Grand Canyon National Park

Found on the Colorado Plateau in Arizona, the Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most studied geologic landscapes in the world. The canyon, created when drainage systems carved the semi-arid desert, offers a record of three of the four eras of geologic time and supports five of the seven life zones. The park protects endemic and threatened species and rare ecosystems like the boreal forest.

As a visitor, you can enjoy extensive hiking and backpacking trails or raft the majestic Colorado River, either with a professional rafting guide or on your own on a private river trip. Explore the many activities of the popular Southern Rim or venture to the remote Northern Rim, visited by only ten percent of park visitors. From Tuweep Overlook, enjoy views of the Colorado River 3,000 feet below that will take your breath away. A gorgeous classroom of arid-land erosion and a hub of outdoor recreation, the Grand Canyon is a true wonder of the American Southwest, and of the North American continent.

—Caroline Griffith

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Threats

Air pollution is among the most serious threats to national parks. The National Park Service has established the NPS air quality webcam network to show “live” digital images of more than a dozen parks. Click here to see current air conditions at Grand Canyon National Park.

Trips

Grandest Canyons: Family Adventure

This family-friendly itinerary, full of grand adventures, introduces your children or your grandchildren to some of America’s best canyons. Only 4 spots remain on this southwestern family adventure!

ยป Trip Details

State:

Arizona

Acreage:

1,217,403.32

Category:

National Park

Established:

02/26/1919

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WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Lulubelle

October 1, 2012

I am excited to be going there very soon.

MegaSpork

November 18, 2011

My wife and I got married at Grand Canyon National Park last week. It was one of the most spiritually exhilarating experiences of our lives. The day before the wedding, we both saw the canyon for the first time and were moved to tears. We explored all the sites on the South Rim, and have to say that Lipan Point is the most beautiful.

Grandpa

November 10, 2011

My wife and I visited the Grand Canyon in April of 2010. We took a van tour the first day. Kevin was a great guide and with his spotting scope, we saw stuff no one else did. When I saw the canyon for the first through the last time, the only words I could think of was WOW. What you read, what you see on TV does not prepare you for what you see. The second day we took a helicopter ride through Maverick and it was totally awesome to see. A big thanks to all for a great visit.

Coral

November 10, 2011

We just got back from the Grand Canyon. We went down to Phantom Ranch on the mules, and it was without a doubt the most wonderful experience I have ever had traveling. The staff at Bright Angle Lodge were friendly and helpful, and our mule guide, Terri, was exceptional. I will definitely go back again. Seeing the canyon from below the rim, is especially wonderful, and it really lets you see the essence of the canyon.

Anonymous

November 10, 2011

When I visited the Grand Canyon, it was very windy, but the sun was bright, so my spirits and those of my grandmothers would not be swayed by the breeze. The animals were delightful and there were many of them as I ran around constantly to take photographs of them all. Even after the sun started to set, the Grand Cayon had all of its majestic wonder and awe in store and we left feeling sated for our long drive home.

Dochead1

November 10, 2011

Spent 5 days 3 on North Rim 2 on the South Rim.. Both very enjoyable. RTeally loved the North Rim as it is quieter and a lot less people therer. Views from South Rim are a little better but I HIGHLY recommend that you visit both.

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