Grand Canyon, Arizona – A Sight Not to be Missed!
Jan 29th, 2008 by Jimmy
The Grand Canyon National Park was one of America’s first National Parks, and it’s one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations with visitors from across the world being inspired by its breathtaking beauty every day. The Canyon, which the Colorado River has cut through the gorge, is approximately 275 miles long and between a quarter of a mile to 15 miles wide (average is approximately 10 miles), depending on where you are standing.
It’s also about a mile deep which means that it’s a challenge that many people enjoy to hike (or ride) down into the gorge.
There are two different sides of the Grand Canyon, the more tourist orientated South Rim which is open year around, and the more secluded North Rim which is closed during the winter season. On the South Rim, there are many opportunities for learning about the Canyon, and ways of experiencing it first hand – whether a bus tour around the rim stopping at observation points to for photo opportunities, hiking down the trails, rafting along the river, or even taking a flight through the gorge.
On the North Rim however, you will find the Grand Canyon more fiercely guarded against the trapping of commercialism, with most of the thrills coming from the light patterns on the Canyon walls as day turns into night.
The South Rim has wheelchairs available for visitors, and many of the areas/facilities – although not the shuttle buses (anyone requiring a shuttle bus with wheelchair access should call the day before they visit the Grand Canyon to ensure one will be running the next day as these are operated on an “on demand” basis) – are wheelchair/mobility impaired accessible although assistance may be required.
Accommodation is limited in the Grand Canyon, especially on the North Rim so if you intend to stay overnight in the park to experience both a sunset and a sunrise be sure to make a reservation far in advance of your vacation period.
Whether you prefer the South Rim with its array of opportunities and challenges for experiencing the Canyon, or the more solitary and intimate “back to nature” atmosphere of the North Rim, the magnitude of the Grand Canyon is an forgettable experience.
The grand Canyon, is truely one of the most remarkable places on earth. I was there 2 years ago and it was very busy, but the north rim still managed to touch spirituallly.
Definitely try to make sun rise if you can. There’s less people than at sunset and it’s amazing to see the colours at that time of day!
I live in central california and would like to go to the grand canyon someday. I don’t think there is anything like it anywhere else in the world.
My wife and I had never seen the Grand Canyon . So we decided to go during a auto trip to visit family in another state.
I have never seen anything like it. My wife hadn’t either.
We took alot of pictures and some how the time spent there together in a first experience brought us closer together.
We will never forget our “special time together at the Grand Canyon!
Todd
I would definitely love to go to the Grand Canyon one day, heck I’d even love to go to the United States one day.
I’ve been trying to make it to the North Rim for a while, more specifically Havasu Falls. I understand it’s a full day’s trek to get there and there are certainly no accomodations once your there. Thanks for the informative post.
Because I’m Irish, and basically from a country where it rains pretty much all day, every day, all day, I love deserts. That’s why Arizona and Nevada are my two favourite states in the US. (Didn’t like Utah though, that’s no place for a beer-lovin’ Irishman) I also think they’re the most beautiful. Plus you’ve got three of America’s most iconic places, Los Vegas, Hoover Dam and the Canyon.
The Grand Canyon is one of the great natural wonders of the world and one cannot truly comprehend the sheer scale of it unless they see it for themselves. And even then, even when you’re high up and looking down, you still cannot comprehend its scale because its bigger than your eyes can handle.
Amazing.
try the helicopter to see grand canyon from above. you’ll amaze by it all.
and one thing! you get a certificate. hahaha
grand canyon definetely site to visit. never miss those experience to see this one of the world’s greatest places.
and the helicopter. funtastic!