Have you ever been to the Grand Canyon?

Question

My mom wants to go to the Grand Canyon for vacation in August, and I was wondering if it was any fun. What can you do there?

Answer 1

Like most places, it all depends on what you enjoy doing.

The view of the Grand Canyon from the rim is definitely one of the most impressive natural scenic vistas in the world. Photographers and painters come here from all over the world for good reason. Checking out the different view points, walking along the rim, and seeing the light change on the different formations at sunrise and sunset can be very relaxing and inspiring. There is also a lot of wildlife to be seen along the rim including deer, ravens, condors, numerous squirrels and chipmunks, and a chance of seeing coyotes and big horn sheep.

However, you can only stare at something for so long. I personally think the best way to experience the canyon is to hike into it a ways. Only looking at the canyon from the rim without going down inside is like looking at a great cathedral or castle in Europe without going in. You don't have to go all the way to the bottom (in fact, they don't recommend doing that as a day trip), but there are nice little day hikes down South Kiabab or Hermit Trails (wear comfortable shoes, carry lots of water, and avoid hiking during the heat of mid day).

If you are not into hiking, watching nature, or photography, there are also mule rides into the canyon (need reservations long in advance), numerous interesting historic buildings on the south rim like the 1930 Desert View Watchtower (made to look like a prehistoric ruin), the 1905 Hopi House gift shop (made to look like a Hopi Indian pueblo) and the grand 1905 El Tovar Hotel. As others have mentioned, there is a large IMAX movie theater just outside the park.

All of the above applies to the more developed and more often visited South Rim. The North Rim is a longer drive and less developed (only one small lodge), but because it is at a higher elevation it is quite a bit cooler than the South Rim and much less crowded (South Rim can be a zoo from Memorial Day to Labour Day). The North Rim is better if you are looking to get a way from it all and want a little peace and quiet.

As others have mentioned, there is also Havasu Falls on the Havasu Indian reservation. This is actually a small indian village in a side canyon on the western end of the canyon. The waterfall is very pretty (and famous), but the only way to reach it is by hiking or muling a long trail or by a very expensive helicopter ride. It would be pretty hot at the bottom on August and you would need reservations at either the very small lodge or campground a long time in advance.

In fact, if you are planning on going this August, you should be making reservations pretty soon. The South Rim has the most lodges and is easiest to get rooms at, but even it fill ups pretty quick during the peak summer months.

Answer 2

Grand Canyon can be a lot fun.
Just from the South Rim
1. You can take a helicopter ride over the canyon
2. Sunsets are an amazing watch
3. Peaceful, scenic
4. Dont miss the Imax move

Also, if one has sufficient time and energy, they can do hiking.
Hike down to the Havasupai Falls, where shimmering turquoise water cascades into a crystal pool below.

President Theodore Roosevelt declared the canyon a National Monument in 1908, calling it "the one great site which every American...should see."

Answer 3

Yes I've been to the Grand Canyon too!

Answer 4

i have never been to the grand canyon but my parents have. my mother once told me that the view was amazing. it may sound like nothing now but you just have to be there to see it. how vast the grand canyon really is. i'm assuming it's huge. like i said, i've never been there. but i trust my mum's words. it's so big, that you stare in silence just to admire the scenary.

Answer 5

the first time i went to the Grand Canyon, i was 10 and i absolutely loved it! it's probably one of the most beautiful things you'll see in your life. i personally loved it and i thought it was a lot of fun even though i rained both times we went there. there's lots of good places to eat and shop around the rim as well. :)

Answer 6

Yes, it's fun, but you have to know how to have it. I recommend taking a jaunt to the Havasupai Indian Reservation. You can get there by helicopter. It's a real experience.

Answer 7

Nothing. It is just a giant hole. Not that fun. I have been their and it is totally boring. You would be better off going to Zion Nat. Park or Las Vegas.

Answer 8

negative

Answer 9

yes its fun!

Answer 10

it is really BEAUTIFUL (been there twice). you cant really do anything there . you can have a picnic there .