One of the most recognizable geological sites on earth – and one of the seven wonders of the natural world – the Grand Canyon is probably on most people’s travel bucket lists and for good reason. Located in northwest Arizona, it is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and up to a mile deep. The layered bands of colorful rock along the sides of the canyon, created by the Colorado River, reveal millions of years of geologic history.
Protected as Grand Canyon National Park since 1919, as one could expect from such an enormous site, there are many ways to explore all that the Grand Canyon has to offer. Most visitors start at the South Rim and begin their exploration at “Grand Canyon Village”, with its Visitor’s Center, Market Plaza, and Historic Village. A shuttle bus connects the Visitor Center with Market Plaza, and Historic Village lodges, campground, restaurants, and shops.
In addition to the well-known South Rim, visitors can also check out the Desert View, a small settlement near the eastern edge of Grand Canyon National Park. Here the Colorado River makes a turn to the north and on a clear day, one can see well over 100 miles.
Unlike the South Rim and Desert View areas which are open year round, the North Rim, is visited by only 10% of all Grand Canyon visitors, as during winter months, the North Rim is closed by snow. Interestingly, while a hike across the canyon from South Rim to North Rim is 21 miles, traveling from the South Rim to the North Rim by automobile requires a five-hour drive of 220 miles.
The Inner Canyon includes everything below the rim and is seen mainly by hikers, backpackers, mule riders, or river runners. There are many opportunities here for adventurous and hardy persons to backpack, camp, ride a mule to Phantom Ranch, or take a river trip through Grand Canyon on the Colorado River. Visitors can enjoy raft tours lasting from 3 days to 3 weeks.
There’s a great deal to do at the Grand Canyon, beyond taking in the views! With a rich Native American history, in addition to the flora and fauna, visitors will find a lot to experience. Tourists can take the Grand Canyon Railway, which runs 60 miles north from Williams. The brave can also stand on the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a transparent platform that juts out above the chasm. In addition, tours are also available for those looking to get an aerial view of the Grand Canyon – visitors can enjoy narrated tours of varying lengths either aboard an airplane or a helicopter.
So now that you know you want to go, what’s the best way to visit? Visitors can stay in any number of lodges, hotels, and resorts in or near the Grand Canyon. Both tent and RV camping is available as well. But one of the best ways I would recommend for visiting the Grand Canyon, is as part of a guided tour that explores it and other destinations over a period of days. With a tour, you have no stress and no worries about where to stay and what to see or do. Better still, you’ll have an experienced guide or two with you, providing experiences that the “average” visitor doesn’t get, and sharing in-depth knowledge and expertise.
However you choose to visit, be sure to put the Grand Canyon on your list of “must-see” vacation destinations!
And if you’re looking for other vacation ideas here in the U.S., be sure to request my FREE guide, See the USA – Fun Family Vacations Your Kids Will Love!
Find out how the FREE services of a Disney World travel agent can make planning your Disney vacation simple and STRESS FREE!
Want to know when Disney announces special savings and deals? Sign Up to Learn About the Latest Disney Promotions!
Wondering about vacations beyond the “world of Disney”? Receive alerts on the latest travel deals for Universal Orlando Resort, Sandals/Beaches and select cruise lines!
