The Grand Canyon, United States Some two hundred miles in length, 10-15 miles in width, and rising over a mile from the Colorado River basin , the Grand Canyon is truly one of nature’s most spectacular creations! It is more than simply a canyon, but a labyrinth of gorges, rock sculptures, plateaus, and crevices, all creating a phantasm of surreal shapes and colors. Some 5 million visitors a year come to view this wonderland of nature, located 247 miles north of Phoenix , Arizona .

Grand Cayon Some two hundred miles in length, 10-15 miles in width, and rising over a mile from the Colorado River basin , the Grand Canyon is truly one of nature’s most spectacular creations! Grand Cayon Hotels by Less Dollar Travel Grand Cayon has numerous quality hotels as well as mid-range accommodations. First class lodgings Grand Cayon Weather Forecast NOAA

Origin: The Grand Canyon was created millions of years ago when the entire region was under water. Over the eons, a mile of sediment accumulated on this sea bottom. A shifting of the Earth’s tectonic plates resulted in the region being elevated thousands of feet. Over the ensuing thousands of years, the erosive effects of the Colorado River took place, ultimately cutting through the mile of sediment and creating the great sculpture that we call today the Grand Canyon .

Tourist Centers Viewing of the canyon can be made from Visitors’ Centers on the Northern, Southern, or Western sides of the Grand Canyon . The Grand Canyon National Park is located in northern Arizona 75 miles (125Km) from Flagstaff – a drive of an hour and a half from Flagstaff or 5 hours driving from Las Vegas . Most visitors prefer the view from the Southern Prospect of the Grand Canyon . It is the most accessible, has the most spectacular view, and offers the best services for visitors. The Northern Prospect is more isolated, closed from October until May, offers fewer services to visitors, and its view is not as spectacular. However, for these reasons many prefer it for camping and hiking. Although the view is less spectacular, the western prospect of the canyon is often visited by tourists departing from Las Vegas , Nevada .

Attractions in the Grand Canyon

In addition to the grand view offered by the Grand Canyon , there are numerous other activities to enjoy. Visitors can take a trip down the Colorado River , enjoy the hiking trails, or have a jeep, bus, or horseback tour of the canyon. Hopi and Navajo reservations border the Grand Canyon and offer accommodations and restaurants. The nearby towns of Prescott , Sedona, Flagstaff , and Scottsdale have a variety of interesting events and sites. Restaurants in the area feature southwestern cuisine, steaks, and seafood.

Transportation in the Grand Canyon

Most visitors arrive at one of the tourist centers by car. Due to heavy traffic, some of the roads are closed to vehicles during the summer months. However, free bus service is available from the center to viewing locations. Commercial airlines offer flights from Flagstaff , Phoenix , and Las Vegas into the airport near the Southern Prospect Viewing Center. Helicopter or airplane flights for an aerial view of the Grand Canyon are available. Grand Canyon Railways has a steam train route between Williams, Arizona and the southern viewing center. There are mule trips to the canyon base for a half a day or overnight stays. For those wishing to explore the Grand Canyon by foot, there are several foot trails going to the bottom of the canyon. Bright Angel Trail is a popular route, with drinking water sites available. There are facilities for hikers requiring an overnight stay. There are regular bus tours to points of interest.

Accommodations in the Grand Canyon

 The Grand Canyon area offers a great variety of accommodations that include luxury hotels and lodges, Bed & Breakfast, resorts, and cabins. Camping facilities are available. In the Grand Canyon ’s Southern Prospect, there are hotels, restaurants, gas stations, gift shops, laundries, and supermarkets. Because of the large number of visitors during the summer months, if planning to stay in a hotel, reservations should be made well in advance. National hotel chains such as Holiday Inn and Quality Inn are represented among others. Hotel rates usually range from $80 to $140 per night. Many visitors use the facilities in nearby towns such as Flagstaff and Scottsdale .

The Grand Canyon – Nature’s great masterpiece of sculpture!