About the Grand Canyon
This World Wonder will transcend any natural attraction you’ll ever experience. It is visually breathtaking and will provoke all that inspires. It is a special gift of nature that took millions of years to create. If you’re one of over 5 million vacationers each year to travel to the Grand Canyon, you’ll appreciate the lodging options right at the Canyon or at the nearby gateway accommodations of Williams, Arizona (58 miles) or Flagstaff (78 miles).

Over 90% of visitors travel to the Canyon’s South Rim where lodging comforts, amenities, restaurants, ranger services and facilities are abundant. The South Rim area which is open year-round boasts over 2,000 hotel rooms, cultural attractions and souvenir shopping.

The summer months are the peak season, but if you plan on hiking to the bottom of the Canyon, you might consider visiting during the Spring or Fall months. That’s because the depths of the Grand Canyon can frequently be 25-30 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the top of the canyon. From about November to March, the Canyon is often dusted with winter snowfall which accents and beautifies the panoramic views.

If you’re into mild family style hikes, consider the spectacularly scenic West and South Rim trails which begin at the South Rim Visitor Center. For a more adventurous hike down into the Grand Canyon, the most popular is the Bright Angel Trail which offers water stations, shade rest areas and rest rooms. The Hermit Trail overlooks the Hermit Rapids at the Colorado River with majestic views of nature’s most pristine panoramas.

Your entire family will thoroughly enjoy the thrill of an overnight trip on sure-footed mules along cliff edges to the bottom of the canyon floor to the historic Phantom Ranch. To ride the mules, riders must be at least 4’7” tall and must not weigh over 200 pounds. If you have fear of heights or animals, this is not the tour for you.

Grand Canyon North Rim
The North Rim offers superb views from a different canyon perspective. Hiking trails are more rugged than those at the South Rim, more remote and has few concessions. This side of Grand Canyon is definitely for the most adventurous type where hiking mandates a greater degree of physical fitness. Although the views of the canyon walls are spectacular, there are few sights of the Colorado River which is much further away versus the South Rim.

From mid-October to mid-May visitor services at the North rim of the Grand Canyon are closed without park ranger convenience and security. Never-the-less, the scenes are breathtaking and if you’re an experienced hiker that likes tranquil solitude without the crowds, the North Rim may be for you. The driving distance between the South Rim and North Rim is over 200 miles, so if you plan to travel to both canyon sides, plan a several day trip.

Links for Your Grand Canyon Enjoyment
Discovery Treks – Grand Canyon Adventures
Day hike tours, Rim Top camping, plus 3, 4, and 5 day adventure excursions into the Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon River Running
Standard, Private and Commercial river rafting trips on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon National Park
(928) 638-7888
Email: grea_information@nps.gov