Traveling to the Grand Canyon can be confusing. Do you want to take a mule trip? See the new Skybridge? We lead you to the best Grand Canyon information sources and do our best to eliminate some of the confusion over visiting this 217 mile long Canyon, not all of which lies in the Grand Canyon National Park
Apollo 11 Astronaut Dr. Buzz Aldrin, known for making historic first steps on the moon, lead the “First Walk” on the Grand Canyon Skywalk in 2007. The canyon itself is a breathtaking sight. However, it is hours west of the Grand Canyon National Park on Hualapai land.
The Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim is most easily accessible from Phoenix, about a 4 hour drive. The South Rim has the beautiful and historic El Tovar Hotel and other places to stay. You can hike, take a mule trip into the canyon and visit the many overlooks. This part of the canyon has some wide and beautiful vistas. It is open year-round.
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is more accessible from Las Vegas, Nevada. The road into the North Rim (Highway 67) is closed from the first heavy snow in November or early December to mid-May. The three developed viewpoints on the North Rim offer a sense of looking across the expanse of the canyon, rather than into its depths. Views of the Colorado River are rare and distant. Grand Canyon Lodge is the only lodging inside the national park on the North Rim.
This map will show you an overview of the Canyon. Note that Grand Canyon West is on Hualapai land and is closest to Peach Springs, Tribal Headquarters. Grand Canyon South Rim and Grand Canyon Village are across the Canyon from the Grand Canyon North Rim. These are three separate vacation spots, not easily accessible from each other, unless, of course, you are rafting the river!
This is the Grand Canyon West official website. You can read about package ticket prices, get directions and find tour packages as well. It is the main site for Skywalk information.
National Park reservations for the only "in-park" lodging at Grand Canyon National Park South Rim!
The only "in-park" lodging at Grand Canyon National Park North Rim!
Definitely a worthwhile trip for those who enjoy the road less traveled, the North Rim, or "other side" of the Grand Canyon is visited by only 10% of all Grand Canyon visitors. You can get reservations for the Grand Canyon Lodge on this website.
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.
While 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.
