The Grand Canyon is the grandest of all gorges. Like a giant slash through the earth’s crust, the canyon exposes millions of years of sedimentary history, normally buried deep underground. It was created by the Colorado River's incessant stream carrying sediment from Colorado into the Gulf of California.
The canyon is also shaped by an incessant stream of visitors each year. In fact, almost a million visitors from around the world come to visit this World Heritage site. The park is open year round, but summer usually brings large crowds, traffic jams and heavy use of all park facilities.
Summer in the Canyon?
Imagine having to wait five minutes just to clear enough room for a picture with your sweetheart. That’s what summer is like at the Grand Canyon, mid-day, on a weekend, especially if you stay on the top level of the south ridge. Demand at hotels can be just as annoying, if not downright impossible if you wait until the last minute.
The preferred Grand Canyon visit is early spring when the buds arrive or fall when the leaves turn and the availability opens. I once visited on a weekday in October and practically had the park to myself. Hotel availability was easy too. But if summer is your only option, it’s still worth the trip. Just be sure to plan ahead and call every hotel possible until you find availability; let that be your hotel guide.
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