The United States’ Grand Canyon is a sight to behold at least once in your life. When planning your trip, some of the most important decisions you’ll make are when to go and where to stay. Just 25 minutes from the South Rim entrance is Under Canvas Grand Canyon.
A boutique glamping experience, Under Canvas is the ideal base for exploring the national park. Safari-style tents outfitted with luxury comforts make this the perfect pit stop for conscious travelers who value a light footprint, but don’t want to rough it too much.
Environmentally Conscious Design
Under Canvas feels more like a community than a ‘hotel.’ The lobby tent is the main hub, where you can lounge in the uber stylish and comfortable ambience while ordering your meals. Fair-trade, organic and sustainable furnishings from West Elm elevate the canvas tents, making it very hard to remember you’re technically camping.
There’s no electricity in the tents (only USB powered lanterns) and the pathways leading from the lobby tent to the individual tents are all powered by solar power. All bath products are organic and plant-based, from EO Organics.
Staying true to nature, there is no wifi, which makes it easy to unplug and reconnect with your surroundings (and families).
The Experience (Immersion In Nature)
Established amidst 160-acres of secluded piñon and juniper forest, Under Canvas Grand Canyon is located in the center of Native American reservations and two national parks in Valle, Arizona. You have to keep an eye out for the Planes of Fame Museum turnoff, as the property is hidden from plain eyesight, behind the barely there Valle airport. After a couple turns and nearly a mile, you’ll find the driveway that will take you straight to the lobby tent.
Cool off under the misters and enjoy the casual check-in process. You’ll be shown a map to your tent, but before settling in completely, make sure you swing by the onsite café for cool drinks to take back to your tent to enjoy while unpacking.
Tents can fit two to four people (with special accommodations made for families) and either have a private bathroom or access to a shared bathhouse. Stargazer tents have night sky viewing above the bed, allowing you to nod off while staring into the Milky Way. Some tents even have wood burning stoves, perfect for the chillier months.
The Vibe
Friends, families and couples are all the norm here and the expanse of the outdoor space makes gathering spaces comfortable for everyone. Once you check in, you probably won’t leave (there’s not much around except the Grand Canyon).
You can have sundowners on the deck of your own tent or make some new friends at the bar. Order dinner and gather round the communal firepits to roast s’mores, play cornhole or simply wind down the night with a cocktail under the starry sky.
What We Love
- Locally-inspired, seasonal menus with plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options
- Plant-based, organic bath products
- Solar pathway lighting to limit light pollution
- Full immersion in nature (you’ll definitely hear it)
- The proximity to the Grand Canyon entrance
MICHELLE ARELLANO MARTIN
