One of the most impressive canyons in the world, it is also one of the seven wonders of nature in the USA. At 446 kilometers long, from 6 to 29 kilometers wide and about 1.5 kilometers deep, the canyon is surrounded by steep high cliffs, red sand and a landscape that is all American.
More than 4 million people a year come here to see the Colorado River unfurl like a snake and open a huge chasm above it. The hike in the gorge is quite difficult.
The Grand Canyon touches four states: Arizona, Nevada, Utah and Colorado. The most affordable and popular states to see the Grand Canyon are Arizona (South Rim) and Nevada (West Rim). Accessing the South Rim through Arizona offers the classic national park experience. This is where the Grand Canyon Visitor Center is located along with many amenities, tours, hotels, restaurants, educational talks and a free hop-on/hop-off bus. The activities offered in the gorge are countless and depending on your budget you can choose between helicopter rides, jeep exploration, guided hikes and even a train ride.
Start at the Information Center just outside the canyon entrance in Arizona. Here you will see maps, trails, the tours offered, information on accommodation and food and buy your tickets. Entrance to the park costs $35 for one car and all passengers and this pass lasts for 7 days. Entry per person without a car costs 20 dollars.
As the park is huge, it is worth opting for a guided tour to get to know the canyon better. Guided tours provide detailed information about the National Park and allow you to see the natural beauty and wonder of the canyon.
Experienced and knowledgeable guides share the history of the area while showing you artifacts, plant life, wildlife and more. The train is also a unique experience. It starts in the town of Williams and goes all the way to the Park entrance at the South Rim.
The ride is actually a journey into the world of the Wild West during which actors and musicians sing and act out a western-style shootout and train robbery.
It will take you 2 hours and 15 minutes to reach the gorge and the ticket costs 41 euros one way. More information at www.thetrain.com.
If you want to hike, the Bright Angel Trail is the Grand Canyon’s most popular trail: it has spectacular views, as well as shade, water, and restrooms on average every 1.5 miles.
It is a good choice for families and for people making their first foray into the depths of the canyon. You can turn to whichever one you want, so this hike can be as easy or as hard as you want and work out how long it will take.
