As one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon is so awe-inspiring that words can do it no justice. Its dazzling array of colours, from fiery red to the softest tones of blue, its immense depths that make it appear as though there is no base, and then the tiny glimpses of the Colorado River below, make a holiday to the Grand Canyon a must for anyone who appreciates natural beauty. Choosing the right time to visit is important, as summers are often unbearably hot, and winters extremely cold. This makes spring and autumn the best times to travel but bear in mind that the weather during these periods remains unpredictable. Flights from the UK to neighbouring Las Vegas International Airport take around ten hours on a direct journey, as well as connections from other US gateways.
One of the world's natural wonders, the Grand Canyon is an area of captivating beauty best enjoyed by all the family…
The Grand Canyon is ideal for anyone who enjoys an active holiday, with backpacking and hiking popular to explore all that the Canyon has to offer. It's a good location for families too, as a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of neighbouring Las Vegas, which allows adults and children to travel in for the daytime entertainment but escape before the nights get too much to handle.
Choosing the right accommodation is crucial as this is where you'll spend most of your evenings. There is a vast range of options including Grand Canyon hotels situated in the Grand Canyon National Park itself. For more affordable lodges however, look at the neighbouring communities of Flagstaff, Prescott and Williams. Flagstaff is less than 90 miles south of the Canyon and has lots of bed and breakfast, cabins and motels. Williams, Arizona, is less than 60 miles south of the rim, while Prescott is the closest community with lots of quaint Grand Canyon accommodation options. By choosing one of the Arizona options it gives you the opportunity to travel to Phoenix with its luxurious resorts and spas.
At the Grand Canyon itself you won't be short of things to do. There are helicopter and air tours, river rafting and both train and bus tours available. The Grand Canyon South Rim is the most popular spot for tourists, and has a big visitor centre. If you'd rather not battle the crowds, the Grand Canyon North Rim is equally beautiful and much more sedate, while the West Rim is also growing in popularity, largely thanks to its Skywalk. The width and depth of the Grand Canyon vary from place to place, and can be about 6,000 vertical feet deep and 18 miles wide at various points. For the ultra adventurous, there are trekking guides and you can even climb and ascend the ridge… with suitable safety measures of course!
The Grand Canyon isn't the only stunning sight in the area, with others including Lake Mead, the Hoover Dam and the Red Rock Canyon.
The Red Rock Canyon is just ten miles west of Las Vegas and is a great spot for walking and rock climbing. The Hoover Dam holds back the waters of Lake Mead on the Colorado River with spectacular waterfalls and numerous tours available. The Lake Mead area meanwhile, is very popular with watersports enthusiasts.
If you're staying in the Grand Canyon area, it's a good idea to spend a night or two in Las Vegas. This is where you'll find the liveliest nightlife in mainland USA, with shows that run well into the night. Vegas is internationally renowned for its casinos and incredible hotels that take themes based on international locations or movies, and include Treasure Island, Mandalay Bay, Luxor and New York-New York. A walk along the Las Vegas Strip, or a trip to The Stratosphere will keep all the family entertained.
Phoenix, Arizona, is another popular day retreat from the Grand Canyon. Phoenix is loved by golfing enthusiasts and included a number of upmarket restaurants, five-star hotels and giant shopping plazas to keep you busy.
