Grand Canyon Facts, Weather, and Park Info

Greetings from one of the Nation’s top natural wonders! Did you know that tourists visit the Grand Canyon year round? What many people don’t think about is that even though the canyon is located in Arizona, the four seasons are all VERY different. At an elevation of nearly 7000 feet, it’s not just all sunny and warm desert. Winter at the canyon can be extreme with significant snowfall and icy, dangerous roads. Highway 67 on the north rim is actually closed from the first heavy snow in November or early December to mid-May. This winter has certainly followed the pattern, so watch out for icy roads.

Valentine’s Day is approaching and what better way to spend it than at the beautiful, natural Grand Canyon. You can bring your sweetheart for a tour and spend the whole day exploring. Some fun facts about Valentine’s Day, the modern idea of the holiday didn’t actually begin until the 15th century, where it had evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards. Valentine’s Day is named for Saint Valentine, and the day was first associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.

The National Park Service, which is in charge of maintaining and overseeing the park, was created by an Act signed by President Woodrow Wilson on August 25, 1916. Total recreational visitors to the national parks in 2011 were 278,939,216! Potential visitors to the park need to obtain a park pass, available at your nearest park site. Most sites have passes available, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead before departing for your trip.

You can always choose to camp at the park if you wish, you’ll need to make a reservation through the park. If you are not interested in camping, you should consider staying at one of the many lovely hotels and resorts in the area. From Holiday Inn to the Canyon Plaza Resort, you can surely find something that suits your needs. For more information or to reserve a hotel for your stay, visit us at http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GrandCanyonAreaAZ/lodging/

Your Grand Canyon Adventure Starts Here

Nearly 17 million years ago, the Colorado River began establishing a path throughArizona. As the massive river cut its way though layer after layer of rock, it was slowly forming one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, theGrand Canyon. Eighteen miles wide, 227 miles long, and over a mile deep, these facts alone bring approximately 5 millions visitors to stare into the depth of the canyon each year. It is not the longest canyon in the world, or even the deepest, but more tourists are attracted to the Grand Canyon than the deeper Kali Gandaki Gorge located inNepaland the widerCapertreeValleyinAustralia. So why is theGrand Canyonrevered over other canyons? Perhaps it’s due to theGrand Canyon’s overwhelming size and intricately colorful landscape. The canyon’s geology represents a sequence of amazingly preserved ancient rocks dating back to 2,500 million years ago. Although the depth of the Kali Gandaki Gorge in Nepal is four times as deep at 8,270 feet compared to the Grand Canyon at 2,600 feet, there is an argument about the gorge’s rim height due to the mountainous landscape of the region in Nepal whereas the Grand Canyon’s rim height is clearly discernable. This fact also contributes to the argument that theGrand Canyon’s size is an astonishing sight that truly isn’t grasped except in person. The fissures and cracks that were created by the Colorado River 17 million years ago wind through the vast landscape giving visitors a spectacular view from the rim and, especially, from the skies. Those brave enough to hike to the bottom or raft on the tumultuousColorado Riverwill experience the devastating depth of the canyon walls.

 

Those looking to explore the massive, breathtaking, tremendous, marvelous, captivating, fascinating Grand Canyon should look no further than these incredible tours listed below. Visit our website to see a full list of all the Grand Canyon tours.

Grand Canyon West Rim Motorcoach Tours – Tourists in nearby Las Vegas can hop aboard this comfy bus for a ride to the amazing Skywalk. The 70-foot long platform allows tourists to stand 4,000 feet above the canyon.

Grand Canyon Helicopter Explorer – Take a helicopter ride to see unparalleled views of magnificent from the skies.

Canyon River Adventure – See the Grand Canyon by air, ground, and water on this adventure that gives tourists the chance to soar through the skies in a helicopter, stand on the edge of the rim looking down, and raft the Colorado River below.

Grand Canyon South Rim VIP Photo Tour – Board a luxury bus inLas Vegas for a comfy ride to theGrand Canyon. On your way, you’ll see the Hoover Dam, Yavapai Point, and the Route 66 Train Museum.

 

Choose from a long list of hotels for your Grand Canyon vacation.

Join the Celebration of Art at the Grand Canyon

Fall brings out some amazing colors at the Grand Canyon. The trees are turning vibrant colors consistent with the beautiful coloring down in the canyon. Currently, on the south rim, the Grand Canyon Association is hosting their Celebration of Art. It kicked off this month with 6 days of “Plein Air on the Rim” art in which artists from around the country attempt to capture the picturesque fall colors onto their canvases. The art created will be shown until Thanksgiving this year. So come on out to the Grand Canyon where you will not only see the gorgeous views beneath your toes but you will also enjoy fantastic art of the magnificent canyon cutting its way through Arizona.

Grand Canyon West Rim Motorcoach Tour

Looking to see the best view of the canyon? The West Rim Motorcoach Tour which boards in nearby Las Vegas, NV will take you to the Hoover Dam through the Joshua Tree Forest and end on the West Rim, famous for its Skywalk. The stop at the Arizona Hoover Dam is brief, giving you a chance to take pictures of one of the most fascinating engineering marvels of the world. Then, venture through the 900-year-old Joshua Tree Forest to the Hualapai Indian Reservation at Eagle Point.

Your final stop will be the Skywalk on the West Rim. This 70-foot long platform allows you to walk out over the canyon and stare down at the depths 4,000 feet below. It is a truly magical experience that no trip to the Grand Canyon should be without. A few other highlights of the tour include, but are not limited to, a stop at Guano Point, the home of an 1800′s mine, and a stop at the Hualapai Ranch, an old west Cowboy town. For a more thrilling adventure, visitors have the chance to walk across the canyon on the Skywalk Bridge! Click here for more information about this tour.

Golden Eagle Helicopter Tour

After viewing the canyon from the ground, why not take to the skies for a breathtaking 180 degree view from an EcoStar EC130 helicopter. The tour will take you over the Hoover Dam and Guano and Eagle Points, which were viewed on the Motorcoach Tour, ending at the magnificent Grand Canyon. This is possibly the best of the stunning 1 mile long canyon. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the memories forever. For ticket information, click this link.

Stay in nearby Las Vegas, NV or find a resting place conveniently located close to the South Rim of the canyon. There are several affordable options giving you more and more opportunities to see the beautiful Grand Canyon. Click here for a complete list of hotels offered in the area.

The Grand Canyon Skywalk

Hanging off the edge of the west side of the Grand Canyon is a horseshoe-shaped bridge called the Skywalk. This popular tourist attraction gives Grand Canyon visitors the opportunity to stand out on a cliff and see incomparable views from all around. The Skywalk stands at approximately 4,770 feet. It is located in the canyon near the Colorado River.

The Skywalk is commissioned and owned by the Hualapai Indian tribe. It was unveiled in March of 2007 and opened to the public just a few days later. Entrepreneur David Jin had the excellent, yet controversial, idea of creating a platform that would extend over the edge of the Grand Canyon. Mark Ross Johnson, an architect, helped him evolve the idea into a rectangular walkway, then into the “U”-shape it is in now.

The Skywalk is approximately 65 feet wide and 70 feet long from the furthest post support to the canyon wall. The deck was created by forming four layers of Saint-Gobain Diamant low iron glass, mixed with DuPont SentryGlas interlayer. The deck stands at 10 feet, 2 inches wide. Its glass railings are about 5 feet, 2 inches tall and are, rest assured, designed to resist high wind pressures.

Some of the members of the Hualapai Indian tribe were worried that this project would be disturbing sacred ground. Supporters, on the other hand, were determined that they needed the cash to combat the serious problems that were plaguing the 2,000-resident reservation. These problems included a 50% unemployment rate, alcoholism and poverty. There is talk of expanding the Skywalk into even more: including a museum, a movie theater, a VIP lounge, a gift shop and several restaurants. Many Hualapai tribe members have concerns about this overdevelopment.

You can travel to the Skywalk from Las Vegas on some of the Grand Canyon tours we offer. The West Rim Motorcoach Tour, the West Rim Airplane Tour, the EcoStar Grand Celebration Helicopter Tour and the Golden Eagle – EcoStar Helicopter Tour all offer the Skywalk as an additional tour experience.

Stay in Vegas at the Paris Las Vegas hotel, the Westin Casuarina or the Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino and be right by the starting point to some of these incredible tours.

Tips for Your Grand Canyon Adventure

Taking on the Grand Canyon can be a little daunting. It is, after all, a mile-deep canyon. You may be debating over what side of the canyon to tour, or how to best tour the canyon. It’s a tough decision. We’ve come up with a few tips to cut out some of the complexities in your decision and, ultimately, make your visit to this beautiful natural and national landmark all the better.

The Grand Canyon is a secluded, lightly populated area.

• This means that you have to remember a few things to stay safe and ensure your visit is a good one. If you are driving there on your own, remember that locksmiths may be few and far away. Bring extra car keys, and keep them in a safe place. If you have car problems, your vehicle will most likely be towed to Flagstaff or Williams. A mechanic is located on the South Rim, but can only do minor repairs. Gas stations may be far away, so make sure you always have plenty of gas.
• If you’re on a photo tour, or just want to bring home some picture memories, you should know that the closest camera repair is in Phoenix. There is film available at the South Rim, though.
• Also, make sure you bring plenty of water, especially in the summer months. Leave some extra water in the car, but keep enough with you to stay hydrated.

Weather is sometimes unexpected, sometimes beneficial and sometimes hazardous.

• The months of July through September bring thunderstorms to the Grand Canyon area. Although the water is greatly needed and the lightning may paint a beautiful picture in the sky, the storms can also be dangerous. Lightning has been known to injure and prove fatal to park visitors. Therefore, you will need to keep a few things in mind. Always check the weather ahead of time and avoid visiting on days with a high percentage of storms. Never wait until the last minute to avoid a storm. Always keep away from the canyon rim, any rocky outcrops or open areas when a storm hits. Try and get to a shelter, such as a car, shuttle bus or building. If there is no shelter available, stick to small groups of trees or dry and low ground.

Most people visit the South Rim of the Canyon.

• The South Rim is open 365 days a year, 25 hours every day. The camping, lodging and restaurant services are all open year round. It is easier to get to the South Rim, so there are high traffic areas and some parking problems. Remember, the summer season is the busiest, so reservations are always highly recommended. Though winter weather should definitely be considered, tourists are less likely to visit during November through February, if you’re looking for a more private experience. The South Rim is about 7,000 feet above sea level.
• Tours available for the South Rim, departing from the Las Vegas area:

South Rim Motorcoach Tour
Grand Canyon South Rim VIP Photo Tour

You can explore the canyon by air, ground or water.

• There are a variety of tours that will allow you to travel throughout the Grand Canyon in many different ways. Hike, drive, fly over or float down the canyon river for the best sightseeing experiences. You can even combine any of the three into one, incredible tour. Below, there is a list of tours you can choose from. Some will allow you to pick and choose which ways you see the canyon.
• Tours available by air, departing from the Las Vegas area:

Grand Canyon National Park Airplane/Ground Tour
Grand Canyon West Rim Airplane Tour
EcoStar Grand Celebration Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour
Grand Canyon Helicopter Explorer

• Tours available by water, departing from the Las Vegas area:

Colorado River Rafting & Hoover Dam Photo Tour

• Tours available by ground, departing from the Las Vegas area:

Grand Canyon West Rim Motorcoach Tour

These are just a few tips for when you’re planning your Grand Canyon adventure. It’s a dangerous, exciting and unforgettable experience, every time you step foot into the landmark. Don’t miss out on a single memory by choosing the wrong option or by putting yourself into a hazardous situation.

The Grand Canyon West Rim Motorcoach Tour

The summer season is the perfect time for an exploration of the Grand Canyon, and with a West Rim tour, you can have the opportunity to explore the natural wonder in a variety of different ways. The Grand Canyon West Rim Motorcoach Tour allows you to choose from one of four options: just take the motorcoach tour, add a walk across the Skywalk, throw in a helicopter and a pontoon trip or mix all three additional options together with the motorcoach. Whichever tour option you choose, you are guaranteed to have a wild adventure in the Grand Canyon this summer.

With each option, you will start in Las Vegas and board a comfortable and accommodating motorcoach. You will stop at the Arizona Hoover Dam outlook, where you will have prime photo opportunities; the Joshua Tree Forest, which is 900 years old; the Hualapai Indian Reservation at Eagle Point, where you can experience the culture of the native people; Hualapai Ranch, a cowboy town reminiscent of the Old West; and Guano Point, where an 1800s mine resides. Take some time to browse the lands for Native American curios and jewelry, before returning back to Vegas on the motorcoach.

When you add in any of the additional tour options, you’ll get an even more extensive experience in the canyon. The addition of the Skywalk will allow you to walk across the 70-foot long platform that hovers over the depths of the Grand Canyon. The Skywalk is situated in Eagle Point, which is named for its rock formation that resembles the great bird. The Skywalk sits over 4,000 feet above the canyon floor and gives visitors an incomparable view of the landmark.

Add a helicopter and a pontoon tour to the mix and you’ll get an even more comprehensive visit. In addition to the motorcoach, you can explore the canyon by the air and the water. Take a 20-minute helicopter ride to the bottom of the canyon, board a pontoon boat for a scenic float down the Colorado River, then climb back into the helicopter for a flight back up. You can also add the Skywalk to this tour option for an even more thorough visit.

With any of these options, you will see the beauty of the Grand Canyon first-hand. The sights and views are ones that you cannot experience anywhere else. The magnificent rock walls, the extensive stretch of land and river and all of the beautiful foliage and wildlife are guaranteed to provide you with memories you will never forget.

When staying in Vegas and taking this tour, make sure you book a hotel that’s close by the starting and ending point of the excursion. After a long day of exploration, you’ll want a comfortable hotel room that you can retire to. You’ll get that at the Tropicana Resort & Casino, just a mile away, or at Paris Las Vegas, Westin Casuarina and the Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino, all within a half-mile of the tour.

Grand Canyon South Rim VIP Tour

If you’re looking for the perfect way to experience the Grand Canyon, then the South Rim VIP Tour is for you. You’ll have the opportunity to visit some of the most vibrant, powerful and brilliant sights of the natural canyon cliffs and walls. The South Rim gives you the most beautiful and magnificent viewpoints, perfect settings for photographs you can take home and cherish forever.

Visit the Hoover Dam and be greeted with unbelievable views. The Hoover Dam is one of the seven technical wonders of the world, and gives you the chance to snap some photographs of the Black Canyon and Lake Mead. The strength of the dam walls, holding back the deep, dark blue water, will take your breath away. Nestled in the cliffs of the Black Canyon, the Hoover Dam is an extraordinary sight, every time you see it.

A drive down the historic Route 66 will allow you to visit the Old West Train Museum. You’ll get the chance to walk among the long and powerful locomotives that represent the Wild West atmosphere of Arizona. Go back in time to cowboys and the great American frontier. Route 66 was cultivated back in the 1800s, although it didn’t officially come to life until 1926. American pioneers traveled westward, creating, unknowingly, the path of what would later become a famous highway. On this VIP tour, you’ll have the opportunity to keep the path’s history alive when you go on a journey throughout the years with your guide and take photographic memories home with you.

When you visit Mather Point in the Grand Canyon, you’ll stand on the edge of a cliff and look out at the beautiful and impressive landscape. You can peer down a mile below and see the Colorado River cutting through the canyon floor, moving westward and creating awe-inspiring sights that will literally take your breath away. The view from Mather Point is truly indescribable, and the colors and beauty are something you have to see to believe.

Views from Yavapai Point and Bright Angel Point give you a glimpse into the inner canyon, Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch. The canyon stretches on for miles, and you’ll be able to see the heights of the cliffs and the floor of the canyon bounce and roll throughout the land. All of the rock’s colors and the plant life that fill your vision are sights you will never forget; and the incredible photographs you take home to show your friends, you’ll know, are only mere representations of the magnificence.

The Hopi House is known for its quality and selection of Native American artwork, and you’ll have the chance to explore the gift shop’s diverse culture and history. This picturesque building will take you through the cultural beauty of the Hopi tribe. The house is designed in a traditional Hopi dwelling place, with a sandstone exterior and walls made of adobe indoors. The ceilings are constructed out of saplings, twigs and grass glued together with mud, in the traditional Hopi style, while the floors are also made of adobe. You’ll have the chance to explore the tribe’s culture, and take some of it home with you with a photograph or craft souvenir.

On the VIP tour, you will have the option to walk the “most beautiful walk in the world” with a two and a half mile hike from Mather Point to Yavapai Point for the chance to encounter even more incredible sights along the way. Not up for the walk? Don’t worry, because you can choose the option to join your tour guide in a drive to each of the sights. This tour gives you the opportunity to see the most magnificent parts of the Grand Canyon, and take home memories that will last a lifetime.

While you’re visiting the Grand Canyon, make sure to stay close to all of the action and the sights when you stay at a hotel located only within two miles of the South Rim tour. Palace Station, the Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino, Paris Las Vegas, Westin Casuarina and the Clarion Hotel and Casino Near Las Vegas Strip are all in a short distance to the starting point of your tour, making it convenient for when you head out and head back.