Driving east to west also positions each of the overlooks to your right, so you won't have to hassle with turning across traffic. However, we chose the East Rim Drive as our exit route. This way, as we headed away from Grand Canyon Village, we could spend our last hours in the park lingering at Canyon overlooks. Before leaving the Village make a stop at Yavapai Point. The view from here is quite broad, there's plenty of parking, and rangers are frequently leading group discussions.
Every season brings different types of ranger-led programs.
Check the park's free newspaper, The Guide , for programs and schedules. If geology is your bag, be sure to step inside the Yavapai Observation Station, beside Yavapai Point. It's filled with interesting displays and contains a small bookstore.