Grand Canyon National Park
There are very few places on earth that are as profound or can evoke such feelings of awe and wonderment like the Grand Canyon in Arizona does. Whether you are first time visitor or a returning enthusiast, the vastness and the unique landscape of Grand Canyon National Park will simply engulf you.
The 1.2 million acre Grand Canyon National Park is one of America’s oldest national parks and was established in February of 1919. Onlookers to Grand Canyon National park are held spellbound by the Grand Canyon’s immense beauty and haunting vistas. The views from the Grand Canyon’s south rim, west rim and north rim are overwhelming and can easily make you feel rather insignificant.
Grand Canyon Formation
Formation of the Grand Canyon began many a millennia ago as the powerful Colorado River waters carved a path for itself through the Colorado Plateau exposing beautifully preserved layers of ancient rock and sediment dating back over two billion years.
The elevation of the north rim of Grand Canyon is approximately 8000 feet above sea level. The north rim also gets much more annual precipitation and snow. The resulting runoff feeds into the Colorado River that cuts a swath through Grand Canyon for nearly 280 miles. In places the Colorado River has carved out the Grand Canyon walls greater than a mile deep. The width of the Grand Canyon is also impressive, ranging between four to eighteen miles wide in places.
Grand Canyon Tours
The entrance to Grand Canyon National Park is near the park headquarters on the south rim. This is the most commonly used access point for most Grand Canyon tours since it has the most popular views from the rim of the canyon. Visitors to the south rim of Grand Canyon can view the Colorado River from the many viewpoints as it meanders one mile below.
There are many escorted Grand Canyon tours available to help you make the most out of your visit to the Grand Canyon. If you plan on doing a self guided tour you should plan your route and cover as many interesting places in the park as possible. The best way to enjoy the many tourist opportunities offered is by relaxing at the Grand Canyon lodge or camping for a few days inside the park.
Mornings at Grand Canyon National Park can start off with some of the best sunrises that you may ever witness. The days here are taken up by sightseeing from the many look out points reserved for visitors. There are also free shuttle buses that operate within the park which are ideal for visiting the West Rim and places such as Hermit’s Rest Lookout.
Grand Canyon Activities
Visitors can hike on the bright Angel Trail or along the many trails on the Grand Canyon rim. There are many historic buildings within the Grand Canyon Park that should not be missed. To get the most out of your visit it is best to stay over a couple of days inside the park itself as this will allow ample time for you to enjoy other Grand Canyon activities such as white-water rafting, mountain biking, boating, camping and helicopter sightseeing.
Visitors involved in Grand Canyon activities must be fully aware that the Grand Canyon can experience extreme inhospitable conditions. Heat exhaustion is a common occurrence and the challenging trails should be tackled with due care and attention.
Grand Canyon Train & Skywalk
One of the best ways to experience the Grand Canyon and all the fantastic vistas it offers is to take the 90 minute train ride that traverses through 24 miles of the canyon. Another unique way to view the canyon is by the Grand Canyon Skywalk located on the Hualapai tribal land. The skywalk is a glass bottomed structure that is sure to take your breath away. The Skywalk juts out over the canyon allowing visitors to walk 70 feet past the cliff edge.
The Grand Canyon is fairly arid and the rock formations and sand dunes combined with the different lighting during different times of the day reveal the intricacies of landscapes woven in the warmest of pastel colors and greys. Visitors are as enthralled by Grand Canyon sunsets as they were mesmerized by Grand Canyon sunrises.
Grand Canyon helicopter rides are also very popular allowing tourists to explore the Grand Canyon by air plus other points of interest like Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, the Valley of Fire and the Bowl of Fire.
All Inclusive Grand Canyon Tours
Visits to the Grand Canyon’s south rim and north rim are included as part of Caravan Tours’ all inclusive Grand Canyon Tours, which also includes visits to Sedona, Lake Powell, Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon and Zion Park.
Caravan conducts fully escorted All Inclusive Tours.This Grand Canyon tour is a fully escorted, all inclusive 8-day package tour exceptionally priced, starting at just $995. Visit Caravan’s Grand Canyon Tour Reviews page to read what others have said about this all inclusive Grand Canyon tour by Caravan Tours.
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