Visiting Grand Canyon National Park
Activities to Do in Northern Arizona's Main Attraction
Sep 6, 2009
Although many people flock to the Grand Canyon in Northern Arizona to behold its views, there are many other activities to do the in the park. The south rim of the canyon is the largest point of interest among tourists, although there are viewpoints from the north rim. People who visit may hike, fish, watch wildlife, and raft or boat the Colorado River in the park, as the area offers much more than breathtaking scenery. The Grand Canyon is the second deepest Canyon in North America (after Mexico's Copper Canyon) and the fourth deepest in the Western hemisphere, as Colca Canyon and Cotahuasi Canyon, both in Peru, are over twice as deep. The Grand Canyon, however, is certainly one of the most spectacular natural wonders on the planet.
Getting to Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park is located in Northern Arizona. The north rim of the canyon is accessible from places to the north, such as Las Vegas, although the more popular south rim is about an hour (by car) north of Flagstaff. Getting to the Flagstaff airport is probably best for out-of-towners, as shuttles, and rental cars make the south rim a short trip from town. Once at either rim, the physically-fit may travel from one rim to the other, via the Bright Angel and North Kaibab Trails. When visiting the upper Grand Canyon, Lee's Ferry is the place to go, and many float trips begin there. Lee's Ferry is about two hours from Flagstaff.
Hiking in Grand Canyon National Park
When visiting Grand Canyon National Park, hiking is a worthwhile activity. There are many public trails which may be explored, including the Bright Angel Trail (named for bright angel shale, one of the many rock types present in the canyon's walls), which leads from south rim to river, and the other major trail, the North Kaibab, connects the north rim to the Colorado River. At the bottom of these trails, along the Colorado River, lies Phantom Ranch, a hotel for hikers, although reservations must be made to spend the night there.
There is also the Bright Angel campground, which may service hikers not wishing to go down and up in the same day. Hiking from the rim to river, or river to rim (either way) will probably take the average hiker about five or six hours (one way), so doing so is certainly a physically demanding feat. Hikers closer to the bottom of the trail (closer to the river), will be away from drones of people, and may see spectacular wildlife.
Wildlife Watching in the Grand Canyon
Anyone into nature will certainly have a ball when visiting Grand Canyon National Park. Even from the rim, people are likely to spot California condors cruising the thermals of the upper canyon. Ravens, jays, vultures, hawks, warblers, and occasionally, golden eagles may also be seen from the rim. Desert bighorn sheep inhabit the park, and may be seen from river to rim, along with many other interesting creatures. There are also many species of plants in the Grand Canyon, including several types of cacti. Wildlife in Grand Canyon National Park is everywhere, and people visiting the area are sure to spot many types of plants and animals.
Grand Canyon National Park really does offer more than just spectacular views. The natural beauty is overwhelming, but the wildlife and desert atmosphere add to the feel of the canyon. Although there is lodging along the south rim at Grand Canyon Village, a rafting or float trip on the Colorado is certainly the best way to get up close and personal with canyon, and the plants and wildlife that it holds.
 |
