By Contributing Writer
Grand Canyon Vacation Ideas
The Grand Canyon is located in northern Arizona and is mostly part of the U.S. Department of the Interior's National Park Service. It is a breathtaking natural wonder that has awe-inspiring views that provide memories for a lifetime. The Grand Canyon includes over a million acres with the Colorado River passing through it. There are a number of things to do and you must see it in person to truly experience it. Pictures are not able to capture its incredible natural magnificence.
Take a Famous Mule Trip
Choose from a 7-hour day trip, an overnight ride or a 2-night ride on the back of a mule. Rides leave daily from the top of the South Rim and slowly go down the gorge. It provides an impressive look at the canyon and the Colorado River located 1,300 feet down. Day trips include a box type lunch. The 1- and 2-night mule trips provide lodging at a hidden oasis close to the river known as the Phantom Ranch. All meals are included. The Grand Canyon Mule trips must be booked several months in advance. Reservations are taken up to 13 months ahead of time.
Xanterra South Rim
10 Albright Street
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
(928) 638-2631
Hike the South Rim Canyon
See the Grand Canyon up close on one of the numerous day hikes offered. Choose from five separate paths that provide various scenic views. Try Rim Trail, which provides an easy walk of the interior canyon. Bright Angel Trail is a steep 12-mile long round trip. South Kaibab Trail starts at Yaki Point, 3 miles each way. Hemit Trail is a short 5-mile round trip trail that has a harsher setting than the others. Grandview Trail is extremely steep, has either a 2-mile or 6-mile round trip hike and is for skilled desert hikers.
Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
(928) 638-7888
Take a Smooth-Water Raft Trip
See the area from the bottom up aboard a raft on the Colorado River. Select either a half-day standard trip or full-day rowing trip. Colorado River Discovery provides smooth water trips that every member of the family can enjoy. The ride begins at the bottom of the 700-foot-high Glen Canyon Dam on a pontoon-type raft. It is narrated by a professional guide and at 15 miles long, feature impressive views. It ends at Lees Ferry, which is the doorway to the Grand Canyon. The rowing trips are peaceful and slow and provide a meal. Book these trips early. Open from May through November departing from Page, Arizona with return bus transportation provided.
Colorado River Discovery
130 6th Avenue
Page, AZ 86040
(928) 645-9175
(888) 522-6644
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