Grand Canyon

page 3

Visiting the
Grand Canyon
floor

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Mule ride

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.

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On foot

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 take the tiresome hike up the next day.

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Via helicopter

You fly from the South Rim to the Grand Canyon floor. There will be time for a walk-around and (on some trips) lunch before helicoptering back to the rim.

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Via boat

Another option is to travel through 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.

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It's scorching
down there

Many visitors assume that the canyon floor is cooler than on the rim. It's not. July temperatures reach 41°C (106°F) and higher.

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Wildlife

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

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Click

Page one

Page two

Page four

for more
Grand Canyon
pointers

Wonders of America

America wonder map

World's Top 100 Wonders

World's Top 1000 Wonders

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National Park Service

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