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Here are just a handful of things to do on a Grand Canyon National Park vacation.
For more activities, visit MyGrandCanyonPark.com.
Sightseeing
It may seem silly for us to have a sightseeing section for what is perhaps the most popular sightseeing destination in the U. S. But trust us, there is much to see beyond the Grand Canyon itself. We highlight the top sightseeing activities for a Grand Canyon vacation.
Adventure
The Grand Canyon and surrounding regions combine to provide a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy rafting, biking, hiking, camping or skiing, we arm you with all the adventure information you need to plan a vacation of a lifetime to the Grand Canyon.
Natural Wonders
Sure, the Grand Canyon is America's most popular natural wonder. But it's only the beginning. The national park is surrounded by several other natural wonders that should not be missed. We tell you all about them.
Wildlife
We realize that Grand Canyon isn't a destination chosen for its wildlife viewing. However, in the national park, and the states surrounding it, there are abundant wild animals to view. Here we provide information about wild animals visitors may see on a Grand Canyon trip.
Arts and Culture
Grand Canyon's home state of Arizona is rich in history, culture and the arts. Visitors can immerse themselves in the area's culture by attending a cultural event, visiting historical sites or browsing the many art galleries and museums located throughout the Southwest.
Learn from others who went before you.
To browse Trip Notes, visit MyGrandCanyonPark.com.
Beauty and depth of Grand Canyon leave you overwhelmed and speechless
By Shelli Johnson, Lander, WY
It was 1999 and my husband and I visited Grand Canyon to experience a national park we hadn't seen yet, and also to train for our first 50-K Trail Run.
I remember we arrived to Grand Canyon after dark. The anticipation was almost too much. There we stood, looking over the precipice at the 1-mile-deep canyon. There was no moon to be seen that night, but a sky full of stars engulfed us. We couldn't "see" the canyon, but boy could we feel it. It was a grand abyss and you could sense its vast presence before us.
The next morning we awoke in Tusayan in time to be at the same spot at sunrise. Words cannot describe our first sight of Grand Canyon. Standing and taking in the canyon all by ourselves that morning left us feeling insignificant in the spectrum of time. (The Grand Canyon's formation dates back 1,800 million years.)
For three days we explored as much as the Canyon as we could, logging as many miles as we could in an effort to maximize our exposure to the Park while logging some serious training. We ran down the South Kaibab Trail, refueled with a Snickers and lemonade at Phantom's Ranch, then ran/hiked up Bright Angel Trail, enjoying a beer that never tasted so good at the historic El Tovar to cap the day.
Another day we jogged the entire 18-mile main paved road, stopping only to take in the grand views along the way. I can tell you, the running wasn't near as breathtaking as the views we took in.
It was a glorious, unmatched national park vacation experience that remains near the top of our all-time list. We'll be returning with our three young sons on a camping adventure soon and can't wait!
It was hard not to be utterly overwhelmed by the beauty that we were afforded thanks to these natural wonders we call our national parks.
A few key facts about Grand Canyon National Park
To learn more, visit MyGrandCanyonPark.com.
The most popular natural wonder in the United States
A designated World Heritage Site
Considered one of the "eight wonders of the world"
277 miles long and up to 15 miles wide and 6,000 feet deep at its deepest point
One of the most studied geologic landscapes in the world
Offers an excellent record of three of the four eras of geological time
Home to several major ecosystems
The Grand Canyon's oldest human artifacts date back 12,000 years
A Grand Canyon National Park vacation is an incredible road trip. This region is blessed with several scenic drives and designated Scenic Byways.
Here is just a sampling of scenic drive information we provide at MyGrandCanyonPark.com:
Oak Creek Canyon
An official "Scenic Byway," this 15-mile drive is a gem. The route starts in beautiful Sedona and follows U. S. Hwy 89a through the scenic Oak Creek Canyon. The road travels north from Sedona through the canyon to the top of Mogollon Rim.
SAN FRANCISCO PEAKS SCENIC BYWAY
This 50-mile scenic drive travels through the Colorado Plateau and delivers grand views of canyons and mountain peaks. Mount Humphreys, standing 12,633 feet tall, is Arizona's tallest point, but is just one of many outstanding sights enjoyed while traveling through Kaibab National Forest.
HISTORIC ROUTE 66
Approximately 85 miles long, the longest stretch of the historical Route 66 is in Arizona. Because a Grand Canyon vacation is one big road trip, visitors should consider a trip down Route 66. This highway was commissioned in 1926 and is called the "Mother Road" and "Main Street America."
MONUMENT VALLEY
This scenic drive is located near the Arizona-Utah border. Take Scenic Highway 163 south from Mexican Hat, UT, to Kayenta, AZ. This spectacular scenic drive travels through the famous Monument Valley, which provides an unmatched experience when it comes to sightseeing. For good reason, this drive has been called the most scenic in America.
GILA-PINAL SCENIC DRIVE
This scenic drive takes visitors through the floor of the Sonoran Desert before rising to areas of the Pinal and Superstition Mountains, populated by Ponderosa pine forests. Queen, Arnett and Pinto creeks also run along this stretch.
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