How to Enjoy Grand Canyon National Park

Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, the Grand Canyon sprawls over a million acres within the state of Arizona. The scenery is the most important tourist attraction, and approximately 5 million people visit the Grand Canyon each year - mostly in summer.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Cameras
• Grand Canyon Videos
• Tents
• Weather Radios
• Hiking Boots
• Fishing Rods
• Mountain Bikes
• Bottled Water
• Grand Canyon Maps
• Plane Or Train Tickets To Arizona
• Camping Gear
• Sporty Hats
• Sunglasses
• National Park Passes
• Sunscreen

1. Decide when to go. The park is open all year, with the peak season running from April through October. Summertime means big crowds, traffic jams and heavy use of all park facilities, so you may wish to visit in spring or fall.

2. Choose a way to get there. You can fly into Phoenix, Flagstaff or the Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan and rent a car. The canyon is located 60 miles north of Interstate 40 at Williams and 80 miles northwest of Flagstaff on Highway 180.

3. Decide where to stay. Options include in-park lodging, out-of-park lodging (very plentiful), grand canyon hotels, South Rim campsites and North Rim campsites. Sites in some campgrounds can be reserved up to five months ahead through the National Park Reservation Service Web page (reservations.nps.gov).

4. Stop in at the main visitor center, located near Grand Canyon Village. Pick up a copy of "The Guide," which lists current activities. See the informative exhibits and buy maps and trail guides.

5. Catch the view. The overlooks along Desert View Drive and Hermit Road are great viewing spots. The best photo ops are at sunset and sunrise.

6. Go hiking. Hiking is serious business in the Grand Canyon, so unless you are an experienced hiker, stay clear of the inner canyons. Take shorter day hikes on Bright Angel Trail or South Kaibab Trail. Bring a map, plenty of water, sunscreen and a fellow hiker.

7. Bring your mountain bike. Bikes are allowed only on roads that also allow cars, so be sure to wear a helmet and follow all traffic rules. You cannot rent bikes within the park.

8. See the Grand Canyon by air. Scenic air tours in planes and helicopters are available from commercial companies located outside the park, mostly at Grand Canyon Airport. Check the Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce Web site (www.grandcanyonchamber.org) for information or to make reservations.

9. Go fish! You'll need an Arizona fishing license, and most of the best fishing spots are in the backcountry. So you'll also need a backcountry permit before heading out.

10. Take a river trip. Smooth and white-water trips in dories and on rafts are extremely popular. They are generally available only from April to October, and prices vary according to the type of trip.

11. Search the Internet for other recreational opportunities, including a ride on the Grand Canyon Railroad, and for lists of companies that provide guided hiking, packhorse and mule treks.

Tips & Warnings

• The park entrance fee is $25 per private vehicle or $12 for pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists. The pass is good for seven days

• Camping in the backcountry requires a permit, plus $5 per night. The park recommends that you get your permit well ahead of your visit. You might have to put your name on a waiting list.

• Most campers and other visitors choose the South Rim, which is open all year. The North Rim has more primitive facilities and is more remote.

• To contact the park directly, write to Grand Canyon National Park, P.O. Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023, or call [phone]. You can call this phone number to find out about road conditions within the park or to ask questions about trip planning.

• During peak season, a free shuttle service runs within Grand Canyon Village and to various other areas of the park.

• Always carry extra drinking water in the car and on your person when you visit the park, especially during summer, when temperatures in the inner canyons can reach 120 degrees F. Drinking a gallon of water daily is recommended.

• The National Park Service recommends that you not bring pets into the park. If you do, they must be kept on a leash at all times and are not allowed on park buses, inside park lodging or on any trails below the canyon rim.

• The South and North rims of the canyon are 7,000 and 8,000 feet above sea level respectively. The high elevation may cause breathing difficulties, especially if you have heart or respiratory problems or are hiking strenuous trails.