This is a continuation of the article.
Observation / viewing platforms (Viewpoints)
The main thing for which all tourists rush to the Grand Canyon is the endless panoramic views that radiate calmness and grandeur. Already something, but there are enough of them in the park. Even within the same southern part, you can create a whole collection of pictures. It doesn't matter that no one except you will distinguish most of them from each other, you will know that each point has its own name and its own face.
How did this canyon come about? Thanks to the restless Colorado River, which relentlessly made its way through easily influenced rocks - limestones, sandstones, and slates. The decisive role was played by the movement of the earth's crust, as a result of which the flow of the river accelerated and became even more crushing. Add soil erosion to this and voila, the canyon is ready. It only took a few million years.
Today we can admire the labyrinths of the canyon, filled with remnants of the most bizarre forms. Erosion also did her best to create the extraordinary pattern of the Grand Canyon. The color scheme is also striking - the result of the accumulation of various rocks: red, orange, yellow, brown layers make the gorge look like a big multi-colored cake.
Entire scatterings of lookouts can be found along Hermit Road and Desert View Road.
Hermit Road
Hermit Road is seven miles or eleven kilometers of scenic drive west of Grand Canyon Village. Along it you will find nine marked viewpoints and much more unmarked)) You can walk this kilometer on foot (as I wrote above, Hermit Road is a continuation of the Rim Trail), ride a bike, a free shuttle bus that stops at all observation decks or buy a bus tour. This road is only open to cars during the winter months.
To ride Hermit Road on the free bus, you must change to the Red Route at VillagerouteTransfer.
Viewpoints located along Hermit Road and the distance between them (in miles):
I suggest getting to know the viewpoints better. Andryusiks and I honestly looked at all nine, although in the end we completely ceased to distinguish one from the other. However, later, looking at the photo, they came to the conclusion that there is still a difference. Although, perhaps this is more the result of changing lighting than a variety of landscapes.
Trailview Overlook
This vantage point offers great views of the serpentine Bright Angel Path and the village.
Maricopa Point
From Maricopa Point, you can observe the canyon from its full perspective and look for curious shapes created by the forces of nature.
Powell Point
There is a memorial somewhere here in honor of Powell and his expeditions into the Colorado River valley going back to the nineteenth century. We somehow slipped through it imperceptibly, but I don’t think we lost much. In addition, the observation deck offers all the same endless panoramas of the dotted labyrinths of the Grand Canyon.
Hopi Point
Hopi Point is popular at sunrise and sunset (along with Mother Point). In addition, from this point in the western direction, a piece of the Colorado River is visible, which, I am sure, every tourist is looking for, but it is very carefully hidden in the depths of the canyon.
Mohave Point
Mojave Point is also suitable as an observation point for solar performances. Attentive tourists will see a brilliant thread of the river here.
The Abyss
From here you can observe the canyon in a vertical section from the top to the lowest point. Right now, the Colorado River has cut rock to granite, which is less susceptible to breakage than brittle sandstone and limestone, so further transformation is likely to occur at a slower pace.
Monument Creek Vista
Another observation deck that makes you jump out of the shuttle bass and stretch your legs. Buses run at intervals of about fifteen minutes, which is just enough to look around and take a few shots.
Pima Point
Pima Point has a great view of the Colorado River. On calm days, you can even hear it!
Hermits Rest
Hermits Rest is the end point on the red route. Here you can take a break, buy something to eat or drink coffee, look into the gift shop and replenish your drinking water supply.
Grade: 8 out of 10.
Hermit Road on the map (red line)
Important! When using the shuttle bass, pay attention to the inscriptions: westbound are buses that go west, that is, “there”, and eastbound are east, that is, “from there”. Why is it important? Because in some places their movement coincides, but the returning buses do not stop at all stops. You risk missing something.
Desert View Drive
Desert View Drive is a scenic road that runs east of Grand Canyon Village. Its length is about twenty-five miles or forty kilometers, along which tourists will find six designated view points. Some of them can be reached by shuttle bus (orange route), while others can only be reached by car.
I will be happy to show you the observation decks. We will move from west to east, towards the exit from the park.
Yaki Point
Andryusiks and I arrived here on the “orange” shuttle bus after we had dealt with the described Hermit Road. By the time we arrived, the weather had noticeably deteriorated, and the Grand Canyon had become ugly. Everything merged into one solid blue veil. We did not wait for the weather by the sea and postponed the rest of the points until the next day.
Moran Point
I read that it is from this point that the layers of the Grand Canyon are clearly visible and you can easily study its geology. I don’t know, we didn’t pay attention to it early in the morning)) It’s just cute, what layers are there))
Lipan Point
Lipan Point offers a glimpse of the picturesque bend of the Colorado River, the red-brown waters of which are in constant motion, carrying away sand, pebbles and washing away rocks.
Navajo Point- we deliberately missed this view point.
desert view
Desert View is another "residential" part of the southern edge of the park. There is a visitor center, camping, shops, in general, you can live.
Tourists mainly drop in here to admire the same Colorado and climb the watchtower in order to have a view of three hundred and sixty degrees.
Grade: 7 out of 10.
Desert View Drive on the map
Grand Canyon Village
The village is the epicenter of life in the southern part of the park, linking Hermit Road and Desert View Road. There are hotels, the most popular campsite, shops, restaurants and cafes, museums, visitor centers, travel agencies and rental offices.
Parking lots in the south of the park
Arriving in the southern part of the park, it is recommended to leave the car in one of the parking lots and then move on foot or on free buses. You won't get very far anyway, as, for example, Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles from March 1st to November 30th.
The largest and most convenient car park is located next to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, in the Mother Point area. So come here to meet the dawn, leave the car until all the places are occupied and go explore the park, forgetting about the steering wheel.
North Rim of the Grand Canyon
In addition to the southern part (South Rim), the northern part is also open for visiting in the park. It is much less popular among tourists, but, judging by the reviews, no less, if not more interesting and picturesque. I have nothing to tell about North Rim, since Andryusiks and I were not there.
Apparently, there is where to walk and ride.
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Grand Canyon National Park (USA) - exact location, interesting places, inhabitants, routes.
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The Grand Canyon National Park is one of the oldest national parks in the United States. The canyon is located in Arizona. Until the moment when the first Europeans appeared here in 1540, the Pueblo Indians lived in the canyon. They lived in caves that were dug right into the canyon. But once the beauty of the landscapes of these places was appreciated by President Theodore Roosevelt, who loved to come here to hunt, and the Grand Canyon quickly became very popular.
The name of the canyon is not accidental: it is indeed the largest canyon on the planet, its length is almost 500 km, the width is 28 km, and the depth is 1.6 km. This canyon is not the deepest in the world, but obviously the most impressive in its landscape. The relief in the form in which we can observe it today began to form about 75 million years ago. Then the Colorado Plateau rose by about 3 km, a huge crevice formed, and 18 million years ago, the waters of the surrounding rivers began to flow into it. Over time, the soft rocks were washed away, and today the canyon (especially its bottom) is a structure made of hard rocks, the destruction is very slow and will definitely stretch for more than one million years.
Archaeologists still work on the territory of the canyon and often find fossils that are curious for science. As for living inhabitants, 355 species of birds, 89 mammals, 47 reptiles, 9 amphibians and 17 species of fish live here.
Climate of the Grand Canyon
The climate of the national park is complex and varied, as it consists of several ecosystems. The lower level is close to the desert climate of Arizona with dry, hot summers. In the upper, wooded part of the canyon, snow falls in winter. The air temperature in summer reaches +37 °C, in winter -17 °C.
The southern part of the canyon is open all year round, 24 hours a day. Northern part - from May to October.
3 things to do in the grand canyon
- Capture a memorial sign on the camera, which is located on one of the paths leading to the observation deck and is adorned with the inscription: "Tribes that call the Grand Canyon their home: Apaches, Navajos, Zunis, etc."
- Take a helicopter tour over the Canyon.
- Repeat the route of the Powell expedition, rafting on the fast waters of the Colorado River.
Canyon regions
The most popular region of the canyon is the South Rim. It is here that all observation platforms and other attractions are located. the most visited, here are popular observation platforms. In the southern part of the park, the reservations of the Havasupai and Walapai tribes have been preserved. Outsiders are treated with caution here, as they were thousands of years ago, but today the locals already feel safe and ready for guests.
The northern edge is less suitable for tourists. There are many hard-to-reach trails here, and in winter this part of the park is completely closed to the public. However, those who are not too lazy to get here are not disappointed: in the north of the canyon there is a very interesting flora, fauna, landscape, and even the climate is slightly different.
Attractions
Almost all the attractions of the Grand Canyon have poetic names: Vishnu Temple, Shiva Temple, Wotan's Throne, etc. Above the river you can see Bukan Stone - a black ash cone, as well as the Esplanade red sandstone terrace, which is especially beautiful in the rays of the sun at sunset .
North Canyon Bosch has very picturesque lakes at the foot of centuries-old stone walls. And from one of the most beautiful dams - Hoover Dam - offers an incredibly beautiful view of the largest man-made lake in the United States - Lake Mead. For the convenience of tourists, an observation deck has been specially built here.
Canyon travel
There are several ways to travel through the canyon: on foot (there are many convenient hiking trails in the park). The beauty of such a trip is that you can slowly enjoy the ever-changing landscapes. For example, the same place at dawn and in the evening after sunset can look completely different.
You can go rafting on the Colorado River. Well, the most curious and "cowboy" way is horse riding or traveling on mules. The cost of such pleasure: from 45 USD per hour. There is also a train on which you can ride along the edge of the gorge, bike rental and car rental. For thrill-seekers, there is a small plane (a flight over the Grand Canyon will cost about 389 USD) and a hot air balloon. Prices on the page are for September 2018.
Grand Canyon
observation decks
On the territory of the Grand Canyon there are quite a few viewing platforms in different parts of the park. The most expensive of them is Skywalk. This is a huge platform with a transparent bottom, it costs 83 USD to visit. Also popular among tourists is the Sky Path - a horseshoe-shaped glass bridge that hangs in the air at an altitude of 1219 m.
Practical Information
How to get there: planes to Las Vegas, from there by train to Flagstaff (about 330 km), and from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon (another 100 km) there are buses and shuttles; however, given the not always convenient public transport schedule, experienced travelers recommend renting a car.
Entrance: for pedestrians and cyclists - from 12 USD, by car - 25 USD (for 7 days); visits to viewing platforms are paid separately.
The USA has its own "Wonders of the World". And there are not seven of them, but many more. One of them is majestic and beautiful, mighty and terrible Grand Canyon(Grand Canyon). And even if you do not know anything about the US National Parks, about Yellowstone, for example, or about Rocky Mountain, then you have heard about the Grand Canyon at least once, but for sure. Anyone who comes to the western part of the states definitely heads to Arizona to see this pearl - Grand Canyon National Park!
Natural masterpiece, unique beauty Grand Canyon not to be missed on your trip to the USA. It is perfectly organized, thought out to the smallest detail - for extremals, for pensioners, for people with disabilities, it will be convenient for everyone to move around here, and even more interesting.
Some numbers
For 10 million years, the Colorado River washed out soft rocks, as a result of which it was formed. Just imagine that these are four geological eras! Water flows continue to deepen it today, while creating incredible stone structures. Today dimensions of the grand canyon are simply impressive: the width of the canyon at the level of the plateau ranges from 6 to 29 km, its length is 446 km, and in some places the depth reaches almost 2 km. The Grand Canyon National Park itself is located on a vast territory, which has an area of \u200b\u200babout 5 thousand square kilometers.
Rapids, waterfalls, chaotic cliffs, unique flora and fauna, incredibly beautiful rocks of bizarre shapes - all this is a great canyon. Nature has personally created towers and pyramids, forts and other stone structures in these places. Many of the cliffs were even given original names. True, these names are late, already assigned by scientists and travelers. Probably the first to see the Grand Canyon, i.e. The Indians also gave them their names. It is a pity that in the rock carvings that were found by scientists, nothing is mentioned about this.
History of the Grand Canyon
The first to discover Grand Canyon, there were Europeans - members of the expedition of the Spanish conquistador Francisco de Coronado, who went down the river and came across this miracle of nature. But when they got to these places, they discovered that people had lived here for more than a millennium ago. These were the indigenous Pueblo and Cohonina. Their culture flourished beautifully for 1200 years. But what happened next, why they left the canyon, is not known. Probably due to climate change - a severe drought that forced people to look for better places to live. Before the arrival of Europeans in the Grand Canyon in the 16th century, the territory was inhabited by Indians who were forced to live on the reservation. Some of their tribes - the Havasupai, Navajo and Walapai - still live near the canyon.
The Americans began their research Grand Canyon in the 60s of the XIX century. At the same time, the first maps of the area were compiled and the first and main conclusion was made: “It seems that the Colorado River, created by nature, for the most part of its lonely path, will forever be majestic and unvisited!”. And they were right. At the end of the 19th century, this natural gem of the United States received the status of a National Forest Reserve, and already in 1919, the Grand Canyon became the 17th National Park in the United States. Today, the Grand Canyon is visited by about 4.5 million tourists a year.
What to see in the Grand Canyon?
Officially, the Grand Canyon is divided into two parts - north and south, and tourists usually go to its southern part, which is called Grand Canyon South Rome. On the territory of South Rim there are many hotels, campsites, restaurants that receive tourists all year round. Here is the center of tourist activity Grand Canyon Village(Grand Canyon Village). It is from this place that the path of the park originates. Bright Angel Trail (Bright Angel Trail).
The park has developed many trails (paths and routes), both on foot and on a free shuttle bus, which makes stops in the most interesting places . On the territory of the canyon there are several tourist centers that will help you decide on the route, as well as souvenir shops from which you can bring home a memorable gift. For more information about the canyon, visit Geological Museum(Yavapai Geology Museum), watch an interesting movie in Kolb Studio.
Each trail is unique. For example, Rim Trail, 20 km long, makes it possible to admire the canyon from a height. Trail of Time introduce you to the timestamps of the canyon, you will see the rocks, stones and minerals of the Grand Canyon, trace its history.
North Rim(Grand Canyon North Rim) is less popular with tourists due to the fact that from October to May the roads to it are covered with snow. Therefore, tourists are poisoned at this time of the year not by car, but by skiing or on foot. But it is very beautiful, although many objects are closed to the public in winter.
What else to do in the Grand Canyon?
Beyond Beauty Grand Canyon here you can get acquainted with the life of the Indians, in some places they even arrange theatrical shows for tourists. There is also an ancient ranch with horses and a layout of the city from the time of the "Gold Rush" with wooden houses and taverns - a real Wild West.
In the historical part Grand Canyon Village there is an ancient railway station and a wooden railway station, which operates to this day. In general, the village has many historical buildings, including the Bucky O'Neill House and the old El Tovar Hotel.
For 300-400 dollars, rent a helicopter and go on an air trip through the canyon. We advise extreme seekers to go on an inflatable boat on the Colorado River. A special tourist program has also been developed - descent to the bottom of the canyon on mules.
Viewpoints of the Grand Canyon
There are several of them here. You can move from one observation deck to another on a shuttle bus. In South Rim, lookouts are located along two routes: Hermits Rest Road and Desert View Drive. These are places where tourist centers and catering places, shops and campsites are located. There you can rest, spend the night and prepare for further exploration of the Grand Canyon. So, the first acquaintance with the Grand Canyon in the South Rim begins with Mather Point(Motherpoint). It offers endless panoramic views, radiating grandeur and tranquility, its colors. These yellow, orange, brown and red layers make the canyon look like a huge colorful cake.
WITH Trailview Overlook offers views of the village and the Bright Angel Trail. Observation deck Maricopa Point offers to consider the unusual rocky forms of the canyon, which nature itself masterfully created. Endless panoramic views of the labyrinths of the canyon opens Powell Point. WITH Hopi Point or Grandview Point it is customary to meet sunsets and sunrises, to watch how the gorge and the stream of the river play with colors, carrying stones and boulders. From the observation deck Ze Abbis you will see the canyon in a vertical section, all its depth. On Pima Point Great view of the Colorado River. It is so quiet there that you can even hear the river running.
The most popular site for tourists is skywalk(Skywalk) . It has the shape of a horseshoe and is made of glass. Walking along it, it seems that you are floating in the air above the canyon. An exciting spectacle! But it is paid ($ 90), besides, it is forbidden to take pictures and shoot on it.
Tourist Information
- - You can get to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas or Phoenix airports by transferring to a domestic flight to the Grand Canyon National Airport (in the village of Tusayan). Also, travel companies in these cities offer bus trips to South Rim and North Rim. From the city of Williams, you can also take the train to the Grand Canyon Village, which runs daily.
- - You can stay in the Grand Canyon in one of the hotels by booking it on the corresponding website.
- - if you are traveling to the Grand Canyon by car, you will have to pay $25 to enter the canyon. The ticket is valid for a week and includes both parts of the canyon. Entrance for hikers and cyclists - $12. Children under 15 are admitted free.
- - Free shuttle buses run along the South Rim, which stop at the points indicated in the routes (usually at viewing platforms). Between South Rim and North Rim, the bus runs once a day. The one-way trip is 4.5 hours, and the ticket is booked in advance.
Grand Canyon in the USA- a unique phenomenon of nature, to observe which the honor fell to man. This is exactly the place on Earth where nature shows its power and beauty, its greatness and eternity, compared to a short human life. This miracle of nature in the USA cannot be ignored!
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The Grand Canyon is located in northern Arizona and is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the United States. The huge gorge includes several different areas. The largest section of the gorge is part of the Grand Canyon National Park. The park is divided into two main areas: the outlying North Rim and the more accessible (and therefore more visited) South Rim. The smaller, southwestern part of the canyon lies within two Indian reservations: the Havasupai and the Walapai. All areas of the canyon have their own special attractions and offer their visitors various types of recreation, but the national park, primarily the South Rim, is by far the most popular place to visit, receiving millions of tourists every year.
There are many other canyons on the planet. Some are larger, others wider, others deeper. Visitors are often surprised to learn that the Grand Canyon is far from being the largest, deepest, and widest canyon in the world. However, most consider it the most "grand". Its greatness makes one think about the role of man in the natural world. Only here comes the realization of how insignificant human history is compared to the millions of years that formed its monolithic walls.
Geology
The Grand Canyon reveals to us several eras of the Earth's geological history, a wide range of geological features and is considered the most striking example of erosion processes on our planet. Within the walls of the canyon, geologists have identified almost 40 layers of sedimentary rocks ranging in age from about 270 million years to about 1 billion 840 million years. Most of the rocks were deposited in warm, shallow seas near ancient, long-vanished seashores in western North America. Marine and terrestrial deposits are clearly represented, including the fossilized dunes of vanished deserts. The canyon walls display a virtually intact cross-section of the earth's crust, various geological features and rock types, with fossils embedded in many rock layers, testifying to how life has changed over nearly two billion years.
The uplift of a piece of land at the site of the modern canyon began about 75 million years ago. In total, the Colorado Plateau has risen to a height of about 3.2 km. As a result of the stretching of the earth's crust, about 18 million years ago, a huge depression began to form. The pre-existing river system began to drain into this huge depression. With the formation of the Gulf of California about 6 million years ago, the Colorado River began to lay its course in the northeastern part of the bay, along with its tributaries, carving the Grand Canyon.
The humid climate caused by the ice age about 2 million years ago greatly accelerated the formation of the Grand Canyon, which was almost as deep 1.2 million years ago as it is now. Volcanic activity 1.8 million - 500,000 years ago raised layers of lava to the surface. Lava flows formed at least 13 dams that temporarily blocked the Colorado River, forming lakes up to 610 m deep. The Colorado River acted like a grinding tool. She transported with her millions of tons of silt, pebbles and gravel, which carved layers of limestone, sandstone, clay, granite, shale and other sedimentary rocks on their way. Thus, the Colorado River has carved out nearly 2 billion years of Earth's geological history. The end of the last ice age and subsequent human activity has greatly reduced the ability of the Colorado River to deepen the canyon further. The construction of the Glen Canyon Dam upstream significantly slowed the transport of sediment to the Gulf of California.
The clear layout of the layers of the earth's crust of the Grand Canyon has attracted geologists from all over the world. Important scientific discoveries have been made here that have helped to better understand how our planet was created and how it continues to change. Scientists continue to investigate the influence of the environment on the formation of sedimentary rocks. Perhaps the biggest question of all, how the Colorado River chose this course and began carving the canyon, still awaits a clear answer.
Statistics
Size of the Grand Canyon within the national park: 487,350 hectares (4,950 km2);
Length: 433 km;
Width: minimum 180 meters, average 16 km, maximum 28.8 km;
Average depth: 1.6 km;
The height of the edge of the canyon: South Rim -2100 m, North Rim - 2400 m.
But it is not these statistics that determine the grandiose landscape, but a combination of several factors. The lack of sustained humidity has created a landscape of mostly bare rocks. The desert environment and lack of grass cover reveal the earth's geological history like no other place on earth. Nowhere else in the world does the Earth show so much of the planet's geological history in such perfect condition, with no visible signs of wear and tear. As a result, the canyon offers us some of the most magnificent and unsurpassed landscapes on the planet.
History of the Grand Canyon
What is South Rim and North Rim?
The Grand Canyon National Park is divided into the South Rim and the North Rim. The barrier is created by the Colorado River, which divides the park into two parts. There are two ways to get from one part of the park to another: on foot or by car (bus).
Two trails (North Kaibab Trails and South Kaibab Trails) 34 km long connect both parts of the park along the Kaibab Suspension Bridge over the Colorado River. This 1.6 km vertical descent and 1.6 km end-to-end hike includes an overnight stay for 99.5% of the national park's tourists.
Traveling by car from South Rim to North Rim is 354 km (five hours drive). The canyon is crossed over the Navajo Bridge a few kilometers from the historic Lees Ferry, where the canyon is only 122m wide. The entrance to the North Rim is located 48 km south of the small town of Jacob Lake on Highway 67, then you still have to drive an additional 22 km to the rim of the Grand Canyon.
The landscape, climate and vegetation differ markedly between north and south due to the difference in altitude. It's almost like two parks in one, it's impossible to see both sides of the canyon in one day.
South Rim
The South Rim is by far the most popular place to visit, receiving millions of tourists every year. South Rim is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All services for visitors: campsites, hotels, restaurants, etc. are available all year round. Here is the Grand Canyon Village, the center of which is included in the list of National Historic Monuments of the United States, there is a free public transport system, the main observation decks of the canyon and a number of historical buildings. Bookings are recommended during late spring, summer and early autumn - the peak tourist season. Some services are not available during winter.
North Rim
Only 10% of all visitors to the national park visit the North Rim or "the other side" of the Grand Canyon. There is only one cottage town (Grand Canyon Lodge, http://www.grandcanyonlodgenorth.com/) and one campground. Accommodation and camping in North Rim is available from mid-May to mid-October.
With an average altitude of 2438 m above sea level, the North Rim is 305 m higher than the South Rim. Heavy snow often completely blocks the road to the North Rim from late October to mid-May each year. Therefore, the road to North Rim is open only during the summer (from about May 15 until the first snowfall), and all park facilities usually close by October 15, regardless of the weather (for some period, the North Rim road may be open to the public with limited set of services). With far fewer visitors, this area of the park makes for a great place to enjoy the peace and majesty of the canyon. Main observation decks: Bright Angel Point (Bright Angel Point), Cape Royal (Cape Royal) and Point Imperial (Point Imperial, the highest observation deck in the park).
In the winter, when North Rim is closed, the only access to the national park is on foot or skis. Skiers and walkers are allowed to use the park's campgrounds during the winter months if they have obtained a park permit through the Backcountry Information Center.
Grand Canyon Village and its historic buildings
Grand Canyon Village(Grand Canyon Village) is the center of tourist activity and the transport hub of the national park in South Rim. The population according to the 2010 census was 2004 inhabitants. Located on the territory of the national park, the village is fully focused on serving tourists. The park's most popular trail, the Bright Angel Trail, originates from it. This community is the only place where the railroad reaches the edge of the canyon. The origins of this village date back to the construction of the railroad from Williams to South Rim in 1901. Many of the buildings in use today date from that period. The village has many historic buildings, and its historic center is listed as a National Historic Landmark in the United States.
Lookout Studio(Lookout Studio) was built in 1914 by the architect Colter, using local types of stone to harmonize with the environment. The building is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places. The studio offers a beautiful panorama of the gorge, has an exhibition of photographs and books about the canyon. Currently, it works as a souvenir shop and an observation platform. Telescopes for observing the canyon are installed on the open terrace.
Hopi House(Hopi House) - another building designed by the architect Colter, designed in the style of traditional pueblo dwellings. At the end of the 19th century, all Indian tribes were on reservations. Many Americans at the time believed that in the near future, all native Indians would completely disappear due to disease and assimilation into the white population. Some travel companies, especially in the American Southwest, began to encourage wealthy travelers to come and see these Indians before they became a "vanished nation". By the standards of the 19th century, the Hopi tribes were considered "civilized" because they lived in permanent stone houses, possessed sophisticated arts and crafts, and were also "peaceful". To capitalize on this tourist interest, the Santa Fe Railroad built the Hopi House on South Rim where visitors could watch Hopi artisans at work and buy their products. Today, the interior houses shops, exhibitions and a museum.
Grand Canyon Train Station(Grand Canyon Railway Depot) - a historic railway station built of wood and located in the historic center of the village of Grand Canyon Village. The train station was built in 1909-1910 by the Santa Fe Company. It is one of only three remaining train stations in the United States built with wood logs as its main material. The station is located 100 meters from the edge of the canyon, opposite the El Tovar Hotel. The station is listed on the US National Register of Historic Landmarks. For over 100 years, the station has served as the arrival and departure point for millions of Grand Canyon tourists. This is a functioning railway station to this day.
kolbStudio(Kolb Studio). Built in 1904, the building functioned as one of the first tourist and commercial facilities in the canyon. The Kolb Studio was the residence of the Kolb brothers, as well as their photo lab, studio, and showroom for film and slideshow screenings. The Kolb brothers built the studio on the very edge of the South Rim, where the popular Bright Angel Trail begins. Photographing visitors as they made their way down the canyon, the Kolb brothers made a living. In 1911 they filmed their trip down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon and showed the film regularly in their studio. Today, the building houses an art gallery, book and gift shop, and the building is included in the list of National Historic Monuments of the United States.
Yavapai Geology Museum(Yavapai Museum of Geology). How old is the canyon? How is he educated? Exhibits at the Yavapai Museum of Geology will answer these and other questions. The museum is located 1.6 km from Market Plaza. The exhibition includes 3D models, photographs and interpretive panels to see and understand the area's complex geological history. Exhibits explain the deposition of rock layers, the uplift of the Colorado Plateau, and the carving process of the Grand Canyon. The museum is a great place to look for souvenirs and watch the panoramas of the canyon. Opening hours: daily from 8:00 - 19:00. Near the Yavapai Museum of Geology is the Yavapai Point observation deck.
Bucky O'Neal's house(Buckey O "Neill Cabin) was built in 1890 by William O" Neill. The one-story wooden house is the oldest surviving building on South Rim. The premises were used as the first accommodation for tourists in the 1890s. Since 1935, the Bucky O'Neal House has been included in the Bright Angel Lodge hotel complex. Since October 29, 1975, it has been on the US National Register of Historic Places.
Hotel El Tovar(El Tovar Hotel) is located directly on the southernmost rim of the Grand Canyon next to the train station. Built in 1905, 6 meters from the edge of the gorge, this hotel provided a high level of comfort and luxury (like a modern resort complex). El Tovar was one of the first such hotels in the national parks, designed to stimulate the flow of tourists to relax in beautiful places. It has been on the National Register of Historic Places since September 6, 1974.
Mather Point(Motherpoint). Most visitors to the South Rim get their first panorama of the Grand Canyon from Mather Point. While other viewpoints offer more spectacular scenery, Mather Point is the most popular option as it is closer to the national park entrance and within walking distance of the Information Center. The viewing area is quite extensive - the observation deck has two narrow fenced ledges that open up a wide panorama in both directions.
Market Plaza serves as the shopping center for the community of Grand Canyon Village. Here you will find supermarkets and shops, a bank, a post office and cafes. Market Plaza has a large parking lot, and its location in the center of the village allows you to leave your car here and use the park's free buses. Full service, grocery and department stores with clothing, souvenirs, rental equipment for camping and hiking in the canyon. Open daily, year round, from 8 am to 7 pm (Additional opening hours vary seasonally.)
Viewpoints of the Grand Canyon
South Rim lookouts are located along two main roads: Hermits Rest Road and Desert View Drive
Hermits Rest Road
The Hermits Rest Road (also called the West Drive Rim) stretches 11 km from the Hermits Rest Transfer stop near the Grand Canyon Information Center to the Hermits Rest terminus. There are nine lookouts along the edge of the canyon. This extremely popular route has free national park buses and commercial bus tours. Private car traffic on this road is only possible in December, January and February.
Parallel to Hermit Rest Road, a 12.6 km long hiking and cycling trail runs along the edge of the canyon. It makes it possible to independently travel between observation platforms and find additional observation points. The main viewing platforms are as follows:
Trailview Overlook(Trailview Overlook). This viewpoint is located 1.1 km from the Hermits Rest Transfer bus start stop. From here, you get a good view of the Bright Angel Trail (one of the most popular trails for walking and mule descent into the canyon) and the Grand Canyon Village Historic District.
Maricopa Point(Maricopa Point). In addition to stunning scenery, Maricopa Point overlooks the former remains of the Orphan Mine. Founded in 1893, the mine at various times mined copper, silver and vanadium, and from 1956 to 1969 was the largest uranium mine in the United States. At that time, the mine was the richest source of uranium mining in the entire United States.
Powell Point(Powell Point) - another narrow ledge along the road, where a granite monument to John Wesley Powell is erected in honor of his two expeditions on the Colorado River in 1869 and 1872. The observation deck is only a 10-minute walk through the pine forest from Maricopa Point, past the Orphan Mine, so many tourists walk and then take the bus. The panorama of the canyon is very similar to Maricopa Point.
Hopi Point(Hopi Point) is one of the most popular viewpoints for watching sunset and sunrise because of its wide panorama of the gorge. From here you can see the Colorado River to the west. Hopi Point is the northernmost ledge in this part of the South Rim, and the first observation platform that opens up 20 km of the western section of the Grand Canyon.
Mojave Point(Mohave Point). Another spectacular observation platform for watching the sunset and sunrise. Mohave Point offers a panorama of the Colorado River and an almost vertical, 900 m cliff of the neighboring Abyss observation deck.
ebiss(Abyss). Most of the viewpoints on South Rim are ledges. Abyss is a depression, but the panorama is no less beautiful here. Here you will get a real feeling of the depth of the Grand Canyon, the vertical wall of the gorge breaks down for 900 meters. The edge of the canyon here is covered with a rather dense forest.
Pima Point(Pima Point) offers the best panorama of the Colorado River. From here a good panorama of the small and large rapids of the Colorado River opens up, and you can even hear the roar of water on these rapids.
Hermit Rest(Hermits Rest). Mary Colter, one of the Grand Canyon's most famous architects, built Hermits Rest (translated as "hermits' rest") in 1914. Colter attempted to give it the characteristic design of an old prospector's lodge by building it from local stone and wood. Today, Hermits Rest houses a souvenir shop and a small cafe. Not far from this terminus, the Hermit Trail begins.
Although the paved Hermits Rest Road ends at the Hermit's Rest stop, several forest trails along the edge of the gorge follow 20 km further west, from where other panoramic views of the canyon open up. Two lookouts west of Hermits Rest (Yuma and Cocopa) can reach in one day hike.
Desert View Drive Road
Desert View Drive (also called East Rim Drive) stretches 42 km from Grand Canyon Village to the Desert View Watchtower and the eastern entrance to the national park. Named after the Desert View Watchtower, the road includes visits to the following points of interest.
Yaki Point(Yaki Point) and Grandview Point (Grandview Point). The eastern lookouts of the canyon along Desert View Drive are much less visited than the western ones, with the exception of Yaki Point. The small car park at the edge of the canyon couldn't handle the increased traffic, so all private cars are banned from entering. You can visit it either on foot or by bus. The free Kaibab Rim Route national park bus departs from the Grand Canyon Information Center.
grandview point(Grandview Point). It is South Rim's southernmost viewpoint and is 1.5 km away from the road and offers a panoramic view of the Grand Canyon from east to west. This is where the historic Grandview Trail begins.
Moran Point(Moran Point). There is a short side road leading to this viewpoint from Desert View Drive. The site is named after the landscape painter Thomas Moran, who took part in a scientific expedition down the Colorado River in 1873 and helped popularize the canyon, which eventually led to the founding of the National Monument in 1908 and the National Park in 1919. Drawn by Moran in In 1873, a painting of the Grand Canyon was bought and hung on a wall in the US Congress.
Navajo Point(Navajo Point) offers panoramic views of the canyon and the Colorado River. Navajo Point is the highest observation deck on South Rim (with the exception of the top floor of the Watchtower). Navajo Point is just a kilometer west of the Desert View Watchtower and offers an alternative panorama of the sharp bend in the Colorado River.
Ruins of Tusayan(Tusayan Ruin). The long human history of the Grand Canyon is illustrated by the Tusayan Ruin. A visit to these ruins and the nearby museum gives an insight into how the Pueblo Indians lived here about 800 years ago. The Tusayan ruins are located 5 km west of the Desert View Watchtower, open daily from 9:00 to 17:00. The entrance is free. A visit to the ruins and the museum with park rangers is available daily.
Desert View Watchtower(also called the Indian Watchtower) is located 32 km east of the village of Grand Canyon Village, near the eastern entrance to the national park. Built in 1932, the four-story tower was designed by renowned American architect Mary Colter as a replica of a prehistoric Indian tower. This 21 meter tower is the highest point on the South Rim. On the lower floor of the tower there is a souvenir shop, a cafe, and its upper floors serve as observation platforms that offer a beautiful panorama of the canyon and the Colorado River. The interior walls of the tower are adorned with frescoes by artist Fred Caboty. Since May 28, 1987, the tower has been listed as a National Historic Landmark in the United States.
North Rim lookouts
Bright Angel Point(Bright Angel Point) is by far the most popular observation deck in North Rim. The reason for this popularity is in geography - the Grand Canyon Lodge (the only place to stay in North Rim) and the North Rim Visitor Center are nearby. Most visitors simply have nowhere to go, as other viewpoints are along the road, which must be reached by car or bus, and can be reached on foot. A 1 km trail leads from the Grand Canyon Lodge to the observation deck, which offers a classic view of the canyon. Park rangers patrol the short trail on busy summer days, offering drinking water to thirsty visitors.
Imperial Point(Point Imperial) and Cape Royal(Cape Royal). At 2,683m, Point Imperial is the highest viewpoint on the North Rim, with a beautiful wide panorama of the eastern Grand Canyon.
Cape Royal(Cape Royal) is the southernmost viewpoint on the North Rim, offering the widest view of the Grand Canyon of any other location in the national park. With unrestricted views to the east and west, this is a popular spot for sunrise and sunset. The wide turn of the Colorado River is visible through a natural arch called the Angels Window (see photo). Cape Royal is 24 km from North Rim Information Centre. The road ends at a large parking lot, from where a 0.8 km trail leads to the edge of the canyon. From here you can see the Desert View Watchtower on the opposite edge of the canyon on the South Rim.
Thorovip Overlook(Toroweap Overlook). Some call this place Toroweap, others Tuweep. This is the most remote area of the Grand Canyon National Park. To get to Toroweap, you need to travel an additional 2.5 hours from the North Rim Information Center. This site is located at an altitude of 914 m, so snow rarely falls here. Unlike the North Rim, the road to Toroweap is open year-round but can be impassable after heavy rainfall. Check with the National Park Rangers for road conditions first.
The park ranger station is open year-round and is about a thirty-minute drive from the canyon. Hiking trail information and site permits can be obtained from this ranger station. If you are in Las Vegas, use Pink Jeep Tours to visit this place, www.pinkjeeptours.com
Phantom Ranch
Phantom Ranch is a small resort village at the very bottom of the gorge in the Grand Canyon National Park. It is located on the north side of the Colorado River, near the confluence of two small rivers: Phantom Creek and Bright Angel Creek.
As the popularity of the Grand Canyon grew, so did the popularity of the Phantom Ranch. On the Easter weekend of 1964, about 1,000 people spent the night there. Since then, the National Park Service has introduced a permit system for the right to stay overnight. The ranch continues to be one of the most popular national park destinations in the US, with rooms often booked up to a year in advance.
The Phantom Ranch includes cottages, two male and female dorms, a restaurant (serves only those who order meals in advance), a mule pen, an emergency room, a ranger station, a campground (Bright Angel Campground), a beach that often visited by participants in rafting tours on the Colorado River. The houses were built using local stone and unhewn wood. The only way to get to the ranch is by walking the trail (or riding mules) and the Colorado River. Several interconnected trails pass by. Located near the ranch, the bridge is the only bridge on the Colorado River within 230 km.
Phantom Ranch is one of only two places in the US whose mail is still delivered by mule (the other is Supai).
Tours by local tour operators
How to get around the national park
Grand Canyon National Park has a free public transportation system on the South Rim. To facilitate your visit to the national park, leave your car in the car park at the Visitor Center and use the free shuttle bus to get around. No tickets required, bus stops are clearly marked throughout the park with signs. Take the free newspaper The Guide at the entrance to the park, it has a map of all car parks.
Please note that several viewpoints in the park have little or no car parking and can only be reached by public transport. Buses usually run from sunrise to sunset, depending on the route. Transport runs more often from May to September. In addition, park buses serve the route between Tusayan and the national park during the summer. Located 3 km from the southern entrance to the Grand Canyon National Park, this small village is most often used by tourists for living.
Village Route(50 minutes round trip). The Village Route Bus connects cottages, campground, restaurants and shops to the Market Plaza and Visitor Center. It's not a scenic route, but the canyon's lookouts are within walking distance of some of the stops.
Scenic routes:
Kaibab/Rim Route(50 minutes round trip). Stops at 5 places: Visitor Center, South Kaibab Trailhead, Yaki Point, Yavapai Geology Museum, Mother Point.
Hermits Rest Road(80 minutes round trip). The Hermits Rest Road bus runs from a stop called Hermits Rest Transfer to Hermits Rest with stops near 9 lookouts. This 11 km route is operated by buses from 1 March to 30 November. There are no buses in December, January and February.
On this route, you can get off at any stop, walk along the edge of the canyon on foot to the next bus stop and continue on. If you like walking, take food and water in your backpack and get off at the last bus stop (Hermit's Rest). The 12.8 km Rim Trail begins there, leading back to the village of Grand Canyon Village.
If you like cycling, Hermit Rest Road is the best cycling road in the national park. Compared to most roads, this road has much less vehicular traffic as private vehicles are banned from driving 9 months of the year (March 1 to November 30).
Tusayan Route(40 minutes round trip). This bus runs between Tusayan Village, Grand Canyon National Park Airport, and the National Park Visitor Center. The route is 11 km long. The first bus leaves for Tusayan at 8 am from the IMAX Theater. The first bus to Grand Canyon National Park leaves at 8:40. The last buses from both opposite stops of the route leave at 21:30.
Visitors entering the national park from the Tusayan village by bus must present a ticket. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance to the park or at various outlets in the Tusayan village.
Hiker's Express. The morning bus (at 8 and 9 a.m.) departs for the start of the South Kaibab Trailhead. The bus departs from Bright Angel Lodge Cottages, second stop at the Backcountry Information Center; third stop at the Information Center, last stop at the South Kaibab Trailhead.
Bus Trans-Canyon Shuttle(www.trans-canyonshuttle.com) runs between South Rim and North Rim once a day in each direction, travel time is approximately 4.5 hours one way. These are the only regular flights between the northern and southern parts of the park.
The bus leaves North Rim at 07:00 and arrives South Rim at 12:00
The bus leaves South Rim at 13:30 and arrives back in North Rim at 18:30
You must pre-book a seat on the bus. This can be done by calling 1-928-638-2820. Buses run from 15 May to 15 October, with limited service between 16 October and 31 October. This is the only way to travel between the two parts of the canyon (besides hiking through the gorge floor and driving).
On request, bus services between North Rim and South Rim are provided by the Grand Canyon Shuttle Service (www.grandcanyonshuttles.com). It offers visitors an itinerary of trips tailored to their interests.
Taxi service. Xanterra South Rim operates a taxi service between Grand Canyon National Airport, hotels in Tusayan Village and Grand Canyon Village. Phone 1-928-638-2822
Ticket
All private vehicles entering Grand Canyon National Park must pay a $25 entry fee and the ticket is valid for seven days. The fee for pedestrians or cyclists is $12, and the ticket is also valid for seven days. Exceptions are holders of the Annual Pass ($80 ticket valid for one year), Senior Pass ($10, valid for life, available to US citizens 62 years and older) or Access Pass (free, available only to disabled US citizens). Persons 15 years and under are admitted free. The national park admission fee includes both parts: the South Rim and the North Rim. Refunds due to adverse weather conditions are not provided.
information centers
Grand Canyon Information Center(Grand Canyon Visitor Center) provides a lot of useful information about the national park, where to go, what to do, how to relax, tours, trails, lookouts, weather, national park ranger programs and other useful information. You can watch the film Grand Canyon: A Journey of Wonder for 20 minutes. The Visitor Center is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily, accessible by free shuttle bus from Grand Canyon Village or Market Square. Following the pedestrian signs, you can walk to the Mather Point lookout (or take the free park bus) for a beautiful view of the canyon. Many visitors choose to park their vehicles in one of the 4 parking lots near the Information Center and then use the free shuttles to get around Grand Canyon Village and the viewpoints.
Located near the Information Center, Bicycle rental services (www.bikegrandcanyon.com) offers guided bike tours from April 1st to October 31st (other days weather permitting). Visit their cafe-bar, the menu is aimed at tourists, cyclists and walkers. The cafe is open all year round.
North Rim Information Center(North Rim Visitor Center) is located next to the Grand Canyon Lodge and Bright Angel Point observation deck. Here you can get the necessary information, maps, brochures, information about hiking along the park's trails, weather conditions, the schedule of the park familiarization programs. Talk to the national park rangers, they will always answer your questions. The North Rim Information Center is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm from mid-May to mid-October.
Other areas of the Grand Canyon
havasupai indian reservation
To the southwest of the national park is the Havasupai Indian Reservation (www.havasupai-nsn.gov). The Havasupai tribe is the smallest nation among all the indigenous peoples of America, their number does not exceed 650 people. The Havasupai have lived in and around the Grand Canyon for over 700 years. Traditionally, the Havasupai cultivated the gorge in summer and hunted on the upper plateau in winter.
In 1882, US President Chester Arthur issued an executive order depriving the United States of all land on the plateau (which the Havasupai had traditionally used for their winter stay). As a result of the decree, the Havasupai lost 90% of their ancestral lands. In 1975, the US Congress decided to return 75,000 hectares of their ancestral land to the Havasupai - the largest area of land ever returned to a single tribe.
Impressive waterfalls, especially the Havasu Falls, are the main attraction of this part of the canyon. The Havasupai live in the small village of Supai. The road to the village of Supai is along a 12.5 km long trail, they get there on foot, on horseback and mules (4 times a week by helicopter). The trail starts at the top of the plateau at Hualapai Hilltop. The nearest city to travel there is Peach Springs, Arizona, 106 km southwest of Hualapai Hilltop. Hiking from Hualapai Hilltop to the village of Supai and to the waterfalls in one day is almost impossible to do. At least one overnight stay is recommended. It offers tourists cottages, a cafe and a shop. You can book tours to the waterfalls on this website www.havasupaifalls.net
Walapai Indian Reservation
The Walapai have lived in the southwestern Grand Canyon for centuries. The Hualapai Indian Reservation, with an area of 404,868 hectares, was established in 1883. Today the tribe has about 2,300 members. The Tribal Council of the tribe is located in the city of Peach Springs (Peach Springs). The Walapai are engaged in cattle breeding, logging and hunting, but tourism is the most important branch of the economy. The tribe has chosen a location in the far southwest corner of the Grand Canyon (near Lake Mead and Las Vegas) for a range of tourism services.
skywalk
In 2007, Skywalk was built - the highest observation deck in the world. Skywalk is a U-shaped glass platform in the form of a horseshoe, protruding 21 meters to the side above the gorge. The glass platform allows you to walk and look into the abyss of the canyon through the transparent floor. Called one of the greatest engineering marvels, the platform weighs around 500 tons but has no visible supports from above or below. Constructed using 10 cm thick glass, it is held together by huge bolts driven in to a depth of 14 meters.
Many visitors to Skywalk are unlikely to be happy to learn that the total cost of walking on a horseshoe is about $90 per person, while taking cameras with you and taking photos is prohibited. The official reason for the ban is to protect the surface of the glass from potential damage. This rule is strictly enforced with the help of security guards and metal detectors, cameras and other personal belongings must be left in the lockers. Photos of tourists on Skywalk are taken from the edge of the canyon by professional photographers for an additional fee. It is worth noting that the canyon in this place is not as deep, wide and spectacular as in the eastern regions of the national park.
The closest way to Skywalk is from Las Vegas (190 km), Nevada, or Kingman, Arizona, along Highway 93 (Highway 93). The last 16 km on a dirt road (Diamond Bar Road) from the city of Dolan Springs (Dolan Springs).
Flora and fauna
Most of the animals in the canyon are either nocturnal (active at night) or crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk). Staying in hiding during the day allows them to avoid the scorching sun, thereby reducing their water requirements, allowing them to feed and hunt without overheating. They all have special safety mechanisms to survive this harsh environment.
Perhaps the park's most famous bird is the California condor. It is the largest bird in North America with a wingspan of up to 3 m and a weight of up to 14 kg. They are sometimes seen near the Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim. Other bird species include canyon wren, Steller's black-headed blue jay, swallows, hummingbirds, crows.
The lush vegetation along the shores of the Colorado River creates good habitat for birds in a relatively small area. Of the 373 bird species found in the Grand Canyon region, 250 are found in the Colorado River corridor.
Black-tailed deer are often seen. Large elks live in the national park and in the neighboring Kaibab National Forest. Bighorn sheep are also sporadic, mostly in the interior of the canyon.
You will often spot coyotes in different areas of the gorge. Other predators are represented by mountain lions and bobcats. Black bears are rare and they tend to stay away from populated areas.
Visitors' favorite is the North American squirrel. She seems tame and begs to get food. But don't be tempted - squirrel bites are among the most common injuries in the park.
You may also see the striped skunk and, if you're lucky, the rare spotted skunk (generally at lower altitudes). Skunks are also used to people and may seem tame, but they will react like all skunks do, so don't get too close to them.
The reptile family is represented by many small lizards and several snakes. The most notable of these is the rattlesnake.
Don't feed animals. It's bad for them, and it might be bad for you. It seems that hand squirrels can bite, and they are carriers of dangerous diseases. Stay away from deer and elk. Animals may suddenly pounce if they notice the close presence of a person.
Statistics
373 bird species;
91 species of mammals;
17 species of fish;
57 species of reptiles and amphibians;
8,480 known species of invertebrates;
23 exotic (non-native) animal species;
20 endemic animal species.
Endangered Animal Species:
Grizzly bear, black-footed ferret, gray wolf, jaguar, leopard frog, river otter.
Endangered:
Animals: Californian condor, Mexican spotted owl, crackling shepherd (bird), western desert gopher (land tortoise species).
The park includes several major ecosystems. Its great biodiversity is due to the presence of five of the seven vegetation zones and three of the four North American desert types. It's like traveling from Mexico to Canada. The park preserves relatively undisturbed areas of ecosystems (such as boreal forests and coastal deserts). It is home to numerous rare, endemic (found only in the Grand Canyon), as well as specially protected (endangered) species of plants and animals.
There are approximately 1,737 known vascular plant species, 167 fungal species, 64 moss species, and 195 lichen species in Grand Canyon National Park. This diversity is largely due to the elevation difference: from the river to the heights on the edge of the North Rim (2440 m). The forest grows at higher elevations, and at lower altitudes the landscape consists of a number of desert areas.
Climate
Ranging from 760m to over 2440m, the temperature and weather in Grand Canyon National Park largely depend on location. Temperatures at the edge of the South Rim are 11-16°C cooler than down by the river. This is a region of extremes. It can snow on the edge of the canyon, and you can sunbathe on the river bank below. On the contrary, it can be cool and comfortable on the edge in summer, and the temperature below the river can exceed + 49 °C. Summer thunderstorms and snowfalls in winter add to the weather diversity of this region.
Summer. Summer high temperatures range from +27 + 32 ° C on the South Rim (altitude 2135 m) to over +38 ° C on the river near Phantom Ranch (altitude 762 m). The high summer temperatures on the North Rim tend to be cooler than on the South Rim due to the increase in altitude (2440m), with highs around +21+26°C. The lowest temperatures in summer range from +4+15°C at the edge of South Rim to +16+26°C at Phantom Ranch. Thunderstorms and heavy rains are frequent during July, August and early September, sometimes with flash floods. Occasional thunderstorms with large hail and strong winds.
Autumn. Summer heat turns to cool, the average high temperature in the upper part of the canyon gradually decreases from +16 +21 °C in September to + 10 +15 °C along the river and from +32 +37 °C in September to about +21 °C in November . Low temperatures tend to drop below freezing at the upper rim of the canyon, but still remain warm +10-21°C along the river. Summer rains usually decrease in mid-September, and the weather is usually dry in the second half of autumn. But severe thunderstorms in late autumn can change the weather suddenly during this transitional season.
Winter. Winter at the top of the canyon can be quite harsh. Be prepared for snow, icy roads, trails and closed roads. Cold weather usually begins in November and consistently low temperatures occur at night in December and January. However, in the afternoon the sun warms the air up to + 4 +9 °C. In the canyon along the river, the average winter temperature is + 4 +15 °C, but sometimes drops to -1 +9 °C. Even with sunny weather, expect significant snowfall during the winter. On the upper edges of the gorge, on average, 1.3-2.5 m of snow falls annually, and sometimes the snow even reaches the river area. Snow on the highlands of the canyon falls until April. In winter and early spring, fog sometimes forms, but it dissipates quickly in the morning.
Spring. By mid-April, spring slowly begins to replace winter, although snow is not uncommon even in May. The winter cold gives way to warming and a pleasant spring period with an average high temperature gradually rises in the upper part of the canyon from +10 +21 °C in April to +21 +32 °C in early June, and in the Colorado River area from +27 +32 °С in April, up to almost +41 °C in early June. Sometimes the temperature can drop below zero in April and May and + 4 +9 °C in early June in the upper part of the canyon, and from +10 +15 °C in April to +21-26 °C in June along the Colorado River. Spring is generally dry with little rainfall. Due to the very dry air masses typical of late spring, night frosts are still possible.
How to get there
By plane. Most visitors to Grand Canyon National Park fly into one of two airports within a few hours of South Rim:
Las Vegas, McCarran International Airport, www.mccarran.com, the distance to South Rim is 443 km.
Phoenix, Sky Harbor International Airport, www.skyharbor.com, South Rim is 370 km away.
Grand Canyon National Park Airport (www.grandcanyonairport.org) is located in the village of Tusayan, 3 km from the southern entrance to the national park. It is primarily used by companies that provide helicopter and airplane tours. Vision Air (www.visionholidays.com) flies here from Las Vegas (from the second North Las Vegas Airport, www.vgt.aero).
By bus. There are currently no travel agencies offering simultaneous bus rides to South Rim and North Rim. Travel companies mainly offer trips to the South Rim from the cities of Flagstaff, Phoenix, Las Vegas.
Las Vegas Grand Canyon Tour offers bus trips from Las Vegas and a range of optional tours, www.lasvegasgrandcanyontour.com
All hotels near Grand Canyon National Park on booking.com using this link
Video of the Grand Canyon
