Think of the world's significant geological features, and odds are the Grand Canyon will be close to the top of anyone's list. This remarkable sight is so large that it can be easily distinguished from space or spotted from a passing aircraft at 40,000 feet (12,000 metres). The Grand Canyon is located in the state of Arizona, and is an integral part of the desert culture and image of the southwestern U.S.A. The statistics are impressive - the Grand Canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long, around 10 miles (16km) wide and one mile (1.6km) deep, and the Canyon seems to have attracted some of the most artistic photographers and painters. However despite the surfeit of photographs and art works showcasing the place, nothing can replace experiencing the Grand Canyon in person. In some native cultures the Grand Canyon has strong religious significance. Whatever one's personal beliefs it would be difficult to visit the Canyon and not have one's soul touched by the raw physical beauty and atmosphere that pervades.

	Sunset over the Grand Canyon

The geological formations of the Grand Canyon provide a feast of color, and is one of those sights that looks different at each viewing, no matter how many times you look. The sky forms an interesting contrast with the land - during the day the sky is normally a deep azure, which set against the yellows, reds, purples and browns of the rock, makes for an overall impression of surrealism. When the sky is less clear, the ever-changing cloud formations also make for compelling viewing. Sunrises and sunsets are particularly awe-inspiring. Depending on the atmospheric conditions, a remarkable range of colors fills the sky in a palate of amazing intensity. These are not always just shades of red and orange (though these alone are magnificent) but can include various hues of purple, blue, yellow and even green. Sometimes at dawn or dusk the earth seems at one with the sky, as the reflection of the sky on the land creates a dramatic canvas of intense brilliance.

History and Culture

Rock Strata, Grand Canyon

The exposed rock strata at the base of the Grand Canyon by the bed of the Colorado River are some of the oldest on earth - around two billion years old. One of the things that make the Canyon so attractive are the many layers of rock strata - each a unique color and possessing different fossil characteristics. The higher up the Canyon the newer the rock strata are. Of course 'new' is a relative term as everything in the Canyon is millions and millions of years old. A major misconception about the Canyon - and an understandable one - is that it was formed by the action of the Colorado River. In fact the Canyon owes its existence to the effect of the wind and the extreme temperature variations. Over the millions of years these have caused erosion; in fact the Canyon is still getting deeper - at a rate of around 50 ft every one million years.

There are traces of a human presence in the Canyon going back to 2,000 years B.C. Stick figures of animals and spearheads have been found in caves along the Canyon. About 1,000 years B.C. this culture departed for no explicable reason. It wasn't for 1,500 years that people returned to the Canyon. In 500 A.D. Ancestral Pueblo Indians arrived. Sometimes known as Anasazi (which is Navajo for "ancient enemies") the former term is now preferred as today's Pueblo People do not like to think of their ancestors as enemies. The Ancestral Pueblos hunted, made crafts and utilized the many resources of the Canyon area. Their homes were adobe structures similar to those that can still be seen today in other parts of the Southwest. Around the year 1150AD, drought struck the Canyon and the Ancestral Pueblos moved east. Other tribes came and in turn moved on. These include the Cohonina, and the Cerbat. Paiutes and Hopi Indians who still live in the region also visited the Grand Canyon for hunting and religious purposes. Other contemporary tribes include the Havasupai, the Hualapai, and the Navajo. The influence of Native Americans is very much in evidence here; their culture has had a great impact on the style and traditions of the Grand Canyon region especially in terms of art, architecture and cuisine.

The first Europeans to see the Canyon were Spaniards who passed through in 1540 in their search for the mythical El Dorado. Over two hundred years later Franciscan Spanish missionaries visited the Hualuapai and Havasupai. American fur trappers passed through in the latter part of the 1820s but made few records. Lieutenant Joseph Ives led the first expedition on the Colorado River in 1857-8.

It was Major John Wesley Powell who first brought real public attention to the area with his well-documented and illustrated explorations of the Colorado River in 1869 and 1871-2. Some attempts were made to mine the area but these were not very successful. The late 1800s were a time when the potential for world tourism was initially being realized and the Canyon seemed an ideal destination. The first stagecoach with tourists arrived in 1883 and a hotel was opened at Diamond Creek the following year. In 1893 the Grand Canyon became a forest reserve. In 1901 the railroad arrived at the South Rim and this brought tourism on a grand scale. The Fred Harvey Company efficiently organized the promotion of the Canyon's tourism product. The Grand Canyon became a National Monument in 1908 and finally in 1919 became a National Park. The park was further expanded in 1975 and today consists of almost 2000 square miles (3200 square km) and receives around five million visitors each year.

Accommodations

There are motel and lodge accommodation plus campsites in the area of the South Rim. In the area of the North Rim there is less to choose from. Outside of the park boundaries there is a wide selection of accommodations in the various communities close to the Canyon. At the base of the Canyon is the famous Phantom Ranch; this is usually reserved for tour groups but with advance planning it is often possible to find accommodations here. For Online Hotel Reservations for the Grand Canyon area please click here.

Orientation and Transportation

The South Rim of the Canyon is the most visited part of the Canyon and has the most infrastructure, much of which can be found in Grand Canyon Village. Highway access is straightforward and most visitors arrive via the I-40 through Flagstaff or Williams. The South Rim is open all year round. West Point Drive features the main viewpoints from the South Rim of the Canyon. The less accessible and higher elevated North Rim only receives one tenth of the number of visitors that go to the South Rim. The North Rim is only open from May to October (depending on snowfall). The drive between the two rims is 215 miles (346km) even though they are only 10 miles (16km) across the Canyon from each other. The fairly complex drive via Highway 89 and 89A, is nonetheless interesting, with some noteable places to stop along the way. It is possible to walk from one rim to the other and this involves an arduous two-day hike which is obviously well worth it for those fortunate enough to have the stamina.

The closest main airport for the South Rim is at Flagstaff though there are commuter flights from Las Vegas and Phoenix to the small airport just outside the park at Tusayan. For lovers of train travel, it is possible to reach the South Rim by the restored steam trains of the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams. Amtrak has regular train service to Flagstaff as do Greyhound buses. From Flagstaff there is regular bus service to the South Rim by Nava-Hopi Tours. Within the Grand Canyon Village there is a free shuttle bus (during the summer season) which stops at the main viewing points along West Point Drive. During the summer season these are closed to motorists to avoid congestion.

Climate

	Rainbow over the Grand Canyon

The popular image of the Grand Canyon is that of a hot arid place. This is definitely the case for much of the time, and temperatures can exceed well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) in the summer months. Sunscreen, water and appropriate clothing are essential. Temperatures drop significantly overnight. Heavy rain storms are also a possibility in summer. Flash floods can occur; but the sight of a rainbow over the Canyon is unforgettable. Winter is a different story; the North Rim is closed by snow and in the South Rim overnight temperatures drop down to the teens in Fahrenheit (-10 to -7 Celsius) during the winter months with daytime highs in the 40s Fahrenheit (4 - 9 degrees Celsius) range. Snow when it occurs makes the Canyon very attractive, and the added advantage in winter months is that the vast majority of visits to the South Rim fall in the peak summer season, so that in winter crowds are not an issue. In winter it is actually possible to have the Canyon to oneself. It may be much cooler but the Canyon looks just as phenomenal and the lack of crowds really helps to experience the metaphysical aspects of the area. As with most places spring and fall are ideal times to visit - crowds are less than in summer and it is neither overwhelmingly hot or cold.

Attractions and Activities

Obviously the main attraction and the reason for visiting the area is the Grand Canyon itself. There are numerous sights and attractions, and tours, activities and adventure to visit and experience. When it comes to viewing the Canyon at its best there are many options. The Canyon is a paradise for hiking and backpacking tours. There are numerous trails in and surrounding the Canyon. Permits are required to travel independently within the Canyon. Please remember the often overwhelming heat means that adequate water supplies must be taken along, especially on the more remote and less popular trails. It is always best to seek local advice from the park authorities, but the need for water, sunscreen and protective clothing and head gear cannot be over emphasized. Check out the National Park Services website for more information on permits and hiking conditions. Among the more popular trails are the all day hike to Roaring Springs and the more strenuous one along Bright Angel Trail; for the slightly less ambitious or for those with less time the shorter hike to the Coconino Overlook is also popular. Many of the more arduous trails require an overnight stay in the Canyon.

Rock Formation under Azure Skies, Grand Canyon

Another popular activity is to take a white-water raft or boat trip on the Colorado River - be prepared for a very wet but exhilarating experience. For a unique perspective of the Grand Canyon take a mule trek. These hardy animals can navigate the narrow trails of the Canyon with much greater ease than a pair of human feet. Mule tours are available for various durations from a few hours to a couple of days. Though controversial because of the noise they produce, airplane and helicopter tours are also popular and obviously enable an excellent view of the area. Mountain biking tours along various trails are also an increasingly popular way of enjoying the beauty of the area.

Away from actual sightseeing, shopping for local native crafts and artworks is a particularly worthwhile activity in the Grand Canyon region. Of particular note is the Cameron Trading Post. This is on the highway between the two rims of the Canyon and has a remarkable collection of Navajo crafts and jewelry. The Grand Canyon region also has various events and entertainments visitors including theater, festivals and concerts.