Best Grand Canyon Travel Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 11, 2023

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Grand Canyon Travel Books are a must-have for anyone planning a trip to one of the world's most breathtaking natural wonders. These books provide in-depth information about the Grand Canyon's history, geology, flora, and fauna, as well as tips for hiking, camping, and exploring the park. With stunning photographs and detailed maps, these books are the perfect companion for anyone looking to fully experience the Grand Canyon. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, Grand Canyon Travel Books are an essential addition to your travel library.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Fodor's Essential Switzerland (Full-color Travel Guide) Cover #TOP 1
Fodor's Essential Switzerland (Full-color Travel Guide)
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Belknap's Waterproof Grand Canyon River Guide Cover #TOP 2
Belknap's Waterproof Grand Canyon River Guide
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Grand Canyon, North and South Rims [Grand Canyon National Park] (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map) Cover #TOP 3
Grand Canyon, North and South Rims [Grand Canyon National Park] (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map)
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Grand Canyon Travel Books

Fodor's Essential Switzerland (Full-color Travel Guide)

Fodor's Travel Guides
Fodor's Travel
Jun 14, 2022
Fodor's Essential Switzerland (Full-color Travel Guide) Cover
Fodor's Essential Switzerland (Full-color Travel Guide)

Fodor's Essential Switzerland is an ultimate guidebook that helps travelers plan their trip to Switzerland effectively. Packed with detailed maps, itineraries, and honest recommendations on the best sights, restaurants, hotels, and more, this book is a must-have for anyone planning to visit Switzerland. The book also provides historical and cultural insights on local people, politics, cuisine, geography, and more. The language primers in French, German, and Italian are helpful for travelers who are not familiar with the local languages. Overall, Fodor's Essential Switzerland is a well-organized and informative guidebook that makes trip-planning process easier.

#TOP 2

Belknap's Waterproof Grand Canyon River Guide

Buzz Belknap / Loie Belknap Evans
Loie Belknap Evans
Buzz Belknap;Buzz Belknap;Buzz Belknap;Buzz Belknap;Buzz Belknap;Buzz Belknap;Buzz Belknap;Buzz Belknap
Buzz Belknap;Buzz Belknap;Buzz Belknap;Buzz Belknap;Buzz Belknap;Buzz Belknap;Buzz Belknap;Buzz Belknap
Westwater Books
Apr 5, 2022
Belknap's Waterproof Grand Canyon River Guide Cover
Belknap's Waterproof Grand Canyon River Guide

Belknap's Waterproof Grand Canyon River Guide is an essential read for anyone planning a trip to the Grand Canyon. With more than 50 years in print, this guide includes detailed information on the Colorado River, from Glen Canyon Dam to Lake Mead. The guide features shaded relief-topographic maps, and special sections on history, archaeology, geology, natural history, and photography. The author, Buzz Belknap, has been revising and updating the guide for 49 years, ensuring that it remains current and informative. The book's unique feature is the read-as-you-run format, which makes it easy for travelers to follow and enjoy the journey. Overall, this guide is a must-have for anyone looking to explore the Grand Canyon.

#TOP 3

Grand Canyon, North and South Rims [Grand Canyon National Park] (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map)

National Geographic Maps
National Geographic Maps
Jan 1, 2019
Grand Canyon, North and South Rims [Grand Canyon National Park] (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map) Cover
Grand Canyon, North and South Rims [Grand Canyon National Park] (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map)

This waterproof and tear-resistant topographic map by National Geographic is a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts exploring Grand Canyon National Park's North and South Rims. It features detailed and easy-to-read trails, accurate road networks, campgrounds, scenic overlooks, visitor centers, and facilities. The map also includes color-coded bus stops with routes, park regulations, backcountry use areas, and contact information for local agencies. The unique feature of this map is the contour lines and elevations for summits, passes, and major lakes. With its expert research and unmatched detail, the Grand Canyon North and South Rims map can guide you off the beaten path and back again.

A Complete Guide to the Grand Circle National Parks: Covering Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands, Mesa Verde, and Grand Canyon National Parks (English and Japanese Edition)

Eric Henze
Gone Beyond Guides
Mar 1, 2022
A Complete Guide to the Grand Circle National Parks: Covering Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands, Mesa Verde, and Grand Canyon National Parks (English and Japanese Edition) Cover
A Complete Guide to the Grand Circle National Parks: Covering Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands, Mesa Verde, and Grand Canyon National Parks (English and Japanese Edition)

A Complete Guide to the Grand Circle National Parks is a must-read for anyone planning to visit the Southwest United States. The book covers seven breathtaking national parks, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Grand Canyon, as well as surrounding national monuments and state parks. With first-hand reviews of over 170 lodges, campgrounds, and restaurants, as well as detailed descriptions with maps, tips, stories, and insights, this guidebook has something for everyone. The book is well-written, informative, and easy to read. It's an inspiring and helpful vacation guide that will make your trip to the Grand Circle unforgettable.

#TOP 5

Over The Edge: Death in Grand Canyon, Newly Expanded 10th Anniversary Edition

Michael P. Ghiglieri
Thomas M. Myers
M.P. Ghiglieri
Kim Besom & Bronze Black
Puma Press
May 1, 2012
Over The Edge: Death in Grand Canyon, Newly Expanded 10th Anniversary Edition Cover
Over The Edge: Death in Grand Canyon, Newly Expanded 10th Anniversary Edition

The book "Over The Edge: Death in Grand Canyon, Newly Expanded 10th Anniversary Edition" is an updated and revised edition of the 2001 classic that contains many gripping accounts of all known fatal mishaps in the Grand Canyon. Authored by Ghiglieri and Myers, this book is a masterpiece that belongs not only to the libraries of Canyon lovers but also to those of everyone interested in Western Americana. Auther Ghiglieri, a professional wilderness river guide for 39 years, and Myers, the Medical Director for Grand Canyon National Park, have done an incredible job of providing readers with detailed information on the accidents that have occurred in the Canyon. Overall, this book is a must-read for travel enthusiasts who want to know more about the Grand Canyon and its history.

Knitting the National Parks: 63 Easy-to-Follow Designs for Beautiful Beanies Inspired by the US National Parks (Knitting Books and Patterns; Knitting Beanies)

Bates, Nancy
Aug 30, 2022
Knitting the National Parks: 63 Easy-to-Follow Designs for Beautiful Beanies Inspired by the US National Parks (Knitting Books and Patterns; Knitting Beanies) Cover
Knitting the National Parks: 63 Easy-to-Follow Designs for Beautiful Beanies Inspired by the US National Parks (Knitting Books and Patterns; Knitting Beanies)

Knitting the National Parks is a knitting book that includes 63 easy-to-follow designs for beautiful beanies inspired by the US National Parks. Each beanie design is unique and celebrates a national park, from the brightly colored pebbles of Lake McDonald to the Salt Flats in California Death Valley. The book offers clear charts, easy-to-read keys, and thorough instructions to help any knitter, beginner or experienced. The book also includes photographs of the finished beanies and the park's landscapes that inspired them. Overall, this book is a great way to show love and appreciation for our national parks while creating beautiful and practical beanies.

The Ultimate Arizona Bucket List Guide Book: 110+ Amazing Adventures & Places to Explore to Make Your Travel Dreams Come True! (Map of Arizona & Journal Included)

Publishing, Primeveler
Independently published
Mar 30, 2023
The Ultimate Arizona Bucket List Guide Book: 110+ Amazing Adventures & Places to Explore to Make Your Travel Dreams Come True! (Map of Arizona & Journal Included) Cover
The Ultimate Arizona Bucket List Guide Book: 110+ Amazing Adventures & Places to Explore to Make Your Travel Dreams Come True! (Map of Arizona & Journal Included)

The Ultimate Arizona Bucket List Guide Book by UrGod is a comprehensive guide for anyone planning a trip to Arizona. With over 110 places to explore, an illustrated map, and a travel journal section, this guidebook is perfect for adventurers who want to make the most out of their trip. The book also includes practical advice on budgeting, directions, and planning. The reviews from satisfied customers speak for themselves, making it a must-have for anyone looking to explore Arizona. Overall, The Ultimate Arizona Bucket List Guide Book is an excellent resource that stands out for its comprehensive content and practical tips.

The National Parks Cookbook: The Best Recipes from (and Inspired by) America’s National Parks (Great Outdoor Cooking)

Ly, Linda
Taylor, Will
Oct 11, 2022
The National Parks Cookbook: The Best Recipes from (and Inspired by) America’s National Parks (Great Outdoor Cooking) Cover
The National Parks Cookbook: The Best Recipes from (and Inspired by) America’s National Parks (Great Outdoor Cooking)

The National Parks Cookbook is a delightful collection of more than 70 recipes inspired by America's national parks. The book includes signature dishes from the top 10 national parks in the country, original recipes inspired by park flora and fauna, and local culinary specialties. The book is part cookbook and part escapist lifestyle book filled with stunning travel photography and national park history. Readers can take a food-driven tour through the parks and enjoy memorable recipes from breakfast to dinner, appetizers to dessert, and cocktails. The National Parks Cookbook is a must-have for anyone who loves national parks, cooking, and travel.

New York Times: 36 Hours USA & Canada

Ireland, Barbara
Taschen America Llc
Dec 15, 2019
New York Times: 36 Hours USA & Canada Cover
New York Times: 36 Hours USA & Canada

The New York Times: 36 Hours USA & Canada is a comprehensive travel guide for North America, offering practical itineraries for travelers to experience as much as possible in limited time. This third edition includes more than 5,400 hours worth of insightful itineraries, practical recommendations for over 600 restaurants and 450 hotels, and comprehensive revisions to all 130 itineraries. With 33 new stories and detailed city-by-city maps, this book is an excellent travel companion for anyone exploring North America. Barbara Ireland, a former deputy Travel editor at The New York Times, has done an excellent job editing this book. Highly recommended for travelers seeking a well-rounded travel experience.

National Park Maps: An Atlas of the U.S. National Parks

Oswald, Michael Joseph
Apr 4, 2023
National Park Maps: An Atlas of the U.S. National Parks Cover
National Park Maps: An Atlas of the U.S. National Parks

National Park Maps: An Atlas of the U.S. National Parks is a comprehensive guide for those who want to explore America's most scenic treasures. With full-color maps of all 63 U.S. National Parks, hundreds of photos, and driving distance charts, this atlas is an invaluable tool for planning your next national park adventure. The book also provides need-to-know information about permits, crowds, and closures. Michael Joseph Oswald's goal is to help readers make the most of their National Park experience, and he does an excellent job. Overall, this book is exceptionally informative, well-organized, and user-friendly. It's a must-have for any American travel guide and map collection.

Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does it take to drive all the way around the Grand Canyon?

However, to drive between them through the park, over the Colorado River and loop around the canyon, you have to travel 215 miles or about 5 hours. That's just one small way to understand the immensity of this incredible place.

2. Is there a tour guide for the Grand Canyon?

Welcome to GRANDCANYONTOURGUIDE.COM. The home of Williams Tour Guide and Grand Canyon Tour Guide. An insider's guide to where to eat, sleep, shop, explore area attractions, hike the best trails and sightsee in Williams, the Grand Canyon and northern Arizona.

3. What is the best month to visit Grand Canyon National Park?

Weather in the Grand Canyon is at its best between April and June, when rainfall averages are low and temperatures have not yet reached their scorching summer highs. The park becomes extremely crowded when school lets out in June, so plan your visit before then, if possible.

4. How many days is enough in Grand Canyon?

How Many Days at the Grand Canyon? We recommend between one to three days at the Grand Canyon, though you could stay for longer for a relaxed visit. With only one day at the Grand Canyon, you can check out a few viewpoints, hike into the canyon or on the Rim Trail, and catch the sunset.

Editor's Notes

During our grand canyon travel book research, we found 957 grand canyon travel book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 15,745 customer reviews through our big data system to write the grand canyon travel books list. We found that most customers choose grand canyon travel books with an average price of $18.89.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.