11 Tips for Celebrating Grand Canyon National Park’s 100th Birthday
On Feb. 26 in 1919, exactly 100 years ago today, the Grand Canyon was officially designated a national park. The sprawling 277-mile-long canyon is the centerpiece of a breathtaking landscape that has enchanted travelers for much longer than it's been an officially protected area. In honor of the park's centennial birthday, we're highlighting 11 important tips and tricks for having an unforgettable trip to the phenomenal landmark.
Pick the Right Rim
If you want to avoid the crowds, head to the North Rim, which is typically less congested than the easier-to-reach, more developed South Rim. Just be aware that the North Rim closes in the winter (from Dec. 1 to May 15). Visit during peak season, however, and you'll be rewarded with a far quieter, more private experience. Travelers with their hearts set on the South Rim should plan to get up very early in the morning during the summer, or visit during the off-season (weather permitting).
Take the Mule Ride
TPG's director of family content, Summer Hull, took the mule ride on the North Rim when she was 12 years old — and can still remember it vividly today. "Mule rides are available for kids as young as 7 to 10, depending on the tour," Hull said. "But book in advance, as there are very limited slots each day. It is an unforgettable and timeless way to see the Grand Canyon."
Plan a Side Trip to Havasupai
Havasupai Indian Reservation is just beyond the boundary of Grand Canyon National Park, but is a bit far from the main tourist areas and is accessible only by a strenuous day-long hike. But according to associate editor Brendan Dorsey, you shouldn't be deterred from visiting what he considers to be, "one of the most beautiful places in the world." Think: unbelievable turquoise blue falls against a desert red backdrop. Unfortunately, you may have to wait at least another year before visiting. "This spot is so popular that you'll have to reserve your camping spot the day reservations open, which is usually on Feb. 1," Dorsey said. That means reservations for the entire 2019 season are likely sold out.
Go for a Scenic Ride
"We really enjoyed the Grand Canyon Railway experience," said Buddy Smith (aka Grandpa Points). "While it is a for-profit, tourist business venture, we think that the public profits because of the outstanding way the operation is run. The multi-hour trip each way was fun, relaxing, nostalgic and interesting. The cars are historically restored, the employees are informed [and] personable … and the train magically transports you back in time 125 years. We recommended this trip to our closest friends and they loved it. And, we recommend it to you."
Stay in Sedona
"The area immediately surrounding the Grand Canyon isn't exactly a hotbed of great points hotels," said reviews editor Nick Ellis. "But if you're willing to stay a little farther south, in Sedona, your options improve considerably. IHG has the Kimpton Amara Resort and Spa, while Hilton aficionados can rest their heads at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock." And later this year, L'Auberge de Sedona will become an option for Hyatt loyalists.
Consider a Southwest Flight
Southwest's forgiving no change fee policy allows you to rebook an award flight, and get a partial refund of points if the price drops after booking, making it one of the best options for travelers planning to fly into Sky Harbor International in Phoenix (PHX) or McCarran International in Las Vegas (LAS).
Or Fly Into Flagstaff
Only one commercial airline serves Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG), which is just a 90-minute drive to Grand Canyon Village (versus more than four hours from Las Vegas or just shy of four from Phoenix). And that's American Airlines. Right now, Flagstaff happens to be on American's Reduced Mileage Award list through March for eligible Citi AAdvantage credit card holders. Last-minute Grand Canyon trip, anyone?
Splurge on the Park Pass
Driving your family to the Grand Canyon? Expect to spend $35 for entry. Even if you're entering on the Grand Canyon Railway, by a park shuttle bus, on a bicycle or by foot, you'll have to spend $20 per person. Consider instead the $80 America the Beautiful annual national park pass, which lets you (and everyone in your vehicle) visit more than 2,000 national parks, forests, monuments and more as many times as you'd like in a year.
Get an Adrenaline Rush
OK, so it's not technically part of Grand Canyon National Park. But last year, the West Rim unveiled the zip line at Grand Canyon West, which features two quad-style zip lines totaling 3,200 feet in length. Enjoy the views while zipping along 1,000 feet above the Grand Canyon. This is also where you'll find the cantilevered Skywalk, which stretches 70 feet beyond the rim of the Canyon.
Book the Right Seat
You don't have to plan a trip to Grand Canyon National Park to enjoy the stunning natural wonder. Book a window seat on the left while flying from Phoenix to Salt Lake City, for example, and you'll enjoy aerial views of one of the nation's most iconic landmarks. According to editor Jane Frye, coast-to-coast flights to Los Angeles and Las Vegas will also give you a great view of the canyon — so long as you reserve a seat on the right. Of course, if either Las Vegas or Phoenix are on your itinerary, we hope you'll make time to visit the monument in person, too.
Check the Events Calendar
Events celebrating the Grand Canyon National Park's 100th birthday will continue all throughout 2019. On March 1, for example, Ed Kabotie — a musician and artist from the Hopi and Tewa tribes — will spend an evening sharing the history of the people of the Grand Canyon at the visitor center. And from June 22 to 29, the park will host a free Centennial Summerfest with cultural demonstrations, stargazing parties and more.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.