Nothing will prepare you for your first breathtaking view of the Grand Canyon, which is 277 miles long and more than a mile deep in some places. Located in Northern Arizona, this massive fissure in the Colorado Plateau was formed over millions of years, through erosion from the Colorado River, which still snakes through the depths of the canyon floor.
The Grand Canyon is divided into two distinct sections and became a national park in 1919, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The South Rim offers spectacular views from several vantage points along the 25-mile Desert View Drive. It is easily accessible, with plenty of amenities, but can also be extremely crowded. The North Rim is a secluded wilderness, with limited accessibility. Roads and amenities in the North Rim are closed from October until May, but with far fewer visitors than the South Rim, the North Rim is a great place to experience the solitude and breathtaking beauty of the canyon.
Making it happen
Most visitors to the Grand Canyon fly into McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, which is 275 miles from the South Rim. There are no trains or busses from Las Vegas, but car rental agencies are plentiful and fairly inexpensive. You can also take organized tours or helicopter rides, which are easily organized from the Vegas strip.
To really experience the magic of the Grand Canyon and get away from the throngs of people, all you have to do is leave the car behind and head out on one of the many hiking trails. From short ½ mile loops to multi-day expeditions, there’s a trail for just about everyone. The popular Rim Trail is well-graded and easily accessible, with fabulous views and photo opportunities. If you’re interested in a longer hike that delves into the canyon, be aware that temperatures in the canyon can be much hotter than on the rim. There is an abundance of hotels and lodges around the park, with rooms ranging in price from about $80 to $400 per night. Rooms should be reserved as far in advance as possible.
The awe-inspiring Grand Canyon offers adventure opportunities in all four seasons. This natural wonder of the world is a must-visit destination.
United States
Nepal
Venezuela
Chile
Argentina