Best Ways to Experience the Grand Canyon Widely recognized as one of the most notable natural landmarks in the continental United States, the Grand Canyon can be an excellent destination for your next family vacation. Though there are no shortages of activities available to its visitors, it is very beneficial to create an agenda before ultimately visiting this historical hotspot. Whether you’re exploring the canyon by raft, campsite, or even via a helicopter tour from Las Vegas, you’re sure to find the right fit for you and your party. Here are some of the most popular ways to fully experience the Grand Canyon today. Arguably the most popular activity chosen by visitors that tour the Grand Canyon is river rafting. There are many great options for those looking to travel the river, most of which can be found within the Southern Rim of the canyon. Trips can vary from half-a-day to 25-day excursions, each varying in difficulty. If you’re fairly new to rafting, it is safest to seek out a trip that offers a certified guide to accompany you. Hiking the canyon can be a wonderful way to experience the canyon’s rich natural beauty and immense size. Though this option can be one of the more mentally and physically demanding experiences offered at the Grand Canyon – even for the most avid of hikers – proper preparation is absolutely essential before embarking on your adventure. Among other necessities such as water, a physical map, and protein snacks, each hiker is strongly encouraged to enter their expedition with a positive and sound mental attitude. Unless you have a helicopter waiting to pick you up at the end of your journey, be prepared to save some fuel for the hike back. For those vacationers looking to take a more unique Grand Canyon tour, mule rides can be an excellent opportunity for visitors of all ages. Guided by a certified wrangler, you and your party will get to experience the various geologic formations, as well as the regions’ expansive human history, fire ecology, surrounding forests, and more – all from the back of your own trusty mule. These distinctive ventures are also a very safe option for those that wish to traverse the steep ridges of the canyon, making it the perfect selection for those looking to limit potential physical danger upon their visit. Camping under the sweeping night sky of the Grand Canyon is an experience that is second to none. With fifteen different trails and many more opaque routes to offer, there is no better way to truly immerse oneself within nature than camping in the inner canyon. One great recommendation for potential campers is to map out your entire visit beforehand. In fact, when applying for a camping permit, one must plan a visit at least four months ahead of time, so to ensure the availability of the specified overnight sites. However, for those that want to get the full Grand Canyon experience, nothing can really beat a full-on helicopter tour of the area. On a Grand Canyon helicopter tour, you and your party will get a view that will be difficult to forget. Hiking, camping, and river rafting are all fun, but all of
those options only allow you to see a part of this natural wonder. In a helicopter, you’ll be able to see the whole thing with your own eyes. As you can see, there are plenty of Grand Canyon tour options available to visitors of all ages and activity-levels. Whether you’re looking for a one-day hiking trip, or a multiple-night camping excursion within the canyon, you’re sure to find the perfect activity for you and your entire party. Company Bio: Since 1965, Papillon Helicopters has been the world’s oldest and largest sightseeing company, flying an estimated 600k passengers a year on its daily tours of the Grand Canyon. With over forty unique excursions available, we at Papillon are proud to offer our guests an unparalleled perspective of one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Our catalog of tours and activities ensure travelers a variety of options and an up-and-close and personal experience they’ll carry with them long after they leave. Sources: 1. 2. 3. 4.
http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/things2do.htm http://www.nps.gov/grca/naturescience/geologicformations.htm http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/whitewater-rafting.htm http://www.en.wikipedia.com