By J.C. Lewis
The Grand Canyon is one of the earth's most magnificent natural features. People visit the Grand Canyon from all over the world to witness the spectacular scenery created over millions of years by the Colorado River. The best Grand Canyon
vacations will involve sightseeing and taking photographs from the best viewing spots, staying in a location that provides the best access to the canyon, and activities ranging from adventurous long hikes to relaxed bird-watching, depending on your interests.
El Tovar Hotel
The El Tovar Hotel combines stylish accommodations, gourmet breakfasts, lunches and dinners in its grand dining room, a location perched on the edge of the South Rim, and exquisite architecture. It opened in 1905 and since that time has hosted such guests as Theodore Roosevelt and Albert Einstein.
El Tovar Hotel
Xanterra South Rim, L.L.C.
10 Albright St.
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
(928) 638-2631
Campsites
If sleeping under the stars is more your thing, you can camp at established campsites on the North or South Rim, or camp in the backcountry if you acquire the right permits. Mather Campground on the South Rim is operated by the National Park Service, is open year-round and accepts reservations. The North Rim Campground is also operated by the NPS and is open from mid-May to mid-October.
Viewing Spots
The best way to see the Grand Canyon from all the best spots along the South Rim within a short period of time is by driving or taking a commercial bus tour along the 25-mile (one-way) Scenic Desert View Drive. Some of the more popular viewing spots on the South Rim--for good reason--are Lipan Point, the Yavapai Observation Station and Mather Point. For the best viewing spots on the North Rim, visit the North Rim Visitor Center where experienced park rangers can advise you.
Hiking
A hiking adventure allows visitors to experience the vast landscapes of the Grand Canyon on foot. Whether you want to undertake a hike of an hour or two or go on an extended overnight excursion, there are lots of established trails and routes available. The Rim Trail begins in Grand Canyon Village and provides one of the easiest hikes. It is partly paved and can be undertaken in whole or in parts with the help of free shuttle buses.
River Trips
Visitors can experience the natural forces that carved the Grand Canyon by taking a boat trip on the Colorado River. Whitewater rafting trips are available for the adventurous, and smooth water trips make a more gentle alternative.
Whitewater trips
(888) 255-9550 or (928) 769-2219
www.destinationgrandcanyon.com/rafting.html
Smooth water trips
(888) 522-6644
www.raftthecanyon.com
Bird Watching
You don't have to go far from the hub of Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim to see some of the most magnificent birds that live in and around the Grand Canyon. The California condor is a huge vulture species with a wing span up to 108 inches. Although the species was almost extinct by the 1980s, the last wild birds were captured and a breeding program resulted in the release of California condors into the wild in the Grand Canyon. They can now be seen circling above tourists' heads around the Canyon Rim close to the village. Bird-watching enthusiasts can see 373 bird species that live in the Grand Canyon.
Mule Rides
Mule rides are available on the South Rim all year and on the North Rim from mid-May to mid-October and can take from one hour to a full day. The sure-footed mules take riders down into the Grand Canyon for a once-in-a-lifetime experience of its trails and plateaus and a different perspective of the dramatic panoramas of the canyon. Riders must be under 200 lbs. and physically fit; the tours are popular so book in advance.
Grand Canyon Trail Rides (North Rim)
PO Box 128
Tropic, Utah 84776
(435) 679-8665
Xanterra Parks & resorts (South Rim)
6312 S. Fiddlers Green Circle, Suite 600N
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
(928) 638-2631
Resources
About the Author:
J.C. Lewis is the editor and co-owner of a weekly newspaper, as well as a staffer and regular contributor to a group of three newspapers in Los Angeles, Calif. Her writing has appeared on USAToday.com, Hotels.com and various other websites. Lewis holds a Bachelor of Science in politics from the University of Bristol, England.
