Take a look at this picture. Amazing isn’t it? Unfortunately, I can’t take credit for it. I can’t seem to find the ones I took on our last trip there, but that’s ok. The ones I found for my post are way better than mine. Pictures, however, don’t do this national park justice. I guess that applies to any natural wonder. I’ve had the privilege of visiting Grand Canyon three times. Each time was a camping trip, which just like Yellowstone, is the cheapest way to go. It is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. Do you know the other six? Don’t look it up. See if you can name them before you finish reading. I’ll list them at the end of this post. No cheating!
This is a direct quote from the official Grand Canyon website: “Grand Canyon National Park, in northern Arizona, encompasses 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. Located on the ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes, Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world—unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors on the rim. South Rim and North Rim are open 24 hours.”
I like to provide a brief history of each park I visited so here’s your lesson for the day. It’s a lot to write, and so many options to narrow down, so here’s the link to the Grand Canyon site where you can specifically read about the human history of the Canyon. It’s very interesting so take your time with it:
My favorite quote from the history and culture section of the website is this: “Although the Grand Canyon is known around the world for its vast vistas, beautiful colors, and incredible geology, it's a lot more than just a big hole in the ground! People have been living in and exploring Grand Canyon for thousands of years, forging human connections to this incredible landscape.” I can’t tell you how many times friends of mine have said, “it’s just a big hole in the ground.” I truly beg to differ. If you’ve been there, I’m sure you would agree it’s more than that.
As I mentioned earlier I’ve been to the Canyon three times. I still don’t consider myself an expert, but I can provide enough information about the park so you know what to expect. Of course, the website has more up to date information. I’ve visited during the summer and, yes, it is warm there but thanks to being in a higher elevation, the evenings cool off nicely. It doesn’t get as cold as it does in Yellowstone, (temperatures can dip into the low 40’s overnight at Yellowstone in July), but it’s enough to build a campfire, look into the sky, and make some s’mores or just roast marshmallows. One of the things I enjoy about camping outdoors in these parks is that quiet time is from 10 PM until 6 AM. Thankfully the times I have been there, everyone abides by this rule. I’d like to think it’s a good time to rest, relax, and enjoy what the night sky has to offer. You will definitely see more stars at night there then you will at home. If you’re lucky, a full moon will come out and really brighten things up. Just don’t get a moon burn.
If you like to hike, you’re in the right place. There are several hiking trails at the Grand Canyon, all with different levels of difficulty. If you’re interested in literally going into the canyon, there are mule pack trips that take you down to the valley floor. I’ve never done this, but I hear it’s worth it. I just read an article about this recently which you can view here:
Hiking Down to Phantom Ranch (NY Times)
A couple of more things, there are several different “points” at Grand Canyon that provide different views. You do have to drive to these points. When you pay your entry fee at the gate they’ll provide you with a map of the park which tells you where the points are. I highly recommend spending a day on this. Seeing the canyon from these different vantage points provides a whole new perspective. The most popular area is Mather Point which is the first one you see when you pass the gate. Everyone stops there. You have to do this. Yes it will be crowded but you need to get out of the car and walk down to check it out. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
I should mention everything I’ve discussed here is in the South Rim of the park. That is the most visited and popular of the two. There is the North Rim, which I’m told is just as beautiful as the south, but I’ve never visited there so I don’t have anything to report on that area.
Lastly, Grand Canyon Village is an area you’ll see before you get to the main gate. There are restaurants, a movie theater, and a general store. The store is nice but I recommend you bring your own food if you’re camping. Yes food is already expensive but I guarantee it will be even more expensive if you choose to buy your groceries there. Make your choice based on your traveling budget but you’re on vacation, cost isn’t an issue right? It depends who you ask. (Smile) Also, if you’re interested in seeing the Grand Canyon by helicopter, the airport is on that same road. I haven’t done that yet. Maybe someday.
Grand Canyon is a beautiful place. You already know it’s one of the 7 wonders of the world. How did you do with the other 6? They are:
Mount Everest, Paricutin Volcano, Victoria Falls, The Harbor of Rio de Janeiro, Great Barrier Reef, and the Northern Lights.
Thanks for reading! Share my link with your friends and family. Be sure to like my posts and I welcome your feedback. Do you have stories about the Grand Canyon or any of the other parks I’ve discussed? Your feedback is welcome here. Next stop, Disneyland.
Grand Canyon quotes:
“The glories and the beauties of form, color, and sound unite in the Grand Canyon.” – John Wesley Powell
“There will never be a photograph of the Grand Canyon that can adequately describe its depth, breadth, and true beauty.” – Stefanie Payne
“In the Grand Canyon, Arizona has a natural wonder which is in kind absolutely unparalleled throughout the rest of the world.” – Theodore Roosevelt