3 Days in Grand Canyon National Park

DAY 1 - SOUTH KAIBAB TRAIL

[best panoramic views]

Begin the day from the South Kaibab Trailhead. This is one of the more popular destinations, but still well worth a visit and much preferred over the Bright Angel Trail. Decent is down a series of switchbacks at the top traveling down to a mesa. There is a pit toilet a few miles down the trail to help keep a clean park. 

DAY 2 - HERMIT TRAIL TO DRIPPING SPRINGS

[unique natural spring and no crowds]

Begin the second day taking a shuttle out to the Hermit Trail Trailhead from the South Rim Village. As you decend down the trail, look for old marine fossils in the limestone along the path. There are several lizard tracks just on the left as you travel on the "cobblestone" paths. Be sure to bring a map; the trail will split and you travel left towards Dripping Springs. The end destination is a natural spring dripping out of the rock above in a large rock enclave at the end of the dripping springs canyon.

DAY 3 - GRANDVIEW TRAIL

[mining history and a hidden cave]

Begin the third day at the Grandview Trailhead. This trail is not for the faint of heart as the trail is a bit narrow towards the top looking over cliffs. As you continue down to Horseshoe Mesa, keep track of time. If you are a speedy hiker and have enough daylight, there is a secret hidden cave just under the mesa with signatures over 100 years old. Other day hikers, turn around at the top of the mesa after enjoying a beautiful picnic lunch in the heart of the canyon.