Grand Canyon：A River Valley Home to Extreme Sizes and Colorful Landscapes

The Grand Canyon comprises a collection of tourist attractions suitable for sightseeing and hiking activities. It caters to both avid adventurers as well as cautious historians. With multiple national parks and reserves open to the public, it is no wonder the Grand Canyon is an experience that cannot be comprehended in mere photographs.

1. Grand Canyon National Park

Showcasing the colorful and natural formations and erosions, the Grand Canyon National Park showcases the unique geological history found in the Grand Canyon. This park is divided into two major portions, namely, the North Rim, which is closed for the winter, and the South Rim which is open throughout the year. Free shuttle buses allow for sightseeing activities whereas lodging and camping facilities are also provided. For camping in the Grand Canyon, visitors can make campground reservations in both the North Rim and South Rim to really experience the beauty of the valley.

2. Kaibab National Forest

Located in southern regions of the Grand Canyon, this national forest lies as a border between North and South Rims of the Grand Canyon. From the Grandview lookout tower to Kanab Creek Wilderness, this tourist attraction is a must-see for those enthusiastic about sightseeing and adventures. In addition to this, the Sycamore Canyon Falls, similar to all the recreational opportunities that are offered in this attraction is fantastic in showcasing a wide range of flora and fauna as well as the natural beauty of mother nature. From prairies and canyons to peaks and plateaus, this natural reserve is an exceptionally popular tourist attraction.

3. Grand Canyon Parashant National Monument

Erected only in the recent year of 2000, this monument, more commonly referred to as Parashant National Monument, is home to those who are passionate about hiking, sightseeing, camping or backpacking. Most public lands throughout the Parashant are open for camping free of charge. Visitors can enjoy the night skies at the top of the rim of the Grand Canyon with a permit requested in advance. Additionally, visitors to the Grand Canyon can also visit the nearby Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Zion National Park or Pipe Spring National Monument.

4. Hualapai Indian Reservation

Following the opening of the Grand Canyon Skywalk, the Hualapai Reservation has seen a heightened popularity in recent years. The skywalk, opened in 2007, allows visitors to walk along a glass-bottom bridge nearly 400 feet above ground level. Although visitors may not be allowed to bring cameras or personal belongings up to the bridge, the experience of enjoying this spectacular sight of the Grand Canyon is definitely worth considering. Permits allow visitors to travel the many paved roads in the Hualapai Reservation for sightseeing and camping activities. This reservation also offers lodging as well as raft trips and guided tours.

5. Havasupai Indian Reservation

Havasupai is known for its breathtaking waterfalls and isolated community within the Havasupai Indian Reservation. Administered by the Havasupai Tribe council, this reservation can attract up to thousands of visitors annually. Although the reservation is beyond the jurisdiction of Grand Canyon National Park, it prospers from the abundance of visitors requesting for campground reservations. Tour groups, a cafe, and lodging are available in efforts to accommodate tourists who intend to do some sightseeing. With an annual total of approximately 25,000 visitors, this reservation is surely a must-see for those who travel to the Grand Canyon.

6. Kolb Gallery

Perched on the walls of the Grand Canyon, Kolb Gallery is just a short walk to the west of The Lookout Studio. A wooden and dark brown structure houses this historic Victorian home which was built in 1905 and owned by the Kolb brothers. Not only an art gallery, this historic attraction has changing exhibits, a small bookstore, and extensive information on the life of the Kolb brothers, early adventurers in the park. The Kolb Gallery, located at the start of the Bright Angel Trail is convenient for travelers to do some sightseeing before embarking on the trail.

7. Lookout Studio

The Lookout Studio in the Grand Canyon is a functioning piece of history. Housed in one of the several Mary Colter Buildings found throughout the Grand Canyon National Park, the Lookout Studio boasts a traditional stone design meant to mimic ruins and the environment that surrounds it. The building resides at the edge of the South Rim in the Grand Canyon. In addition to a gift shop selling trinkets and souvenirs, the Studio also provides two outdoor viewing decks for sightseeing visitors to look out and over the geographic beauty of the Grand Canyon.

8. National Geographic Visitor Center

Minutes away from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon sits a nearly 25-year-old building known as the National Geographic Visitor Center. Along with Pink Jeep Tours, a National Geographic Store, and an Explorers Cafe, this visitors center is home to a collection of friendly staff, skilled with knowledge of the Grand Canyon. However, the most prominent activity that most visitors choose to participate in is the IMAX theatre screening of “Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets”. This film stretches up to half an hour and showcases up to 40,000 years of the Grand Canyon’s history.

9. Bright Angel Trail

Nearly 6 miles in length, this trail challenges both novice and expert travelers with a steep one-way trail. Travelers to this hiking site located in the Grand Canyon National Park are advised to travel by riding mules. Along with camping facilities, travelers can venture to Plateau Point for some sightseeing before having lunch breaks at the Indian Garden. The three-hour rides offer its travelers a unique experience in the Grand Canyon. The trail is often the most popular day-hikes that give visitors a taste of what the Grand Canyon offers.

◎ Closing

Overall, the Grand Canyon is among the most the valuable experiences for those passionate about sightseeing, hiking, and camping. Not only does it cater an abundance of historic value with museums and art galleries, this landmark is also completed with watchtowers and trails to excite adventurers from all regions.

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Grand Canyon：A River Valley Home to Extreme Sizes and Colorful Landscapes