Grand Canyon

travel wonder in America

Why the Grand Canyon

is special

"Grand" is an understatement. At its extremes, the Grand Canyon is 446 kilometers (277 miles) long, up to 29 kilometers (18 miles) wide from rim to rim. and over 1600 meters (a mile) deep.

Vastness is just one of the mind boggling elements of the Grand Canyon that render many visitors nearly speechless. The setting is desolate, the contours are rugged, and the striated hues of the gorges and pinnacles are vibrant.

Grand Canyon

origin

It was slow in the making. It took the erosive effects of the Colorado River millions of years to carve a deep swath through billion-plus year-old rock layers.

The process began in two stages, one roughly 17 millions years ago, the second, about 6 million years ago.

Grand Canyon

vantages

The view is best from the South rim - it has the most breathtaking vantage points. And, unlike the case on the north rim, the sun is over your shoulder, which is best for both sightseeing and for taking photos.

For the most awesome and thrilling perspective, fly below its rims in a sightseeing helicopter (best bet) or small plane.

To appreciate the size of the nearly 500-kilometer (300-mile) long Grand Canyon, view it at 35,000 feet aboard a commercial jet. Note: The flight paths of many transcontinental planes to and from major Southern Californian cities skirt this natural wonder.

Visiting the

Grand Canyon floor

For an exciting trip, take the mule ride to the Grand Canyon floor. The trip is not recommended if you have a fear of heights because some sections of the trail are narrow and have steep drop offs without rails.

You can also hike to the bottom, but the roundtrip requires too much physical exertion and too many hours for other than a highly fit trekker. It's best to descend one day, camp overnight (permit required), then hike up the next day.

Another option is to travel down the Grand Canyon in an inflatable boat. Running the Colorado River rapids is a harrowing experience, which is part of the fun. Most trips last 5 to 8 days, some longer. One outfit offers a shorter itinerary - you helicopter in, do some rafting, then helicopter out.

It can be scorching down there. July temperatures reach 41°C (106°F) and higher.

You'll be in the wild. Though rare, it's possible to cross the paths of rattlesnakes and mountain lions.

Grand Canyon

summertime

tips & insights

June to mid September is the peak tourist season. Keep in mind:

Make your summer reservations early for the in-the-park lodges and camps because they become completely booked months in advance. The same can be true for the accommodations outside the park for weekends and holidays. Sadly, many tourists arrive expecting miracles.

Enter the park early if you are a day tripper. Otherwise, you may have trouble finding a parking space.

Traffic congestion can be nerve-racking. Leave your car parked and take the free shuttle bus to the major lodges and lookout points so you won't have to repeatedly search for a parking space.

Bring an umbrella. Heavy rains occur mostly in the summer, particularly in August.

Other Grand Canyon

tips & insights

If you are thinking about coming in the winter to avoid the crowds, remember it is cold and can be snowy with icy roads. Moreover, daylight is short and winter storms can obscure the view.

The best all around periods are May and mid-September to mid October. Crowds are relatively thin and the weather is pleasant (though, remember, the Grand Canyon weather can be unpredictable).

Over four million tourists visit the Grand Canyon per year. About 9 out of 10 of them choose the South Rim.

The distance between the North Rim and South Rim main facilities is about 25 kilometers (15 miles) as the bird flies. By car, it's over 300 kilometers (200 miles).

The park has a rim trail for those who want a less populated view of the Grand Canyon.

The best time to see or photograph the Grand Canyon is in the early morning or late afternoon on sunny days. The low angled sun rays intensify the hues of the rock layers.

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