Grand Canyon National Park
Location: Arizona, United States
Year of Inscription: 1995
Criteria: (vii)to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(viii)to be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features;
(ix)to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most famous and breathtaking natural wonders in the world. It showcases the immense scale and beauty of the Grand Canyon, carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. The park offers a variety of activities, from hiking and wildlife watching to scenic drives and helicopter tours.
Prominent Features: Here are some prominent features of Grand Canyon National Park:
History: The Grand Canyon has a rich geological and human history. The rock layers that form the canyon reveal millions of years of Earth's history, and evidence of human habitation in the area dates back over 12,000 years. Native American tribes, including the Havasupai, Hopi, and Navajo, have ancestral connections to the Grand Canyon region.
Family-Friendly Activities: Grand Canyon National Park offers a range of family-friendly activities;
Fun Fact: The Grand Canyon has an incredible geological record, with rock layers dating back over 2 billion years. It provides valuable insights into the Earth's history and geological processes.
Entry Fees: The entrance fee for Grand Canyon National Park is $35 per vehicle. This fee grants access to the park for up to seven days. There are separate fees for camping and some additional activities, such as guided tours and helicopter rides.
How to reach it: Grand Canyon National Park is easily accessible by car from various directions.
If traveling from Phoenix, Arizona, you can take Interstate 17 north to Flagstaff, and then follow US Highway 180 to the park's South Rim.
If coming from Las Vegas, Nevada, you can take US Highway 93 south to Interstate 40 east, and then follow the signs to the park's South Rim.
There are public transport options available to reach Grand Canyon National Park. Here are a few ways to get there:
The cost of helicopter trips in Grand Canyon National Park can vary depending on the duration of the flight, the route taken, and the tour operator. Prices typically start at around $200 per person for shorter sightseeing flights that offer aerial views of the canyon. Longer helicopter tours, which may include additional destinations or activities, can range from $300 to $600 per person or more.
Where to stay: Grand Canyon National Park offers a variety of accommodations, including lodges and campgrounds.
Lodges within the park, such as El Tovar and Bright Angel Lodge, provide a range of amenities and scenic views.
Camping is also available within the park, both at developed campgrounds and backcountry sites.
There are also accommodations available in nearby towns such as Tusayan and Williams.
Next Stop: Yosemite National Park
Year of Inscription: 1995
Criteria: (vii)to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(viii)to be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features;
(ix)to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most famous and breathtaking natural wonders in the world. It showcases the immense scale and beauty of the Grand Canyon, carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. The park offers a variety of activities, from hiking and wildlife watching to scenic drives and helicopter tours.
Prominent Features: Here are some prominent features of Grand Canyon National Park:
- Grand Canyon: The main attraction, the Grand Canyon itself, is a breathtaking natural wonder known for its immense size, colorful rock formations, and dramatic cliffs. It stretches approximately 277 miles (446 km) in length and reaches depths of over a mile (1.6 km).
- South Rim: The South Rim is the most visited area of the park and offers stunning panoramic views of the canyon. It is home to visitor centers, lodges, hiking trails, and popular viewpoints such as Mather Point and Yavapai Point.
- North Rim: The North Rim provides a more secluded and rustic experience. It offers different viewpoints and a different perspective of the canyon. The North Rim is only open seasonally from mid-May to mid-October.
- Colorado River: The mighty Colorado River flows through the Grand Canyon, carving out the deep and majestic canyon walls. Rafting trips along the river are a popular activity for adventure seekers.
- Bright Angel Trail: This iconic hiking trail starts from the South Rim and descends into the canyon. It offers stunning views, but hikers should be prepared for a challenging hike due to steep sections and significant elevation changes.
- Desert View Watchtower: Located on the South Rim, the Desert View Watchtower is a historic stone tower offering panoramic views of the canyon. It also houses artwork and exhibits showcasing the cultural history of the area.
- Havasu Falls: While not located within the main park boundaries, Havasu Falls is a famous and picturesque waterfall located in the Havasupai Indian Reservation, which is accessible through a separate permit and reservation system.
History: The Grand Canyon has a rich geological and human history. The rock layers that form the canyon reveal millions of years of Earth's history, and evidence of human habitation in the area dates back over 12,000 years. Native American tribes, including the Havasupai, Hopi, and Navajo, have ancestral connections to the Grand Canyon region.
Family-Friendly Activities: Grand Canyon National Park offers a range of family-friendly activities;
- Families can enjoy easy to moderate hikes along the rim
- Visit the visitor centers to learn about the park's natural and cultural history,
- Ranger-led programs
- Junior Ranger activities
- Go on mule rides along the rim or into the canyon.
Fun Fact: The Grand Canyon has an incredible geological record, with rock layers dating back over 2 billion years. It provides valuable insights into the Earth's history and geological processes.
Entry Fees: The entrance fee for Grand Canyon National Park is $35 per vehicle. This fee grants access to the park for up to seven days. There are separate fees for camping and some additional activities, such as guided tours and helicopter rides.
How to reach it: Grand Canyon National Park is easily accessible by car from various directions.
If traveling from Phoenix, Arizona, you can take Interstate 17 north to Flagstaff, and then follow US Highway 180 to the park's South Rim.
If coming from Las Vegas, Nevada, you can take US Highway 93 south to Interstate 40 east, and then follow the signs to the park's South Rim.
There are public transport options available to reach Grand Canyon National Park. Here are a few ways to get there:
- Shuttle Buses: The Grand Canyon National Park operates a free shuttle bus system known as the Grand Canyon Village Shuttle. It provides transportation within the park, connecting various points of interest, including viewpoints, visitor centers, and lodges.
- Train: The Grand Canyon Railway offers a scenic train ride from Williams, Arizona, to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The train departs daily and provides a unique and nostalgic way to reach the park.
- Bus Tours: Several tour companies offer bus tours from nearby cities like Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon. These guided tours typically include transportation, park entrance fees, and sometimes additional activities or meals.
The cost of helicopter trips in Grand Canyon National Park can vary depending on the duration of the flight, the route taken, and the tour operator. Prices typically start at around $200 per person for shorter sightseeing flights that offer aerial views of the canyon. Longer helicopter tours, which may include additional destinations or activities, can range from $300 to $600 per person or more.
Where to stay: Grand Canyon National Park offers a variety of accommodations, including lodges and campgrounds.
Lodges within the park, such as El Tovar and Bright Angel Lodge, provide a range of amenities and scenic views.
Camping is also available within the park, both at developed campgrounds and backcountry sites.
There are also accommodations available in nearby towns such as Tusayan and Williams.
Next Stop: Yosemite National Park