major roads, rivers, lakes, etc. But not topographic or area specific information.
• Number of Waypoints – The number of waypoints is how many marked locations your GPS can store in memory. The numbers vary from product to product but all seem to have a sufficient amount (WHAT IS A SUFFICIENT AMOUNT). Get what makes sense to you.
• Compass and Altimeter – GPSs geared toward hiking may have these additional features beyond the normal GPS functions. The Garmin eTrex Summit and the Brunton Multi-Navigaiton System are two of them.
• Downloadable Maps – You will want to make sure that the GPS you choose has the capability to download maps of the area you will be in when using your GPS.
• Battery Life – The battery life on GPSs varies from device to device anywhere from 15-36 hours with the average being about 24.
• Weight – Weight is a factor for any piece of outdoor gear. The difference in the handheld GPS weight ranges from 5 – 10 ounces.
• Accessories – If you think you will be using your GPS for more than just hiking, make sure that the accessories you want are available for the unit you choose.
• Waterproof – All of the devices claim to be waterproof, weather resistant or water resistant. They all mean something different to each manufacturer. So read the fine print to exactly how deep and how long the device can be submerged.

In the beginning of the week the Google camera team has been spotted on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park mapping the Bright Angel Trail and the South Kaibab Trail. Soon the images will be available on Google Maps. This will give an opportunity to everyone to marvel at the beauty and the majestic sites of the canyon from their computer at home or a mobile device. We all wait for that moment.

The Trekker was announced earlier this summer, in June.

This is just the beginning, we intend to have packing lists for specialized activities. So tell us what packing list you would like to find here and share with others your list of items that you never leave without.

The List

Shelter

A Tent appropriate for the season and the number of campers. To help you decide which tent to consider buying, see our Gear Guide on Tents.
Sleeping bag appropriate for for the season of your trip.
Sleeping bag pad is essential to sleep on wet grounds. We recommend Thermarest.
Tarp to create shelter outside your tent where you can eat and cook.
15 feet of cord to tie all sorts of things together, like a tarp between trees for shelter.
Small lantern to help remove moisture inside the tent at night.

Packs

Backpack to carry all your gear.
Daypack for your day hikes.
Nylon net bags to keep things organized inside your pack.

During the day

Trail maps.
Whistle – For finding separated members of your group or sounding an alarm.
Binoculars for spotting wildlife.
GPS device is a back up in case you get lost. See our Gear Guide on GPS to help you understand the various features of GPS.
Book on local birds, wildlife, and nature.
Compass – Point yourself in the right direction and track your progress. Many people got lost at the Grand Canyon.
Insect Repellent.

Cooking Gear

Stove and repair kit. To help you decide which stove to consider buying, see our Gear Guide on Stoves.
Fuel for your stove. Determine how much you will need based on how quickly your stove burns fuel and how much cooking you will do. If you will only be using freeze dried food, then cooking time is only the time it takes to boil water.
Waterproof matches and/or lighter – It is best to have both, just in case.
2-liter saucepan with lid – Large enough to be versatile.
Large spoon and spatula for cooking.
Utensils (knife, fork and spoon).
Plate and/or bowls in unbreakable material that supports heat and cold.
2 1-liter Nalgene bottles. The Nalgene bottles can hold hot water, milk, juice and won’t absorb the smell. To keep you warm at night, you can fill them with hot water and put them in your sleeping bag. Nights at the the bottom of Grand Canyon get quite cold.
Zip lock bags to keep left overs and make sandwiches.
Garbage bags to take back out what you bring in.

Food and Water

Water purifier appropriate for the conditions where you will camp.
Iodine tablets – For purifying water in case your purifier breaks or clogs.
Powdered drink mix (such as Gatorade) if the water tastes too bad or if you need energy.
Breakfast food such as oatmeal and coffee.
Snack food, such as dehydrated fruit or nuts, that you could easily carry in a small Nalgene bottle.
Energy bars
Dinner and lunch meals. We recommend to bring at least one freeze-dried food packet in case you are hit by a heavy rain.

Clothing

Remember that you don’t need something new for each day of your camping trip. We found ourselves always wearing the same thing.

1 pair of pants with zip off legs for shorts. Mornings and evenings are generally chilly, but during the day you may want shorts. Pick a dark colour and a material that is quick to dry and doesn’t seem to wringle too much.
Change of pants. In case your other pair is all wet or dirty, always have something to change into.
3 Quick drying pairs of underwear, which would require you to wash every 2 days. You may want to bring more, but then you’ll have to carry them.
Long underwear (top and bottom). Preferrably in silk. These items are key to warm you up at night or on rainy days, and they don’t take much place.
3 Short sleeve shirts, preferably in coolmax material that stays dry. Patagonia has some great models.
1 Long sleeve shirt for cold mornings.
Fleece liner that fits your jacket. It dries faster than a sweatshirt. Pick a dark colour so the dirt doesn’t show.
Gore-Tex shell for rainy and windy days.
Rain pants, again you don’t want to be stopped by the rain.
3 pairs of wool or synthetic socks.
1 pair of Polyproplene sock liners, to avoid blisters in your hiking boots.
Broken-in hiking boots.
Sandals or canoe shoes – For around camp, crossing small streams, and taking showers in public bathrooms.
Crushable hat with a large brim – Keeps the sun and rain off your head. You could also take a baseball cap.
Lightweight gloves – Light enough to allow for some dexterity when you wear them.
Bandana can serve as a hot pad, sweat cloth, mouth cover, or towel. The bandana has many uses. You need to keep it in a reachable section of your bag.
Swimming gear.

Other items

Flashlight or headlamp to find the trail at night, or reading in the tent.
Duct tape has so many uses from first aid to equipment repair.
Small spade to dig holes.