GRAND CANYON

Two hundred seventy-seven magnificent miles of riverbed running through breathtaking scenes of plateaus, rock formations, falls, rapids, and gorges makes the Grand Canyon truly worthy of it’s name and acclamation as one of the geological showcases of the world. Carved by nature over millions of years, the canyon has an average width of 10 miles and the Colorado River flows an average of one mile deep in the canyon. The North Rim has an elevation which is 1000 feet higher than the South Rim. Therefore, temperatures on the North Rim are generally lower than South Rim temperatures.

The Canyon is a spectacular experience at any time of year. Whatever the season... spring, summer, fall, winter... each brings an intimate mood to the splendor of the Grand Canyon that will make your first visit very special. Savor the delicate fragrance of spring wildflowers as you stroll along the Canyon Rim. Enjoy a fresh summer breeze rich with the scent of pine following a brief afternoon thundershower. Discover color that only nature can create in the fall flowers and canyon oaks as they prepare for the coming winter season. See winter clouds hanging heavy over the Canyon after a fresh snow, lifting like a theatre curtain to reveal nature’s newest spectacle. In every season the Grand Canyon is a spectacular vision.

The breathtaking beauty of the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is like nothing else you will ever experience. The canyon is geologically important due to layers of rock formations which record the early history of North America. Recent studies in 2008 have stated that the Grand Canyon is approximately 17 million years old. The visitor can learn about the geology of the canyon, the wildlife present and past of the canyon, and explore the archeological findings of human life in the canyon which have been present for thousands of years. Within its vast expanse and awesome depth, there is an ever changing panorama of color, from the first light of day until the sun sets on the distant horizon, concluding the melodrama until another day. Divided by the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon also offers many opportunities for the photographer, and artisan, both experienced and novice, to take breathtaking, creative images of the changing landscape.

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is opened all year long. Ninety percent of visitors to the Canyon visit from the South Rim. If you visit the South Rim, it is accessible on Route 64 from Interstate 40 from Williams, Arizona or by Route 180 off Interstate 40, 80 miles northwest of Flagstaff, Arizona.

For the hiking enthusiast, the Grand Canyon offers several trails which are some of the most challenging terrain in North America. Of these, the Bright Angel Trail is the safest trail in the park. This trail is located west of Kolb Studio at the South Rim in Grand Canyon Village. This is a steep, dirt trail which is a route that was used by native American indians.

There is a ranger station halfway down the trail and a second station at the bottom of the trail. The trail is shaded and has some water sources. Autumn and late spring are the best times to hike the Bright Angel Trail. The trail may be icy in early spring or winter. There are some mules on the trail, so hikers are advised to prepare ahead. Check at the visitor center for trail information and conditions.

There are many sights to see at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Some of the interesting structures reveal some of the interesting history of the canyon.

The Buckey O’Neill Cabin was built by miner, William Owen “Buckey” O’Neill in the 1890’s. It is the oldest building on the South Rim and currently can be reserved as a guest house.

Kolb Studio was built by the Kolb brothers, photographers of tourists using the Bright Angel Trail in the early 1900’s. The building is currently an art gallery.

The El Tovar Hotel is a four story elegant lodge on the South Rim of the canyon. It also has a gift shop and restaurant on the premises.

The Hopi House was a residence for the indians who sold their crafts in the early 1900’s .

Vercamp’s Curios, built in 1905, is currently used as a visitor center.

Grand Canyon Railway Depot is the north end of the rail line that starts in Williams, Arizona.

Lookout Studio is a structure that was built in the early 1900’s and has a splendid view of Bright Angel Trail.

In 1932, the Desert Watchtower was built 27 miles from Grand Canyon Village. There is a good view here of the bottom of the canyon and the riverbed.

Bright Angel Lodge built in 1935, boasts a museum which honors Fred Harvey who was a key promoter of the Grand Canyon during this time period.

Shuttle service runs from March to November on Hermit Road. Shuttles are also available year round in Grand Canyon Village. One way shuttle and a round trip bus are available daily to each of the canyons rims from May through October. Fare is $80 one way or $150 round trip. Phone (928)638-2820 for reservations.

Guided jeep tours of the canyon is a good way to see the canyon and learn first hand about its ecology and history. Flight tours are also an exciting way to view the Grand Canyon. Tours are available and leave from the South Rim and also from the major cities in Arizona. There are also many seasonal activities in the canyon. Check with the visitors centers for current events and times. Pets are only permitted on park grounds if they are kept with the owner and leashed or crated at all times. They are not allowed on hiking trails or below the park rims.
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is open from May through the middle of October. It hosts approximately 10 percent of the parks visitors. The entrance of the North Rim is a five hour drive from the South Rim and is 30 miles south of Jacob Lake on Route 67. It can only be reached by auto travel.

On route to the North Rim, a recommended stop for visitors is the The Skywalk, built by the Hualapai Tribe. The Hualapai Tribe, meaning “people of the tall pines,” maintain a reservation of 1,000,000 acres that was established in 1883. Today, there are 2,300 members of the tribe. Peach Springs, located on Route 66, is current tribal headquarters. Tourism provides jobs and a means of income for the tribe. This horseshoe shaped frame with a glass floor projects 70 feet out over the canyon, and provides a pristine view. The Hualapai Tribe charges fees that are subject to change for the shuttle and Skywalk. A five hour drive from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is West Grand Canyon. Follow Interstate 40 to Kingman, Arizona. Turn north on US Route 93 for thirty miles at Pierce Ferry Road. Turn right onto Diamond Bar Road. Follow this road for 21 miles to Grand Canyon West (approximately two-thirds of this road is unpaved). Shuttle service is available at the reservation for a fee. For information and reservations phone 1-877-716-9378 or 1-702-878-9378.

Park passes are available at: Cameron Trading Post, Cameron, AZ (vehicle and individual passes); Williams Visitor Center, Williams, AZ (all passes); Chevron Travel Shop, Valle, AZ (vehicle and individual); IMAX Theatre, Tusayan AZ (all permits). Vehicle permits also available at Canyon Squire Inn, Red Feather Inn, and Quality Inn, in Tusayan, AZ. Eighty percent of the fees collected directly benefit park maintenance.