The Grand Canyon is one of those places that made me tear up the first time I saw it.

I'll never forget that moment. We arrived at the canyon's edge as the sun was sinking over Arizona, and I felt the breath leave my chest as we took in the grandeur and stunning vastness before us. For a long time, I was speechless.

That's the effect the Grand Canyon has on people. It's a spectacle, equal parts majesty and mystery, and it airs its wisdom through the record of time shimmering from its walls.

If you're planning a trip there, you've got so much to discover! Here are some things to know before you go.

***

Note that this article focuses on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, which is the more popular and easily-accessible side of the park.

1. The best place to stay is inside the park.

Trust me, you'll want to be at the edge of the action.

Book a room in one of the national park’s lodges. Stay budget-conscious in the likes of Maswik Lodge or ball out at El Tovar. Either way, you’ll be in the thick of things, and easily able to enjoy all the activities and amenities available inside the park.

Keep in mind that most of the national park lodges sell out months in advance, so plan accordingly. That being said, if they're all completely booked when planning your trip, try calling a few days prior to your arrival to inquire about last-minute cancellations. It's worked for me twice!

2. You have to hike into the canyon at least once.

Many people visit the Grand Canyon as a road trip pit stop - they drive to the park, find the nearest (often over-trafficked) viewpoint, and take in the spectacular vistas only from above.

While this is fine if you're really stretched for time, few things compare to actually getting down into the canyon. Surround yourself with its rich geological history and really get to know this Wonder of the World that's millions of years in the making.

Start with the Rim Trail for scenic birds-eye views all around the canyon. Then descend into it. The most popular trails to do so are the rim-to-river Bright Angel and South Kaibab (but more on those later.)

If you're a serious backpacker, you might be interested in some of the more challenging trails on the South Rim, like Hermit Trail.

3. Hiking the Grand Canyon is kind of like hiking a mountain in reverse.

Hikes are twice as hard (and take twice as long) on the way back out. It can get brutally hot down in the canyon, and depending on the time of year, it may be too hot to attempt any hiking past noon.

Simply put, hike smart! Follow all National Park Service guidelines and study up on any trails you plan to attempt prior to visiting. No matter what, be prepared with proper gear, salty snacks, and plenty of water!

4. Hiking to the river and back in one day is nearly impossible (and ill-advised!)

Yeah, people have done it. But many have died trying. Don't attempt it.

5. Between Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trail, South Kaibab is better.

...in my humble opinion, at least.

Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails are the two main arteries to the canyon floor. They're the most popular rim-to-river routes and therefore well-maintained.

Despite their popularity, I’ve found that South Kaibab is less busy (likely due to its location further from Grand Canyon Village, and the fact that its trailhead is only accessible via the park shuttles.) This is a huge plus, as it allows you just a shred more solitude as you adventure.

What's more, South Kaibab's route along ridges provides stunning panoramic views of the canyon, something I feel isn’t as prevalent on Bright Angel. Those dreamier vistas combined with the quieter foot traffic makes South Kaibab the clear winner.

If visiting during the summer, a good turnaround point is Cedar Ridge, located about 1.5 miles down the South Kaibab Trail and offering postcard views that’ll have you beaming through your breathlessness. If you’re in the Grand Canyon past the summer months, aim to reach Skeleton Point, a 6-mile roundtrip journey that provides the trail’s first glimpse of the Colorado River. Keep in mind there is no water on South Kaibab.

6. The sunsets are unlike anywhere else on earth.

Watching the spectacular color dancing off the canyon ridges as the sun sets is almost meditative. You're gonna feel really small here - and yet possibly inspired to dream bigger than you ever have before.

Far, far down below, the Colorado turns metallic, its serpentine path impressive even at this height. Everything before you becomes saturated, the shadows deep and the valleys dramatic. And before you know it, you're humbled and moved by a show that is rivaled by little else.

Two of the best places to catch it? Mohave Point or Yavapai Point. Unfortunately, almost everyone else will have the same idea, so if you're hoping to skirt the crowds, check out Powell Point or Yaki Point.

7. Sunrise isn't to be missed, either.

My personal favorite viewpoint for a Grand Canyon sunrise is over the South Kaibab Trailhead. The colors are soft and the light is gentle, slowly brushing over every crevice of the canyon until its ancient corridors shimmer with pastels. There's a hush in the air, the canyon sleepy just like you. Yet somehow you feel energized, as if you could have the world - because there it is right in front of you.

Note that access to the South Kaibab Trailhead is restricted to the park’s shuttle buses, which run every 30 minutes before sunrise. Make sure to catch the first bus of the day so you have ample time to take in golden hour.

***

7 things to know before visiting the Grand Canyon