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A Grand Anniversary for Americas Wonder

Amongst the holidays that everyone is familiar with, one is coming up on February 26th that many may not know about.
It is an anniversary that celebrates what most Americans believe is the eighth “Wonder of the World.” Established one hundred and one years ago, Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona has been home to the immense layered bands of red rock that reveal millions of years of American history. The geological and archaeological discoveries that have been made in the Grand Canyon have not only shown us truly stunning sights, but they have also allowed us to better educate ourselves on the generations that have come before.
Yes, the lists are so long when you think of all the amazing things you can do in the Grand Canyon and sights you can experience, that it’s a bit difficult to narrow everything down. Thankfully, in our generation, the power of websites has given us the ability to find out each and every piece of data that’s available when it comes to visiting and enjoying this stunning location.
When thinking about taking in those unforgettable views, points to check out include: Mather Point, Yavapai Observation Station, and architect Mary Colter’s Lookout Studio and Desert View Watchtower. If looking for a wide view of the Canyon and Colorado River, it is Lipan Point where you can experience heaven on earth at sunrise and sunset.
If you’re a true water lover and wish to take one of those amazing river trips down the Colorado River, there are a myriad to choose from. Opportunities range from one day commercial river trips that allow you to bask in the sun on the smooth water for either half- or full-day journeys; to noncommercial river trips that can range from two days all the way up to five.
Launching from Diamond Creek, these thrilling whitewater trips are available to the public. Launching from Lees Ferry, you and your family can choose from motorized and non-motorized whitewater rafting trips that vary in length.
(Motor trips usually take a minimum of seven days to reach Diamond Creek, but half-trip options are available for those who wish to hike in or out at Phantom Ranch.) There are also commercial river trips (ranging up to eighteen days) where you can enjoy a professionally guided raft trip, available to the public, and often reserved a year or two in advance. For a “private river trip” that can extend almost a month in length, self-guided, noncommercial river trips are another avenue to explore.
Having knowledge of the two “rims” you can explore is also important, seeing as that the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is open year-round, while the North Rim is closed for winter. Almost ninety percent of visitors head to the South Rim, located on the “Arizona” side of the Canyon.
Being close to Interstate 40 and to the transportation centers of Williams, Flagstaff and Phoenix, Arizona, there is also a local airport and rail service to make it easier for travelers. The views are amazing, and the camping spots are beyond memorable.
For those true nomads or adventurers, however, the North Rim is all about providing a wilder and more secluded trip. With its 8,000 foot elevation, early snowfall is more than likely each year, making it open only from May 15th to October 15th each year.
Located on the “Utah” side of the Canyon, there’s no airport or rail service to the park, which means it can only be reached by road. But once there, you will never believe your eyes when staring at the beauty surrounding you on all sides.
When it comes to separating the park into the two rims, a 277 mile long canyon is what creates the barrier between the two. The Grand Canyon of the Colorado River is a mile-deep, and creates a barrier that bisects the park, itself.
With the complete difference of scenery, climate and vegetation, it is worth it to explore both Rims, but definitely takes planning ahead of time. When exploring the South Rim, taking a mule trip is something you must write on your personal “bucket list.” Not only is this a fun mode of transportation, but it will allow you to feel what life was really like before the technological world took over.
If not wishing to camp, nestled at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, Phantom Ranch is the historic oasis that one and all visiting the South Rim speak so highly of, and the only lodging located below the Canyon’s South Rim. Taking a mule trip through the North Rim? These, too, can be scheduled from May 15th to October 15th, and the place to stay is the extremely cool Grand Canyon Lodge.
This simple lodge with a collection of cabins is the only lodging inside Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim. Offering basic rooms and rustic cabins with private bathrooms, the views are stunning.
If horses and wagon rides are more your style, one- and two-hour trail rides through the pines of the Kaibab National Forest, ending with a twilight campfire, are there for the picking. And the Apache Stables are located just outside the South Entrance to Grand Canyon National Park.
If you’re looking to enhance the mind and see some of the most amazing historical items and exhibits, in the South Rim you also have a variety of museums and information centers providing park information, as well as bookstores and gift shops. Whether climbing 70 feet to the top of the stone Watchtower to enjoy a panoramic view extending more than 100 miles on a clear day; or taking off on the Canyon Vistas Ride which is a three-hour trip along the Canyon rim, there is not one day where you won’t see something new or experience something exciting.
Our suggestion: Take the camera with you and make a scrapbook of your thrilling visit. This is your adventure, after all, so make the most of it! Click on the links to find something to do this weekend.
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com Sagar is a blogger and IT analyst in a reputative company in Qatar. He always write blogs and article on travel and tech ..