The Grand Canyon is in northern Arizona, and is one of the great tourist attractions in the United States as well as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The massive canyon encompasses several distinct areas, most famous of which is Grand Canyon National Park, a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The canyon is an overwhelming experience, and nothing can prepare a visitor for the sight. The Grand Canyon is a massive canyon carved over several million years by the Colorado River. Grand Canyon National Park boasts an elevation change of nearly 7,000 feet (2,130 m) from Point Imperial (at nearly 9,000 feet (2,740 m)) to the banks of Lake Mead (at just over 2,000 feet (610 m)). The canyon is over a mile (1610 m) deep, from rim to river. In spots the rock layers exposed in the canyon display over two billion years of geologic history. Grand Canyon National Park was founded as Grand Canyon National Monument in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt, and became a national park in 1919.
Several viewpoints and trailheads in the park have limited or no parking and must be reached using the park shuttle system. The National Park Service runs an extensive shuttle service on the South Rim with three interlocking routes. The service is free, and generally runs from before sunrise until after sunset, depending on the route. Service is more frequent from May through September and includes additional routes.
2 Grand Canyon Village. Good views, the trailhead of the Bright Angel Trail, historic buildings, and massive crowds. 3 Desert View. The historic Watchtower is a popular stop for many travellers and provides an excellent vantage point for viewing the canyon and Colorado River. 4 Hermit's Rest. At the West end of Hermit Road, this gift shop and snack bar was designed by Mary Colter (the same person responsible for the Watchtower at Desert View) to resemble a Hermit's abode, and fit in harmoniously with the landscape. Constructed of a mix of stone and wood.
Hiking in the Grand Canyon is unlike anywhere else on Earth: trails range in difficulty from 15-minute loops to multi-week treks, and all offer spectacular views. In addition, there are numerous unmaintained trails throughout the park for the more adventurous. For people who prefer guided hikes a variety of outfitters offer options. While most canyon hikes entail significant elevation change, less-strenuous hiking options include nature walks along the rim trail which offer great views without requiring much exertion. Take water. Respect the heat. Watch for storms. Know your limits. All hikers should take trail warnings extremely seriously.
Additional cafeterias are in the Maswik and Yavapai Lodges. There is a grocery deli at Market Plaza inside the grocery store, as well. Just outside the park, in the gateway community of Tusayan, are a number of dining selections. 1 The Arizona Room, 9 Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village (on the East side of the Bright Angel Lodge). Dinner 4:30PM–10PM (open seasonally), lunch seasonally. Also features partial canyon views. Bright Angel Restaurant (Bright Angel Lodge). Informal dining, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 2 El Tovar Hotel Dining Room. Fine dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reservations required for dinner (not accepted at other times).
El Tovar Lounge (South Rim in the El Tovar Hotel). Inside seating year round, patio seating overlooking the rim seasonally. Bright Angel Bar (South Rim in the Bright Angel Lodge). Live entertainment seasonally. Maswik Pizza Pub (South Rim in Maswik Lodge). Pizza, Beer and Wine big-screen TV and more. Grand Canyon Lodge Dining Room. Serves cocktails. Rough Rider Saloon.
Hiking at the Grand Canyon often surprises people who attempt Inner Canyon trips. It can be hotter than you'd expect, colder than you'd expect, drier or wetter. A prepared hiker is better able to survive the extremes of the canyon. Even for short walks into the canyon keep in mind that it is a seducer: it seems easy hiking down into it but when you come back up you find that you have over-extended yourself.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Sep, Grand Canyon typically sees ~32°C daytime highs and 4 rainy days.
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