When visiting Grand Canyon village, don't just stay on the rim. Pack your camp gear, hike down the Bright Angel Trail and spend a couple of days exploring the inner gorge of Grand Canyon. The trail is well maintained, and the hike is easily done in one day, but I recommend staying the first night at Indian Garden campground. From Indian Garden you can hike out to Plateau Point for a spectacular panorama of the Grand Canyon including the first view of the Colorado River. Don't forget to apply for a camping permit 2-3 months in advance.

This is a solid, wonderful nature trail. The views of the Canyon are stunning, especially early in the morning. I did part of this trail at sunrise and got some amazing photos of the sun peaking up over the end of the Canyon. Parts of the trail are steep and narrow, so you do need some level of fitness. A great trail very conveniently located close to Bright Angel Lodge.

Although I have never been interested in hiking I did this trail and loved it. It is not too challenging so that everyone can do it no matter what condition he or she is in. Since "I hiked the canyon" (which is the slogan everywhere in Grand Canyon Village), I love hiking and everyone who visits the canyon once in his life has to do at least this trail!

Hike down and be amazed by the wonders of nature. You can make it to Indian Gardens and back in one day. If you have a back country permit you can camp out in the Canyon itself!
You can easily get to the Grand Canyon by hitchhiking from Flagstaff, AZ.