| |
|
 |
|
| |
Plan a Road Trip > Explore America > National Parks > Grand Canyon National Park |
|
|
| |
|
| |
PO Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
Phone: 520-928-7888
Open All Year
Overview. Time and erosion have carved out a natural wonder that is every bit as grand as its name. A mile deep and up to 18 miles across, this awe-inspiring gorge/river cuts across 277 miles of northern Arizona. Over the course of the day, sunlight on the exposed layers of rock creates an ever-changing set of postcard views dominated by golds, oranges, and hazy blues. Far below the rim, the mighty Colorado River twists and turns, alternating stretches of tranquil water with some of the world's most exciting white-water rapids. No one is sure exactly how the Colorado River formed this immense chasm over the last five million years, but exposed rocks deep within the canyon are almost two billion years old.
Evidence shows that people have been living in and around the canyon for almost 10,000 years. The first Europeans, part of Coronado's expedition, saw the canyon in 1540 but it wasn't until 1883 that the first settler staked a claim to it. Drawn by the lure of mining gold and silver, prospectors soon realized it was easier to service the many tourists eager to visit the canyon. They were an eccentric and independent bunch, from Louis Boucher, the hermit of Hermits Rest, who mined his claim and raised goldfish in a trough at Dripping Springs; to Ralph Cameron, who fought tooth and nail through the Arizona law courts to retain his right to the Bright Angel Trail, which he operated as a toll road; to the Kolb Brothers, who built a studio on the lip of the canyon and made a good living photographing tourists as they embarked on their mule-ride adventure below the rim. Today, the Grand Canyon attracts nearly five million visitors a year. One of the National Park Service's most popular sites, the Grand Canyon is also a World Heritage site.
What to see and do. The Grand Canyon is made up of three main areas. Activity on the South Rim, the most heavily visited, is centered on Grand Canyon Village, adjacent to park headquarters. Across the canyon, the less heavily traveled North Rim is usually closed from late October to mid-May due to heavy snows. The third area, the Inner Canyon is made up of trails that lead to the canyon floor.
A wonderful way to begin your trip to Grand Canyon is to take the train to the park. The Grand Canyon Railway offers daily trips to the canyon year-round. During the summer months, a restored steam engine pulls restored period parlor cars from Williams, AZ, right into the heart of Grand Canyon Village; in the cooler months, a 1950s era diesel is used. You can return the same day, or make lodge reservations and stay a while. Call 800-THE-TRAIN for more information. Reservations are essential.
You can experience the majesty of the canyon on almost any activity level. Begin by stopping at Canyon View Information Plaza. Free copies ofThe Guide, the park newspaper which details the day's events and weather, is distributed to visitors at the park entrances. If your time is limited, head west from park headquarters on Hermit Road, which offers classic panoramic views of the canyon. The drive is closed to automobile traffic from March 1 to Nov. 30, but a free shuttle bus stops near the best vantage points. If you have more time, drive along Desert View Drive (Arizona Highway 64), which follows the South Rim for 26 miles. Across the canyon, the less traveled North Rim, with elevations of 7,600 to 8,803 feet, offers what some believe to be the park's most spectacular views. Activities in the South Rim include the famous mule rides into the canyon proper (reservations should be made 11 months in advance), privately operated tours (both bus and air), free ranger-led programs, interpretive exhibits, guided and self-guided tours, museums and National Historic Landmarks, shops, and special events. Write for a free accessibility guide.
If you prefer a more active visit, make a reservation with one of the many outfitters for a trip down the Colorado River. Trip lengths vary from three to 21 days. This is prime white-water rafting that offers breathtaking scenery and more than 200 miles of rapids and white water. Lava Falls, at rivermile marker (RM) 170 and east of Lake Mead National Recreation Area (RM 240), is the ultimate in rafting excitement. The distance depends on the elevation of the lake. Dam control allows for excellent conditions year-round. However, commercial trips do not run year-round. Other options include backcountry hiking, camping, and fishing (permits and licenses required). If you want to learn more about the canyon's ecology, contact the Grand Canyon Field Institute at 928-638-2485, to get a listing of its 50 courses; these walks, hikes, and river trips let participants study wilderness skills, geology, photography, human history, and art.
Note: The National Park Service considers all canyon hiking to be strenuous, due to the high altitude, steep trails, and extremes in temperature. Take plenty of water, eat plenty of food including salty snacks, and keep in mind that it will take you twice as long to hike up out of the canyon as it took you to descend.
| Activities and Services |
|
| • |
Archeological Sites |
|
| • |
Bicycle Trails |
|
| • |
Bird Watching |
|
| • |
Cross-country Skiing |
|
| • |
Fishing |
|
| • |
Food Service |
|
| • |
Geological Sites |
|
| • |
Gift Shop |
|
| • |
Guided Tours |
|
| • |
Hiking/Nature Trails |
|
| • |
Historic Sites |
|
| • |
Horse Trails |
|
| • |
Museum/Exhibits |
|
| • |
Picnic Sites |
|
| • |
Programs/Talks |
|
| • |
Self-guided Tours |
|
| • |
Visitor Center |
|
| • |
Whitewater Sports |
|
| • |
Wildflower Viewing |
|
| • |
Wildlife Viewing |
|
Search All National Parks
Please call ahead to confirm details. We do our best to give you current information, but facts can change. Please let us know if you find something's changed.
|
|
|
|
