The Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon National Park is one of those world heritage places that you must see in person, because whatever pictures will never do it justice.

Descriptions will tell you that the Grand Canyon National Park is a great gorge carved over millions of years, the Colorado River slicing away at the Colorado Plateau. All of the people will state that the Grand Canyon National Park has breathtaking views. Tourists and vacationers will tell you it's an outstanding place to hike or ride the rapids.

Of course, all of that is true, but you must see it. Once a ranger told us an amazing thing; a typical stay in the Grand Canyon National Park lasts 5 to 7 hours, and nearly all visitors stay at the rim of the Grand Canyon for less than one hour. We've even heard less than twenty minutes! How can you do that?

I guess maybe most of those short-run visitors take day trips from Las Vegas, maybe even make a break at the Skywalk on the way. Of course, you can do that and say you've seen the Grand Canyon National Park. But to really discover it you need to enjoy it and take a little bit time.

Sit down and watch the way colors change from reds to purples on different times of the day. Watch the clouds form ever changing shadows on the pinnacles and plateaus.

The most visited and the most accessible area is the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. It is opened all over the year. It's the South Rim we will talk about here, because services, hotels & lodging are available year round. On the North Rim visitor services are only available from mid-May to mid-October.

Whenever you can stay at one of the Grand Canyon hotels and lodges in the National Park. There are several accommodations you can choose from, and they range from the historic El Tovar on the rim to more modern motel-like lodges. The rustic Bright Angel Lodge is also only a couple of feet from the rim.

You can walk around all day. It's easy to explore and catch a free shuttle to several overlooks whenever you want to change the view. On the south rim there are also campgrounds available.

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Hiking into the canyon

For the day you can hike part way down the Bright Angel Trail. As an alternative you can hike part way down the South Kaibab Trail. Markers along the side of the trail explain you how many millions of years old the rocks around you are. Also a day walk below the rim is awesome.

For overnight camping stays inside the canyon are reservations for wilderness permits required. On the floor of the canyon there are campgrounds back country permit available with that reservation. Permits are very popular and it's wise to apply for well in advance, though only a small number of permits may be available once you arrive.

The National Park Service says that people arriving without permits may put their names on a waiting list due to cancellations. You need to pack your food in. On the canyon floor at Phantom Ranch there is some food available.

You can also book overnight mule Grand Canyon tours into it with stays at the Phantom Ranch. It is the only lodging facility below the canyon rim, and it is run by the Grand Canyon National Park Service. There are dormitory type guest rooms and rustic cabins. At the canteen of the ranch there is food available.

So go now to explore the Grand Canyon National Park in person, however spend more than 20 minutes! If possible spend a night or two and savor the Grand Canyon National Park, one of the great natural wonders of the world!