Grand Canyon National Park
Situated in northwestern Arizona lies one of the few National Parks visible from space and known the world over, the amazing Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park
Established in 1919 and covering a staggering 1.2 million acres of land, Grand Canyon National Park is a vibrant geological Wonder of the World. Carved over millions of years by the raging Colorado River, Grand Canyon National Park attracts nearly 5 million visitors to this awe-inspiring landscape annually!
The Grand Canyon from the Bright Angel Trail at Grand Canyon National Park
Often confused to be the largest or deepest canyon in the world, the Grand Canyon is actually neither of those things! The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over 1 mile deep! While it is not the largest or deepest canyon in the world, it is often considered to be the most studied, and by far the most viewed canyon on Earth!
The many rock layers provide dazzling colors at Grand Canyon National Park
The South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is open 24 hours a day all year long, whereas the North Rim is typically shut down between December 1 and May 15th as its higher elevation brings significant snowfall to the area, making much of the North Rim inaccessible during this timeframe. Entry to the park requires a $35 fee for all private vehicles.
South Rim of the Grand Canyon at Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park offers an extensive selection of lodging options within the park, as well as just outside the entrance gates. In the South Rim, most of the lodging facilities are located within Grand Canyon Village which lies on the western side border of the park. Visitors looking to stay near the Desert View Watchtower near the eastern entrance can use the campground in the area. On the North Rim, the Grand Canyon Lodge is available for exquisite views of the park. For the more adventurous explorers, Phantom Ranch, located at the bottom of the Grand Canyon is a popular overnight stay for hikers looking to explore this mesmerizing landscape.
Desert View Watchtower at Grand Canyon National Park
In addition to the extensive lodging options throughout the park, there are a wide variety of restaurants found within Grand Canyon Village and near the Visitors Center on the South Rim, as well as a handful of eating options on the North Rim in and around the Grand Canyon Lodge. Additionally, alternative dining and shopping options can be found just outside the gates on both the North and South Rims.
The Grand Canyon from Mather Point at Grand Canyon National Park
Unlike most National Parks, hiking at Grand Canyon National Park will test you physically and mentally in ways that are difficult to comprehend until you experience it yourself. While the Rim Trail offers a scenic, paved pathway along the Rims of the Grand Canyon, the Bright Angel Trail, and North and South Kaibab Trail will get the adrenaline pumping at you descend the steep, exposed walls of the Grand Canyon. In addition to the strenuous trails, temperatures in the Grand Canyon can get quite extreme, as well. Descending to the canyon floor during summer months can result in exposure to temperatures nearing 120 F, while hiking this area during the winter can lead to sub-zero exposure and treacherous terrain due to substantial snowfall! Always be prepared when adventuring in Grand Canyon National Park, and be sure to consult with Park Rangers prior to setting off on any hikes into the canyon.
The South Kaibab Trail at Grand Canyon National Park
In addition to the iconic hiking trails, Grand Canyon National Park also offers world class whitewater rafting down the Colorado River, mule tours through the Canyon, and helicopter and airplane tours for a birds eye view of the park! For those looking to explore the park on the two wheels, bicycling is permitted on all paved roads, as well as the Greenway Trails which run along the South Rim of the park.
A mule climbing up the Bright Angel Trail at Grand Canyon National Park
While the breathtaking vistas and geological rock formations are what bring so many visitors to Grand Canyon National Park, the area is also brimming with a dizzying amount of plant and animal life. The massive diversity of wildlife found in the park can be attributed to the multiple ecosystems found with Grand Canyon National Park. With over 90 mammal species, nearly 2,000 plant species, and over 100 bird species including the endangered California Condor, views of wildlife throughout the park are almost guaranteed for any visitor to Grand Canyon National Park!
The Grand Canyon from the Desert View Watchtower at Grand Canyon National Park
With jaw-dropping views, rugged trails, abundant wildlife, and flourishing plant life, Grand Canyon National Park is a truly special landscape not only in America, but in the world! From its vibrant and lively South Rim to the serene tranquility of the North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park continues to amaze and inspire all of those that walk along its magnificent rims and descend deep into the canyon walls of this magnificent National Park.
