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Arizona Tourist Bureau. Check availability, rates and make reservations
The Grand Canyon
 Where the Colorado river has cut a 277 mile swath through Northwest Arizona lies one of
the world's most breathtaking and scenic natural wonders--the Grand Canyon. Crowned by 2 rims--the South Rim and the North Rim--you can watch
the Colorado wind its way through the canyon from vantage points over a mile high. In some areas, the river is
so far below you that it can't even be seen from the rim! The Inner
Canyon is the area between the two rims and is accessible
by hiking, mule trips or boat trips--both motorized and oar or paddle--on the river.
Although the 2 rims are separated by only 10 air miles, travel between them is a long and distant process--220
miles. There is shuttle bus service available during the warmer months, which takes 5 hours each way. Planning
a hike between the 2 rims? Plan on a 3-day trek!
The majority of the Grand Canyon lies within Grand Canyon National Park, comprised of well over a million acres
of land--nearly 2000 square miles--that plays host to over 5 million visitors a year. Administered by the National
Park Service, a $20 access fee is charged for private vehicles ($10 for pedestrians or cyclists) which gets you
admission to both the North and South Rims for a 7 day period. Expect the largest crowds during the summer months
and on the South Rim. Reservations for many activities (mule rides and river trips, for example) are booked many
months in advance for travel during the busy season. If you want to do more than just "visit" the Grand
Canyon, long term planning is a necessity.
Weather. Due
to its location and altitude, the Grand Canyon climate is extremely variable. Temperatures in the summer can be
in the 80's at the South Rim and over 100 degrees near the Colorado River below. Winter can bring snow and ice,
especially on the North Rim, which is closed during the winter season. There are no refunds of Park Fees for inclement
weather.
Getting there.
The Grand Canyon is located about 80 miles from Flagstaff, Arizona, the nearest city and the most preferred way
of approaching the park. Driving directions.
Alternatives.
With the necessity of booking reservations long in advance (sometimes as long as 10 months or more) an excellent
way to see the Grand Canyon is to combine your visit with a trip to Las Vegas. Grand Canyon Tours operates
out of Las Vegas and offers a wide variety of sightseeing tours to the Canyon, both by land and by air. There even
is an option for the historic Grand Canyon Railway.
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Lodging
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| We have made arrangements with the Arizona Tourist Board to
check availability, rates, and make secure reservations...and to save up to 30%. They offer information on lodging
both right in the Canyon area as well as in nearby Flagstaff. Click here for more information. |
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