From sunrise walks along the rim, to week long hiking adventures the Grand Canyon has an activity to please almost anyone. Whether you're a seasoned rafter, or a family with children Grand Canyon National Park and its surrounding lands can almost definitely offer a trip you'll enjoy.
Some of the most popular tours in the Grand Canyon for families are scenic flights or relaxing bus tours, while more adventurous travelers will get their thrills on a Grand Canyon whitewater rafting trip, or a multi-day hiking excursion. Along with the more popular activities the Canyon also offers some great fishing, cross country skiing, and biking. If this isn't your cup of tea you can always check out the Grand Canyon Imax, or explore archeological sites along the South Rim.
Camping- The Grand Canyon has a multitude of camping options, and is certainly one of the most spectacular places to camp anywhere. The South Rim has two designated campgrounds, as well as a forest service campground outside the park, and a couple great spots right by the rim for those with 4wd. The North Rim has one campground in the park and several outside the park, but the best spots to set up your tent are in the National Forest right along the rim of the Canyon. For those of you looking for a little more adventure staying at Bright Angel Campground or one of the many backcountry campsites is the way to go. Marble Canyon and Toroweap also have campgrounds where you can get away from the hustle and bustle.
Rafting- What better way to see the Grand Canyon than an exciting rafting trip down the Colorado River. The Grand Canyon brings boaters and adventurers from around the world to run a classic big water river through one of Americas favorite National Parks. Commercial trips are one to fourteen days, while private boaters with their own gear can spend over two weeks on the Grand. A rafting trip through the Grand Canyon is one of the top white water trips in the world, and for most people a once in a lifetime experience. Whether you want to get up close and personal with one of the best geologic cross sections in the world, or run rapids like Lava Falls a river trip through Grand Canyon National Park will surely make you smile.
Hiking- A Grand Canyon hiking trip means many things for many different people. For some its just a leisurely walk along the rim, or a quick walk a few hundred yards below the rim. For other its a multi-day backpacking trip to Phantom Ranch, or even a one-day Rim to Rim marathon nearly 50 miles in length. Whatever your type of hike may be, one thing is for sure getting out and exploring the Grand Canyon on your own two feet is the best way to enjoy this amazing place. The most popular times to hike the Canyon are Spring and Fall when the weather is at its best. For those of you just setting out on a day hike no permit is required, but if you want to step below the Rim on a backing trip, youll need to acquire a permit from the Backcountry Reservations Office in Grand Canyon Village.
Biking- Most visitors dont think of biking when they think of the Grand Canyon, but there are several great rides for both road bikers and mountain bikers. The South Rim has a single track trail right outside the park, and many miles of road along the rim on both Hermits Rest Road, and Desert View Drive. The North Rim has a scenic drive along highway 67 en route to the North Rim without all the South Rim traffic, as well as a great single-track trail along the rim of the Grand Canyon in Kaibab National Forest.
Stock Trips- Although most people who visit Grand Canyon National Park to go for a mule ride do it with a commercial company, private stock trips are also available. The Bright Angel, South Kaibab, and North Kaibab trails as well as a couple rim trail are open to private users. Private Stocks can also take a multi-day trip though the Grand Canyon so long as they get a permit from the Grand Canyon backcountry office.
Skywalk- The Grand Canyon Skywalk is located at Grand Canyon west several hours from Grand Canyon Village. This amazing Glass bridge give you a birds eye view of the Canyon, without taking a helicopter or plane ride. Although organized tour from Las Vegas are available, you can also head out towards Lake Mead and make your way along a scenic dirt road to Grand Canyon West to visit the Skywalk and other area attractions.
Climbing- Rock climbing is not the most popular outdoor sport at the Grand Canyon, but there are several sport routes along the South Rim. There is also some classic trad routes like Zoroaster Temple in the inner Grand Canyon.
Caving- The Grand Canyon is chock full of caves, but very few are accessible and only one cave is actually open to the general public.
Skiing- The Grand Canyon has some great cross-country skiing on the South Rim after a big storm. The higher elevation of the North Rim means snow all season on a normal winter, but its 30 miles of skiing to get there from Jacob Lake, AZ and there are no real facilities available.
Fishing- Anywhere along the Colorado River, and its major tributaries like Bright Angel Creek offer the chance to catch a few trout. The best fishing is actually just above Grand Canyon National Park from Lees Ferry to the Glen Canyon Dam.
RVing- There is only one Campground for RVs that has hook-ups in the Park called Trailer Village on the South Rim. Other RV sites are located outside the Park.
Imax- If you dont have time to see it all than check out the worlds most watched Imax Movie right outside the Park entrance in Tusayan, AZ.
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