The Grand Canyon is known around the world as one of the most majestic natural sites you’ll ever see. With its beautiful scenery, outdoor adventures, and romantic activities all rolled into one amazing trip, couples are enjoying what the Grand Canyon has to offer more than ever before. If you and your spouse-to-be love the outdoors, the Grand Canyon may be the perfect place for your honeymoon and here’s why:
Romantic Hikes Together
For couples who enjoy nature and physical activity, the Grand Canyon region abounds with hiking trails for all levels of fitness and interest, ranging from scenic day hikes to overnight expeditions. Easy, paved trails are found on the South Rim near the Grand Canyon Village.
However, for the true canyon experience, you will want to take the hike to the Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon on either the South Kaibab or Bright Angel trails. Keep in mind that these are challenging hikes that take several hours, so you may want to add some time for physical conditioning to your pre-wedding routine!
Thrilling Outdoor Adventures
There are many ways to experience the Grand Canyon, both from above and below. Mule trips have been offered at the canyon since 1887. You can ride down on trained mules and spend the night or enjoy the rim scenery while traversing the trails with an experienced guide. This is perfect for animal-loving adventurers.
Another long tradition is rafting through the canyon on the Colorado River. Rafting expeditions vary in length based on the intensity and experience you’re looking for. You can find trips as short as one day and as long as two weeks. With this option, your honeymoon memories will be filled with beautiful scenery, exciting rapids, and riverside camping.
Health and fitness fanatics will enjoy a bicycle tour of the rim road, and off-road jeep tours can take you places where few people venture. For a relaxing ride, the traditional scenic bus tour can take you to the most beautiful vistas in air-conditioned comfort.
Beautiful Scenery and Wildlife
There are so many things to see, learn, and do at the Grand Canyon. The geological beauty is unsurpassed, with each layer of sandstone and limestone changing its hue as the angle of sunlight and shadow changes, especially at the end of the day. The most popular places to watch a romantic sunset include Hopi Point, Yaki Point, and Mather Point.
The wildlife of the Grand Canyon is also part of its attraction. As you walk around you will encounter lizards and other critters scurrying out of your way. You’ll most likely see Kaibab squirrels with their tufted ears and California condors gliding on their nine-foot wingspan through the canyon. You may spot bighorn sheep and bison, but keep in mind these are powerful animals and should be viewed at a distance.
Overall, it’s an incredible and unique experience to view all of the beauty and wildlife in the Grand Canyon with your significant other.
Camping Under the Stars
If you and your new spouse love camping, you’ll want to spend some nights under the starry Arizona skies. On the South Rim, camping is allowed only in the established campgrounds. The Mather Campground is open throughout the year, though reservations fill up quickly.
A more adventurous option is to obtain a backcountry permit and find a campsite far from the other tourists. You might choose the more developed camping of the Bright Angel Campground or find your own perfect spot. To preserve the Grand Canyon area, backcountry permits are limited, and demand always exceeds availability. Be sure to make reservations far ahead of time.
Historic Lodges and Restaurants
Image by grandcanyonlodges.com
If you want the best of both worlds with the beauty of the canyon and the comfort of excellent accommodations, one of the six South Rim lodges is ideal for your honeymoon. The El Tovar Grand Canyon has been in operation since 1905. It was initially built to serve luxury guests who arrived on the Santa Fe Railway. Plan ahead to enjoy a delicious meal at the El Tovar Dining Room.
For simpler accommodations, you will enjoy the Bright Angel Lodge and Cabins. This lodge has welcomed visitors since 1935. Its Arizona Room is one of the favorite area restaurants for authentic southwestern food.
Finally, you can reward yourselves for completing a hike to the bottom of the canyon with a stay in a cabin at the Phantom Ranch. Serving canyon hikers since the 1920s, the Phantom Ranch offers both cabin and dormitory accommodations. Family style meals are served daily at the Phantom Ranch Canteen. Demand for this unique experience is very high, so make reservations early.
Slow It Down at the Grand Canyon
Planning a wedding can be a very stressful experience with all the challenges of coordinating the guest list, catering, accommodations for your guests, and all the other pieces that need to come together. It can be a whirlwind of activity that seems more about your guests than yourselves in some ways.
An intimate honeymoon at the Grand Canyon will allow you to spend some time together as a couple. As you hold hands and silently admire the breath-taking scenery, you will be drawn closer together in the shared experience. The Grand Canyon is the perfect place for a memorable pause between the hectic pace of the wedding and returning to your day-to-day life. Check out the special offers Gray Line Las Vegas is now offering on Grand Canyon tours including South Rim and West Rim options.