Carved out of rock by the Colorado River over millions of years, the Grand Canyon is one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, and a visit to this gigantic, awe-inspiring chasm in Arizona makes for an adventure to thrill all the senses. Driving, hiking, horseback riding, boating and flying are all options for exploring this world heritage site. With accommodations ranging from luxury hotels and resorts to RV camping sites, there is no shortage of places to stay in the national park area.
Planning a Grand Canyon visit
Visiting the Grand Canyon is high on many people’s list of “things to do before they die,” and consequently, the location is very popular for adventurous vacationers. There are so many things to do that it is best to decide early on what will be the perfect way to enjoy the sights and experiences on offer. Booking accommodation in advance can lead to good bargains, and signing up for trips and excursions at the same time can help reduce costs.
- Grand Canyon AdventureAl_HikesAZ / Foter.com / CC BY-NC
It’s worth remembering that the Grand Canyon can easily be accessed by road or air from Las Vegas or Phoenix, which adds the extra thrill of visiting these great cities. A road trip from Vegas will take a little over four hours, while a drive from Phoenix will take around three and a half hours. The easiest way to get up close to the canyon is by air – helicopter and fixed wing airplane rides offer an eagle’s eye view of the majestic gorge and its towering geological monuments.
Trips and tours
The main starting point for visitors is the canyon’s South Rim, easily accessible by car. There is also an excellent range of modern facilities available, including many Grand Canyon hotels with indoor pools, hot tubs and Wi-Fi as well as other accommodation options, plenty of good restaurants, an IMAX theatre and a Tusayan village. For those hoping to experience camping in the great outdoors, there are good quality RV campsites available. Grand Canyon Airport is also based at the South Rim.
The North Rim is more remote and closed during the winter, but for visitors looking for a closer-to-nature experience on their Grand Canyon adventure, it can be well worth the five hour scenic journey from the South Rim. Lodgings and campsites should be booked in advance, and the opportunities for hiking and exploring are unparalleled.
The wide choice of tours available can make it hard to decide on the best option, but a descent to the floor of the canyon on foot or by horse or mule unveils the true splendor of this ancient and mystical landmark. The Colorado River’s calm patches are ideal for gentle river rafting along the gorge walls, but there are also white water rapids that provide visitors with the ultimate taste of danger on the water.
There are adventures to be had for the whole family – a trip on the Grand Canyon Railway includes plenty of time to explore the canyon as well as the chance to witness a thrilling “Wild West” shootout.  Intrepid hikers will also enjoy the many twisting trails and marvel at the geology of the canyon walls.
Getting to Grand Canyon
The major access points by air are Las Vegas International Airport and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Las Vegas is served by many domestic and international airlines and, as a major hub for tourism, is an ideal place for initial access to the Grand Canyon. Phoenix is also a gateway to the Grand Canyon. A stunning desert city in its own right, Phoenix is a great place to begin a vacation into the wilder parts of Arizona.
I can be included on the group of people who has a visit to the Grand Canyon in the things to do before I die list. And to me the best way to get there is by air, if it is a bit more expensive it has to be worth it to watch the canyon from the air, that is one view I wouldn´t want to miss.