Grand Canyon - Over Land Or By The Air

All over the world there are so many tourist attractions, some are museums, man-made like monuments and other architectural wonders while most of them are naturally-made such as lakes, gorges, falls, mountains and other natural wonders.

In the United States, most of its natural wonders such as the The Everglades, Rocky Mountains, Old Faithful Geyser, the Niagara Falls and many more are visited by plenty of vacationers all over the year. However, there is one outstanding natural wonder that is known as one of the greatest attractions for tourists in America; it is the Grand Canyon, which is visited by about 5 million vacationers each year.

Why is the Grand Canyon so special

The Grand Canyon is regarded as a steep-sided gorge situated in the state of Arizona. The Grand Canyon was created by the Colorado River over a time span of 17 million year due to the natural process of erosions. It is situated within the Grand Canyon National Park, which is probably the first national park in the country.

The Grand Canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long, which has a depth of more than 1.6 km and ranges in width from 4 to 18 miles (6.4 to 29 km).

The rock layers exposed in the canyon are like pages of a great story book, showing nearly 2 billion years of the Earth's history. While the Colorado Plateau was lifting up, the Colorado River and its tributaries cut their conduit through layer upon layer of rock.

The canyon was populated by Native Americans. They built their homes inside the canyon and its several caves. The Pueblo people also made settlement in the canyon and looked at it as a holy site. They even made pilgrimage on the canyon.

However, It is not the deepest canyon. The Grand Canyon is well-known for its impressive size and its labyrinthine l and colorful landscape. It is even uncomparable all over the world for the panorama it offers to visitors on the rim.

Visiting historical buildings and other attractions

Along the South Rim there are a lot of historical buildings you can visit. Most of them are situated in the Grand Canyon Village. A few of these buildings include the El Tovar Hotel, Buckey O'Neill Cabin, and the Grand Canyon Railway Depot.

The El Tovar Hotel is considered as South Rim's most luxurious lodge. This 4 story hotel was planned by Charles Whittlesley and constructed in 1905. The hotel features also a gift shop and a restaurant.

On the other hand, Buckey O'Neill Cabin, located in the South Rim, is considered as the longest continually standing structure. It was built by William Owen O'Neill on the 1890s. Nowadays, the cabin is used as a guest house for tourists who would like to visit the Grand Canyon.

The Grand Canyon Railway Depot, constructed in 1909, is one of only three log-cabin-style railway depot existing today, of the fourteen train stations ever built in the United States.

Other attractions include Toroweap Overlook and Lipan Point. Toroweap Overlook or Tuweep offers the most awe-inspiring sight of the canyon below. It is situated 3,000 feet above the Colorado River. According to the National Park Service, this is the most remote in the country. Lipan Point is a headland or promontory located on the South Rim. By visiting in this stunning place, you can get a great sight of the Unkar Creek area in the inner canyon as well as the different rock layers in the area.

Recreational Activities you can do

Anther options to get an easier view of the canyon is through the Coconino Canyon Train. It's a ninety-minute train ride that start at the old Grand Canyon Depot in the Grand Canyon National Park and passes over 24 miles of the canyon's awesome landscape. Or you can take a Grand Canyon Mule Trip that will make your tour to the canyon really unforgettable.

Explore Great Adventures

If you're looking for great Adventures, no matter if Biking, Wildlife Viewing, Kayaking, Horseback Riding, White-water Rafting, Fishing, Rock climbing, Camping, Trekking or any other adventures of your choice ...

Click Here To Find Your Great Adventure

More adventurous visitors have the option to view the canyon in a more vertical sight by going on board a helicopter or a small airplane. However, some beautiful flights are not allowed if they fly inside the 1,500 feet of the rim due to recent incidence of crash.

Besides the usual sightseeing of the Grand Canyon, you can do many recreational activities. Among the favorite activities are running, hiking into the Grand Canyon, camping and whitewater rafting. While you're at the floor of the valley you are able to cross it by foot, on the back of a mule or by raft from upriver.

Without any doubt, the Grand Canyon is a grandiose and must have seen attraction for tourists. If you haven't visited the Grand Canyon yet, then it is time for you to visit this outstanding natural wonder.