10 Amazing Outdoor Adventures in the Grand Canyon
by Aventura on September 11, 2022
Photo: Amanda Mohler | View of Grand Canyon from Helicopter
The Grand Canyon is one of the most famous natural wonders in the world. It is located in northern Arizona and is a part of the Colorado Plateau. This canyon was formed by the Colorado River cutting through layers of rock over millions of years. It is about 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and attains a depth of more than 1 mile deep. The Grand Canyon attracts approximately 5 million visitors annually, making it one of the most visited tourist spots in America.
There are many ways to experience this natural wonder. You can hike down into its depths or fly over it in a helicopter; there are also many other options available for you to choose from. There are many places that you can stay when you visit this park, from hotels and lodges to camping grounds and RV parks. Several restaurants serve delicious meals as well as gift shops where you can buy souvenirs from your trip! Many things make this park so unique and interesting, so let’s take a look at some of them here in this article.
10 Things to Do in The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is the most famous landmark in America, and it's an absolute must-see on your trip to Arizona. If you're planning a visit, here are some of the best things to do in the Grand Canyon.
1. Hike down into the canyon
The South Rim has several trails that lead down into the canyon. The Bright Angel Trail is the most popular and accessible one, but there are others for those who want something more challenging. The North Rim also has great hiking trails that allow you to see parts of the Grand Canyon from above.
2. Take an overnight trip
If you have time to take a longer trip, consider taking an overnight trip into The Grand Canyon with a guide who can take you backpacking through some of its most beautiful areas. You'll learn how to navigate backcountry trails and camp out under the stars while enjoying spectacular views of nature's beauty all around you.
If you’re up for more of a glamping experience, you should consider Renting an RV or Camper and finding a local RV Park or campsite to plant the vehicle while you’re exploring the park. Depending on where you’re trying to explore (ie South Rim, Grand Canyon West, Grand Canyon East, or North Rim), you should be able to cruise in for day trips to explore and be back at the camper to relax in the evenings.
Photo: Wisanu Boonrawd | Horseshoe Bend, Grand Canyon
3. Be a Photographer
The Grand Canyon is a photographic wonderland. You will want to take as many pictures as possible while visiting this amazing place! There are so many possibilities for taking great photos at The Grand Canyon that you might not know where to start!
You should bring a camera with you when going on any kind of trip to The Grand Canyon. This way, you can capture all of your memories from within this amazing location!
4. Visit Phantom Ranch for a meal and stay overnight
Phantom Ranch is located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and provides lodging for hikers who want to spend the night at the bottom of one of America's most famous landmarks. You can enjoy dinner at Phantom Ranch Restaurant before retiring to your cabin or tent cabin. The next day, you can hike back up to Mather Point via Bright Angel Trail or hike down via South Kaibab Trail.
5. Take a helicopter tour over the canyon rim
If you don't have time to hike down into the canyon on foot, take advantage of helicopter tours over its rim instead! A flight over this natural wonder of nature will give you an aerial view so you can see how huge it is! From Las Vegas and Sedona, Arizona, you can take tours that fly over the canyon and land on its rim for exploration by foot or horseback riding (depending on where you start).
6. Go rafting along the Colorado River
The Colorado River runs through the heart of the Grand Canyon National Park and offers some of the best whitewater kayaking in North America. You'll paddle through two miles of calm water before reaching Havasu Canyon — an otherworldly hidden gem where waterfalls cascade down limestone walls into turquoise pools below. The scenery is breathtaking as you float along past towering multi-colored cliffs that soar over 1,000 feet above your head!
Photo: Jim Mallouk | Whitewater rafting, Colorado River, Grand Canyon
7. Go on a mule ride
One of the best ways to see The Grand Canyon is by taking a mule ride down into its depths. These scenic tours are offered at several places along the rim, including Bright Angel Trailhead near Grand Canyon Village and Hermit's Rest along Desert View Drive.
8. Get on a bike
Biking is another fun activity at The Grand Canyon, especially if you want to get away from all the crowds and see some beautiful views from above ground level! You can rent bikes from several locations within the park (or bring your own), and then take off on one of their many bike paths throughout the area. Biking gives you more freedom than hiking does, so if you want a little more adventure while still keeping yourself safe - biking might be right up your alley!
9. Take a Boat Tour of the Colorado River
If you want to get a closer look at what it looks like down below without having to hike down into it and back up again, then take a boat tour on the Colorado River! Many companies offer these tours and they often offer different types of experiences depending on what you want to see. Some tours will take you down into some of the smaller side canyons while others will take you through rapids and waterfalls or past Indian ruins!
10. Go Stargazing at Yavapai Point
One of the most enjoyable ways to experience The Grand Canyon at night is by going stargazing at Yavapai Point. This is a great spot to view the stars because there’s no city light pollution, and it’s also very quiet and peaceful. The best time to go stargazing at Yavapai Point is after sunset when it’s dark enough for you to see all of the stars, but before it gets too cold outside. There will be fewer people here than at any other place in The Grand Canyon, so you can enjoy peace and quiet while enjoying an awesome view of the night sky!
Photo: Lunamarina | Yavapai Point, Grand Canyon
Takeaway
The Grand Canyon is one of the top tourist destinations in the United States. It is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and it is not difficult to see why so many people want to visit it. There are plenty of things to do in The Grand Canyon, so you will never run out of things to do while visiting there.
So, if you're looking for some adventure in your life, take a trip out to The Grand Canyon.
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