By Air There are many commercial and municipal airports located within several hours’ drive of the Grand Canyon: • McCarran International (LAS): Las Vegas, NV • Grand Canyon National Park Airport (GCN): Grand Canyon Village, AZ • Boulder City Airport (61B): Boulder City, NV
By Bus Sightseeing company Papillon has many options for touring the Grand Canyon, including bus tours so you can sit back and enjoy the scenery on the way. Papillon’s Grand Canyon South Rim bus tour will take you direct from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park. On the way, the tour also provides views of the Hoover Dam, the Mojave Desert, and the mighty Colorado River.
If you plan to hike into Grand Canyon National Park, remember that you’ll be entering hot and dry desert conditions complete with steep climbs. Make sure you pack the following items: •
Weather-appropriate clothing: spring in the Grand Canyon is mild, but be sure to pack layers in the event of cooler days or unexpected snow
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2 liters of water or more
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Sunscreen and sun protection, including hat, sunglasses, etc.
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Salty snacks to maintain proper blood pressure during strenuous hikes
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Whistle or signal mirror for emergency communication
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First aid kit
Lodging is available in the park; however, reservations fill up quickly, especially in the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Check out nearby towns for other options, including:
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The Historic Grand Canyon Hotel: Located an hour from the Grand Canyon in Williams, this hotel dates from 1891 and is the oldest in Arizona.
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The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel: The Railway Hotel in Williams, AZ is designed to resemble a century-old train depot and lets visitors experience the luxury of a bygone era.
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The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon: Less than 10 minutes away from the park in Tusayan, AZ, The Grand Hotel resembles a sprawling chalet decked out in Southwestern décor, and is a great option for families visiting the Grand Canyon.
Campgrounds
Camping is a popular excursion for Grand Canyon visitors. Due to demand, campsites need to be booked at least six months in advance. There are several campgrounds inside Grand Canyon National Park, offering stunning views of the canyon at sunrise and sunset. RV Parks Trailer hitches are offered at Trailer Village inside Grand Canyon National Park. The nearby communities of Williams, AZ and Flagstaff, AZ also offer a variety of RV park accommodations.
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Weather: The Grand Canyon is temperate in spring, with highs ranging in the 70s-90s Fahrenheit.
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Cost: Grand Canyon National Park charges $25 per vehicle entering the park, or $12 per person entering on bus, bicycle, or on foot.
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Altitude Acclimation: The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is about 6,000 feet above sea level. It can take up to two weeks for a healthy person to adjust, so exercise caution during walks or hikes in the park.
Be sure to check out the events below during your spring visit: Earth Day Festival
Bike the Park Week
2015 Grand Canyon Star Party
April 19
May 18–22
June 13–20
Celebrate our Earth with games, information on local and national environmental initiatives to join, and much more.
In an effort to reduce automobile traffic, Grand Canyon's Green Team dedicates one week in May for bike tours and other riding activities.
For eight days in June, visitors of both the North and South rims will have a chance to explore the wonders of the night sky. Participants can view star clusters, galaxies, nebulae, and even a few planets.
Grand Canyon Skywalk The Skywalk is a U-shaped cantilevered glass bridge that juts out over the Grand Canyon and provides the illusion of standing in midair, 2,000 feet above the canyon floor. Grand Canyon Village Historic District The original epicenter of Grand Canyon National Park, the Village Historic District still stands and pays homage to the area’s vast history. In this district, you can explore hotels, gift shops, and museums dating back to the early 1900s. Mule Rides Travel the Grand Canyon on pack mule with the assistance of trained guides. This popular activity fills up at least 9 months in advance, so be sure to book ahead of time.
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Sightseeing in Las Vegas: Plan a Grand Canyon Tour from Las Vegas offered by Papillon. Many of the tours begin and end at your hotel in Sin City, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore the Strip during your trip to the Southwest.
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Tour Hoover Dam: Located less than four hours from the Grand Canyon, the Hoover Dam is a breathtaking example of modern engineering, and an excellent addition to your vacation itinerary.
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Canyon Smooth Water Bus Trip: This rafting trip from Papillon lets you sail down the Colorado River, including eastern views of Grand Canyon National Park and the nearby Navajo Indian Reservation.
Founded in 1965, Papillon is the world's oldest and largest aerial sightseeing company. Papillon offers over forty unique and affordable excursions that feature spectacular sights of the Grand Canyon, the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Monument Valley, and Page/Lake Powell. To join an estimated 600,000 yearly passengers on daily tours of the Grand Canyon, visit http://www.papillon.com/ for more info.