The Grand Canyon in Arizona is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the United States. Known for its longest history, amazing natural landscape, hiking and camping ground for the elite, the Grand Canyon is one of the largest canyons in the world carved by the Colorado river. Do not miss the Sky walk and the scenic hiking trails when you visit the Grand Canyon National Park.
The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is the home for many living species since four thousand years. Archaeological evidences in the area prove that people did live there since thousands of years. The Grand Canyon is one of the National monuments, national parks and the world heritage sites admired by many. Geologists study its rocks which possess information about 250 million years ago. The erosion is constant through rain and snow causing the natural shapes.
The length of the Grand Canyon is about 277 miles. Its width and depth differ in different places ranging from 6 miles to 20 miles. The South Rim is about 7000 feet above the sea level, whereas the North Rim is 8000 feet above the sea level. The summer and winter temperatures reach the extreme from 100 degrees Fahrenheit in summer to less than zero degrees in winter.
Visitors
The visitors and hikers in the area must take several precautions while exploring the Grand Canyon. The park entrance fee is based on the type of vehicle one drives. $20 is the charge for a private non-commercial vehicle. If you are driving your own vehicle in to the park, it is better to park in the lots near to the shuttle service. The free shuttle service can be utilized to roam around the park and visit the buildings in the park.
If you plan to see the sunset or sunrise, it is better to take enough time to enjoy the nature rather than rushing your trip. Reach early so that you can find a good spot and relax in the nature. If you are hiking, it is better to carry enough water and food to keep you active through the trail.
It is better to follow a park ranger’s directions to get the most of the park. The views from the South Rim village, Hermits Rest road, and the Desert view drive are the popular ones. If you hike the Grand Canyon, you can visit the North Rim and if you take a mule ride, you can go in to the Inner Canyon.
The different historic buildings and sites in the park include:
- Hermits Rest
- Kolb Studio
- Lookout Studio
- Bright Angel Lodge
- El Tovar Hotel
- Train Depot
- Hopi House
- Verkamp’s
- Watchtower
- Tuweep
- Visitor Center
- Tusayan Museum
Skywalk
The Sky walk on the South Rim is an engineering master piece. Built at an elevation four thousand feet, the glass platform enables the visitors to experience the Grand Canyon in a unique way. Apart from the air rides, river rides, helicopter rides, and mule rides, the Sky walk is a perfect way to get scared and get amazed. 🙂
Take time to enjoy the beauty of the Grand Canyon. Since it has life since thousands of years, your ancestors might actually might have lived there. 🙂