We visited the Grand Canyon North Rim shortly after it reopened following last year's unfortunate…read morefire. While some trails and amenities are still closed, the hiking experience is incredible. We hiked the Cape Royal Trail, which winds across the Walhalla Plateau with panoramic overlooks and stunning short hikes throughout. The trail leads to the iconic Angel's Window, and the views are so vast and beautiful you can't help but be awestruck at every turn. If you're planning a visit, note that the North Rim is still in recovery mode with some closures, but what is open is absolutely worth the trip. The Cape Royal Trail is a must-do if you make it out here. Download the map BEFORE you get there, you'll likely not have cell service out here.

Can't stop thinking about the oatmeal I had during the breakfast buffet. It is hands down the best…read moreoatmeal I've ever had. Our server was kind and attentive. The buffet was $20 per person, and the food was pretty good. The buffet included eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, pancakes, oatmeal, yogurt, bread and muffins, and fruit. We also stayed a night in the lodge cabins. It wasn't really my vibe. It was very dusty with a lot of bugs and insects. It was do-able for a night, and it's the only place to stay at the North Rim. I got up at 4:45AM to watch the sunrise before breakfast. It was spectacular!

One of the prettiest camp grounds you'll ever see, you'll fall asleep listening to the Bright Angel…read moreCreek running practically next to you and the stars shooting overhead. In the morning, the views from your sleeping bag are of the canyon walls ablaze with the morning sun. This week, the canyon was bursting with color from all the flowers and vegetation blooming after the heavy winter snow. The campground is simple, but has plenty of drinking water spigots throughout camp, and even restrooms with flushing toilets and sinks. A half mile from the black bridge crossing the Colorado River and another short walk to Phantom Ranch Village, which had a few services and amenities, this is ideally located for a loop hike down N. Kaibab and up Bright Angel trails. Rangers who checked our permits had a sense of humor and seemed stoked to work in such a stunning place.

A thought came to me recently as I've been thinking about trips to national parks, and thinking…read moreabout crowds, getting out of them, and seeing parts of the park that are quiet, thoughtful, and less-traveled. That thought was pretty simple. I want to come back here. There are so many parks and so many places in each park that I don't always want to re-visit old stops. But lately that's changed and I want to go back to a lot of them. Sometimes it's just because the first trip was special. Sometimes it's because enough time has passed that you now wonder how you would be changed by a place, now that you're a new person and that place remains unchanged. And sometimes you just want to take someone new and see it through their eyes. I've been in this campground a couple of times, but I've only stayed there once. It sits on the north side of the river, adjacent to Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. My stay was in the winter and it was lesser-traveled, though I'm sure it's booked up and busy most of the year as this park is the most popular in the whole parks system. The campground itself is pretty simple, there are a couple dozen sites and each one has a picnic table, a hanger for your gear, and an ammo can where you need to store all of your food to keep it away from pests. The animals here are alarmingly accustomed to humans, and I've had run-ins with deer who are more like entitled hikers as they hog the trail and just roll their eyes at you. The campground is clean (no one drives up in their car and unloads a bunch of trash) but do make sure you show the utmost respect to this area. The whole canyon is special and a sacred place. The campground has water and toilets. Getting here is no small task. As they say, "Going down is optional, coming up is not." You descend several thousand feet from either rim, as this is accessible by the Bright Angel Trail (via the short River Trail that connects to the bridge), South Kaibab, and North Kaibab Trails. Downhill is brutal on knees and ankles, and you have to be in shape. Going up is brutal on everything. If you're staying at Bright Angel Campground, you're probably backpacking and you need to pack light, and know your limits. Give yourself time. You can break up the trip and also stop and Indian Garden and the campground there if you don't want to do it all in one day. There's plenty to do here. It's so odd that you have Phantom Ranch right here, and you can go over and get a drink or snack. If you book ahead of time, you can buy your meals here and have a nice meal. It's spendy, but for crying out loud, they have to pack it in by mule every time! I've taken the hike north to Ribbon Falls which is a nice day activity if you're spending a few nights here. Or you can just lounge at the campground and let your body recover. Shade is a premium in the scorching summer, and winter is bone chilling cold. The shoulder season is nice but crowded, so you really just pick your poison. As I sit here right now in my house in the city, I close my eyes tightly and I can hear the roar of the Colorado River in my mind. I'm back at the campground at the bottom of the canyon. We've left the madness of the village and wandered down through the magic canyon, crossed the bridge, and we're in the tent living our very best life. The moon is glowing and I can *just* imagine it. It's a special place. I'm feeling it -- I do want to go back.

Mather Campground is a great place to stay if you want to camp close to the Grand Canyon while…read morestill having access to basic conveniences. The campground is clean, well maintained, easy to navigate, and close enough to Grand Canyon Village, shuttle stops, viewpoints, hiking areas, stores, and other services. The campsites are nicely set up with picnic tables, parking areas, and fire rings, and the sites feel comfortable even though the campground is fairly large. The restrooms were clean and well maintained, and having access to running water, showers, and laundry nearby is a big plus, especially for families or anyone staying more than one night. One of the best parts of staying here is the wildlife. Seeing elk, mule deer, ravens, and other animals around the campground really adds to the Grand Canyon experience. The trees and natural setting make the campground feel peaceful and more secluded than expected, even with other campers nearby. Quiet hours are also appreciated, and the campground had a respectful, relaxed feel. It is a good option for both experienced campers and people who want a simpler camping experience with nearby amenities. Overall, Mather Campground is clean, convenient, scenic, and very well located. It is a great campground for visiting the South Rim, and I would definitely recommend it.

Camping with the family and there is so much to do. We couldn't even scratch the surface with 4…read moreday trip. Super clean and great hosts.

It's magical and wonderful and if you're lucky enough to spend the night here, you'll lay away in…read moreyour bed even years later and think about it. Too much hype? Prove me wrong. I first encountered Indian Garden on a hike up the Bright Angel Trail, at least seven or eight years ago. That's the trail it's on, but I had come down the South Kaibab, stayed at the Bright Angel Campground (also magical and wonderful) and then taken the longer route up to the rim via Bright Angel. I remember popping up out of all those switchbacks from the Colorado, encountering the more gentle slope along the river, and being totally blown away by all the trees at Indian Garden. It's full on riparian corridor! Indeed, this little stretch of the river where the picnic grounds, ranger station, pump station, and campground are located is its own little world. Day hikers often congregate on the trail side of the river -- they recommend you don't descend beyond this point as a day hike -- and as I walked by almost a decade ago, I just knew I needed to come back and stay in the campground. Fast forward to January of 2017 when a wonderful set of circumstances, including a last chance backcountry permit, allowed me to fulfill that dream. This time, I descended the Bright Angel Trail and spent two nights in the canyon. The campground is located about 4.5 miles down (some charts list it at 4.8) from the rim on the Bright Angel Trail. The first three are steep descents, the last mile-ish is more gradual. All told, you descend over 3500 feet, which still puts you around 4.5 miles (4.1, depending on the chart) from Phantom Ranch with another 1300 or so feet to descend. It's actually the perfect setup for backpacking. You haul your full pack only 4.5 down and 4.5 up. Take two nights. On that full day in between, make the hike down to Phantom and the Colorado River with only a daypack. On your half-day, march out to Plateau Point with daypack. You get to see it all, but only have 9 miles of trek under full weight, and the uphill portion will be when your pack is the lightest. The campground itself is incredible, and I can only imagine how it looks when the trees are leaved out. I've only been in January, but it must be a shaded dream in the summer. There's one group site, and the rest are just first-come, first-served sites that probably accommodate up to 2 small backpacking tents. They also each have a rain/shade structure over a picnic table, and a small concrete pad where you should do your cooking. You'll get two small ammo cans to hold your food or garbage, which should be sealed when not in use. Save those critters! You'll also post your backcountry permit in the new permit box affixed to each structure. You must have a permit to sleep here. Besides the permit, there are a few other rules you should be aware of: There are quiet hours, no cooking allowed on the tables, all food must be stored in the ammo cans, no fires allowed, and all other park rules apply. It's also worth mentioning that you shouldn't approach wildlife, and definitely not feed them. The deer in the Grand Canyon are too accustomed to humans, and there are problems. We had a herd come right through camp which was very special, but a good reminder that we need to respect them for their own good. As for amenities, there are nice pit toilets (the fan noises are a little distracting), several water stations, and even a small hiker hut with art on display, and a lending library. Grab a book and read, then put it back when you're done. As I sit here typing this, my mind has wandered back to Indian Garden. I almost ache for that feeling of being in that special place, on an adventure I'll remember for the rest of my life. I didn't so much enter that place, as that place has entered into me and my soul. To spend a few nights there only makes me appreciate how rare and special it really is.

I slept here, in the Inner Canyon. The deer walked right through camp and we sat still. The sun set…read morehigh above us against the edge of the canyon and then we were in a strip of stars. The second night was especially quiet, only two or three other campgrounds being used, and we all woke up early to hike out in the dusk to beat the snow. You should go, you should go, you should go. You can do the hike down to the campground, you can get a backcountry permit to camp there. You can carry your food in and use the clean pit toilets. I didn't know it, but I could do those things, and now I'm one of those people that's done those things so I can tell you: you can do it, and you should. Go in the off season when it's not 100 degrees, watch the light in the trees and feel surrounded by the walls of red and copper stone. Think about the people who gardened here in Indian Garden, and read their stories in the lovely tiny little library, and carry them and this place with you everywhere you go forever after. I know I will.

It is very silly to write a Yelp review of a place that's nearly impossible to get a reservation…read moreat. But I do compulsively write Yelp reviews of everywhere I eat, so here goes. Location aside, the "hiker's stew" is genuinely an excellent stew. Good quality big chunks of beef and a really savory broth that lets you know just how long it was cooked. Some vegetables (corn) are likely canned, but that was both a minor issue and to be expected given the location. Overall it's genuinely very tasty. Salad was fresh but unremarkable. Cornbread was excellent. Cake was average. I do wish they had ice cream, but I understand the logistical difficulties there...

Phantom Ranch is a unique experience in the bottom of the Grand Canyon. From the south rim, it is…read moreabout 7.5 miles down the South Kaibab trail or 10 miles via the Bright Angel trail. There's cabins and bunk houses that require a lottery 15 months in advance, which adds to the exclusivity of the experience. Steak dinner is offered by reservations only for $70pp U.S. From 8am- 8pm, there's a cantina open selling all the things you'd want while backpacking, including cold lemonade, beer, wine, snacks, and first aid items. This week, the canyon was bursting with color from all the flowers and vegetation growing after the heavy snow season. This was truly a special experience! The trail to Ribbon Falls/North Rim was closed at one of the bridges and the creek running too high to attempt a safe crossing, so we enjoyed a rest day and cooled off on the banks of the stunning Colorado River. We took pictures of the current ranch as big changes are underway with a new water system getting installed, which will impact access to the ranch for a while. Special mention to the staff, particularly Zach, who went above and beyond to show us hospitality. Also, best of luck to new hire Tyler as he settles into his new role at the ranch! The ranch is currently short-handed, and some of the staff are really feeling the stress, which is starting to show in their interactions with guests. Remember to be patient and kind. The bottom of the Grand Canyon can't be an easy place to live and work.

The staff was very friendly and helpful both before and during our arrival. The camp seemed clean…read more We chose a tent site. They seemed on the small side , but there are fire rings scattered around to share, and plenty of trees for partial shade. We were disappointed to find the showers require $2.00 for 8 minutes of use. Never saw this mentioned in the description. Unfortunately, this camp is directly under the flight path of the helicopter tours that started at 7:00 AM! They go by every 10 minutes so don't expect to sleep in. Also, buy your groceries before you get here. A half gallon of milk was $5.79! Edited to add that on our last day, the fly overs started at 5:30 am!

Great staff and walking distance to a Starbucks and other goods. Close to the highway, but road…read morenoise was minimal. The campground was clean, well maintained. Had solid service with the Verizon network. Showers were paid for use with tokens purchased at the front desk. The tokens were refundable. You also see elk walking around in the morning which is a bonus.

There are places on this earth that don't feel entirely claimed by man where the air sits heavier,…read morewhere silence hums just a little too loud. Havasupai Falls is one of those places. Now listen I'm gonna tell you straight. You can hike it, sure. Strap on your pack, bake in that canyon heat, follow the mules and the dust like you're reenacting some pioneer tragedy. Or... you take the helicopter. Drop in like you've got better sense than the rest of 'em. Because when you're only staying a night, you don't waste half your trip pretending you enjoy suffering. You get there quick, boots on the ground, eyes wide open. And what waits for you... ain't normal. The water this unreal shade of blue, like someone spilled paint straight outta heaven itself cuts through red rock like it's been there since before memory had a name. The canyon walls stand tall, watching. Always watching. You can feel it. Not in a poetic way... in a you're not alone kind of way. The people there, the tribe they carry a quiet presence. Like they know something they're not in a hurry to explain. Respectful, grounded... but there's history in their eyes. Old history. Night comes different down there. The fire was crackling low. Shadows stretching just a little too far, bending where they shouldn't. That's when I saw it. Across the canyon, tucked behind a tree like it didn't quite understand hiding... something big. Hairy. Not a trick of the light. Not a deer. Not a man. It stood there. Watching. Then came the sound. Tap... tap... tap. Something hitting the tent. Not hard. Just enough to say, "I'm still here." I thought maybe rocks... maybe pinecones. But there weren't any trees above us that could explain it. And whatever it was it had aim. I told the others. Nobody laughed. Nobody slept. We sat around that fire like it was the last safe place on earth, eyes fixed into the dark, waiting for something to step forward... or worse, not step forward. Because sometimes what you don't see is worse than what you do. Finally, in a moment of pure, desperate brilliance or stupidity someone grabbed a sandwich and chucked it out there into the black. We waited. Minutes stretched. The canyon held its breath. And then... nothing. Whatever it was... it was gone. No footsteps. No sound. Just silence again, like the place had swallowed it whole. Now I ain't saying I believe in Bigfoot... ...but I'm also not saying I slept worth a damn that night. And here's the part where I switch gears for ya because after all that spooky nonsense, you gotta laugh a little. Look, I'm just gonna say it .. "I paid good money to fly into a canyon, not to get mugged by a damn woodland gorilla." You got folks hiking ten miles, riding donkeys, sweating like they owe the sun money... and I'm down there getting harassed by what I can only assume is the canyon's unofficial night manager. Five stars. Would absolutely go again. ...but next time, I'm bringing two sandwiches.

Out in the middle of the desert in Arizona pretty much near the end portion of the Grand Canyon and…read moreabout an hour away from Route 66 is the trail to get to Havasupai. There's a lodge in the village and a campground area another 2 miles from the village, both have different dates to apply for permits online about a year in advance. There are 5 amazing water fall sites once you pass the village. 50 Foot Falls, Lower Navajo Falls, Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls, and Beavers. An additional journey heading out 6 miles past Beaver falls you can get to the Confluence where you can see the Havasu Creek water meet up with the Colorado river. For the camp sites you aren't assigned an actual location you just grab any available site that's not directly on the trail. There's a fresh water spring in the camp site where we refilled out bottles for the 4 days & 3 nights we were here. Also 2 miles back up at the village they do have a cafeteria with burgers fries, hot dogs and all that other stuff. If you're not up for the 8-10 miles hike into the village/campground with all your camping gear on your back they have options at additional cost. You can have your bags packed on miles/horses and carried into the site & they also have helicopter rides in and out of the village (first come first serve, the natives have priority to skip the line at anytime)

Beautiful grounds and very quiet.. Clean bathrooms. Very helpful host and close to Grand Canyon…read more Definitely would stay here again.

This is a wonderful campground and very convenient to the Canyon. We reserved the 2 unit (#19) and…read moreit was perfect for my family. The fire ring was very new and modern. Had a outside ring, a grill you could use for cooking. The picnic tables were a nice touch. The grounds and restrooms were very clean. We will be back when it opens in the spring.

Beautiful campground!…read more We were driving east on Route 89A towards Marble Canyon and we were all tired and hungry. The sign for the campground was a welcome sight even though we were not thinking about camping there. We were looking for a comfortable picnic ground were we could have a festive lunch, a little nap and a couple of hours of rest before getting back on the road. So we turned right onto AZ-67 a little passed the campground entrance, and a few hundred yards, left onto the entrance of the no fee picnic area. The place is beautiful and well maintained. The picnic tables are nicely shaded by big trees and the public restrooms are clean. After filling our bellies we went for a walk exploring the surrounding, and I can tell you that the campground itself is just as well-kept and maintained. Right in the corner of Route 89A and AZ-67 there is the Jacob Lake Inn and Store. So if you want to stick around for the night, but are not big on camping check this place out, it is a good alternative to roughing it out under the trees! And the place is only 45 mile from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon!

Stopped at Jacob's lake nest the north rim of the Grand Canyon national park entrance toad. Busy…read moreplace with gas , food , lodging . Seems like private concessionaires have the lease? on this busy corner . Beautiful part of our state .