Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon

10 Ways to Discover the Grand Canyon

Are you planning a trip to the Grand Canyon but don't know what kind of activities there are to see and do once you reach the Grand Canyon?

If you are planning to visit the Grand Canyon either as a 1-Day-Activity or if you wish to make a week of it, there are plenty of options.

Here are 10 ways to explore the Grand Canyon. Many people could easily spend all day just looking at this magical wonder, but there are other ways you can enjoy the mighty Grand Canyon.

If you do not have a lot of time, it's still possible to enjoy the Grand Canyon; you may just feel a little rushed. If you leave early and prepare yourself for a long day, it can be done.

If you are a traveler who has a little extra time, you would likely appreciate taking that extra day or two and view the other sightseeing attractions as you make your way to the Grand Canyon.

Many visitors spend the night in another town, such as Sedona, Arizona, where the beauty of the red-rock will astound you. If you choose to drive from the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area, plan on about 4.5 hours of travel time to get to the Grand Canyon.

If you decide to stay in Flagstaff before traveling to Grand Canyon National Park, it is approximately 80 miles away, which should take about an hour and a half to drive there. If you stay in Sedona, the Canyon is about a two-hour drive.

The Grand Canyon National Park offers a free shuttle at the South Rim in Grand Canyon Village, along Hermit Road. Note that these shuttles provide transportation only and are not considered tour buses. (Bus Tours are available, however.)

You are required to exit the bus to view the Canyon. Also note that if you have physical challenges, most shuttles are inaccessible to wheelchairs.

Here are 10 excellent ways to explore the Grand Canyon.

1. Go boating or rafting. There are plenty of companies who are willing to take you on a very specialized tour-guided river experience inside the Grand Canyon. If you choose to go rafting, though, keep in mind that the water can get a little rough at times, but you will certainly be in good hands with your tour guide and required life jacket.

If you are timid about water, consider the fact that the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon is said to be one of the wildest stretches of white water in the United States.

2. Go hiking. Many hiking trails exist throughout the area. The South Rim is where the most popular hike is. The name of this trail on the South Rim is named Bright Angel Trail, located near Grand Canyon Village.

On the North Rim, the most popular hiking trail is North Kaibab. (No permit is required here.)

No permit is needed for day hiking, but you will need a permit if you choose to camp inside the Grand Canyon, as dictated by the National Park Service.

The most popular backpacking site is the Bright Angel Campground. Bright Angel Campground is located at the end of Bright Angel Trail.

3. If you are not afraid of heights, you can always try out the new Grand Canyon Skywalk which recently opened this past spring! The Skywalk is officially open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week. It first opened March 28, 2007, and from all accounts, is something very special and exciting.

4. Take a helicopter or a mule ride inside the Canyon. You will find several companies who will give you a bird's eye view down inside the Canyon.

The Grand Canyon Skywalk is the first walkway to suspend more than 4,000 feet above the Canyon floor. It extends 70 feet from the rim and is located at Grand Canyon West's Eagle Point.

5. Take a helicopter ride. Tours originate at either the Grand Canyon Airport, five miles south of the park entrance or in Sedona.

6. Drive to the South Rim and park your car and walk to the edge of the Grand Canyon. If you don't like large groups, or if you just prefer doing things on your own time, you certainly have this option.

7. You can access the Grand Canyon Railway train for some fun, too. Sit back and relax! Jump the train in Williams, Arizona, where it will escort you precisely to Grand Canyon Village.

8. Take a bus tour. Many tour companies are available for your tour to the Grand Canyon.

9. Take a Jeep Tour. If you like the wilderness, you will find that these Jeep tours are a great way to take in limitless nature along with Native American Indian history, culture and more.

10. Settle for an Audio Tour. You can also opt for your own personal guide on a CD. These are also available to visitors and provide a learning experience at every listeners own pace.

About the Author

Cecilia Valenzuela is a full-time small business entrepreneur who resides in Arizona. Cecilia Valenzuels works alongside other small business owners who are also working online in their quest to become successful. For more information on the Grand Canyon along with history, facts, tips, and more about living in the desert southwest, you can find out more at http://www.My-Arizona-Desert-Living.com

What clothes should I wear to Grand Canyon on the driving trip and for walking around there?

Im going to the Grand Canyon for the Winter and I want to wear something nice yet comfortable for the long trip and something good for walking and shopping around in.

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is at an elevation of 7,000 feet (half a mile higher than Denver), so unlike much of Arizona, they have a real winter with snow storms and sub-freezing temperatures (although winters have tended to be milder the last few years).

The weather on any given day can vary quite a bit depending on if a storm is going through. From December through February, a very nice day at the canyon might get up to the low 50s, but typically it will be in the 40s or lower and if a storm hits there may be heavy snow fall. It gets even colder after dark and temps will almost always drop well below freezing at night.

So you will want to be prepared and dress for WINTER. That means a warm heavy coat and warm hat at a minimum. Gloves, a scarf and warm boots (water-proof hiking boots are fine) are not a bad idea. They don't have a lot of snow on the ground yet, but once they do, you have to be ready for icy spots on the paths (ie: have footwear with good treads and consider getting YakTraks - see link below). For maximum comfort and flexibility, it is best to dress in layers starting with a light moisture-wicking layer, than a warm insulating layer (like a fleece) and then a water and wind proof outer shell (jacket or coat) so that you can add or remove layers depending on the current temperature or your activity.

If you plan to do any hiking (and you should), temperatures get warmer as you go deeper in the canyon (it can be like Phoenix at the bottom), but you should not attempt to go the bottom and back in a day. Always wear comfortable shoes, carry plenty of water and remember it is a lot tougher hiking up and out than hiking down.

Also be aware that there is not a lot of shopping to be done at the canyon. The Grand Canyon Association runs a bookstore at the visitor center and a few other locations (like Kolb Studio), jewelry and higher-end items can be found at El Tovar and Hopi House and a couple of the other lodges have more knick-knack souvenier items, but the whole Grand Canyon Village is not a large area and most of the activities and things to do involve being outside (although just hanging out in front of the big fireplace in the El Tovar lodge is nice too).

Have fun! The Grand Canyon is a great place to visit in winter. The crowds are low, the temps are nice for hiking and the canyon looks its prettiest under a fresh blanket of snow. But do be prepared for cold weather and possible ice and snow.

The Grand Canyon Skywalk