Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic places on earth and is one of the few national monuments that can be seen from space. Its history is long and storied and its future is even brighter. 5 million people visit the park every year, and most consider it to be the trip of a lifetime.

The Grand Canyon officially became a national park in 1919, but its history dates back much further than that. Speculation is that it was formed by a giant meteor in the days of the dinosaurs and it offers a rare glimpse of artifacts that date back at least 12,000 years. Whether you are interested in learning more about our paleo ancestors, or you want to see this amazing natural monument for yourself, there are plenty of things to do while you visit the Grand Canyon.

Travel Tip - Visit the Official Grand Canyon Visitors Guide and start planning your visit!

The North Rim

The Grand Canyon is typically divided into two areas to make it easier to find everything. The North Rim is home to Point Imperial and Cape Royal, both of which are accessed by a long winding road. Whether you decide to traverse this on foot or by donkey, it is well worth the effort to get there. You'll get an incredible panorama view of the canyon on Cape Royal and the sunsets here are absolutely breathtaking. Point Imperial offers a view of part of the canyon known as Marble Canyon, where the narrow entry becomes the rest of the vast monument. This is the area where colors are at their brightest, with rocks in shades of red and black are in the majority. This is particularly spectacular at sunrise.

The South Rim

This is where the Canyon View Information Plaza is located and many people decide to start their journey here. Mother Point is also located on the South Rim, and most areas are accessible by car on this side. You can see the historic Phantom Ranch as well as the Colorado River from the Yavapai Observation Station at Yavapai Point. If you plan on taking pictures on this side, the optimal times are at dawn and during the day. It can be difficult to photograph the Canyon at certain times due to shadowing and angles.

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Skywalk

The new Skywalk that is currently under construction at the Grand Canyon is a $40 million structure that offers visitors the opportunity to get an up close and personal view of the canyon. The glass and metal structure makes many people feel safer as they take in the sights and it is part of a larger planned walk that will be unveiled soon. No cameras are allowed on the Skywalk, which is shaped like a horse shoe and extends out over the lip above the canyon.

Helicopter Tours

One of the best ways to experience the Grand Canyon is to take a helicopter tour. If you want to get some really great photos of your vacation, this may be the best way to capture the canyon in all of its glory. The prices for these tours are very reasonable and children are allowed on most. Most of the available tours leave from the South Rim, so you'll need to coordinate your location to make sure you are at the right place.

Hiking

If you want to visit the Grand Canyon on foot, you'll need to take a few precautions. Sunscreen and protective headwear are essential no matter what time of year you go. The suns rays are very harsh at this altitude, even in winter. It is also important to make sure you have enough water on hand and that you stay hydrated. There are many different hiking tours that are recommended if you are new to hiking in general. If you prefer to go off on your own, take safety precautions and make sure that you follow the directions available to avoid getting lost. The hikes are generally divided up into the North and South Rim areas and there are many different excursions that are available every day.

Mule Rides

The donkey and mule rides are an absolute part of the Grand Canyon experience that you cannot mix. These rides are perfect for those who want to get in close to the action but don't feel up to hiking. You will need a strong stomach as these surefooted creatures go right up to the edge in some spots. It is not recommended that anyone who is afraid of heights or animals try the mule rides. However, they are very safe, and if you follow the rules set down by your outfitter, you should not have any problems. When taken correctly, the mule ride can be the best part of your stay at the Grand Canyon. You'll be briefed by the outfitter ahead of time and assigned to an animal that is suited to your abilities as a rider.

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