Visa

No visa is required for U.S. citizens or residents. Check the link for foreign travelers.

COVID

Fully open. The last remaining vaccine requirements for foreign travelers ended in May 2023.

Not as grand, but still a circle, with the most stunning parks of Utah and Arizona.

Small Circle

Embark on the ultimate road trip with all the parks and regions of the Grand Circle.

Full Grand Circle

Grand Circle

This is the best time to visit all the parks. March might be a bit unpredictable with snow still covering some trails, but April and May feature perfect weather with some green fields to contrast with the outworldly landscapes. And there are no summer crowds yet.

Spring

Summers feature warm sunny days, but it comes with hoards of people and brief but heavy rainstorms in some regions. Aim to hit the trails in Grand Canyon and Zion at 9 am latest if you plan to enjoy them.

Summer

Fall is another sweet spot for this trip with lesser crowds and cooler days for strenuous hikes. But some roads and hotels start closing with the first snowfall in November, so plan accordingly. Also, make sure all-season or winter tires are installed on your rental car.

Fall

Winter snow usually affects Grand Canyon and Bryce regions, but the rest of the parks are fully open. Some high-elevation trails can be closed or difficult to navigate. We only recommend this season to advanced travelers with winter gear.

Winter

The Grand Circle

America’s Road Trip

The Grand Circle – America’s Road Trip

The Bright Angel Trail is one of the most well-known trails in the park and offers hikers stunning views of the canyon. The trail is a 9.3-mile round trip, and it is recommended for experienced hikers due to its steepness and length (check AllTrails link for more details).

The Bright Angel Trail begins at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and descends over 4,380 feet into the canyon. Along the way, you can stop at various points to take in the breathtaking views of the canyon. The trail is well-maintained and has several rest stops and water stations along the way. However, you should be prepared for changing weather conditions and extreme temperatures, especially during the summer months. The trail ends at the Colorado River, where hikers can rest and enjoy the views before making the steep ascent back up to the South Rim.

AllTrails

Official park info

Bright Angel Trail

An iconic masterpiece of nature’s artistry, it's a place where vast, colorful vistas stretch to the horizon, inviting you to hike down its depths or simply soak in the views from the rim.