17. Check for Groupon deals

Discounts are not the norm in busy tourist destinations. However, every once in a while a deal may pop up on a discount site like Groupon or Living Social. It may be worth it to do a quick scan to possibly save a few bucks. Recent deals I’ve personally seen include special discounts off of: scenic chairlift ride at Snowbowl in Flagstaff, jeep and trolley tours in Sedona, South Rim bus tours, and various restaurant and hotel discounts.

18. Avoid traveling during summer monsoon season

Monsoon storm at the Grand Canyon
The weather really can change in an instant during the monsoon season. Be prepared!

During the summer monsoon season (July & August) Arizona sees frequent crazy thunderstorms during a time referred to as summer monsoon season. Knowing nothing about monsoons before moving here, let’s just say I was so surprised by the intensity of these storms! As many think of this state solely as a dry desert, they are unprepared for this serious summer weather, which can really put a damper on your trip as almost all activities in the area are outdoor based. I’ve been caught in some pretty serious storms (even though skies looked clear beforehand). As you can see in my pic above, clear skies turned into a pretty brutal monsoon while hiking the Kaibab.

As this region sees some of the highest number of lighting related death per year, you really do not want to set out on a high altitude hike when monsoons are a concern. Sadly, you really cannot predict these storms (they tend to come on suddenly), so it’s best to just avoid summer hiking.

Besides the frequent inclement weather, the summer season is usually unbearably hot (often reaching into the 100’s), the crowds are insane, and hotel rates are the highest of the year. Just a few more reasons to consider scheduling your trip during the off-season!

19. Consider camping as a budget friendly lodging alternative

Skip the super pricey hotels in favor of a rustic, budget friendly nature experience. Use this time to disconnect from modern tech and spend some quality time soaking in the natural scenery. The added bonus of unplugging in a time where we could all do with less time in front of the computer, TV, phone makes camping all the more attractive. Camping rates start at just under 20 bucks, so you can really save some big bucks on lodging costs by taking this route. For more info on the 3 South Rim campgrounds, visit the NPS website.

20. Choose the North Rim as your destination

Although it’s only open from May 15th-October 15th, the North Rim offers the more spectacular scenery, along with fewer crowds and cheaper lodging options. Most tourists choose the South Rim because it’s easily accessible from many cities. If nature and solitude are more your thing, definitely consider this as a low-key alternative.

The closest affordable lodging is the Jacob Lake Inn, which offers rooms as low as $100 per night, and with much more availability. It’s a great option for those who tend to book hotels at the last minute. I recommend planning your stay in fall as the temperatures are great, the likelihood of heavy rain ruining your trip decreases, and the aspens shine brightly with golden foliage.

21. Take advantage of free activities at the Village

There’s lots of free places to explore at the South Rim. For starters, the beautiful lobby of the historic El Tovar hotel, is most famous for being featured in the 80’s classic “Vacation” with Chevy Chase. As a big 80’s movie buff, I had to check it out. The hotel was built in 1905 and features a stunning design by architect Charles Whittlesey who also worked on the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway.

Other free sites of interest include: the Geology Museum where you can learn more about the history of the canyon, Kolb Studio where you can explore art exhibits, Desert View Watchtower where you can climb 85 steps for amazing panoramic views of the area, and the Tusayan Museum where you can explore ancient 800+ year old Indian ruins.