5-Day Grand Canyon and Colorado Adventure Itinerary

Day 1: Denver Exploration

Denver, Colorado on April 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

Enjoy creative breakfast dishes with a Colorado twist at this popular spot open from 6:30am to 2:30pm.
USD15, 1h

10:00am

Denver Botanic Gardens

Explore diverse botanical collections and beautiful landscapes; the gardens open at 9:00am and close at 8:00pm in April.
USD15, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Mercantile Dining & Provision

Savor farm-to-table New American cuisine in Denver's Union Station from 11am-3pm for lunch.
USD25, 1h

2:00pm

Denver Art Museum

Visit one of the largest art museums between the west coast and Chicago, open 10am to 5pm.
USD13, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Root Down

Enjoy vibrant global cuisine focusing on locally sourced ingredients; dinner served from 5pm to 10pm.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Denver to Grand Canyon

Travel to Grand Canyon, Arizona on April 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Denver Biscuit Company

Start your day with huge biscuit sandwiches and coffee; open from 7am to 3pm.
USD12, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Grand Canyon South Rim

Begin an approximately 10-hour scenic drive southwest towards Grand Canyon South Rim, allow for stops along the way.
USD0, 10h

6:30pm

Dinner at Arizona Room

Dine at this restaurant within Grand Canyon Village featuring regional cuisine and sunset views; open 4:30pm to 9pm.
USD35, 1h
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Day 3: Grand Canyon Highlights

Grand Canyon South Rim, Arizona on April 25, 2025

6:30am

Sunrise at Mather Point

Catch the breathtaking sunrise over the canyon at this iconic viewpoint, open 24 hours.
USD35 (park entrance fee), 1h

8:00am

Breakfast at El Tovar Dining Room

Enjoy a historic and elegant breakfast experience with spectacular canyon views; open from 6:30am to 10:30am.
USD30, 1h

10:00am

Hiking Bright Angel Trail

Hike part of this well-maintained trail into the canyon for incredible views and nature immersion; open year-round.
USD0, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Canyon Village Market & Deli

Quick casual lunch offering sandwiches and snacks; open daily from 7am to 7pm.
USD15, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Yavapai Point & Museum

Learn about geology and enjoy panoramic views of the canyon; open 9am to 5pm.
Included with park pass, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Bright Angel Lodge

Casual dining spot with hearty meals and rustic ambiance; open from 5pm to 9pm.
USD30, 1h
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Day 4: Grand Canyon & Colorado River

Grand Canyon South Rim, Arizona on April 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at The Grand Canyon Coffee Shop

Fuel up with fresh coffee and breakfast fare; open from 7am to 11am.
USD10, 1h

8:30am

Colorado River Rafting Tour

Take a half-day rafting trip on the Colorado River with spectacular canyon views; tours typically depart around 8:30am and last about 4-5 hours.
USD150, 5h

2:00pm

Lunch at Phantom Ranch Cantina

Enjoy rustic dining at Phantom Ranch accessible by rafting or hiking; requires advance booking.
USD20, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at Grand Canyon Village

Explore shops, galleries and relax after your exciting river tour.
USD0, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at El Tovar Dining Room

Return for a dinner with scenic canyon views and upscale ambiance; open 4:30pm - 9pm.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Return and Departure

Grand Canyon to Denver, Colorado on April 27, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Your Hotel

Grab a quick breakfast at your accommodation before travel.
USD10, 0h45m

7:45am

Drive Back to Denver

Start your approximately 10-hour drive back to Denver, allowing breaks along the route.
USD0, 10h

6:00pm

Dinner in Denver at The Kitchen

End your trip with a farm-to-table American meal at this cozy downtown spot serving 5pm-10pm.
USD40, 1h30m
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