There are hundreds, if not thousands, of reasons to visit the Grand Canyon. Being the largest national park in the United States, you can hike, raft, picnic and do many other things. Here are some reasons we would like to share.
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The Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world—and it’s a lot easier to access than some of the others, like Mount Everest, the Parícutin Volcano and the Great Barrier Reef!
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More than five million people visit the Grand Canyon National Park each year. This many people can’t be wrong!
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No photograph or verbal description of the Grand Canyon is ever going to suffice. You just have to experience its overwhelming vastness and awe-inspiring splendour in person.
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A visit to the Grand Canyon is an iconic American experience. This is because the Grand Canyon National Park is among the oldest in the U.S. It was named the country’s 17th national park by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919.
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The Grand Canyon certainly proves the adage that bigger is better. Did you know the Grand Canyon National Park encompasses a whopping 1,217,403 acres? Plus, the canyon itself is a mile deep and averages 10 miles in width.
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The Grand Canyon isn’t just old—it’s really, really old. It’s estimated that the Colorado River carved the canyon out during the past six million years. And there are rocks in the Grand Canyon that have been found to be two billion years old (i.e., that’s almost half of the Earth’s life span!). You could say, like a fine wine, the Grand Canyon is only getting better with age.
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Where else can you stroll across a skywalk? The Grand Canyon Skywalk is located on the Hualapai Indian Reservation at Grand Canyon West. This ingenious structure is situated 4,000 feet above the canyon’s floor. It opened to visitors Mar. 28, 2007—when astronaut Buzz Aldrin made the historic “first walk.”
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The Grand Canyon is rich in history. Researchers have uncovered more than 4,800 archaeological sites that bear the echoes of ancient Indian tribes. Current evidence from artefacts suggests that humans have inhabited the Grand Canyon as far back as 4,000 years ago and journeyed through it for 6,500 years before that.
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The Grand Canyon is also rich in wildlife. Have you every heard a coyote howl? Have you seen a mule deer relaxing in the sun? Have you spotted a great horned owl perched in a tree? Moments like these are common in the Grand Canyon—and perfect for those who like to snap photos.
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Speaking of photos, if you’re a person who prefers looking at pictures to reading, then you’ll enjoy checking out all the petroglyphs (pictures that are etched into the walls) and pictographs (pictures that are painted on the walls) at the Grand Canyon.
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Do you ever get stressed out from your urban lifestyle—all the noise and nonstop activity? At the Grand Canyon, there’s a beautiful silence and stillness that will literally engulf you.
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Sunrise and sunset are spectacular at the Grand Canyon. They are dramatic presentations as good as any you’ll find in the theatre—and there isn’t a bad seat in the house!
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There’s access for all here! The Grand Canyon National Park makes visiting its major attractions easy for travellers with disabilities. You’ll find handicapped-accessible bathrooms, showers, campsites, guest rooms and parking lots. Maps at the entrances to the park will outline all of the facilities and services available.
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Several one-of-a-kind events are held at the Grand Canyon. In September, you can enjoy the Grand Canyon Music Festival on the South Rim and in August, Native American Heritage Days is celebrated on the North Rim. Plus, there’s plenty of holiday cheer spread at Christmas and scares to be had on Halloween!
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A visit to the Grand Canyon is a great family activity. Not only can you share the wondrous sights together, but the park offers plenty of fun activities designed especially for kids—think fossil hunting and junior ranger training!
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The Grand Canyon is the perfect place to take in a true whiff of fresh air. In fact, your olfactory system is sure to be thrilled by the sweet scents of the Ponderosa pine, aspen and fir trees.
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Don’t think the only colours you’ll see at the Grand Canyon will be desert hues of brown. There are approximately 650 types of wildflowers found in the Grand Canyon National Park. Throughout spring and summer, lots of pretty flora are in bloom—including yellow ragweed, pink toadflax, red Indian paintbrush and purple Rocky Mountain iris.
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And the Colorado River isn’t the only running water you’ll observe at the Grand Canyon. There are stunning waterfalls cascading for hundreds of feet—including Havasu Falls on the Havasupai Indian Reservation and Ribbon Falls on the North Rim’s Kaibab Trail.
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How many people can claim to have ridden a mule? If you’re not afraid of heights or animals, you can actually saddle up for a bumpy and breathtaking ride down into the Grand Canyon.
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Like mule rides, there are endless possibilities when it comes to experiencing the Grand Canyon. The athletic and adventurous can choose from hiking and rafting. And those who may not be major outdoor enthusiasts or have a lot of time for a lengthy visit can enjoy sightseeing on a Grand Canyon helicopter tour—such as those offered by Maverick Helicopters.
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No one ever leaves disappointed or forgets their visit to the Grand Canyon!