Last updated on August 24th, 2016 at 05:49 am

Grand Canyon is not just a canyon; it’s the grandest canyon. There are canyons that are wider, deeper, even longer, but none of them are the Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon is more than just a view. There are so many ways to explore it. The diversity in it is unparalleled. It’s a huge landscape begging to be explored. It only takes a moment to stop beside a canyon or sit under the trees and get to know all the things that this landscape has to offer. It makes tourists put things in perspective – the Grand Canyon makes you feel smaller as well as your problems as you stand on its edge. Indeed, there’s so much to take in, in this vast scenery.

Interesting Facts

• Almost 94 percent of Grand Canyon is considered wilderness.
• The park is managed and protected as though it is the wild.
• In most of its areas, there are no roads or cars.
• The Grand Canyon is considered to be one of the 7 wonders of the world.
• Most of the Grand Canyon consists of rock that is 1 mile deep, 18 miles wide and 277 miles long.
• Every plant and animal that lives in the Grand Canyon has a specialized adaptation that allows them to survive in different ecosystems.

Things To Do

Inner Canyon

Every year, an estimated five million tourists visit Grand Canyon, but very few actually descend into the canyon itself. Only about five percent of tourists go down below the rims. Visitors usually go to the viewpoints, look at the landscape, and feel that they have already experienced the Grand Canyon, but actually, they’re missing out on the best chance to explore the inner canyon and experience the diversity it offers.

Guided Tours

Visitors can choose from various offered tours. There are Grand Canyon mule rides available, whitewater rafting, canyon river adventures, hiking, and railroad, helicopter and van tours.

Landscapes

Grand Canyon offers a variety of landscapes and environments from cool forests to hot, dry deserts and over a million acres of wilderness that have been the subject of human exploration and inspiration for generations.

The Rims

Most of Grand Canyon’s visitors initially arrived on the South Rim. Others get to the North Rim, East Rim, and West Rim. The rim environment is typically made up of forests. As you leave the rims, you get to an environment filled with cacti and other plants that can be found in a desert environment. As one travels further into the inner canyon, they’ll reach the Colorado River.There are also seeps and springs within the canyon that serve as home to various species.

Camping

There are numerous lodging options near the canyon. However, if you prefer to go camping, there are multiple camping options for you to choose from.

Things to be considered when preparing for the Canyon Canyon National Park camping

Campgrounds

Campgrounds in the Grand Canyon National Park are operated by the National Park Service. Two main types of camping are allowed in the park: Camping in developed campgrounds and backpacking and dispersed camping.

South Rim Campgrounds

Camping in South Rim is a popular option because more resources are available and the location is very accessible to a medical clinic, shops, grocery stores, restaurants, and the post office.
Here are some popular campsites in the South Rim:

Mather Campground

Season: open year round (depends on weather conditions)
Amenities : 300 RV and tent campsites with no hookups, nearby bathroom, shower, laundry facilities
Camping Fee: less than $20

Trailer Village

Season: open year-round, reservations are available through Xanterra Parks and Resorts
Amenities: full RV hookups
Camping Fee: $35 plus tax for 2 campers

The Desert View Campground

Advantage: offers a peaceful and scenic camping and the park’s most beautiful sunrise spot
Amenities: 50 campsites, tent and RV camping, with restrooms but no shower facilities, no RV hookups
Camping Fee: less than $20 per space per night; first come, first served basis and no reservations accepted

North Rim Campgrounds

While it is difficult to access because it is more secluded, campgrounds located in the North Rim has many advantages such as less crowds, world class hiking, backpacking and breathtaking views.
Here are some popular North Rim campgrounds:

The North Rim Campground

Season:open May 15-Oct. 31 of most years
Amenities: tent and RV camping, no hookups, coin-operated laundry, shower, dump station
Camping Fee:$18-$25 per night

Weather

Weather is different throughout the Grand Canyon National Park. Weather in the North Rim with its mountainous terrain is different from the weather in South Rim which is a desert. The North Rim is almost like Colorado while the South Rim is like New Mexico. Pack and dress appropriately and check the weather for the specific area of your destination before your trip.

Cell Phone Coverage

Cell phone service throughout much of Northern Arizona is limited and cell service signal at the Grand Canyon National Park is spotty.

Pets

Pets in the park must be leashed at all times. On the South Rim, pets (leashed) are allowed on trails above the rim, in developed areas and in the following campgrounds: Mather Campground, Desert View Campground and Trailer Village. Pets are not allowed below the rim, on park buses and in park lodging. On the North Rim , pets are not permitted except in the bridle trail (greenway), and the portion of the Arizona Trail going north to the park entrance station.

Tips for Planning your camping trip

• Plan your trip early. Make reservations one year in advance.
• Reservations can be made through the National Recreation Reservation Service
  Online: www.recreation.gov / Phone: 1-877-444-6777
• Read useful information such as campground rules, information on permits, campground reservations, and safety considerations prior to camping.
• Check the Grand Canyon page for updates.
• Dress for the weather and pack appropriately.
• Keep your distance and avoid interacting with potentially dangerous park animals.
• Check weather forecast and advisories regularly for your destination specific area of the canyon before your trip.

There is a natural solitude in the Canyon’s atmosphere. There are places you can descend to where the air is still, and you’ll find yourself among rocks and plants, and you suddenly become tuned to the nature around you.

Basically, the Grand Canyon is telling us to slow down, take it all in, get to know what is beyond the reaches of the road, and to look deep into the canyon itself, awaken the sense of discovery in yourself, and sense the wild in the canyon.

Resources:

https://www.nps.gov
grand-canyon-park
http://www.grandcanyon.net
http://www.sunset.com/
http://www.outsideonline.com
https://blog.allstate
https://www.thrillist.com