The Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world that attract more than five million visitors every year. You cannot lose it! Read some interesting facts about it before planning your trip.
It was named National Park in 1919 including an extension of 4,931 square kilometers.
The Canyon has formed only in the past five or six million years, exposing geologically quite old rocks on its walls. The oldest rocks at the canyon bottom are close to 2,000 million years old. On the other hand, humans inhabited it until 4,000 years ago, as is suggested by over 4,800 archeological sites found at the Grand Canyon.
Besides the magical colors of the desert hues of brown, throughout spring and summer, lots of pretty flora (from around 650 types of wildflowers) are in bloom in Grand Canyon National Park, including yellow ragweed, pink toadflax, Red Indian paintbrush and purple Rocky Mountain iris. However, during these seasons you can expect heavy crowds. The best way to avoid it is to walk, even just a short distance away from the parking areas. Fewer crowds are found in the early spring or late fall.
Lodging in Grand Canyon National Park becomes completely booked well in advance. Be sure to make reservations as far ahead as possible.
Watching the sunset is a popular activity at the Grand Canyon and the overlooks can fill up on summer evenings. But, there are endless possibilities when it comes to experiencing the Grand Canyon; the most attractive activities are hiking and mule riding.
The view from the Rim is spectacular, but to really experience the Canyon you should take the time to do at least a short hike down below the rim and see it on a different scale. There is no need for permits for a day hiking. However, for camping overnight is required a backcountry permit. Hiking in the Grand Canyon is so demanding that even people in excellent condition often emerge sore and fatigued. Yet it has been hiked by small children, senior citizens, and people with physical disabilities.
To see the most expansive views in a relatively short hike is recommendable to take the Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge (3 miles total roundtrip) or Skeleton Point (6 miles total). For someone doing a more ambitious hike, the Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point (12.2 miles total) is a good option. And for an experienced hiker, the trail from Grandview to Horseshoe Mesa offers a taste of the backcountry. This is only 6 miles round trip, but it is intense. All hikers must be equally prepared for the lack of water, extreme heat and cold, and isolation characteristic of the Grand Canyon.
For those who are not afraid of heights or animals, mule riding is another great adventure at the Grand Canyon. The animals walk narrow ledges carved into the canyon wall, it's a breathtaking and rough ride, and therefore there are many rules to guarantee safeness. Regardless, by taking a mule ride down into the Grand Canyon or along the rim you create a true lifetime memory.
Don’t wait for living this adventure! In addition, learn here how to get to connect to the Internet during your trip to the US.