In a mile deep of Northern Arizona, you are going to find one of the most beautiful gorges in the whole world. When you take a look at the rich history of the Grand canyon it is old as it can get. As it was made 5 to 6 million years ago. The habitats around grand canyons date back to the Ice Age.
Why visit Grand Canyon, National Park? Most people are not aware of how many things are here for people to do. You can backpack, go camping, take a mule trip to Phantom Ranch, or take a river trip through Grand Canyon on the Colorado River. River Trips can last anywhere from several days to three weeks.
When you look at all the things that you can do in the grand canyon it is almost astounding, from losing yourself in the beautiful scenarios, to getting lost in the world that was once inherited by the people thousands of years ago. To learn more about grand canyon national park and its significance keep on reading.
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All the Details About Grand Canyon
Although being famous for a landmark is something grand canyon is, there are other values that people are not aware of about this gigantic place. The value that it brings to the scientific community and the people who are interested in uncovering the history behind nature is immense.
Once you know more about the grand canyon, even the rocks around you would have their own stories to tell. This will make the trip a more amazing and knowledgeable experience.
Located in Northern Arizona, the Grand Canyon measures over 270 miles long, it is up to 18 miles wide and a mile deep. This also makes it the biggest canyon in the whole world.
The landmark formed six million ago as the erosion from the Colorado River cut a deep channel through the layers of rock. Grand Canyon holds one of the oldest exposed rocks on earth.
Some of the rocks here date back to 2 billion years. Scientists have performed different types of research, on the rocks to study evolution through the lens of time.
One of the rocks holds the title for being the oldest known in the entire canyon this specific rock goes by the name of Vishnu Basement, as it can be found near the bottom of the inner gorge.
This particular rock was formed 1.7 billion years ago. If you are interested in learning the deep geological value of this place, then you can take part in various exhibits that the canyon holds to inform the people about the evolution and the history of mankind through the trail of time.
The Culture of the Grand Canyon
The culture of the Grand Canyon will speak louder, once you invest some time uncovering them. The artifacts and the ruins found in the canyon dates back 12,000 years.
If you want to take a look at the prehistoric item that once our civilization used for their daily lives, the experience itself can be very mind-numbing. Humans first settled in the Grand Canyon during the last ice age.
Many objects that got discovered in the Grand Canyon form evidence of the early human occupation of this land.
Inside the caves, many figurines were discovered that date back to 1000 and 2000 B.C. even the walls will have their own stories to tell about our own civilization. Some of the figurines that you would see on the wall would have pictures shaped like a deer and bighorn sheep.
Many historians believe that these drawings were a sign of successful hunting. These are the pages of history that are worth peeking under if you want to experience the Grand Canyon’s ancient history.
Sense of Exploration
If you are planning your visit to the canons, you can visit the northern rim and the southern rim of the Grand Canyon for the full picture of the place. Each side of the aisle has an immense amount of beauty that deserves to be recognized. Here are some of the details about both rims of the canyons.
South Rim
The South Rim is open 24/7/365. Here all the visitors are free to do what they want to do in the place. They can set up a camp, or visit a lodge, and have food in some of the delicious available all year round.
In some seasons, the demands of visiting this place would see a slight rise. So, if you are planning to visit in the spring, summer, or fall, make sure to set up a reservation otherwise you would lose your trip to the Grand Canyon and have to settle for somewhere else. The only way you can make sure is by getting reservations.
The reason why most people pick the south rim of the Grand Canyon National Park over the northern one, is because it is much easier to get into.
So, you can expect to see a lot of traffic in the south rim, especially during the month of summer. If you don’t like to be surrounded by a large crowd, then you can pick the month of November through February. Many take a trip in the season of winter to take a long vacation from work-life.
If you don’t want to deal with the gas and the frustration of driving a vehicle in this area, then you can take up the free shuttle bus system which operates on the southern rim.
Most visitors focus on the south rim of the Grand Canyon national park, as it is easier to access compared to the northern side.
North Rim
Here you will see a less hand-holding aspect of the Grand Canyon National Park. This side of the rim offers a wilder, more secluded lifestyle it is harder to get into but can be more fun, if you want to explore the area in the old fashioned way. Unlike the southern counterpart, the northern side is open only from May 15 to October 15 each year.
Activities will require you to pull up more strength as the elevation here is higher than on the one with the south rim. People with respiratory or heart problems can experience difficulties walking in this elevation. Otherwise, you are safe to go here.
These are the sites that you can explore during your stay at the Grand Canyon national park. Make sure to pack up everything you need before you start planning your activities. The area is huge and it can be overwhelming for first-time visitors.
Things To Do In Grand Canyon National Park
The best high about the Grand Canyon, you can explore most of the highlight places here in just 2 to 3 days. So, you don’t have to spend too much of your time here.
The things that you can do here is overwhelming, it is best to know about them before planning your trip for 2 to 3 days. Once you plan your entire day out, you will cover more places within the targeted time before heading out home.
This section will tell you all about the activities that you can do in the park. Another is a lot of them, once you make things clear, then you should add them to your list of places to cover before leaving.
The things you can do here are a lot make sure to cover them all before you take the flight back home. Here are some of the things that you can do in the Grand Canyon national park.
Searching History
If you want to explore the historical value of this place, then make a stop at the Yavapai Museum of Geology and Verkamp’s Visitor Center. This path will contain all you need to know about the geologic history of the canyon.
You will get to see the samples from the layers within the Grand Canyon. The history of this place will play an important part in your journey. The more you learn about the deep value of the place, the more you will find yourself engaged in the things you will see on the road.
If you want to start the trip to the Grand Canyon, take your time and learn a bit about the canyon before you set out to explore everything on the land.
Walking and Hiking
These activities will be the highlight of your trip. Exploring different parts of the canyon by one after another is one of the best ways to learn about the canyon.
The walking path is well defined, that is the reason why many hikers see this land as the best place to start hiking, there are hundreds of miles to hike and explore with your feet on the ground.
Many tend to take a small distance hike but if you are looking for a real hiking experience, then you can have it in the canyon.
Upon entering you will get a free map of the Grand Canyon National Park. There are different maps available that show a more in-depth look at the field. If you have a bike in your hand, then there are places you can go to the canyon to explore the amazing historical structures with your ride.
Riding a mule
This may not be on your bucket list, but it is a fun thing to do in the canyon. The mule ride would take you on a popular trail of the canyon, on a mule. If you don’t want to put too much pressure on the legs and want a smoother ride. Then you will have a mule to take things slow and enjoyable.
The Scenic Drive
The jaw-dropping scenario of the Grand Canyon is a hit amongst all the tourists. It is considered one of America’s greatest road trips that you can take.
Here you will find numbers of them to make your trip more memorable. If you have an eye for photography, then this is the route that you don’t want to miss at all.
If you want to capture the natural beauty of this great canyon, you must be at the place at the right time. The things that you will see will seem unbelievable.
Camping
If you want to see the start in a place that dates back to the ice age if the answer is yes. Then camping should be one of the options that you need to consider. It will be a fun adventure for your family and friends.
Because, this will help you see the beauty of this place at night, without being distracted. The night sky is clear, the wind will be fresher, away from city life you will experience something that you really get to see in life.
Jeep Ride
Exploring the backcountry desert on an off-road vehicle is something that you need to do in your stay at this park. Here you will catch the wilder aspect of the land.
Rafting
Just in case, camping is not your favorite thing to do then how about Rafting? It is still one of the exciting ways to explore the Grand Canyon and one of the most popular ways of sightseeing for many tourists.
Helicopter Tour
Hiking and rafting will require a bit of a leg walk, but if you want to skip past all of that hassle. Then taking a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon will be the best choice for you. The top-down view from the helicopter will extract the spectacular vantage of the vast natural aspects of the Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon Skywalk
It’s a U-shaped walkway that extends to 70ft over the canyon. If you are not afraid of height then taking a walk on the skywalk is one of the dare-devilish acts you can do in your life.
Not every day you get to stand 4,000 feet from the ground. This place is one of the visually impressive places you can visit during your stay at this national park.
Conclusion
When it comes to beauty, Grand Canyon National Park is the best example of nature that you have to witness without your own eyes to believe it. The Formation of rocks, to history, dates back to the ice age.
These are things that can be understood until you step foot on the land by yourself. If you are planning a trip, then you should add the Grand Canyon to your list of places to go for a vacation.