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THE GRAND CANYON

The Grand Canyon is a geological wonder! You can see the most spectacular examples of exposed rock and erosion here in the Canyon. Your first look will take your breath away. No pictures you've ever seen do it justice. You will not be prepared for its vastness and depth. The views are constantly changing because of the light and cloud cover. You will truly be amazed.

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ABOUT THE GRAND CANYON

Make sure you plan an extra day when visiting Phoenix as the Grand Canyon is just a short 3 1/2 hour drive from the metro area. The park includes 277 miles of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. The Park is 1,904 square miles and is 18 miles wide. It is more than a mile deep at its deepest point. Plateaus to the north and south rise from 5,000 to over 9,000 feet. The South Rim elevation is almost 7,000 feet. The Rim temperatures in the Summer range from 50-80 degrees. Be careful when you hike into the Canyon from the South Rim as you will drop over 5,000 in elevation and the temperatures will rise the closer you get to the river. The temperature differences can be dramatic. For example, the Rim temperature in the Summer may be 80 and the temperature at the Colorado River may be as high as 110 F.

The Grand Canyon is a very popular vacation destination for people from around the world. Millions visit this park every year. Click the link below to see panoramic virtual tours of the rim, inner canyon and Phantom Ranch.

Grand Canyon Virtual Tours

South Rim
The best place to view the Canyon is from the South Rim. The South Rim is open year-round and you can expect crowds and traffic anytime except in the winter. You must plan ahead if you are going to visit during the peak visiting months of April-September. The park entrance gates are open 24 hours. The visitor center and most of the park facilities are open from 8am-5pm with extended hours during the summer. Over ninety percent of the visitors to the Grand Canyon visit the South Rim because of it's easy access, many facilities and numerous view points. To avoid the largest tourist crowds, plan your Canyon trip between March-April and September-October. If you plan far enough ahead, you will be able to get accommodations in the Park. If not, you will have to make arrangements for lodging in one of the adjacent communities. Click the link below for lodging in the Grand Canyon area.

Plan some extra time while you're at the Canyon. Take a day-hike down the switchbacks of the Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge. This hike takes about an hour and a half down and about 3 hours back up. Remember to plan at least twice a long up the trail as it takes you to hike down. Also, it is very important to take water with you on the trail. Be especially careful in the summer months. It gets extremely hot in the inner canyon and there is no source of water on the trail. The most popular trail to hike from the South Rim is The Bright Angel Trail. The Bright Angel is less strenuous than the Kaibab and there is water at Indian Garden. A good day-hike on the Bright Angel is to Indian Garden.

North Rim
The North Kaibab trail (14 miles) is longer than the South Kaibab (7miles). Both trails will take you down to Phantom Ranch and to the Colorado River. Allow two-three days if you are hiking the North Kaibab in order to really enjoy it. You must make backcountry reservations if you want to stay at Bright Angel Campground, located at Phantom Ranch. The North Rim closes from mid-October through May.

Trail Suggestions
Take care on all trails, they can be very dangerous. Many people overestimate their physical stamina because it is so much easier walking "down" the trail. Plan at least double the amount of time up as it takes you to hike down. Wear good walking shoes or boots. Do not wear high heels or business shoes. Always take water with you.

Accommodations
Lodging at the Canyon can be hard to get if you don't plan ahead. The Park lodging facilities are run by AMFAC. Call AMFAC at 303-297-2757 to make reservatins up to two years in advance. Or call 520-638-2631 to make same day reservatins. There are many fine hotels and motels just outside the Canyon. Click the links below to make an online reservation.

Stats
Bright Angel Trail-8 miles from the Rim to the Colorado River.
Kaibab-South 6.9 miles from the Rim to the Colorado River. The trailhead is at Yaki point. This trail offers no shade and no water source.
Kaibab-North 14 miles from the North Rim to the Colorado River. This trail is much less traveled and has spectacular views of the Canyon.

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