COLORADO RIVER
The Colorado River flows along the bottom of the canyon. In
the 277-mile stretch, the river drops 2,000 feet. Stretches
of tranquil water alternate with white-water rapids. Each year
more than 20,000 people run the river.
Because of the enormous depth of Grand Canyon, the river is
visible only from certain viewpoints. It is a two-day hike to
the river and back from the South Rim. It's a longer trip from
the North Rim.
The Colorado River is not the only factor responsible for the
width of the canyon. The gap between the North and South rims
is the result of erosion.
The rocks that were exposed by the Colorado River have broken
down over millions of years.
THE RIMS
The Canyon has traveler services at the South and North Rim.
Few travelers visit both rims on a single visit. The journey
takes at least 216 miles (346 kilometers).
Due to the north rim's higher elevation (8,000 feet or 2,438
meters), it is open to visitors only from mid-May to mid-November.
The north rim is visited by only 10% of all Grand Canyon visitors.
SOUTH RIM
The South Rim is open 365 days a year. The South Rim also
has its own airport. The South Rim of Grand Canyon averages
7,000 feet (2,134 meters).
NORTH RIM
The North Rim can get heavy snowfall during the winter months.
The road into the North Rim (Highway 67) is closed from the
first heavy snow in November or early December to mid-May.
VIEWPOINTS -- For the best views of the canyon
from the north rim are three developed viewpoints: Point Imperial,
Cape Royal, Bright Angel Point. At 8,803 feet Point Imperial
is the highest overlook. Bright Angel Point is a quarter mile
(400 meters) from Grand Canyon Lodge and follows a narrow trail.
A fourth viewpoint, Point Sublime, is the western-most of the
outlooks. Inquire about road conditions before heading out.
LODGING
The only lodging inside the north rim section of the park
is the Grand Canyon Lodge -- http://www.grandcanyonnorthrim.com
-- which has motel rooms and cabins. A spacious dining room
offers a magnificent view of the canyon. The lodge is operated
by Xanterra Parks and Resorts, a park management company contracted
by the National Park Service.
The original Grand Canyon Lodge was destroyed by fire and rebuilt
in 1937 by architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood. Its rustic construction
of limestone walls and timbered ceilings is a National Historic
Landmark.
FORESTS
Autumn is a beautiful time of year to visit as the Aspen trees
change color and contrast with the greenery of the Ponderosa
Pines.
Forest fires destroyed a large chunk of the forest on both sides
of Highway 67 south of Jacob Lake. Aspen trees are the first
to regenerate.
GETTING THERE
Access to the Grand Canyon is by land or air. The north rim
is six hours driving from Las Vegas and three hours from Zion
National Park. The south rim has two entrances, one on Highway
64 from Flagstaff and Williams, the other also on Highway 64
via Cameron and Highway 89.
The Amtrak train service serves Williams. The Grand Canyon Railway
-- http://www.thetrain.com -- offers travelers a two-hour ride
in restored 1920s Harriman coaches. Departures from Williams
are at 9am and 1030am. Grand Canyon Airport is eight miles south
of Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim. Commuter lines fly
daily to and from Las Vegas.
INFORMATION PLEASE
ENTRANCE FEES -- Entrance is $25 per vehicle
or $12 per person on foot or on bike. The entrance fee is valid
for seven consecutive days from the date of purchase. A National
Parks Pass costs $50 and covers admission to all national parks
for one year. There are other promotions, including the Golden
Eagle Passport and Golden Age Passport.
VISITORS CENTER -- Visitor Centers on both the North
and South Rim offer park information, interpretive exhibits
and a bookstore. Rangers are on duty to answer questions and
help travelers arrange a visit suited to individual needs. Open
daily 8am-6pm.
ALTITUDE -- Visitors with respiratory or heart problems
may experience difficulties. All walking at this elevation can
be strenuous.
SAFETY -- Be aware of water availability and changing
weather. Many hikers have died due to heatstroke and dehydration.
More than 250 people are rescued from the canyon each year.
Avoid hiking in the heat of day (10am to 4pm) and do not attempt
to hike to the river and back in one day.
RANGER PROGRAMS -- National Park Service rangers offer
a wide variety of interpretive programs seasonally on the North
Rim. All ranger programs are free and open to the public.
RECYCLING -- Grand Canon National Park has one of the
most comprehensive recycling programs of any national park.
Dispose of materials that can be recycled -- paper, aluminum
cans, plastic bottles -- in specially marked recycling bins.
RESERVATIONS -- Reservations for camping and lodging
are essential.
PARKS PASS -- The National Parks Pass can be purchased
for $50 and admits the pass holder and accompanying passengers
in a private vehicle to all national parks for one year.
TIME -- Arizona
remains on Mountain Standard Time (MST) year-round. Daylight
Savings Time is not observed, except on the Navajo Reservation.
WILDLIFE TIPS
Never approach wild animals. Photograph all wildlife from the
safety of your vehicle. It is dangerous and illegal to feed
wild animals in a national park. Violators will be fined.
|
