One of the most spectacular geologic landscapes in the world, the Grand Canyon is an incredibly deep chasm excavated by the Colorado River in Northwestern Arizona. As one of a popular summer vacation destination, Grand Canyon National Park offers activities for the whole family. A World Heritage Site, the park covers over one million acres of gorgeous river vistas and spectacularly layered canyon walls simply dripping with history.
The Grand Canyon was first seen in 1540by a European named Garcia Lopez de Cardenas. At the time, he was under orders from Francisco Vasquez de Coronado to search for the fabled Seven Cities of Cibola. Under the guidance of a Hopi scout, Garcia and a small group of Spanish soldiers traveled the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. They were forced to stop exploring the canyon due to lack of water. After that, no European visited the canyon for over 200 years.
In addition to amazing vistas, the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River offer a beautiful backdrop for a variety of vacation activities. Here are some suggestions:
No matter which activity you choose, wildlife viewing is likely to be a part of your adventure. Grand Canyon National Park is host to 75 species of mammals, 50 species of reptiles and amphibians, 25 species of fish, and over 300 species of birds. Whether you''re white water rafting, riding a mule, or seated in a helicopter, keep your eye out for signs of wildlife along the way. You''re likely to see scorpions, lizards, bald eagles, beavers, bats, and Colorado squawfish. You may even catch a glimpse of a mountain lion or the unique Grand Canyon "pink" rattlesnake.
Are you the adventurous type? What better way to experience the Grand Canyon than to ride the currents of the Colorado River through the canyon? White water rafting is one of the most popular ways to explore the magnificence of the Grand Canyon.
Many river outfitters offer seasoned guides and white water rafting trips through the canyon range anywhere from one to thirty days in length. Be sure to book a white water rafting reservation well in advance of your vacation, as they fill up quickly, particularly in the crowded summer months.