Grand Canyon National Park: A Great Destination
If you are scratching your head trying to figure out a vacation destination for you and your family, how about Grand Canyon National Park? It's a stunning place with beautiful scenery punctuated by mountains and ethereal peaks. The Park is situated in Arizona USA. The internationally famous region covers over 1,218,375 hectares (more than a million acres). It attracts millions of visitors each year. You can also see its magnificence from the seat of your car.
There is an indescribable effect that one gets. Those who have visited the place say that one feels as if they are standing on the tip of the world. You simply have to experience it for there are no words accurate enough to describe the feeling. The landscape is a sight to behold, which is all the more powerful as the ancient red-rock cliffs lead the imagination on a mysterious tour to a time with the earth was much younger.
This tourist attraction is one of the most popular destinations in the U.S. and the world at large. It has a cavernous mouth and it takes at least 2 days for a return trip to the bottom (reservations are required for Phantom Ranch). If you really want an extended interaction with the gorge, book a multi-day rafting tour a one-day float trip.
The Park has two access points: The South Rim and the North Rim. In total, more than 4.5 million guests visit annually. The South Rim is open all year and the roads are in excellent condition. There's even a free shuttle bus (make sure to pick up a copy of The Guide - it has route maps and times) and an airport. The North Rim can be reached by car or shuttle service and driving takes about 5+ hours. Note: This rim is closed from November to April due to heavy snowfall.
Those who prefer to fully enjoy the scenery should visit the canyon during fall or early spring. IF you go during summer, understand that 78 percent of all guests go to the Park during this time. There are short hikes over the edge - the best are Bright Angel Trail and South Kaibab Trail - but most people doing the inner gorge are river runners, hikers and mule riders.
It's recommended that you be in pretty good physical condition if you intend to hike below. Bring plenty of sunscreen and water, too. In addition to health and provisions, you need time to enjoy the canyon. Bus tours allow for up to three hours on the rim. This is sufficient for day travelers because it lets you see and do a couple of the South Rim's most extraordinary lookouts, including Mather Point.
Tours also include time to hit the gift shops and restaurants at Grand Canyon Village. The best souvenir shop is the one inside Bright Angel Lodge. Same goes for the restaurant, which serves gigantic portions of home-style comfort food.
Happy Travels,
P.S. Not sure about who to travel with? Take a look at this Grand Canyon Bus tour review site where listings are derived from safety, quality and cost.