Arizona, the United States’ largest state gone largely unexplored, has many natural marvels worth visiting. One of the most popular and well-known is the Grand Canyon, National Park.

The Grand Canyon is a 277-mile-long crack in the earth, descending a depth of nearly 1 mile in some places and stretching 18 miles across at its widest point. The geological wonder attracts millions of tourists annually with its countless hiking trails, scenic views, and ancient history. You can’t afford to miss it! Find out why we recommend you visit ASAP with these 17 things to know before you go!

17 Things to Know Before Going to Grand Canyon

1) It’s easier than ever to get here from any major airport in America. The US’s largest international airport, the Phoenix-Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), has direct flights to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and other major cities.

2) It’s incredibly close to the city of Flagstaff. While it’s a 2-hour drive from Flagstaff, you can almost make it in 45 minutes or less by taking I-40 West and following signs for the Grand Canyon National Park.

3) One of the most key aspects of this area is how temperamental Arizona weather can be. The summer months are hot and dry, with high temperatures reaching 114 degrees Fahrenheit; the winter months are cold and rainy, with temperatures dropping well below freezing at night. Always check the weather before you go.

4) If you’re planning on taking a guided tour inside the canyon, ask whether they offer half or full-day Grand Canyon Tour instead of the usual full-day tours. Several offer long day trips, so you may be able to save money if you choose to take a shorter tour.

5) If you’re visiting the South Rim and want to see the canyon from a different perspective, consider taking one of the helicopter tours. You’ll see something different but be prepared for some bumpy rides. Several companies offer such tours as part of their regular service.

6) The park provides a wide range of facilities for visitors. You can camp under the stars on Grand Canyon National Park’s RV campgrounds with full-service restrooms, shower houses, and laundry facilities, or choose between more than 200 wooden lodges and historic hotels with restaurants, bars, shops, and spas. There are also several family campsites to keep kids entertained. If you prefer to stay in a hotel room but don’t want to deal with a noisy hotel lobby or road noise from your vehicle all day long, book your room at the Mather Campground along the South Rim’s Bright Angel Trail. Campground facilities include:

• Full-service restrooms and shower houses
• Firewood sales and outdoor grills
• Water, a dump station, and a car wash are available at this campground.

7) You’re guaranteed to see some of the most spectacular views of nature. As you hike along the Grand Canyon National Park trails, you’ll be overcome with awe as you get eye-level sightings of several canyons. Start your journey on Bright Angel Trail with views of Bright Angel Creek or Roaring Springs. You can also choose to start at the Desert View and South Kaibab trails, continuing to Mather Campground or Hermit’s Rest.

The red rocks you see today have eroded, leaving some exposed as small statues and other remnants that you’ll love getting photos of, especially if it’s fang-tastic on your camera flash!

8) You can see some of the oldest rock formations in North America. These rock layers are millions of years old and are called the Grand Canyon Supergroup.

9) There are so many hiking trails through the park that you won’t run out of options before returning home to your car. You can choose 1-mile, 2-mile, 4-mile, 6-mile, 8.5-mile, or 15-mile roundtrip hikes along the Bright Angel Trail or any other park trails. You can even take a ranger-guided trip through the Grand Canyon to see more of its features and history during one of its guided hikes.

10) You can also go on ranger-led or guided day treks through the inner canyon to see some controversial sites that you might otherwise get to see only if you had free access to Painted Desert. Besides seeing ATVs pass by along your hike, you’ll also get a great view of the Indian Garden and Eagle Point.

11) It’s home to more than 1,200 plant species and more than 300 different animal species. Suppose you wish to do bird watching during your trip, head down to the bottom of the canyon at Desert View or Mather Campground. Here you’ll see many types of birds that are only found in this area, including:

• Couch’s Kingbird (the fastest flier in North America!)
• Swainson’s Warbler (an endangered species!)
• Northern Parula Warbler (a songbird during its spring migration!)

12) The Grand Canyon National Park is home to two major Arizona rivers: The Colorado River and the Little Colorado River. The Grand Canyon formed from a collision between the Colorado Plateau and the Great Basin. A fourth river, the Mojave River, also flows through here. All of these rivers are popular for fishing.

13) It’s one of the most visited tourist destinations in Arizona. The park is open all year round, but it’s best to visit during spring or fall when summer temperatures are not so high, and springtime runs some of its most breathtaking waterfalls!

14) You can spend your entire trip exploring the park without even coming close to getting bored. There are more than 700,000 acres of protected land to explore all by yourself or in a group, making it one of the largest national parks in the world.

15) Most people living in Phoenix never even realize that such a massive wonder exists under their noses! If you’re looking for adventure, head out to the Grand Canyon. You’ll have an experience that is truly out of this world!

16) You can camp under the stars on your trip (but be prepared for some chilly nights!). If you’re more interested in staying in a hotel, plenty of them is along the rim! The Grand Canyon Lodge has been in operation since 1927. This place is decorated with Native American and Western art from artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe. Another popular place to stay in Hermit Road, which offers a variety of lodgings. If you want to spend less than $50 per night, stay at Mather Campground or Desert View Campground, located along the South Rim Trail. For $60-70 per night, you can stay at El Tovar, originally built in the 1930s and named after the mineralogist who discovered the area’s uranium deposits.

17) Grand Canyon National Park will give you a new perspective on life! You’ll see that nature is truly an amazing place to visit and explore. It’s one of America’s most spectacular and visited natural wonders! Check it out yourself because pictures don’t do it justice.

Tips and Tricks from Someone Who’s Been There

Grand Canyon National Park is open all year long, with unfavorable weather and temperatures at the bottom of the canyon peaking during summer. If you’re planning a trip to see this natural wonder in person, plan your hike based on how much time you’ll have in the park before it darkens. Each trail gets darker earlier than the next.

Try to hike early in the morning or late at night when the shortest trail is available, and don’t forget the important parts of your gear (sunscreen, water, and a hat).

Bring a flashlight for your hike, and do not touch the river ice! The ice is slippery, so wear gloves if you have any issues. It will leave black marks on your skin. The river also contains bacteria that cause flesh-eating infections.

The South Rim trails are slightly more challenging because of the elevation that causes heat exhaustion. Always wear a hat and bring more water than you think you’ll need if hiking here.

The North Kaibab Trail is shorter than the Bright Angel Trail, and these trails begin along Desert View. Its most popular features include views of Bright Angel Canyon, the White Trilobite species, and mine tunnels along the trail. There are parking spaces available if you’re willing to hike there.

Be sure to enjoy your Grand Canyon Tour for as long as possible! Don’t rush your hike, even though it’s tempting to get back into your vehicle when temperatures rise (which can be a problem if you don’t bring plenty of water).

The Grand Canyon is not only one of the biggest attractions in Arizona but also one of the biggest attractions in America… and the world! If you don’t have time to visit during the busy tourist season, however, I recommend you find a good tour company to help you make it happen! Check out our list of the best travel agencies in Flagstaff for some inspiration.

Apart from this, You can also consider and Alcatraz Tour as your next dream destinations as these are filled with adventure and unique experiences.

Ref: https://www.newsplana.com/15-interesting-things-to-know-before-visiting-arizonas-grand-canyon-national-park/