Grand Canyon of the Colorado: a family adventure in Arizona
Visiting the Grand Canyon National Park of Colorado is an adventure full of magic. Why Arizona has a lot to offer families.
The Grand Canyon National Park of Colorado is one of the most precious natural jewels in the United States. Huge, sinuous, it owes its great depth to the elevation of the Colorado Plateau between 1,500 and 3,000 meters, which began to be produced tens of millions of years ago. The result of this erosion is one of the most impressive geological formations on the planet, and one of the most visited attractions by tourists from around the world.
Grand Canyon of Colorado: Arizona, a place to discover
The story is long. 5.3 million years ago, the lowest point of the river and its course changed when the Gulf of California formed, increasing the rate of erosion. The natural and geological information is collected in the Yavapai Point museum, which offers different programs and guides. There the rocks are described as "the leaves of a great history book".
The Grand Canyon is a huge, deep trench carved over several million years by the Colorado River. The elevation of Grand Canyon National Park varies by about 2,130 meters ranging from 2,740 meters at Point Imperial to 610 meters on the shores of Lake Mead.
The canyon is 1,610 meters deep, from its rim to the river. More than two billion years of geological history have been exposed on the canyon slopes as the Colorado River and its tributaries cut through layer upon layer of sediment.
Families from all over the world visit the Grand Canyon year-round. It is a beautiful adventure for all ages. Declared a World Heritage Site in 1979 by UNESCO, it is one of the great tourist attractions in the United States
Because of its altitude, the Grand Canyon has different climates. In the South Rim, whose altitude is 2,134 meters, temperatures are around -7º C during the winter months, and exceed 30º C in summer.
During the year, the weather can change abruptly, and in summer thunderstorms often form in the afternoon. It is not uncommon to encounter storms in the depths of the Canyon and clear weather at the rim.
During the winter, the South Rim is covered with several meters of snow. It is always advisable to bring warm clothing to visit the Grand Canyon, whether it is winter or summer.
Beauty and adventure: charms of the Grand Canyon of Colorado
Today visitors to Grand Canyon National Park enjoy this gift of nature in every possible way: rafting, hiking, boating, mule riding, helicoptering, or traversing the skywalk, a glass-floored walkway suspended above the void. at 1,200 meters of altitude.
What is not advisable is to go down to the riverbed and go up on the same day. Too much distance, too much effort. And of course you have to pay attention to the danger signs on the edges of the canyon and the resounding changes in weather depending on the altitude and the hours of the day.
The visit deserves a minimum of two days, spending the night in one of the accommodations in the Park. Plane and helicopter tours allow for incredible views. Companies offer a variety of tour and excursion options.
To avoid crowds, it's best to visit the Grand Canyon off-peak, which is between late May and early September, the hottest months. December, January and February are good options, but the best time is October, when the weather is mild and the leaves change colour.
The experience of contemplating the Grand Canyon from the air is superb. And staying to watch the sun go down is one of the most popular activities in the Park.
Hikes in the Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon day hikes do not require permits. Both short and long self-guided hikes are possible along the trails and nature trails that run from the Yavapai Museum to Hermit's Rest (total distance between the two is about 9 miles).
The South Rim Nature Trail runs along the rim of the canyon from Maricopa Point to the Yavapai Museum. It is paved in its entirety and level in most sections. Visitors have the option of going the full 5 km or just a part of it.
Overnight hiking tours of Grand Canyon National Park do require permits (reservation requests should be sent to: Back Country Reservation Office, Post Office Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023. United States).
There is a waiting list for last minute cancellations. Upon arrival at the Park, you must go to the Back Country Reservation Office to sign up for this list.
There is a wide variety of hotels, lodges and campsites inside and outside the park on the North Rim and South Rim. Since lodging in the canyon fills up early and is quite expensive, many visitors stay on the outskirts of the South Rim in Tusayan. For those wishing to stay further from the park, the cities of Williams or Flagstaff offer additional options.
Camp in the Colorado Canyon
In the National Park, you have to camp in the designated areas. If you camp in a forest or a lookout, you could be fined. Mather Campground, located in Grand Canyon Village, is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Hikers who wish to spend the night in the Grand Canyon have the Indian Gardens and Bright Angel campgrounds available. To use them, it is necessary to make a reservation and request a permit.
Camper Village, located 11 kilometers south of the Park in Tusayan, Arizona, offers 250 spaces for tents and caravans. It has power connections, toilets and showers. It also offers a mini golf for the whole family. Contact Information: Camper Village, P.O. Box 490, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023. United States.
What to do in the Colorado Canyon
There are countless things you can do in the Colorado Canyon:
While the main activity at the Grand Canyon is standing on the edge of the cliff and taking in the magnificent scenery, there are many other ways to enjoy the park's natural splendor. One of the options is to take a mule ride on the South Rim trail or go rafting on the Colorado River. Another option is to take a helicopter ride and admire the landscape from above.
Hike in the Heart of Nature: Unforgettable hikes to realize the grandeur of the Grand Canyon by taking the Bright Angel Trail down to the bottom of the canyon. Best to make the day trip to Plateau Point and back to overlook the Colorado.
Bike for the Hermits Road Tour and Yaki Road Tour on the south coast, take a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon or go whitewater rafting on the Colorado River.
Just as inviting as the canyon is the Colorado River that winds through Grand Canyon National Park, attracting visitors who want short guided boat tours or a multi-day adventure.
