The Grand Canyon National Park in northwestern Arizona is beautiful and inspiring.  One of the premier parks in the United States, it’s considered a Natural Wonder of the world, and is listed by the United Nations as a World Natural Heritage site.  Visitors often stand before it awestruck and humbled.

Think of it. The Grand Canyon, a gorge, a chasm formed by erosion over the ages.  Once thought to be five to six million years old, it’s now believed by some scientists to be about seventeen million years old in its western area.  The Grand Canyon is so deeply cut into the Earth that exposed rock at the bottom is over two billion years old.

The Grand Canyon Park is so large at over 1.2 million acres, and so deep - up to a mile from top to bottom - that at the Rim the temperature can be in the 60’s, while a mile below at the Colorado River it can be 105 degrees.  There are five life zones within the park, where combinations of temperature and precipitation create climates as dry and warm as the Sonoran Desert, and as cool as Canada.

The Grand Canyon Park runs from Lake Powell on the northeastern end to Lake Mead on the southwestern end.  At 277 miles long, the Grand Canyon Park is as long as the 276 mile distance from Washington DC to Raleigh NC, or the 270 miles from Los Angeles to Las Vegas.

History as a Park

Declared a Forest Reserve in 1893, the Grand Canyon shortly thereafter became a National Monument.  The National Park Service was created in 1916, and the Grand Canyon National Park was created in 1919.  The United Nations (UNESCO) designated the Grand Canyon National Park a World (Natural) Heritage site in 1979.

The Park now sees around 5,000,000 annual visitors through the gates, with most being from the United States.  In the first year of its existence, the park had just over 44,000 visitors.

Getting There

Driving to the Grand Canyon—A reliable vehicle with good tires is required.  Consider going to the AAA and utilize the trip planning services there.  In the summer you’ll need the air conditioner.  Consider renting a camper or a nice van.  A one day drive is possible, but not the reality for most families with children.  Driving in the heat of the summer strains both car and family members.  Take the time to develop a good plan, then be flexible enough to change your plan as needed. 
Flying to the Grand Canyon—It’s possible to build a very nice travel package with transportation, car, and hotel at any of the commercial internet travel sites.  You can also call your travel agent or make the arrangements yourself.

What to Do at the Grand Canyon

Mule Rides—These famous rides require reservations in advance (up to a year).  There are day rides and longer 2 day, 1 night rides with a night at Phantom Ranch.  There are physical requirements for riders, such as maximum weight, no back problems, etc.

Air View Tours—Both airplane and helicopter tours over the gorge are available.  These tours are fairly short, and are best combined with some on-the-ground activities.  Many companies provide these tours from nearby airfields.     

Car Tours—Drive to the Grand Canyon from your hometown, see the panorama from the South Rim, then make the trip from one Rim to the other Rim.  Make sure you have a map and other necessities before driving the 200 miles from the South Rim to the North Rim.

Adventure Tours—Combined Air, 4 Wheeling, and River Run in one tour.  These types of adventures are not available in winter.     

Hiking the Inner Canyon—Guided Hikes are available, or you can get a permit and go for an overnight backpacking trip.  Hiking is strenuous, so hikers should be in decent physical condition to do this. 

Water Trips—Powered boats, Float tours, Whitewater Rafts all are available on the river or nearby lakes Powell and Mead.

Where to stay

Motels and Campgrounds are located in and around the Grand Canyon.  Many that are in or close to the park are filled quickly during prime season.  Some visitors include Las Vegas or Phoenix in their vacation plans and make the cities home bases from which to operate.  Another Southwestern city used as a jumping off point is Santa Fe, NM.   

Entry and Access to the Park

The Entry Fee is $25 per vehicle, which includes both the North and South Rims, and is good for 7 days.  Any camp site fees are not included in the Entry Fee. 

Various activities, such as overnight hikes, are regulated and require permits. 
Most visitors see the Canyon from the South Rim, which is easily accessible by automobile, and is open year round.  There are many areas to park and view the Canyon.  These park and view overlooks include Hermit’s Rest, Desert View, and Grand Canyon Village.  These are the busier areas, and are more crowded than areas at the North Rim.     

The North Rim of the Canyon has far fewer visitors because it is less accessible, and is not easily reached by car, particularly from the South Rim.  The drive from South Rim to North Rim is 212 miles, and cannot be made in winter due to seasonal road closures.     

For the adventurous the North Rim is accessible by a 21 mile hike along the North or South Kaibab trail.  Begin with a 1 mile descent and end with a 1 mile ascent, both leg killers, so expect to make this an overnight hike.

Bus Tours, Hiking Guides, Rafting Trips, Mule Train Rides, and Air Tours are all available to visitors. See the Chamber of Commerce site for more details.

Grand Canyon Weather

Although the National Park is in Arizona, the climate at the Grand Canyon isn’t always hot and dry.  The Canyon is big enough that conditions can differ from area to area.  The rim elevations are 7,000 to 8,000 feet, so temperatures there are cooler than on the Colorado River at the bottom of the inner canyon.

Appreciate what the earth’s natural processes have given you.  The opportunity to see and experience such a magnificent place is available to you and your family, is nearby, and is affordable. Enjoy the time you share with your family!

Frequent Asked Questions:

http://www.nps.gov/grca/faqs.htm

Grand Canyon National Park (928) 638-7888