advise on grand canyon visit?

Question

when is the best time?
what to do there?
what to take?
info is gratly appreciated.

Answer 1

The Grand Canyon is one of the great places on earth (it is commonly listed as one of the Natural Seven Wonders of World for good reason). As a frequent vistor and hiker there, here is my take:

WHEN AND WHERE TO VISIT:
You can visit either the North Rim or the South Rim and they are very different places. The North Rim is less developed (one lodge) and because it is a 1000 feet higher in elevation, it is much cooler with many pine trees, etc. It is the best rim to visit during the summer when the South Rim is too hot and crowded. Note that the North Rim is only open from May through October.

The South Rim is more developed and is where most of the lodges and trails are. It tends to be hot and crowded during the summer (and you certainly don't want to do any big hikes into the canyon during summer either). The ideal time to visit the South Rim or do any big hikes is spring (Mar-Apr) and fall (Oct-Nov). Winter is actually pretty nice too - although be prepared for cold weather and possible ice and snow on the rim.

WHAT TO DO
Although anyone can appreciate the Grand Canyon, it is especially treasured by those who like nature, geology, history, hiking and camping and photography. There are numerous overlooks along both rims with stunning (and differing) views of the canyon. Find a nice quiet spot along the rim and just sit for a while and take it in (the rim-side walking trail east of the lodges is good for this). The canyon is especially interesting during sunrise and sunset (or during a storm) when the changing light plays off the walls.

However, the best way to really experience the canyon is to hike into it a ways. You don't have to go all the way to the bottom (in fact, that is not recommended as a day trip), just get down into the canyon far enough to feel the walls tower above you and the wind blowing by and hear the crunch of your feet on the trail.

Being in the canyon is a different experience from just looking down from the rim - like the difference between only seeing a historic castle or cathedral from the outside and getting to see it from the inside. Keep an eye out for big horn sheep, deer, ravens, condors, and coyotes. Going 2 miles down the South Kaibab Trail to Ceder Ridge is a nice relatively easy day hike with excellent views.

If you have more time and are an experienced hiker, you can go all the way to the bottom and stay the night at the dorm or cabins at Phantom Ranch near the Colorado River. This is an amazing experience, but often requires reservations for months in advance. If you don't mind backpacking, it is usually easier to get permits for the Bright Angel Campground (at Phantom Ranch) or the campground midway down at Indian Gardens.

If you are not into hiking at all, there are still other attractions on the rim. The south rim contains a number of very interesting historic buildings including the grand 1905 El Tovar Hotel, the Hopi House (gift shop that looks like an indian pueblo), Desertview Watchtower, Hermit's Rest, and the Kolb photo studio. Many of the buildings were designed by famous southwest architect Mary Colter.

Other activities include:
Mule Ridges - You can do either day trips half way down to Indian Gardens or (if you have reservations at the bottom) go all the way to the bottom. Arranged by the park service, often requires reservations.
River Trip - Several commercial companies do rafting trips through the canyon. A once in a life time experience, but expensive and usually requires reservations long in advance.
Grand Canyon Railroad - Ride a historic train from the town of William (along I-40 near Flagstaff) to the canyon and back.
IMAX Theater - Just outside of the park gates is an IMAX big-screen theater that often has good canyon-related shows.
Air/Helicopter Tours - Frankly, these are over-priced and over-hyped. Due to safety and noise regulations, aircraft are not allowed over the main central part of the canyon, so you will be either going along the rim or to the less interesting western end of the canyon.

PLACES TO STAY
All lodging inside the park is ran by Xanterra. El Tovar is the most famous (and most expensive). Yavapai and Maswick lodges are more modern and have better parking. My favorite is the historic, comfortable, and relatively cheap Bright Angel Lodge. Reservations can be hard to get during the peak seasons (see link below). There are also a lot of chain hotels just outside the park boundary at Tusyan, but I would recommend staying in the park.

For food, Maswick cafeteria is cheap and quick, El Tover is fancy and expensive, Bright Angel dining hall has poor service and food. My favorite is the Arizona Grill on the eastern end of the Bright Angel Lodge building.

WHAT TO TAKE
In winter (or late fall, early spring), you will want a good coat and warm clothes for along the rim. The rest of the time, light clothes (jeans, t-shirt) are fine. In summer, sunscreen and a brimmed hat are a must. Even in winter, it is pretty warm at the bottom (70s) and horribly hot in summer (110+).

If you are hiking, be sure to carry plenty of water, salty snacks, wear comfortable shoes and give yourself plenty of time. As noted earlier, avoid hiking on the South Rim or inner canyon in summer.

Don't forget your camera!

Answer 2

If you're going to hike down the canyon, make sure you take some shoes or hiking boots that are well-padded in the sole - I had a regular pair of sneakers and my feet were aching halfway down because the trail is very hard and full of rocks. Also, if you bring a tent to camp there, be aware it can be very windy and that you can't stake it the same as you would on normal ground because the campsites are almost solid rock.
Besides the view, the farther down you go, the older the rocks are, some of them are many millions of years old, at the bottom (at least that's what I was told).

Answer 3

first of all, you may overlook approximately WW rafting, except you have reservations already. They e book a year in strengthen and you'd be able to't raft the river without handbook. I in basic terms got here back from The Grand Canyon. We took the prepare from Williams into the canyon. It develop into ok, yet very boring experience. We have been there for in easy terms 3 hours. day after right this moment we FLEW over it on a a million hour helicopter experience. stunning!!! DO IT!!! it truly is on the high priced section, yet worth each penny. you haven't any longer have been given any concept how enormous it truly is.........until eventually you fly over it. enormously RECCOMEND IT!!! Sorry appropriate to the rafting concern, i wanted to try this additionally. have exciting besides the fact which you do.....and don't overlook the water.

Answer 4

I was going to answer this question but the person before me has it covered.

My only opinion is that it is cheaper to stay outside of the park and there are hotels very close by. Also, if you are going to spend more than one day there, consider buying the National Parks Pass--it may be cheaper than paying the entrance fee multiple times and gets you into other National Parks around the US for the rest of the year for free.

Answer 5

time: fall it is warm/cool but goin in the summer is wayyyyyyyyyy too hot

go to vegas baby! there is sooo much more in Nevada...visit hoover dam too!
camera, water, money!

Answer 6

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