The Grand Canyon is located entirely in Northern Arizona and is one of the great tourist attractions in the United States. The massive canyon encompasses several distinct areas, most famous of which is Grand Canyon National Park, a United States National Park. The national park is itself divided into two main areas: the remote North Rim and the more accessible (and therefore more crowded) South Rim. In addition, the southwestern end of the canyon is located within the borders of two Indian reservations: the Havasupai Indian Reservation and the Hualapai Indian Reservation (also known as Grand Canyon West). All of the sections of the canyon offer amenities for visitors, but the national park, and in particular the South Rim, is by far the most popular destination and the best equipped to handle the millions of yearly visitors.
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| (United States) – Discover Grand Canyon |
How to get there
A family trip to Grand Canyon means time in the car. The train trip from Williams to the South Rim provides a diversion for young kids and is a great option for day visitors and families intent on exploring the Grand Canyon on foot. The only way to get to the Toroweap and the North and West Rims is the automobile. Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Flagstaff are convenient departure points for the West and South Rims. The North Rim is best accessed from points north, Las Vegas, Nevada and Page, Arizona, and can easily be combined with a trip to Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks as well as Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Lake Powell. Toroweap is a long way from just about everywhere.
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| (United States) – Discover Grand Canyon |
Getting Around
A free shuttle bus operates four South Rim routes. The North Rim hiker shuttle makes the run from the Grand Canyon Lodge to the North Kaibab trailhead twice each morning (early!). A nominal fee is charged. Trans Canyon Shuttle provides a daily rim-to-rim shuttle service, roughly 4.5 hours, for a fee from mid-May to mid-October. At Toroweap, hiking is the only way to get around. Air tours - helicopter and small plane - depart from the Grand Canyon National Airport in Tusayan, 6 miles south of the entrance to the South Rim. Mule rides are offered on both the North and South Rims. The minimum age varies on North Rim trips. Day and overnight South Rim mule rides have a maximum weight (200 lbs or 91 kg fully dressed) and minimum height (4 feet 7 inches or 140 cm) requirement as well as variety of the other restrictions (fluent in English, good physical condition, no fear of heights or large animals, and pregnant women are not allowed).
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| (United States) – Discover Grand Canyon |
When to Travel
Aside from the North Rim, which is best visited in summer, the best time of year to visit the Grand Canyon depends on your interests. Hiking in the canyon is best in spring (March/April) and fall (October/November) whereas summer (June-September) is the best time to hike on the rim. In summer, the daytime temperature along the Colorado River can reach 120º F (50° Celsius)! Expect snow on the South Rim in winter and on the North Rim throughout most of the year. Be prepared for sudden changes in the weather at anytime.
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| (United States) – Discover Grand Canyon |
Health & Safety
All points on the North Rim sit at least 8000 feet (2438 m) above sea level. Give your body a chance to acclimate to the elevation before you set out on a serious hike. Visitors with respiratory or heart problems may experience difficulties. Keep a close eye on the kids at all times, even in areas with guardrails.
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| (United States) – Discover Grand Canyon |
Hours & Seasons
The South Rim, Toroweap and Grand Canyon West are open year-round. North Rim facilities and visitor services are open from mid-May to mid-October only. Weather permitting; the North Rim is open for day use only from mid-October to mid-May. Opening hours for of the West Rim Entrance and Skywalk are seasonal.
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| (United States) – Discover Grand Canyon |
Admission & Fees
Entrance to the North and South Rim areas of the park is charged per vehicle unless you are traveling on foot, bike or motorcycle in which case the fee is per person. Commercial vehicles are charged on capacity. Entrance to Toroweap is free of charge. The West Rim is priced like an attraction and the cost of the entrance fee is based on the activity package you choose. Of note, admission to the Skywalk is not included in all packages and in some cases cannot be added even with an additional fee.
Things to keep in mind
The magnitude of this gaping crevice is difficult for many children to comprehend.
(Wiki and Kids Can Travel)