With a length of about 277 miles, an average width of 300 feet, and an average depth of 1 mile, the Grand Canyon is the kind of place everyone should see at least once in their lives. A trip to the Grand Canyon will give you the chance to experience nature in its finest, with tall red rock cliffs towering on either side of a beautiful blue-green river. This is one place you don’t want to miss out on. The Grand Canyon offers a unique perspective on the great outdoors with breathtaking views at every turn. As trips to the Grand Canyon become more popular among tourists, lodging and camping spots have increased, giving more people a chance to see this picturesque location.
Grand Canyon lodging is available inside the Grand Canyon National Park and also in cities around the park. You can find lodging in Tusayan, which is seven miles outside of the park, and in Williams, which is 50 miles from the park. There are also camping spots available inside the part at Mather Campground and in Trailer Village, which includes RV hook-ups. You can also camp in the national forest outside of the park or with your RV at Camper Village.
With so many Grand Canyon lodging options, you can determine the type of experience you want to have while visiting the canyon. By staying in a hotel in a neighboring city, you will have a comfortable, perhaps even luxurious, night’s rest. However, if you want to truly experience the Grand Canyon as it was meant to be experienced, you will choose camping as your choice of Grand Canyon lodging. There’s just something satisfying about sleeping under the stars with the backdrop of the forest and tall cliffs behind you. So if you want to fully experience the Grand Canyon, choose to camp rather than staying in a hotel.
The Grand Canyon also offers a variety of other conveniences as well, such as restaurants and grocery stores in the park as well as seven miles outside the park. The Grand Canyon Experience Building also houses a food court you could eat at.
Summer is the busiest time of the year as far as vacationers for the Grand Canyon. This means that if you’re visiting the canyon during this time of the year, you’ll want to plan ahead for what you want to do as far as Grand Canyon lodging and be prepared to change your plans if necessary. You will also have to be prepared for long lines at the trailheads and limited parking options. The best idea to deal with this problem is to get an early start if you are heading to the trailheads, which will also help you stay out of the heat as long as possible while hiking.
The park offers options for transportation besides your car as well. There is a shuttle system that is free to use and will take you to almost every place in the Village. The Grand Canyon also has some trails that are meant to be traveled with a mule or horse. Check with the Grand Canyon travel offices and visitor centers to see what options are available and other ideas of what to do during your Grand Canyon trip.
Remember to be safe and prepared on your trip. Temperatures are often over 100 degrees (F) so you want to start your hikes as early as dawn and make sure you have plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
By Janelle Walker