The views of the Grand Canyon never get old – each overlook and viewpoint is unique and truly amazing. We hiked the easy, dog-friendly Rim Trail every day of our visit and could have stayed several more days to experience the entire Rim Trail. We opted not to hike into the canyon, as do 99% of visitors to the park, and viewed the park from the rim. Our stay at the Trailer Village RV Park, in the National Park, was a perfect location to explore this natural wonder.
Key Takeaways:
- Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most dog-friendly national parks we have visited
- The views from the Rim Trail are so amazing, from sunrise to midday to sunset
- Hiking into the canyon is a strenuous endeavor; the park recommends taking two days to make the trek down into the canyon and back
- April is a good time to visit the park, still snow on the ground in some places but crowds are manageable
- Trailer Village RV Park is a great RV stay in the park
Campground Review:
The location of Trailer Village RV Park doesn’t get any better to explore the Grand Canyon National Park. This RV park has full hookups and is within walking distance of Market Plaza and the Rim Trail. Free shuttle buses stop every 15 minutes at Trailer Village. Our site was paved and spacious. Our dogs enjoyed their walks around the RV park. Elk frequent the park but they kept to themselves and did not pose a threat to our dogs.
What to do:
- Walk the Rim Trail; park at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and hike the short distance to Mather Point- views are spectacular; hike the dog friendly Rim Trail from Mather point – views continue to amaze along the Rim Trail in both directions
- Drive to the Verkamp’s Visitor Center; visit the Hopi House and El Tovar Hotel; more access to the Rim Trail here
- Follow Desert View Drive and stop at spectacular lookouts – Grandview Point, Moran Point, Lipan Point, Navajo Point and continue to Desert View Watchtower- have lunch and checkout more amazing canyon views
- Take the shuttle bus to Maricopa Point, Powell Point, Hopi Point, Mohave Point, Pima Point and Hermits Rest (Hopi Point and Pima Point are known for spectacular sunsets)
- Enjoy more sunset views at Mather point (Tip: continue left on the Rim Trail for more sunset views with less crowds)
- Drive to the town of Cameron – about 30 minutes from the East Entrance Station; check out several Navajo roadside markets along the way and the Cameron Trading Post in Cameron
- Hike into the Grand Canyon – be aware, what goes down must come up – the park recommends taking two days to hike down to the Colorado River and back up – the canyon hikes are very strenuous
- Schedule a mule ride into the canyon – plan ahead as these trips can book up early
Grand Canyon Dog-Friendly Tips
- The South Rim Trail is paved and dog-friendly
- Grab a drink on the patio at the Yavapai Tavern
- Take the dogs along on the Desert View Drive, stop at the overlooks and have lunch at Desert View
- Hikes into the canyon are not dog-friendly — stay on the rim
Cedar-Grand Canyon
Dogs on Rim Trail
Grand Canyon
Desert View Watchtower
Chili & Cedar’s Review:
Trailer Village RV Park is our kind of park – rustic and dog-friendly. We enjoyed our walks around the park and the elk didn’t bother us at all. The Grand Canyon National Park is our favorite National Park. We loved our walks on the Rim Trail!