Here’s How to Drive to the Bottom of The Grand Canyon

If you haven’t gone to the north rim or the south rim of the Grand Canyon and gazed at its amazing cliffs with the Colorado river running through it, what are you waiting for?

I personally think the north rim is more enjoyable. It is like visiting a mountain man’s camp with log cabins and lodges. You can hike right over the canyon and stare into its depths. It is close and accessible.  

Many people hike the Grand Canyon from rim to rim. This is a great way to experience the width and depth of this wonder of the world. This is not for the person who is looking for a leisurely easy hike. This goes all the way down one side and comes up the other. 

You can also float the river on a raft. There is a waiting list, but definitely a bucket list item. There are different parts of the river that will take a couple days to a week. Also, not a trip for the casual vacationer. 

You may not know that you can actually drive to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Ok, now we’re talking. You might think I'm referring to Lees Ferry, a couple miles down from the Glen Canyon dam at Lake Powell where they launch the rafts for the river trip. A cool place, but not the one I'm talking about. 

There is a dirt road you can drive right to the bottom. You start on the south side of the canyon. You find it off route 66 when you drive to Pete Springs. You purchase a permit from the Walapai fish and game office as it is on Walapai tribal land.  

It is a fairly well-maintained dirt road, but it gets rougher the farther you go. You will want to make sure your vehicle can handle it and is in good shape. There is no cell phone service. You will drop down about 3500 feet right to the river.  

There you go. A way to see the bottom of the Grand Canyon from the comfort of your car. There are not a lot of people who do this trip, so you’ll get it mostly to yourself. And you can have the AC on and blowing in your face the whole way.