Grand Canyon Village - Grand Canyon National Park, AZ - City hub of Grand Canyon tourism

Grand Canyon Village is located in the Grand Canyon National Park, on the South Rim of the canyon itself. Its sole purpose is to accommodate visitors to the Grand Canyon, and its revenue is wholly dependent on tourism.

The village, occupying some 13.4 square miles, dates back to 1901 when the railroad to the canyon was built. A lot of the buildings of that time are still in use to this day, and as such the city was declared a National Historic Landmark District in 1987. Numerous vintage and landmark structures litter the streets, many of which are built out of wood and stone to beautifully complement the natural surroundings.

The village is a tourist destination in its own right, but the primary reason of any visitor is to explore the Grand Canyon itself. Therefore the village is full of accommodation options, from up-market hotels to campsites, cabins and areas for RV hookups. It's also home to numerous restaurants, gift shops, museums and activities such as mule and train rides, all with the aim of making it as comfortable and appealing to visitors as possible.

However, where it really comes into its own is when you look at the views and scenic routes on offer from the village itself. A number of hiking trails operate from or near to the village, making it a fantastic base from which to explore. Parking is at a premium, especially during the summer months when a lot of the surrounding roads are closed to traffic, so a free shuttle bus operates to and from numerous trail starting points and overlooks, making it as convenient as possible.

One such service starts at Hermits Road. The shuttle bus stops at numerous overlooks on its way to Hermits Rest, offering stunning views of the canyon. The route is a 75-minute round trip, however it's recommended to get off the bus at one of the viewpoints to spend even longer walking the Rim Trail, taking hikers between each viewpoint. The trail is especially easy going and is fairly level, so is suitable for all fitness levels. Views can be enjoyed of the Canyon, Colorado River and of people on the trails below, and the panoramic scenes from some areas are breathtaking. The last stop of Hermits Rest is home to restrooms, a snack bar and a gift shop.

Grand Canyon Village is the perfect stop for anyone who wants to explore the beauty of the Grand Canyon National Park. Being a tourist attraction in its own right it's home to numerous accommodation and tourist options, and being in the heart of the popular South Rim means that it's the ideal place for all visitors.

No photo of the village, but a view of/from the South Rim: