Europe is a huge continent full of numerous possibilities and with one week there, you may need help in creating your perfect itinerary. Our staff has consulted online sources and fellow frequent flyers to narrow the options down to 25 different ways to spend a week in Europe. These itineraries strike a balance between being just busy enough that you get to do a lot in a short period of time, but not so fast that you will feel like you’re in a race.  Thus, here are 25 excellent itineraries for one week in Europe.  

1 Week In Europe: 25 Excellent Itineraries

Info On These Itineraries

If you’re planning a trip to Europe and have seven days, you can visit two big cities or one big city with day trips.  If you’re planning a road trip through one small region in Europe and have one week, it’s possible to do so. However, with only seven days, you’ll have six full days for sightseeing. While it’s tempting to see as much as possible, adding more cities to your itinerary will result in losing roughly half a day in travel time.  The itineraries on this list are designed to help you do a lot in a short period of time without feeling like you’re always in a race.

1. London And Paris, UK And France  

Undoubtedly a trip to both London and Paris is a nigh-classic European trip and it is perfect for first-time visitors.  You can visit the famous, world-class Louvre and British Museums, stroll along the Champ-Elysees, and climb the iconic Eiffel Tower too.  These two grand cities are easily connected by train, so this trip is easy to plan and can be done at any time of the year.  You’re sure to make some marvelous memories!

Travel Itinerary

Day One: Land in London, England

Days Two and Three: Tour London

Day Four: Last Full Day In London

Day Five: Take the train to Paris, France in the morning

Days Six and Seven: See Paris

2. Paris And Amsterdam, France And Netherlands

This trip is also quite wonderful for first-time visitors to Europe.  You can visit world-class art museums in both Amsterdam and Paris, see some incredible landmarks in Paris, and stroll hand-in-hand along the canals in Amsterdam.  It is very easy to connect Paris and Amsterdam with the popular high-speed Thalys train. What more? This particular travel itinerary actually works great in either direction.

Travel Itinerary

Day One:  Arrive in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Days Two and Three: Tour Amsterdam

Day Four: Take the morning train to Paris

Days Five and Six: See Paris

Day Seven: Leave Paris

3. Rome And The Amalfi Coast, Italy

There are a number of different ways to spend a single week in Italy.  (Indeed, you will see a few of them in this very article).  Spend a week in Italy by splitting your time between Rome and the Amalfi Coast. 

Start your trip in Rome where you can explore the ancient city’s many highlights such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and Monti. Then take a train to the Amalfi Coast and visit Pompeii along the way. Spend three magical days on the Amalfi Coast and Capri before flying back home from Rome.

Travel Itinerary

Day One: Arrive in Rome, Italy

Days Two and Three: Tour the city

Day Four: Travel to the Amalfi Coast and visit Pompeii

Day Five: Set out on an Amalfi Coast road trip

Day Six: See Capri

Day Seven: See Sorrento, return to Rome at night

4. Florence And Tuscany, Italy

Spend a week exploring the very heart of Italy.  It is home to some of Europe’s best art museums.  Florence is beautiful and there are a lot of things to do there too.

You can wander around the city and climb towers, go shopping for souvenirs, and eat genuine gelato.  Next, travel to Tuscany and book a room in a Tuscan villa or in one of the quaint hill towns like Siena.

Travel Itinerary

Day One: Arrive in Florence, Italy 

Days Two and Three: Explore Florence

Day Four: Arrive in Tuscany, Italy

Days Five and Six: Tour Tuscany

Day Seven: Leave Tuscany, go back to Florence/Rome, fly home

5. Rome, Florence, And Venice, Italy

If you don’t mind a bit of a busy, rushed schedule,  you can visit Rome, Florence, and Venice in seven bustling days with or without a tour.  You’ll need to make the most of your time by flying into Rome in the morning.  Next, you spend two days in the city.  You take a train to Florence and then take another one to Venice.  You can explore both of the cities with or without a tour but you will need to be organized if you do it yourself.

Travel Itinerary

Day One: Land in Rome, Italy in the morning

Days Two and Three: Explore Rome

Day Four: Catch the morning train to Florence

Day Five: See Florence

Day Six: Catch the morning train to Venice

Day Seven: Goodbye, Venice

6. Barcelona With Day Trips, Spain

Barcelona offers visitors numerous opportunities. With three days in Barcelona, you can visit the Gothic Quarters. You can also visit Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, Casa Mila, and Park Güell. Be sure to dine on tempting tapas and see the stunning sunset from a local rooftop bar.  Spend your remaining days exploring nearby towns such as Montserrat, Girona, Costa Brava, and possibly even Cadaques and Tarragona.

Travel Itinerary

Day One: Arrive in Barcelona

Days Two through Four: Explore Barcelona

Day Five: Day trip to Montserrat

Day Six: Day trip to Girona

Day Seven: Last Day/Day Trip to Costa Brava 

7. Lisbon And The Algarve, Portugal  

Spend a week in Portugal and experience the best of both worlds by splitting your time between the superb southern coastline and Lisbon. Begin your trip with three days in Lisbon, spending one of those days on a day trip to sunny Sintra. Take a road trip on the Algarve coast.  Hit the beach, see Benagil Cave, explore some saltwater lagoons, and visit the local fishing villages.

Travel  Itinerary

Day One: Arrive in Lisbon

Day Two: Explore Lisbon

Day Three: Day trip to Sintra

Day Four: Road trip to the Algarve

Days Five and Six: Explore the Algarve

Day Seven: Last chance in the Algarve, return to Lisbon at night

8. Lucerne And The Jungfrau Region, Switzerland

If you enjoy beautiful areas in Europe, consider the Jungfrau region of Switzerland. It’s located at the foot of the Bernese Alps.  The region is named after the highest mountain here: the Jungfrau.  

This is a big tourist destination in Switzerland and the Alps, renowned for its majestic mountains and lovely lakes like Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.  Go hiking, skiing, paragliding and more.  Spend a day exploring lovely Lucerne too.

Travel Itinerary

Day One: Land in Zurich, go to Jungfrau 

Days Two through Six: Explore Jungfrau 

Day Seven: Take an early morning train to Lucerne; spend the night

9. Vienna, Salzburg, And Hallstatt, Austria

Embark on a magical journey through Austria’s three most beautiful cities. You begin your trip in Vienna, the home of cute cafes, the Habsburgs, the opera, world-class museums, the Opera, and exceptionally delicious pastries.  After Vienna, you can travel via train or take a road trip to Salzburg and Hallstatt, two picturesque towns that are nestled nearly next to each other.  

Travel Itinerary

Day One: Arrive in Vienna

Days Two and Three: Tour Vienna

Day Four: Travel to Salzburg in the morning and explore

Day Five: See more of Salzburg

Day Six: Visit Hallstatt

Day Seven: Head to Munich or return to Vienna

10. Munich And Bavaria, Germany

Bavaria is beautiful.  It’s also the perfect destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike. Start your journey in Munich.  If you’d like to participate in Oktoberfest, the best time to visit is the end of September.  

Next, take a road trip to Bavaria and the towns in the area.  See the Alps from Zugspitze, the highest peak in Germany.  Tour the storybook palace of crazy King Ludwig II, Neuschwanstein.

Travel Itinerary

Day One: Arrive in Munich, travel to Berchtesgaden

Day Two: Tour Berchtesgaden

Day Three: Drive to Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Day Four: See Neuschwanstein

Day Five:  Visit Zugspitze

Days Six and Seven: Last two days in Munich

11. Ireland Road Trip

Start your trip in Dublin and see the sights.  Next, hit the rugged western coast.  See the Rock of Cashel too.  Hike the Cliffs of Moher, cruise the Ring of Kerry, and dine on fish and chips.  Enjoy a pint of good Guinness at a little local pub.  Visit in the summer and see Skelling Michael Island!

Travel Itinerary

Day One: Arrive in Dublin

Day Two: Drive to Killarney, visit Rock of Cashel

Day Three: Visit Ring of Kerry and/or see Skellig Michael 

Day Four: See Dingle Peninsula

Day Five: Go to Doolin

Day Six: See Cliff of Moher

Day Seven: Galway, return to Dublin

12. Croatia And Montenegro

Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast is a stunning stretch of coastline that spans from Dubrovnik in the south to Zadar in the north.  It is home to breathtaking islands, dramatic scenery, and charming walled towns worth exploring.  While you could spend a week exploring the coastal towns, you should also visit Montenegro.  It’s a beautiful country next to Croatia.  Don’t miss Biogradska Gora National Park or Sveti Stefan.

Travel Itinerary

Day One: Arrive in Dubrovnik, drive to Split

Day Two: See Split

Day Three: Visit Hvar or Brac

Days Four and Five: Tour Dubrovnik

Day Six: Visit Kotor, Montenegro

Day Seven: Return to Dubrovnik

13. Paris And The Alsace Wine Region, France

Foodies and wine lovers should consider combining two of France’s most popular destinations in a one-week trip.  You can tour Paris for three days then take a high-speed train to Colmar.  Rent a car there, take a road trip through the Alsace wine region, and then return to Paris on the train. 

Travel Itinerary

Day One: Arrive in Paris

Days Two and Three: Tour Paris

Day Four: Take the train to Colmar

Days Five and Six: Explore the Alsace wine region

Day Seven: Return to Paris via train 

14. The Lofoten Islands, Norway

Norway’s Lofoten Islands is a place where magnificent mountains meet brilliant white sand beaches, fishing villages dot the coastlines, and hiking trails crisscross through some of Europe’s most breathtaking landscapes.  This is a great way to spend one week in Europe if you enjoy hiking, the great outdoors, or taking pictures of stunning landscapes.  If you’re a hiker, the best time to visit is in the summer.  If you want to see the northern lights, wait until the winter.

Travel Itinerary

Day One: Arrive in the Lofoten Islands

Days Two through Six: Explore islands

Day Seven: Fly to Oslo, fly home

15. Warsaw And Krakow, Poland

Explore two of Poland’s most popular cities as well as take a day trip or two.  Travel between these cities in either order via train.  In Warsaw, you can sample Polish food, walk through the historic old town, and get a history lesson at the museums.  

Krakow is a popular place for folks touring Poland.  It features budget-friendly restaurants, colorful streets, historic sites, and a massive market square.  Take the impressive Auschwitz-Birkenau day trip too.

Travel Itinerary

Day One: Arrive in Warsaw

Day Two: See Warsaw

Day Three: Go to Krakow

Days Four through Six: Tour Krakow

Day Seven: Take the Auschwitz-Birkenau trip

16. The French Riviera, France

The south of France is known for its beautiful coastal cities, vineyards, glamorous beaches, and one of the best cuisines on the planet.  Time your visit right, and attend the Cannes Film Festival or the Monaco Grand Prix.  Spend your week on the French Riviera and explore the coastal towns. Alternatively, you can take a two-day trip to Provence.

Travel Itinerary

Day One: Arrive in Nice

Day Two: See Nice

Day Three: Visit Villefranch-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Day Four: See Monaco and Eze

Day Five: Explore Antibes and Cannes

Days Six and Seven: Explore more of the  French Riviera or see Provence

17. Edinburgh And The Isle Of Skye, Scotland

Edinburgh is a city that is really easy to explore on foot.  Tour a castle, learn about whisky, climb up a volcano, and see where author JK Rowling got her inspiration for her famous Harry Potter books.  Take a scenic drive through the country to the popular Isle of Skye. There, explore the rugged, misty landscapes, look for fairies, and sample some fresh seafood.  This trip is also great for kids.

Travel Itinerary

Day One: Arrive in Edinburgh

Days Two and Three: Explore Edinburgh

Day Four: Go to the Isle of Skye

Days Five and Six: See Isle of Skye

Day Seven: Return to Edinburgh

18. Copenhagen And Stockholm; Denmark and Sweden

Tour two Scandinavian cities, Copenhagen and Stockholm. Copenhagen is known for its colorful buildings, and fabulous food scene, and can be explored on bicycles.  Visit one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, Tivoli Gardens!  In Stockholm, you can see City Hall, explore the charming streets of Gamla Stan, and learn something about the famous Nobel Peace Prize. Visit in the summer and see more of Sweden via a day trip to Sandhamn.

Travel Itinerary

Day One: Arrive in Copenhagen

Days Two and Three: Visit Copenhagen

Day Four: Fly to Stockholm

Days Five and Six See Stockholm

Day Seven: Visit Sandhamn, Sweden

19. Greece

You should fly directly to Santorini so you can start your island-hopping holiday right then and there.  There are several stunning islands from which to choose.  There are three isles, however, that are very easily visited via ferry.  Mykonos and Santorini are fantastic for first-timers, but Ios, Naxos, and Paros are must-see places as well!

Travel Itinerary

Day One: Land in Santorini

Days Two and Three: See Santorini

Days Four and Five: Visit Naxos

Days Six and Seven: Visit Mykonos

20. London And The Cotswolds, England 

Spend several busy but memorable days exploring London. Once you have your fill of city life, take a trip out into the countryside.  Visit the rugged, 5,000-year-old Stonehenge, the historic, spa town of Bath, popular Oxford, the city of spires, and Cotswolds and its scenic villages–Woodstock, Lacock, and Bourbon-on-the-Water. 

Travel Itinerary

Day One: Land in London

Days Two and Three: Tour London

Day Four: See Stonehenge and Bath

Days Five and Six Visit Cotswolds

Day Seven: Back to London

21. Iceland

Iceland is a cool, small country that offers some of the best outdoor experiences in Europe. With just one week in Iceland, you can embark on an epic road trip, walk on a real glacier, witness the northern lights, visit countless waterfalls, explore the lovely landscape of the Highlands, chill in a hot spring, stand on an actual volcano, or hike some of the world’s most scenic trails.

Travel Itinerary

Day One: Arrive in Iceland, See Blue Lagoon

Day Two: Visit Reykjavik

Day Three: Go to Golden Circle

Day Four: Take Landmannalaugar Day Trip

Days Five through Seven: See the South Coast of Iceland

22. Budapest, Vienna And Bratislava; Hungary, Austria, And Slovakia 

Here you spend a single week in Europe exploring the two beautiful cities of Vienna and Budapest, with a day trip to the charming and overlooked city of Bratislava.  All three of these cities are joined via direct trains, making it easy to plan your trip.  You can actually fly into Budapest and even fly home from Vienna or vice versa.  Whatever works for you! 

Travel Itinerary

Day One: Land in Budapest

Days Two and Three: Explore Budapest

Day Four: Go to Vienna

Days Five and Six: Visit Vienna

Day Seven: Take a Bratislava day trip from Vienna

23. Ljubljana And The Julian Alps, Slovenia

This small, mountainous country is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.  Explore the karst caves, visit Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, hike the Julian Alps, and stroll through lovely Ljubljana. This trip is perfect for hikers, families, and anyone who enjoys road trips.  Enjoy the scenic gorges, the picture-perfect lakes and majestic mountains, and Triglav National Park.  Slovenia is truly a hidden gem that’s just waiting to be discovered!

Travel Itinerary

Day One: Arrive in Ljubljana

Day Two: See Ljubljana

Day Three: Take a day trip to Predjama Castle and the Škocjan Caves

Day Four: Visit Lake Bled

Day Five: See Lake Bohinj

Day Six:  Visit Vintgar Gorge

Day Seven: Hike in the Julian Alps

24. Berlin And Prague, Germany And Czech Republic

Experience the best of both worlds by combining a pair of world-class cities with an exceptional, memorable road trip.  Your adventurous journey begins in Berlin, a diverse metropolis that is rich in culture and history.  Explore its beauteous squares, historical sites, and world-class museums.  Get a rental and take a drive to Prague.  Don’t forget to visit Rakotzbrucke, the fairytale bridge, and the striking Bastei Bridge too.  Conclude your one-week tour in the stunning city of Prague, where you can wander through its charming streets and immerse yourself in its unique, lively atmosphere.

Travel Itinerary

Day One: Arrive in Berlin

Days Two and Three See Berlin

Day Four: Go to Rakotzbrücke and Bastei Bridge, sleep in Dresden

Days Five Through Seven: Enjoy Prague

25. The Norwegian Fjords, Norway

Explore the landscapes of southern Norway.  This trip is perfect for your bucket list if you enjoy scenic drives, beautiful landscapes, and hiking in other countries.  Embark on an unforgettable journey through southern Norway. Start your adventure in Stavanger, a charming small town that’s the perfect base for two amazing hikes: popular Pulpit Rock and cragged Kjeragbolten.  

Head to the town of Odda.  Hike Trolltunga, a rock formation that looks like a troll’s tongue.  Next, visit Flam.  Enjoy a scenic train trip on the Flamsbana to Myrdal.  Lastly, end your visit in Bergen.

Travel Itinerary

Day One: Arrive in Stavanger

Day Two: See Kjeragbolten

Day Three: Hike Pulpit Rock, drive to Trolltunga

Day Four: Explore Trolltunga

Day Five: See Flam and Myrdal 

Day Six: Road trip to Bergen

Day Seven: Last Day in Bergen

Have a good trip…whatever you decide!

The post 1 Week In Europe: 25 Excellent Itineraries appeared first on Add to Bucketlist , Vacation Deals.

Antelope Canyon in the US state of Arizona is arguably the most frequently photographed sandstone canyon in the northern section of the state. It is a popular slot canyon that’s narrow yet still not too difficult to navigate. It comes complete with incredible, rugged rock formations created by many, many years of water and wind erosion.  

The sunlight only enters this canyon from above. Thus, at specific times of the day, visitors can witness the sandstone comes alive with a stunning array of colors. The elements-smoothed walls turn a pretty purple-orange making it one of the United States’ most evocative, unique national parks. To help make the most of your visit, here are some Antelope Canyon travel tips.

Antelope Canyon Travel Tips 

Antelope Canyon: General Information

This striking slot canyon near the city of Page is famous for both its Upper and Lower Canyons. Oddly, few traveler writers ever mention what some call Antelope Canyon X. The Upper Canyon is perhaps the most well-known and is situated off an unpaved road.

Private vehicles are not permitted there. It’s miles away from the Lower Canyon which is situated closer to lovely Lake Powell. Unlike other US parks, you must actually book an official tour.  

The canyon is nestled within the Navajo Nation, so when you book your tour you will have to pay a Navajo or tourist tax. If the tour company does not immediately charge you when you purchase your ticket, you will have to pay it when you arrive before your tour begins. The park is open all week but hours vary depending on the season you visit.

Hours And Booking

If you visit between late March and November 1, it is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you visit between November 2 through early March, the hours are 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Remember that the state has two time zones too!  

Since visitors are required to book a tour, be sure to make reservations in advance. You can do it online, in most cases. (Note: While it’s also possible to do it in person in nearby Page, Antelope Canyon is too popular to make reservations at the last minute.)

After booking your tour, be sure to peruse your paperwork to make sure you know what time to arrive at your chosen tour provider’s location. It is not uncommon for agencies to require you to arrive an hour before your tour time in order to check in. The Navajo can be strict about tour start times and could cancel on you for being a few minutes tardy.

In general, tours run roughly one and a half hours. Tour time includes transportation from the town and can be somewhat bumpy as the vehicle speeds over the rugged terrain. (Note: The Lower Antelope Canyon tour generally runs under one hour, because you must provide your own transportation to the tour’s starting point.)

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit is usually during the summer. It is then that you can best enjoy the unique light effects created when the rays of the sunshine into the canyon. It may be good to note that the peak season is reported to be between March 14th and October 8th. The rainiest months are August and September.

Visitors to Antelope Canyon are not permitted to wear a backpack. Water bottles, however, are recommended.  Guided tours are reportedly required because of potentially dangerous flash floods. 11 travelers are reported to have died in Antelope Canyon on August 12, 1997.

The Upper Vs. The Lower Antelope Canyon

Let’s discuss both the differences and main features of the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon by focusing on touring them both.

Touring The Upper Antelope Canyon 

The Navajo refer to the upper canyon as “the place where the water flows through the rocks.” This is the most visited and most well-known section. In fact, five different tour businesses offer tours here.

It is the most popular because it is a bit wider and that makes it more accessible. It is shaped like an inverted V. It’s wider at the top and more narrow at the bottom.

It is also deeper. This means it is darker and cooler. Nevertheless, sunlight still gets into the canyon in a number of different places.

This tour route is a loop trail in the canyon. It is only about a quarter of a mile but there are frequent stops in order to allow returning tour groups to pass. Veteran visitors confess that it can be a little “nerve-wracking” at times. There are no officially difficult parts though and with the exception of those who are claustrophobic, anyone can participate.

Touring The Lower Antelope Canyon 

The lower canyon isn’t as deep. It is, however, quite pretty due to the way the light strikes the canyon walls and the rock shapes are not that much different than those found in the upper canyon. For those of you who prefer to avoid tourists, the biggest advantage to this tour is that there are only two businesses that conduct tours here.

That translates to fewer lines and, sometimes, when there is a low turnout, you can even stay there a little bit longer. This is also a one-way hike with a length of just over one-quarter of a mile. There are five iron ladders used to get into the canyon and some might consider them steep.

In some places, the route might be challenging because there are areas where the space between the canyon walls is very narrow and it’s not so easy to walk through. Nevertheless, unless you suffer from claustrophobia or vertigo, you’re good to go.

Antelope Canyon X: An Alternative

Ah, but there is a remote portion of the canyon that not everyone knows about named Antelope Canyon X. Now that the slot canyons around the town of Page have become more popular, booking a tour here less than four miles south of the upper canyon, may just be the only way for you to take in the Antelope Canyon’s characteristic shapes at a slower pace. Only one agency provides tours here.

Your tour guide will take you to the trailhead via an almost three-mile stretch of unpaved, dirt road. You will find two slot canyons, North and South, in Antelope Canyon X. They have different shapes and you only need a regular ticket to visit them.  

Here you will discover what some call a blend of the famous features found in the upper and lower canyons. The views are reported to be nigh-identical. The initial portion of the tour here can be a bit difficult although you won’t have to climb anything. If you’re on a budget, or simply can’t resist a bargain, the tour of Antelope Canyon X is cheaper than the others too.

How To Get To Antelope Canyon

Hopefully, you’ve pre-booked your spot on the tour of Upper Antelope Canyon. The agency should provide you with a meeting point address, and a required check-in time.

If you sign up to tour the Lower Antelope Canyon, you may have to find your own transportation to a parking area on Indian Route 222, in Page. There’s also the possibility that the tour agency might give you specific instructions and directions when you book your tour.

If you choose instead to take the tour of Antelope Canyon X, you will have to drive to the tour agency’s office. There you will park your vehicle and your tour guide will lead you to the entrance of the canyon.

Photographing Antelope Canyon

If you’re a shutterbug looking to shoot Antelope Canyon, you must first determine what you hope to accomplish before determining what time to go there. In general, visitors will reportedly enjoy the most extraordinary colors on sunny days in the summer. Photographers in the know suggest booking a tour for 11:00 a.m.  

That way, you will actually be in the canyon at roughly 11:30 a.m. That is arguably the best time to make the most of the extraordinary lighting. Unfortunately, the lighting is best during the time of day when the canyon contains the highest number of tourists.

So be prepared to come up with some creative ways to get those memorable, Instagramable photos. If you absolutely must avoid the busiest times, you could visit in the spring or even early fall.

Helpful Hint

Remember, if you plan ahead but are still unable to book a tour of the Upper Antelope Canyon on your given vacation days, try to purchase a tour of the Lower Antelope Canyon. It’s usually not as crowded. If all else fails, you spend less and avoid the tourists by taking a tour of the lesser-known Antelope Canyon X.

Accommodations

Stay in the city of Page is located on U.S. Route 89. Travel experts agree it’s the best place to spend the night as it is not even 15 minutes from Antelope Canyon. There are a number of hotels available. You can research both the 10 best and the least expensive online.

The post Antelope Canyon Travel Tips  appeared first on Add to Bucketlist , Vacation Deals.

If you’re in good shape and you’re going to visit America’s Grand Canyon in the state of Arizona, you should seriously consider hiking there. The scenic hiking trails there are the best way to truly experience this natural wonder. To help you determine which trails to hike, here are the 12 best hiking trails at the Grand Canyon.

The 12 Best Hiking Trails at the Grand Canyon

1. The South Rim Trail

The well-known South Rim Trail is where many visitors first see the world-famous Grand Canyon. It is a paved, 13-mile route with a comparatively minimal elevation change. Mind you, you do not have to hike the entire 13 miles.

On this route, there are shuttle stops, joining scenic viewpoints with such park facilities as the informative Grand Canyon Visitor Center. Enjoy the views from such lookouts as Powell Point and Mather Point as you make your way along the popular South Rim Trail. Veteran visitors confirm that Yavapai Point is one of the best places to see the sunset. The viewpoints can be crowded during the summer months so get there early.

(Continued on next page)

The Bright Angel Trail

The popular Bright Angel Trail is arguably one of the most iconic hiking trails in the USA. The trail steeply descends from the popular South Rim, and soon reveals incredible views that can’t be seen from the rim itself. Within nine miles the trail descends more than 4,000 feet via seemingly endless switchbacks, from the rim to the rushing Colorado River.

It can, however, be dangerous for novices. Even though this hiking trail has had available water stations along the trail for a number of years, as many as 250 travelers are still rescued from the Grand Canyon every single year. Some inexperienced hikers try to complete the entire trail in a single day. Plan on making it a two-day hike and that will help avoid many issues.

(Continued on next page)

The South Kaibab Trail

This trail drops almost 5,000 feet within seven miles between the well-known South Rim and the river. There are no water sources and little shade. Still, despite the challenges, the rock formations and views are stunning.

If you are interested in day hikes, consider the following turnaround points: Ooh-Aah-Point is only one mile down, Cedar Ridge is 1.5 miles, and Skeleton Point, is three miles and includes views of the river. This trail is also a trailhead for those who are going to backpack into the canyon. Many backpackers prefer the quick elevation hiking downhill.

(Continued on next page)

Bright Angel Point Trail

Hiking the Bright Angel Point is now considered “a standard excursion” when one visits the North Rim. Here you will discover an easily accessible half-mile hiking trail that will lead you to what some say are the “best views of the canyon.” You begin the hike at the North Rim’s Visitor Center and Lodge.

It really is an exceptional introductory trail to complete upon arrival. You will find interpretive information both at the visitor center and along the way. Remember though, since this is the North Rim’s main outlook you will not be alone on this little hike so get there early.

(Continued on next page)

The North Kaibab Trail

This is the one and only officially maintained hiking trail that enters the Grand Canyon from the North Rim. Just like the Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails, this trail has steep switchbacks the entire way down to the river. If you’d rather do a day hike rather than the rather demanding 14 miles down and back up again, use one of the numerous turnaround points on the trail.

At about five miles, you can turn back at Roaring Springs, the source of the park’s drinking water. Potable water is only available seasonally a healthy half-mile after at the Manzanita Rest Area, and 1.4 miles later, you can camp at the Cottonwood Campground, but you’ll need a permit. On the plus side, this trail is less crowded than its various southern counterparts, if you enjoy solitude.

(Continued on next page)

The Havasu Falls Hike

The Havasu Falls Hike is one of the country’s most well-known waterfall hikes. It’s important to remember that this trail is situated on the Havasupai Indian Reservation. Permits are required and they are not that easy to get.  

Many people have hiking this trail on their bucket list not only to see the wonderful waterfall but also because of the surrounding scenery. The hike is considered moderately strenuous and covers at least 10 miles as well. Regular readers may already know that day hiking to the falls is not permitted. In order to see the falls, you must either do some backpacking and spend the night or choose to do some mule riding.

(Continued on next page)

The Grandview Trail

This enjoyable hiking trail was actually created by old copper miners and their trusty mules. If you’re hoping to avoid the crowds often found on the nearby South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails, then this South Rim hiking trail fits the bill. This admittedly steep route is also a fine backpacking trail and it’s easier to get a permit for this one too.

Atop Horseshoe Mesa you will find historical mining remains and popular places to camp should you wish to do more than go day hiking. Horseshoe Mesa is also a great place to turn around if you’re just day hiking. The hike is less than six miles and the elevation is under 3,000 feet.

(Continued on next page)

The Widforss Trail

You’ll discover this scenic hiking trail on the North Rim. It’s named for the 20th-century artist, Gunnar Widforss, who was well-known for his paintings of the Grand Canyon. For two miles it follows the North Rim and provides pretty panoramas of the canyon’s quieter side. It continues on through a shaded forest still showing some signs of past forest fires there. Following mile five, you emerge from the forest to enjoy additional attractive views at popular Widforss Point.

(Continued on next page)

The Cape Final Trail

Try hiking the Cape Final Trail on the North Rim. This family-friendly, four-mile hike features memorable views, moderate elevation change, a generally level trail, and quite often no real crowds. This trail winds through the verdant forest and along the edge of the canyon, eventually leading you to the Cape Final viewpoint where you will enjoy stunning views. From this popular precipice, your peepers can peruse plenty of prominent features of the gorgeous Grand Canyon such as the canyon’s eastern edge and the Vishnu Temple.

(Continued on next page)

The Hermit Trail

If you’re looking for a good alternative to rim-to-river-hiking trails on the bustling South Rim, the Hermit Trail, on the western edge of the park, is for you. It offers what some call a “more solitary” experience. In the first two and a half miles, the trail actually drops a total of 2,000 feet.

The drop does make the hike back up a little challenging. Indeed, some experts say only experienced desert hikers should attempt this hike. During the park’s early years, it was actually the official main thoroughfare into the canyon.

Today, much of the foot traffic is the result of day hikers because there are only a few campsites available. Santa Maria Springs, 2.5 miles below the rim, is a good turnaround point. Water’s available here but it must be treated. 

(Continued on next page)

The Rim-to-Rim Trail

Regular readers know your rovin’ writer hiked the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim with his father and a small group of scouts over two days. However, if you want to hike it in one day, consider this trail. This trail is 24 miles in length between the North and the South Rims.

Expect an elevation gain of over 4,500 feet and be aware that you should only attempt to hike this in one day if you are an experienced, healthy, long-distance hiker. It’s also important to note that you need to hit the trail before daybreak. If you prefer, you can take a shuttle ride back to the starting point (from May to October). If you’re interested in this challenging adventure, be sure to contact the people at the Backcountry Information Center for additional information.  

(Continued on next page)

The Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim Trail

If you’re really hardcore, this is arguably the Grand Canyon’s ultimate adventure hike. The route is generally the same as the previous hike, but rather than wait for the shuttle or call Uber, you basically turn around and do the 24-mile hike once more. As previously noted, rim-to-rim hikes can be completed in two or more days if you obtain a backcountry permit. 

In fact, if you carry your own gear, the popular Bright Angel Campground is nestled in the middle of the trail route close to the Colorado River. There are similar primitive campgrounds on the nearby North Kaibab Trail. This is almost a 50-mile journey and is only permissible during the day. Unless you possess the proper training, you should not attempt it in a single day. The best time to hike this challenging trail is from May to October.

The post The 12 Best Hiking Trails at the Grand Canyon appeared first on Add to Bucketlist , Vacation Deals.