Quite possibly the most famous national park in the world? Definitely the most famous canyon in the world. First off if you haven't got much time decide which rim you’re going to, North? South? East? Or West? Don’t underestimate its size, if you plan to visit both the north and south rim it will take you about 5 hours to reach the other, a helicopter flight is a great way to get views of both.
There are currently at least 5 different indigenous groups in the area of the Grand Canyon, -the canyon is not now nor ever was, as silent, unmoving and still as it appears from its rim' - Kenneth Shields Jr. These tribes were forced out and into small reservations, in 1975 a comparatively small amount of ancestral land was given back to the Havasupai people. The Grand Canyon NPS and the tribes have started to work in partnership in recent years, yet more is still needed.
Wherever you end up, just don’t get too close to the edge, especially just for a photo. We have both visited the Grand Canyon, very differently, one of us as part of a road-trip, the other as a day trip from Las Vegas. Here’s both our experiences, information and tips for your Grand Canyon visit.
South Rim
With some of the most stunning and easily accessible views, it's no wonder the south rim is the most popular. Plus, if you’re there for sunset, as crowds gather around the rim, quiet, in awe of the sky glowing, changing from orange to bright red, tranquil apart from those running to catch a glimpse. In addition, most helicopter tours depart from an airport on the south rim. I cannot stress enough, if there's one thing you splash out on, do a helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon (pre book this)! Soar high as you truly appreciate the vastness of the canyon below and the changing landscapes within the canyon, the red rugged rocks one side to the vegetation cover that engulfs the other, its ecosystem changing completely and the changing colour of the Colorado river that runs through. There ‘s no better way to appreciate the size and scale of the Grand Canyon, it’s bigger than the entire state of Rhode Island, you could fit the entire city of London in it 3 and a bit times, and the entire population of the world could pile in and you’d still have room. You could place the Empire State Building on top of each other 4 times, but get this, it's still not the world's deepest. Once you’ve done your helicopter tour, head out on foot to explore, with various hiking routes in length and difficulty available. Accommodation books up quickly.
Day trip from Las Vegas to South Rim | $75 | 14hr round trip
There are a few options for day trips to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, including a scenic helicopter tour over the south rim. My newly found ‘Camp America’ friends and I decided against spending our last remaining dollars, before flying home, on a helicopter ride that might end up with one of us being sick, especially when my friend told us she was a very nervous flyer- (I found this out when we flew to Las Vegas from L.A.). Instead we opted for a common coach route to the southern rim booked through ‘Canyontours’. At a cost of $75 we weren’t sure what to expect as most other tours were in excess of $100, but this budget trip did not disappoint. Canyontours included pick up and drop offs at our hotel, a packed lunch, free wifi and a few short stops along the way to stretch our legs. One being along Route 66, a perfect place for a photo opportunity. Air conditioning was also a bonus as in August it reached a sweltering 42*c. The views and trails were spectacular and definitely worth the length of the journey. After our allotted time at the canyon (2ish hours) we hopped back on the coach for the long ride back to our hotel.
West Rim
The famous glass skywalk can be found on the west rim costs to walk on the sky walk start from $26 quite steep if you ask me! A dream hike of mine is to trek to Havasupai falls, Havasu Falls and Beaver falls within the canyon but you’ll need a permit first, very popular and difficult to come by, as the falls and trail winds through the Havasupai reservation one of the tribes forced into a small reservation upon the creation of the national park. It is important to educate yourself on this and advocate for the rights of the indigenous communities. The trailhead of Havasupai falls also falls near Grand Canyon west.
North Rim
The north rim is considerably less busy and accounts for only 10% of the Grand Canyons tourists. It offers completely different views with a more vegetated landscape covering the canyons sides, however, it is open for a shorter season. At over 1000 ft higher you’ll notice a slight temperature drop on the north rim.
East Rim
East Rim you’ll find the unique views of the little Colorado river and Horseshoe bend. If you’re heading to Zion you have the option to stop by these as well.
Trails
‘Going down is optional, but coming up is mandatory’ Plan to take twice as long to hike up as it took to hike down. Stay together, follow your plan, and know where and how to seek help
- Park rangers
An entirely different option is to enter the canyon from the bottom, with options to raft your way through sections of the canyon, making for a truly unique experience.
There are a number of top viewpoints within the park which don’t require hiking:
Mather Point
Yavapai Point
Yaki Point
Ooh Aah Point
Mohave Viewpoint
The Abyss
Pima Point
Desert Viewpoint (climb the watchtower)
Socks and Sandals
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