Grand Canyon, Arizona

Grand Canyon travel guide

The Grand Canyon is one of the seven wonders of the natural world; definately a 'must do before you die'. It is made up of 277 river miles and an average width if 10 miles rim to rim. Amazingly it also has an average depth of 1 mile. The Colorado river runs through the Grand Canyon from its source of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado to the Gulf of California. The Colorado river itself actually runs for 1,450 miles but only 277 miles lies within the Grand Canyon. There is an abundent gathering of wildlife and boasts around 280 diiferent species of bird; including the endangered bald eagle and the Peregrine falcon. There are also around 88 species of mammal and 26 different species of fish. It was 1893 when the Grand Canyon was first set aside as a National Forest Reserve and to this day it attracts thousands to millions of visitors a year. People flock from many corners of the globe making the Grand Canyon National Park one of the most visited National Parks in the world. The Grand Canyon is surrounded by desert landscapes and crystal clear waters. Entrances to the park are to the eastern, north and south rims and access from the west is via the Hualapai Indian Reservation. Many visitors will access through the south rim because of the facilities located within the village such as hotels, shops, restaurants, bank, petrol station and the Park headquarters. There are three free shuttle services around the village - the Village Loop, the Hermit Road Loop and the Kaibab Trail Loop. Xanterra South Rim, L.L.C. provide many hotels within the park. There are also campgrounds and RV parks in the Grand Canyon gateway towns of Flagstaff, Tusayan, Valle, Williams and Cameron of which a train service is available. There Grand Canyon can be explored in many ways visit the tourist information centre for details for exploring by foot, guided tours, river tours, hiking, with a ranger, on a mule.

Flights to the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park Airport is situated 10 miles from the Grand Canyon south rim and has a limited service from Las Vegas and elsewhere.

Las Vegas International airport is McCarran and is a ten minute ride from 'The Strip'.

To and from the Grand Canyon's airports

Grand Canyon National Park airport

McCarran airport

Car hire - There are many car hire companies - car hire deals.

Eating and Drinking around the Grand Canyon

El Tovar Dining Room - situated on the rim, Arizona Room - situated on the rim, Bright Angel Restaurant - Situated in Bright Angel Lodge, Bright Angel Coffee House - situated in Bright Angel Lodge, Bright Angel Fountain - situated in Bright Angel Lodge, Maswik Cafeteria - situated in Maswik, Canyon Cafe - at Yavapai Lodge.