The Grand Canyon is one of the major attractions of the Southwest. It is one of those places you must put on your "life list." But many who go to the Grand Canyon don't know where to start. Here are the best things to do and see at the Grand Canyon.
©Elizabeth R. RoseWhile most visitors gather to gawk at the canyon from the rim look-outs and head for the gift shops, the more adventurous may find that a mule trip into the canyon will make their visit to the Grand Canyon truly memorable.
The Grand Canyon's El Tovar is situated 100 yards from the rim. Rooms and dining room have a breathtaking view. El Tovar is built with massive beams hewn from Oregon pine. The first floor has log slabbed siding with corners carefully notched to give the impression of solid logs. Together with the mounted deer, elk and moose, El Tovar has an unusual design and could easily be a hunting lodge belonging to the rich and famous.
It's like flying in a bubble over the edge of the beautiful Grand Canyon. From the airport right at the Grand Canyon select your flight and enjoy the journey. When the ride is finished, you will be offered a photo and DVD of your flight.
A ride on the Grand Canyon Railway is a fun and environmentally friendly way to visit the Grand Canyon – No wait at the gate, no driving and parking problems and, when you are tired after a long day, you'll ride in style, enjoy live music and savor snacks and drinks as you watch the sun slip down over the western prairie.
Just remember that the Skywalk is not in Grand Canyon National Park (the South Rim). It's fairly accessible from Las Vegas. There are tough roads to traverse, fees for parking and entry, but it's a memorable place to go. I just loved the canyon itself. The walls are much closer than at the National Park and you can look down and see the Colorado River much easier. It's an adventure... but remember, it's not the traditional Grand Canyon.
West of the Grand Canyon National Park and accessible from Peach Springs. Supai is a small village at the bottom of Havasu Canyon on the Havasupai Nation reservation. The Havasu river, tributary of the Colorado, appears blue-green against the red rocks and landscape. The famous waterfalls (Havasu Falls (100') and Mooney Falls (200')) lie at either end of the campground with Navajo Falls between Havasu Falls and the village. The trailhead is at the Hualapai hilltop on the Havasupai reservation at the end of Highway 18. This is a side canyon of the Grand Canyon and is quite an adventure.
The entrance to the Grand Canyon National Park NORTH RIM is located 30 miles south of Jacob Lake on Highway 67; the actual rim of the canyon is an additional 14 miles south. Jacob Lake, AZ is located in northern Arizona on Highway 89A, not far from the Utah border. Grand Canyon lies entirely within the state of Arizona. The North Rim has a lodge, interesting viewpoints and is closed in the Winter. It's much more remote and fewer visitors go there.
