The iconic Grand Canyon is on the bucket list of many travel enthusiasts. No wonder:After all, the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosewelt, said that the Grand Canyon is the one place every American must visit. In that regard, there is no question that people from all over the world would like to see this natural monument with their own eyes. We present five insider tips for a vacation to the Grand Canyon.
On the western rim of the Grand Canyon is the Grand Canyon Skywalk. Here you can walk across the horseshoe-shaped platform at dizzying heights and look down to 1,300 meters through the glass floor. The platform protrudes more than 22 meters from a high plateau in the canyon. Visitors are given overshoes on site so that the glass floor is not scratched. The Skywalk is a good illustration of how huge and impressive the Grand Canyon is.
In total, the Grand Canyon stretches nearly 450 miles into Arizona. In this regard, a good way to explore the canyon a bit is to experience it from a bird's eye view. Best of all, the canyon's South Rim, dubbed the "Jewel of the Southwest" for its scenic views from every vantage point. Helicopter flights over Arizona's most famous canyon depart from the South Rim itself or from Phoenix, with prices varying depending on location. Depending on the length of the flight and the departure location. Flying over the Grand Canyon is an unforgettable experience at any time of year, although the area sees significantly fewer visitors in the winter and the views are calmer and more serene than in the summer. Another option is to discover the famous canyon from above which is mainly aimed at adventurers:With Paragon Skydive, adrenaline fans can literally dive into the canyon on a tandem skydive. The flights depart from the South Rim and take passengers to more than 7,000 meters above sea level, from where they can take down a Dash at speeds of up to 220 km/h.
For more than 100 years, canyon visitors have had the opportunity to ride a route through the Grand Canyon on the back of a donkey. The tours last from two hours to two days and take riders along the north or south side through the canyon. A popular tour takes place on the Bright Angel Trail. It takes five hours and includes a picnic lunch along the way. Meanwhile, participants can simply let the surrounding nature work on itself. The tour ends at the Phantom Ranch with a delicious dinner before returning the next day via a different route. Travelers short on time should check out the two-hour Canyon Vistas tours. These start at the historic Grand Canyon Village and lead about five miles along the East Rim Trail – great views are guaranteed here too.
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 over 126 meters long and 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 a great way to conquer a fear of heights, while enjoying stunning views of the Grand Canyon that not many people get to see.
While the Grand Canyon's famous South Rim can be visited year round, it is only possible to explore the North Rim between May and October. Since there are fewer tourist facilities on the North Rim than on the South Rim, this part of the Grand Canyon is usually experienced as much emptier. The North Rim is also ideal for a variety of hikes, especially outside the summer:the Uncle Jim Trail, the Widforss Trail or the Cliff Springs Trail, for example, also lead through wooded areas of the Grand Canyon and are also suitable for occasional hikers. The North Kaibab Trail, on the other hand, or the Ken Patrick Trail, takes up to 12 hours and is also more strenuous. The best vantage points can be found at Point Imperial, the highest point of the North Rim, or at Cape Royal, for example, where you can enjoy the view of the Colorado River.
