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How to visit the Grand Canyon"The Grand Canyon is even more breathtaking than I imagined."
How I did it: Since I only live 3 hours South of the Grand Canyon, it was easy for us to just make a day & a half trip up there. I used the internet to explore the different Rim options and activities available. North Rim is a 6 hour drive or so from the South Rim (even though its only 10 miles across from side to side!). From the South Rim to Grand Canyon West which is operated by an Indian Reservation and also has the new Skywalk is also about a long drive, about 5 hours the opposite direction. We chose to head to the South Rim and I’m glad we did. The South Rim is full of great viewpoints and lots of historical sites such as ruins, Hermit’s Rest, the Watchtower, and lots of trails. To drive the length of the South Rim and stop at all the points and linger for about 5 minutes will take up most of your day! There are also free guided tours available throughout the day from the Visitors Center. If you decided to go to the GC Marketplace from the Visitor’s Center, walk the .8mi there and just take the shuttle back. What a beautiful walk full of trees and birds and HUGE black Ravens that were just mesmerizing to see. If you travel there during the winter, expect it to be chilly, especially when the wind picks up. It does snow, too, and the locals told us to keep an eye on the sky because things can change pretty drastically so I imagine that is why a lot of the Canyon activities such as horse rides close after Nov. 30. As far as lodging goes, there are several lodges in the South Rim. If you’re interested in staying a bit further out, Williams is a great choice. Located about 30mi south of the South Rim is the city called “The Gateway to the Grand Canyon.” Here is where the GC Railroad is located. The town is cute and has tons of shops, restaurants, hotels, motels and B&B’s. There are also some hotels in-between the downtown of Williams and the South Rim if you’re interested in staying a bit closer but they will be technically located in Williams so be sure to map the location and see where it puts you. We actually chose to stay in Flagstaff which is on the way from Phoenix and has always been one of my favorite places to visit in AZ. Flagstaff is also a great tourist spot with a huge Meteor Crater to check out, the Lowell Observatory that discovered Pluto, and just lots of character from the old hippies and college students of NAU. Lessons & tips: Admission to the National Park (per car) is $25.The Watchtower on the South Rim actually closes at 4:30pm not 5pm like we were told. This may change seasonally but we arrived a few minutes too late and couldn’t go to the top! Pace yourself if you aren’t used to the high altitude (just shy of 8000’). The air is thin and wandering around the rim is uneven and rocky. Be sure to wear good shoes! Especially in the summer when the ground is dry & crumbly and many of the drivable roads in winter turn to walk-only when it warms up. Resources: We stayed at The Arizona Mountain Inn in Flagstaff and stayed in suite #21. Great homey B&B. There are also cabins on site if you want something more private or outdoorsy. www.arizonamountaininn.com
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My wife and I planned on going to Arizona to do Sedona, the Petrified Forest, and the Grand Canyon. My brother in law wanted me to go to Vegas with him. Sure I said, but I’m taking a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon… no problem.
I found a tour company online that has an “Extreme” tour, which includes the helicopter tour, landing at the bottom, a 15 minute pontoon boat ride along the colorado river, a visit to the Indian reservation, and admission to the Skywalk.
I am totally looking forward to it.
For some time I’ve really badly wanted to see the Grand Canyon. I’m thinking after the end of my summer semester, I might go on a solo Amtrak trip of the US.
My wife and I took a 4,000 mile road trip in Summer 2007. We flew to Denver, rented a car and drove through 8 states camping out of our car. It was one of the best trips of my life. Seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time was a thrill, but it was not as breath-taking as I thought it would be. However, I recommend everyone to check it out at least once.
I went as a kid and didn’t see nearly enough. I would now like to take my own kids so that they and I can experience it fully. My littlest in 2 1/2 so I think in the next year, we can begin the planning. Camping or not, I think it will be an awesome sight to see.
candela70 is peacefully and contently going about life...
When I visited Las Vegas, I took a helicopter tour with a company called Papillon. The helicopter took off from the airport to the Grand Canyon. Had lunch there and flew over the strip on the way back. It was very much worth it! The canyon is breathtakinly beautiful!
Mmmber wonders what would set her heart on fire with passion...
Booked a room for Saturday night in Flagstaff. We’re heading up there after our garage sale and we’re going to stay in a super cute B&B in the woods. I nabbed a suite because I really wanted a tb to soak in. =) Saturday night there is going to be a little winter fair downtown so we’re going to check that out and then Head out to the Grand Canyon on Sunday morning.
Because it is winter, there aren’t a ton of activities available at the GC. Initially I was hoping to go horseback riding but I guess its too cold up there. So we’ll just play it by ear. Maybe take a last minute jeep ride or pony up the $60 for the skywalk.
Speaking of cold, this weekend will be a nice warm up for the weather to come in Portland. I really need to go shopping tomorrow!!
took a roadtrip from southern california to arizona with my mom this past october. :) awesome place.















