Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park

Location: Mohave, Arizona 
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Features: rim tour, gorge, river, rafting, mule pack trips, hiking

Grand Canyon National Park in northwestern Arizona, has been considered as one of the Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a vast area of 1,217,262 acres spanning from the counties of Coconino and Mohave. The main highlight of the park is the Grand Canyon. It is a 1 mile deep gorge of the Colorado River, layered bands of red rock formed over millions of years. In total, it is 277 river miles long and up to 18 miles wide.

Take the Inner Canyon for a great hiking experience that will take you down to the Colorado River via the Bright Angel Trail or South Kaibab Trail. Mule pack trips are available for an easier and faster trip. Rafting the Grand Canyon would also be a roaring experience. The park also features the famous South and North Rim. The South Rim is about 80 miles north of Flagstaff while the North Rim can be accessed from southern Utah or the Lake Powell area. The North Rim has the Widforss Trail, Uncle Jim’s Trail, the Transept Trail, and the North Kaibab Trail. It has an elevation of 8,000 feet. Here you can stay in an NPS maintained campground or in Grand Canyon Lodge.vThe North Kaibab Trail going down the Colorado River, to the South Kaibab Trail and the Bright Angel Trail will take you to the South Rim for a total of 21 miles. The South Rim is lower at an elevation of 7,000 feet. Scenic Hermit Road, Hermits Rest, and the Desert View Drive are popular among visitors.

Top 3 Adventure Hacks

1) Wildlife crossing

Watch for deer and elk, and coyotes in the roadway.

2) Road closures

Check for current information as thunderstorm in summer and snow in winter may cause road closure.

3) Extreme caution

Prepare properly for hikes in Colarado river and towards North and South Rim, by hike or mule rides. Prepare water and important kits. And most importantly have fun and take lots of pictures!