Even the most skeptical of travelers becomes awestruck at the sight of the Grand Canyon's massive expanse of gorges, ridges and rock formations.
WHAT CAN YOU DO AT THE GRAND CANYON?
- Hiking & Walking Tours
- Helicopter & Airplane Tours
- River Rafting Tours
- Mule & Horseback Rides
- Bus & Jeep Tours
- Paragon Skydive
PLACES TO VISIT
1.GRAND CANYON VILLAGE
It holds some of the best lookout points in the park, including Yavapai Point, which Frommer's claims is one of the best places to view the canyon. If you're interested in history, stop by the rustic Grand Canyon Railway Depot, which welcomes Grand Canyon Railway passengers to the village. For authentic Native American souvenirs, head to the Hopi House, an adobe-style building representing a traditional Hopi crafts studio. Art aficionados should stop by the Kolb and Lookout studios for works of art inspired by the Grand Canyon.
2.THE NORTH RIM
The North Rim has a reputation for its rugged isolated trails and sparse facilities. Popular spots include Bright Angel Point with its views of the Roaring Springs, the North Rim’s only water source. You can also visit the Point Imperial, the highest point in the North Rim.
3.THE BRIGHT ANGEL TRAIL
This trail starts just west of the Bright Angel Lodge in Grand Canyon Village, to Plateau Point for some great views of the river. Traveling by mule during the day, and by night from Plateau Point and circle back up to the South Kaibab Trail.
4.HAVASU FALLS
Lauded as one of the most beautiful sights in the Grand Canyon, the Havasu Falls is a desert oasis, complete with crystal blue waterways and gushing falls that add an almost surreal quality to the dry canyon backdrop. The falls lie just south of the national park in the Havasupai Indian Reservation. After visiting the falls stop by the village of Supai, where the Havasupai Indians sell souvenirs and snacks.
5.COLORADO RIVER RAFTING
To see the Grand Canyon from a different point of view, consider taking a rafting trip down the Colorado River. Boat and oar tours are also offered. If rowing for several days doesn't sound appealing, Moki Mac River Expeditions and Wilderness River Adventures offer motorized raft tours.
6.GRAND CANYON RAILWAY
This historic railroad was built in the late 1800s, and was originally used to transport ore from the Anita mines in Ariz. In 1901 the railway began traveling to the Grand Canyon making the park accessible to the public. This historic tarin carries passenger today between Williams and the South Rim’s Grand Canyon Depot.There are six different classes to choose from: Pullman, Coach, First Class, Observation Dome, Luxury Dome and Luxury Parlor.
7.GRAND CANYON SKYWALK
The Grand Canyon Skywalk is one of the more controversial additions to the surroundings. The Skywalk is a large, semi-circular bridge with a transparent glass floors, allowing tourists to walk out over the Canyon and view the floor from a truly unique vantage point. The Skywalk lies outside of the park on the grounds of the Hualapai Indian Tribe.
OTHER PLACES TO VISIT
- Navajo Point
- Lipan PointI
- ndian Garden
- Tusayan Ruins and Museum
- Historic Navajo Bridge
- South Rim Visitor Centre
- Yaki Point
- Powell Point
- Hermit’s Rest, Road and Trail
- Cape Royal Drive
- The Abyss
- Little Colorado River Overlook
- Point Sublime
- Bright Angel History Room
- The Trail of Time
- Hualapai Hilltop
- Tusayan Ruin Walk
- Yavapai Geology Museum
- Widforss Trail
- Havasu Canyon
- Vava Falls
- Haulapai Ranch
- Walhalla Overlook
- Grandeur Point
- Tanner Trail
- Walhalla Overlook
The best times to visit the Grand Canyon are March through May and September through November when daytime temperatures begin to cool. With the first snowfall the parks closes for the winter season.
