The Grand Canyon, Arizona

The Grand Canyon, Arizona

The abrupt gorge through which the Colorado River passes is about 277 miles long and 18 miles wide with a depth of almost over a mile. It is home to one of the oldest cores that almost takes us back two billion years. However, there are debates when it comes to some aspects of the history of the canyon; with some studies holding up the theory that the Colorado River found its course through this abrupt piece of land 5 to 6 million years back. There is so much more to its history, but let’s talk about the top tourist attractions there to help you plan the best possible trip to the Grand Canyon National Park that is also budget-friendly.

Top Grand Canyon Attractions:

If you’re one of those history geeks or just someone who likes to visit places enriched in stories, keep on reading.

South Rim Buildings: You’ll come across a variety of historical buildings along the South Rim of the park and unlike the canyon, they were built by the people in the 20th century.

• Kolb Studio: Now serving as an art gallery, the studio was built in 1904 by two brothers who used to take photos of tourists for a living.

• Grand Canyon Railway Depot: Built in 1910, it is one of the only three functional log-cabin-style railway stations (in America? Or Arizona?). It is the northern station of the Grand Canyon Railway that starts at Williams, Arizona.

• Bucky O’Neill Cabin: Currently serving as a guest house available to visitors who book in advance. You’ll find it to be the longest-standing structure ever in the South Rim.

• El Tovar Hotel: It was built in 1905. One of the most luxurious places to stay at the great Canyon, with its rooms designed with a diverse collection of styles ranging from modern to traditional and a lounge that’s art-filled along with a gift shop.

• Hopi House: Built in 1905, it is another historical landmark; made of adobe brick that also serves as a small gift shop that displays great native arts & crafts.

• Desert View Watchtower: The Seventy-foot tall tower made of stones offers full views of the bottom of the Canyon and Colorado River. A great piece of architecture to go along with the stunning view of Arizona’s natural beauty.

• Lookout Studio: Another stone building; this landmark showcase books, photography, souvenirs, artwork, and rock and fossil specimens.

Tourism:

Grand Canyon Park has one of the top tourist attractions besides sightseeing from the South Rim buildings. The park is often used for running, hiking, rafting, and helicopter tours. However, hiking is recommended for professionals considering the distance, abrupt rocky land, continual change in elevation, and many more life-threatening dangers.

It is one of the best camping places on earth but keep in mind that the camping area is generally restricted to well-established campgrounds and I would highly recommend making your reservations in advance.

Canyon National Park also has the attention of skydivers. All of it was made possible when the first Grand Canyon Skydiving operation opened up at the Grand Canyon National Airport.

Plans were made to make the National Park more attractive and fun by installing multiple shops, hotels, parks, and even an IMAX theater. Water transportation makes it easy for the tourists to visit the canyon floor.

Canyon Village has a mission that includes the protection of history and culture created by the Native Americans. Hence the whole area is a great epicenter of historical landmarks. This great land tells us numerous tales of Native people who used to live their lives here back in the day.

At the end of the day, this is a must place to go if you afford to do so but keep in mind the precautions that you’ll have to take before you decide to go. Also, try not to visit the Park in its peak season. If you want to enjoy the views and the historical culture it presents then the best time of the year would be March through May and September through November.