The iconic Grand Canyon is on the bucket list of many travel enthusiasts. No wonder, because Theodore Roosevelt – the 26th President of the United States – said that the Grand Canyon is the only place that every American must have visited.
So there is no question that people from all over the world would also like to see this natural monument with their own eyes. The Arizona Office of Tourism therefore presents five insider tips for the perfect trip to the Grand Canyon.
Der Grand Canyon Skywalk
The Grand Canyon Skywalk is located on the west rim of the Grand Canyon. Visitors can walk on the horseshoe-shaped platform at dizzy heights and look down up to 1,300 meters through the glass floor.
The platform protrudes more than 22 meters into the gorge from a high plateau. On site, visitors receive special shoe covers so that the glass floor is not scratched. The Skywalk is a good illustration of how massive and awe-inspiring the Grand Canyon is.
Bird’s-eye view of the Grand Canyon
In total, the Grand Canyon stretches almost 450 kilometers through Arizona. In this respect, it makes sense to experience it from a bird’s eye view. Best of all is the canyon’s South Rim, nicknamed the “Jewel of the Southwest” for its scenic views from every vantage point.
Helicopter flights over Arizona’s most famous canyon depart from either the South Rim or from Phoenix, and prices vary greatly depending on length and departure location. While a flight over the Grand Canyon is an unforgettable experience at any time of the year, the number of visitors is significantly lower in the winter and the view is calmer than in the summer.
Another way to see the famous gorge from above is aimed primarily at adventurers. Adrenaline seekers can literally dive into the canyon on a tandem skydive with Paragon Skydive. The flights take off from the South Rim and take passengers to an altitude of 7,000 meters, from where they zoom down at a speed of up to 220 km/h.
With the donkey through the gorge
For more than 100 years, visitors to the Grand Canyon have had the opportunity to travel some distance on the back of a donkey. The guided tours last from two hours to two days and take riders down the canyon either along the north or south side. A popular tour takes place on the Bright Angel Trail. It lasts five hours and includes a picnic lunch along the way.
At the end of the day, a delicious dinner awaits you at the Phantom Ranch before you return the next day by a different route. Travelers short on time should opt for the two-hour Canyon Vistas Tours. You start at the historic Grand Canyon Village and lead about five miles along the East Rim Trail, where a beautiful view is also guaranteed.
Die Black Suspension Bridge
Also known as the Kaibab Trail Suspension Bridge, the Black Suspension Bridge connects the South Rim to the North Rim in Grand Canyon National Park. Built in 1928, the bridge is 126 meters long but only 1.5 meters wide.
Vehicles are therefore not allowed on the bridge – you can only cross it on foot or on a donkey. The “Black Suspension Bridge” is ideal for overcoming any fear of heights. In return, you will be rewarded with a beautiful view of the Grand Canyon that not many people enjoy.
Discover the North Rim
While the famous South Rim of the Grand Canyon can be visited year-round, it is only possible to explore the North Rim between May and October. Since there are fewer tourist facilities here compared to the South Rim, this area is usually much emptier.
Especially outside of midsummer, the North Rim is ideal for various hikes. The “Uncle Jim Trail”, the “Widforss Trail” and the “Cliff Springs Trail” lead through forested areas of the Grand Canyon and are also suitable for occasional hikers.
For the “North Kaibab Trail” or the “Ken Patrick Trail”, on the other hand, you need up to twelve hours, which is significantly longer and also more strenuous. The best vantage points are at Point Imperial – the highest point on the North Rim – or at Cape Royal, where you can enjoy a view of the Colorado River.
www.tourism.az.gov / www.visitarizona.com
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