Yavapai Lodge, Grand Canyon National Park

Yavapai Lodge is the largest facility in Grand Canyon National Park and therefore generally the most open. Named after local Native American people inhabiting western Arizona, Yavapai is close to the Grand Canyon rim yet positioned further away from the hectic crowds of tourist. Once parked in the lodge's lot, the car needn't be used as shuttles can easily get you around.

The Grand Canyon Village is the only place where the railroad reaches the rim of the canyon, thus making it a hub of activity and transportation for decades. The Yavapai Lodge is just a mile from the Historic District, which was built during the first half of the 1900's by the Santa Fe Railroad.

Getting around is not difficult, as free shuttles bus visitors from and to lodges, campgrounds, restaurants and shops. Some shuttles stop at scenic overlooks as well. Yavapai Observation Station is one of the best spots to catch vast Grand Canyon views.

Built in the early 1950's, the Yavapai is a mere half-mile to the rim of the canyon in a peaceful wooded setting of pines and junipers. When visitors to the park leapt to the millions, the Yavapai Lodge was built to provide a sizeable facility for travelers. The lodge opened in 1958 Yavapai Lodge features a general store, deli, bank, post office and cafeteria.

While the rooms are on the smaller side and don't offer the same interior architecture and accents of the other lodges, guests can drive to the door. Lodging on the east side of the facility is larger with king size beds.