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The Grand Canyon in Arizona is a large gorge carved by the Colorado River, and is a popular tourist attraction with various activities available. It is also a great place to study geology and is home to diverse wildlife. Visitors are advised to avoid the busy summer season and consider package deals for multiple activities.
The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s largest gorges, carved over billions of years by the Colorado River in a picturesque part of Arizona. At 277 miles (466 km) long and up to 18 miles (29 km) wide, the Grand Canyon is one of the most impressive landforms found anywhere. In fact, it often makes the list as one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
The Grand Canyon is a must-see attraction for many who visit the Western Desert of the United States. The canyon is easily accessible from tourist spots such as Las Vegas, Nevada and Phoenix, Arizona. Many organizations organize day trip packages to the famous gorge. These packages may include trips to Grand Canyon National Park or sightseeing flights in the area.
The canyon offers a variety of activities for the outdoor enthusiast. Various hiking, rafting and even mule tours are available. The famous mule and donkey rides in the canyon have been well documented in popular culture and are perhaps the best known of all the hikes in the area.
The Grand Canyon is also one of the best places in the world to study geology. Created over millions, and possibly billions of years, the Earth’s history is carved into every bedrock as the Colorado River has flowed through the eons. The rock layers exposed to the rock, most scientists agree, date back at least 2 billion years. Interestingly, there is a gap in the geological history of the canyon of about 1 billion years.
Besides attracting humans, the canyon has also attracted a diverse collection of wildlife. Due to the canyon’s large size, elevation range, and large areas of untouched land, it is one of the most biologically diverse places in the United States. Foxes, cougars, bobcats, black bears and various other mammals provide plenty for visitors to do. Dozens of types of birds and fish also add to the organic mix.
Those interested in visiting the Grand Canyon, especially those making their first visits, might be a little disappointed that the most popular places to visit in the canyon aren’t pristine wilderness, but rather crowded tourist magnets. Those who can visit in the fall or spring are encouraged to do so, as summer is the busiest season. This offers the best chance to see the South Rim, the most popular spot in the canyon, without facing huge crowds.
Those who are planning multiple activities, such as a sightseeing flight, mule ride, and rafting trip, may want to ask about packages. If you are staying at a resort near the canyon, the concierge may be able to save travelers some money. Often, when packaged together, these activities can come with significant discounts. In some cases, the packages offer perks such as tours of areas of the canyon not normally offered to those who purchase activity options separately.
