10 Ways to Discover the Grand Canyon

Are you planning a trip to the Grand Canyon butto be one of the wildest stretches of white water in
don't know what kind of activities there are to seethe United States.
and do once you reach the Grand Canyon?2. Go hiking. Many hiking trails exist throughout the
If you are planning to visit the Grand Canyon eitherarea. The South Rim is where the most popular hike
as a 1-Day-Activity or if you wish to make a weekis. The name of this trail on the South Rim is named
of it, there are plenty of options.Bright Angel Trail, located near Grand Canyon Village.
Here are 10 ways to explore the Grand Canyon.On the North Rim, the most popular hiking trail is
Many people could easily spend all day just looking atNorth Kaibab. (No permit is required here.)
this magical wonder, but there are other ways youNo permit is needed for day hiking, but you will need
can enjoy the mighty Grand Canyon.a permit if you choose to camp inside the Grand
If you do not have a lot of time, it's still possible toCanyon, as dictated by the National Park Service.
enjoy the Grand Canyon; you may just feel a littleThe most popular backpacking site is the Bright Angel
rushed. If you leave early and prepare yourself for aCampground. Bright Angel Campground is located at
long day, it can be done.the end of Bright Angel Trail.
If you are a traveler who has a little extra time, you3. If you are not afraid of heights, you can always
would likely appreciate taking that extra day or twotry out the new Grand Canyon Skywalk which
and view the other sightseeing attractions as yourecently opened this past spring! The Skywalk is
make your way to the Grand Canyon.officially open from dawn to dusk, seven days a
Many visitors spend the night in another town, suchweek. It first opened March 28, 2007, and from all
as Sedona, Arizona, where the beauty of theaccounts, is something very special and exciting.
red-rock will astound you. If you choose to drive4. Take a helicopter or a mule ride inside the Canyon.
from the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area, plan onYou will find several companies who will give you a
about 4.5 hours of travel time to get to the Grandbird's eye view down inside the Canyon.
Canyon.The Grand Canyon Skywalk is the first walkway to
If you decide to stay in Flagstaff before traveling tosuspend more than 4,000 feet above the Canyon
Grand Canyon National Park, it is approximately 80floor. It extends 70 feet from the rim and is located
miles away, which should take about an hour and aat Grand Canyon West's Eagle Point.
half to drive there. If you stay in Sedona, the5. Take a helicopter ride. Tours originate at either the
Canyon is about a two-hour drive.Grand Canyon Airport, five miles south of the park
The Grand Canyon National Park offers a free shuttleentrance or in Sedona.
at the South Rim in Grand Canyon Village, along6. Drive to the South Rim and park your car and
Hermit Road. Note that these shuttles providewalk to the edge of the Grand Canyon. If you don't
transportation only and are not considered tourlike large groups, or if you just prefer doing things on
buses. (Bus Tours are available, however.)your own time, you certainly have this option.
You are required to exit the bus to view the Canyon.7. You can access the Grand Canyon Railway train
Also note that if you have physical challenges, mostfor some fun, too. Sit back and relax! Jump the train
shuttles are inaccessible to wheelchairs.in Williams, Arizona, where it will escort you precisely
Here are 10 excellent ways to explore the Grandto Grand Canyon Village.
Canyon.8. Take a bus tour. Many tour companies are available
1. Go boating or rafting. There are plenty offor your tour to the Grand Canyon.
companies who are willing to take you on a very9. Take a Jeep Tour. If you like the wilderness, you
specialized tour-guided river experience inside thewill find that these Jeep tours are a great way to
Grand Canyon. If you choose to go rafting, though,take in limitless nature along with Native American
keep in mind that the water can get a little rough atIndian history, culture and more.
times, but you will certainly be in good hands with10. Settle for an Audio Tour. You can also opt for
your tour guide and required life jacket.your own personal guide on a CD. These are also
If you are timid about water, consider the fact thatavailable to visitors and provide a learning experience
the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon is saidat every listeners own pace.