Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most iconic and spectacular landscapes in the United States. Located in Arizona, it stretches for 277 miles along the Colorado River, with an average depth of 1 mile and a maximum depth of 6,000 feet. The canyon walls are composed of colorful sandstone, shale, limestone and granite that have been carved by erosion over millions of years. It's a natural wonder that has captivated people since its discovery by Spanish explorer García López de Cárdenas in 1540.

The Grand Canyon is a popular destination for sightseeing and exploration, offering stunning views of the canyon walls and river below. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the park, and visitors can choose from a variety of trails, ranging from easy day hikes to more challenging backpacking trips. The South Rim is the most easily accessible part of the canyon, with plenty of viewpoints for panoramic views. Bright Angel Trail is one of the more popular routes down into the canyon, offering spectacular scenery along the way.

The North Rim is less developed than the South Rim, with fewer lodging and dining options, but has some of the most beautiful views of any part of the park. The East Rim and West Rim offer additional spectacular scenery that cannot be seen from either side. Visitors should plan their trips in advance as roads can become impassable due to snow in the winter months.

The park also features several historic buildings and sites from its time as a national monument. The Havasu Falls, located on the Havasupai Reservation, is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world.

The Grand Canyon National Park is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore some of nature's greatest wonders. From stunning vistas to historic sites and abundant wildlife, there is something for everyone at this amazing park. The park's official website offers detailed information about the various attractions, sights and activities available in the area. Whether you're looking for an easy day hike or a more ambitious trek, the Grand Canyon has something to suit all tastes and abilities. With its unique beauty and wild history, it is definitely worth a visit.

Park Access

The entire north rim of the Grand Canyon is most easily accessible from the state of Utah with Kanab, Utah being the best city to base from when visiting the north rim. The length and extreme depth of the Grand Canyon makes the north rim nearly inaccessible from the state of Arizona. The south rim is best accessed from various communities in Arizona such as Flagstaff, Sedona, and Williams.

Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona was established as a national monument in 1908 and given full national park status by Congress in 1919. In 1979, the park was declared a World Heritage Site to preserve its biological diversity. The Havasupai Reservation is located on tribal land within the park boundaries, and visitors are required to obtain permission from the tribe before visiting.

The majority of visitors access the Grand Canyon from the South Rim and a smaller percentage visit the North Rim. With elevations that reach nearly 9,000 feet, the North Rim has some of the most spectacular views in the world.

There are three main access viewpoints; Bright Angel Point, Point Imperial, and Cape Royal. Upon arrival at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon visitors should allot approximately half a day to take in Point Imperial and Cape Royal. This time-frame includes driving, scenic pullouts, and short hikes.

Bright Angel Point is at the southern end of the main entrance road. It is a half mile round-trip trail that is paved and offers dramatic views of the canyon.

At 8,803 feet, Point Imperial is the highest point at the North Rim. This point offers expansive views of the east end of the canyon.

This is one of the most ideal locations for incredible views of sunset and sunrise and provides stunning panoramic views of the whole canyon.

Travelers with four-wheel drive that are interested in having a more remote experience could enjoy the rugged two-hour drive to Point Sublime. This area is one of the most westerly view points of this section of the North Rim. It is important to be prepared with a full tank of gas and knowing road conditions.

Take in the beautiful views from one of the many scenic overlooks along both sides of the canyon. There are several viewpoints that offer a variety of different views and perspectives, so visitors can take in the beauty of this natural wonder from multiple angles.

The Grand Canyon has miles of trails ranging from easy day hikes to longer backpacking trips, so no matter your level of experience or fitness, there is something for everyone. The South Rim is the most popular destination and offers plenty of options for hikers. Bright Angel Trail is one of the more popular trails, offering spectacular views along the way.

Experience the Grand Canyon from a different perspective with a mule trip that takes you on backcountry trails. Mules and donkeys are the traditional means of transportation for visitors exploring the canyon and provide an intimate way to take in the majestic scenery.

There are hikes (as long as 11+ miles) that can take you to the bottom of the canyon. It is important when hiking into the canyon that any length of descent will also require a steep hike back up, so it is important to manage energy and resources.

Traveling by mule is an opportunity offered in the spring and summer. It is an incredibly unique way to experience The Grand Canyon while also conserving energy.

The remote Toroweap Overlook, is also known as Toroweap Point or Tuweep Overlook. This point is only accessible from a rough dirt road that is best approached in a four-wheel drive vehicle. This overlook sits 3,000 feet above the Colorado River. The hike from this point is challenging and should be done by experienced hikers.

Remember as you travel from high elevations, temperatures can be cooler, down into the canyon, temperatures can become very hot. Water filters can be helpful way to not have to carry too much water, but its very important to have plenty of water to make your ascent. Heat exhaustion has caused many health challenges and deaths for hikers in the Grand Canyon National Park.