Grand Canyon Adventures: Where the Views are Breathtaking and the Squirrels are Fearless
by Stefanie Michaels
The Grand Canyon is a natural wonder that is located in Arizona, United States. It is one of the most visited national parks in the country, with millions of tourists coming each year to marvel at its beauty and grandeur.
There are many things to do at the Grand Canyon. Visitors can take a hike along one of the many trails that wind through the park, ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry hikes. Some of the most popular trails include the South Kaibab Trail and the Bright Angel Trail.
Another popular activity is taking a scenic drive through the park. The Grand Canyon Village, located on the South Rim, is a great starting point for a self-guided tour. From there, you can drive along the Rim Trail, which offers stunning views of the canyon and the Colorado River below.
For those who want a more immersive experience, there are also guided tours available, such as mule rides down into the gorge or rafting trips on the Colorado River.
Don’t miss the toe curling views from Skywalk— a horseshoe-shaped cantilever bridge with a glass walkway that extends 70 feet over the edge of the West Rim. It offers breathtaking views of the Canyon and the Colorado River below.
The Skywalk can accommodate up to 120 visitors simultaneously and is made of solid steel and tempered glass. It was opened to the public in 2007 and is located on the Hualapai Tribe’s reservation. Visitors can reach the Skywalk by taking a tour from Las Vegas or Peach Springs, Arizona.
Brides: The Grand Canyon makes a perfect location for a destination wedding!
TIP: There are many places to stay, including hotels, motels, lodges, and campsites. Some options inside the park include the historic El Tovar Hotel, Bright Angel Lodge, and Phantom Ranch. There are also many options outside the park, such as the Grand Canyon Squire Inn, the Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire, and the Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon.
If you’re interested in camping, there are also several campgrounds in and around the park. It’s a good idea to book your accommodations well in advance, as the park is a popular tourist destination and accommodations can fill up quickly.
Did you know?
The Grand Canyon in Arizona was named by American explorer John Wesley Powell in 1869. He referred to it as “Grand Canyon” due to its size and grandeur, which he deemed worthy of the adjective “grand.” The name stuck and has been widely used ever since.
The Hualapai (pronounced “wah-lah-pie”) Tribe is a Native American tribe that has lived in this region of Arizona, for many centuries. The tribe has a rich cultural heritage and continues to maintain its traditional practices and beliefs.
The Hualapai Tribe operates the Grand Canyon Resort Corporation, which manages the Skywalk, the popular tourist destination. They also offers cultural tours and other activities that allow visitors to experience Hualapai culture and history.
A little history:
The history of this majestic canyon is a long and fascinating one. It is believed to have formed around six million years ago, when the Colorado River began carving out the canyon through layers of rock. Native American tribes, such as the Hopi and the Hualapai, have lived in the area for thousands of years and have their own unique histories and cultures connected to the canyon.
In the late 1800s, this Grandest of Canyons became a popular destination for tourists, who were drawn to its stunning views and rugged terrain. In 1919, it was designated as a national park, and today it is protected by the National Park Service.
