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The
Grand Canyon: Arizona Tour by Cheryle Hoover Davis
 When
one thinks of the state of Arizona, in the United States of America, the
first thought is the magnificent Grand Canyon. This wonder of the world
is 277 river miles (446km) long, up to 18 miles (29km) wide, and a mile
(1.6km) deep.
 Measurements
on paper cannot relay the truly awesome scope of this great canyon, nor
describe it's beauty. Postcards, photographs, nor a thousand words cannot
aptly give one a true perspective of the vast, rugged canyon carved by
the Colorado River.
The oldest human artifacts
found are nearly 12,000 years old and date to the Paleo-Indian period.
Archeological remains of Paleo-Indian, Archaic, Basketmaker, Ancestral
Puebloan, Cohonina, Cerbat, Pai, Zuni, Hopi, Navajo, and Euro-American
cultures groups are found at the Grand Canyon.
As there is no longer an
airstrip at the North Rim, one must make the drive from the South Rim.
It is 220 miles / 354 km by car from the South Rim.
To see the Inner Canyon,
one must hike, take a mule ride, or helicopter. The Phantom Ranch is in
the Inner Canyon, as are river rafting trips . The trip to the Inner Canyon
is for the more hardy, but well worth the endeavor.
Spring
and Fall can bring a variety of weather conditions, so one must be prepared
for cold, snow, wind, or rain.
 Be
sure to take plenty of water, especially in the summer months, as the weather
is hot and dry! Dehydration can occur quickly. Daytime highs at the river
often exceed 105oF.
Thunderstorms frequently occur during July, August, and early September.
Winter conditions on the
South Rim can be extreme. The road into the North Rim is closed from the
first heavy snow in November or early December to mid-May.
Many of the facilities at
Grand Canyon are historic and built before current accessibility standards
were set. The terrain is rugged with narrow, rocky trails and steep cliffs.
As the Canyon is a National
Park, one must obtain a parking permit, which may be purchased at the Entrance
Gates, Canyon View Information Plaza, or North Rim Visitor Center.
Lodging
prices range from $52.00 to over $300.00 per night. Be sure to book reservations
as far in advance as is possible, especially during the summer months,
as these are usually booked WELL ahead. There is no longer a youth hostel
at the Grand Canyon. Reservations are handled by Xanterra Parks & Resorts.
El Tovar Hotel was built
in 1905 and is one place you will not want to miss. The decor, ambience
and a chance to get out of the hot summer sun will draw you to this attraction.
You will also want to visit
Desert View Point to enjoy the view from the beautiful Watchtower overlooking
the Canyon, designed by architect Mary Colter in 1933.
Nearly five million people
see the 1 mile deep (1.6 km) Grand Canyon each year. If you plan a visit,
please remember to take your camera, water, dress appropriately, make your
reservations early and enjoy one of the truly great wonders of the world!
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