Best Ways to Experience the Grand Canyon

Widely recognized as one of the most notable natural landmarks in the continental United States,

the Grand Canyon can be an excellent destination for your next family vacation. Though there

are no shortages of activities available to its visitors, it is very beneficial to create an agenda

before ultimately visiting this historical hotspot. Whether you’re exploring the canyon by raft,

campsite, or even via a helicopter tour from Las Vegas, you’re sure to find the right fit for you

and your party. Here are some of the most popular ways to fully experience the Grand Canyon

today.

Arguably the most popular activity chosen by visitors that tour the Grand Canyon is river rafting.

There are many great options for those looking to travel the river, most of which can be found

within the Southern Rim of the canyon. Trips can vary from half-a-day to 25-day excursions,

each varying in difficulty. If you’re fairly new to rafting, it is safest to seek out a trip that offers a

certified guide to accompany you.

Hiking the canyon can be a wonderful way to experience the canyon’s rich natural beauty and

immense size. Though this option can be one of the more mentally and physically demanding

experiences offered at the Grand Canyon – even for the most avid of hikers – proper preparation

is absolutely essential before embarking on your adventure. Among other necessities such as

water, a physical map, and protein snacks, each hiker is strongly encouraged to enter their

expedition with a positive and sound mental attitude. Unless you have a helicopter waiting to

pick you up at the end of your journey, be prepared to save some fuel for the hike back.

For those vacationers looking to take a more unique Grand Canyon tour, mule rides can be an

excellent opportunity for visitors of all ages. Guided by a certified wrangler, you and your party

will get to experience the various geologic formations, as well as the regions’ expansive human

history, fire ecology, surrounding forests, and more – all from the back of your own trusty mule.

These distinctive ventures are also a very safe option for those that wish to traverse the steep

ridges of the canyon, making it the perfect selection for those looking to limit potential physical

danger upon their visit.

Camping under the sweeping night sky of the Grand Canyon is an experience that is second to

none. With fifteen different trails and many more opaque routes to offer, there is no better way to

truly immerse oneself within nature than camping in the inner canyon. One great

recommendation for potential campers is to map out your entire visit beforehand. In fact, when

applying for a camping permit, one must plan a visit at least four months ahead of time, so to

ensure the availability of the specified overnight sites.

However, for those that want to get the full Grand Canyon experience, nothing can really beat a

full-on helicopter tour of the area. On a Grand Canyon helicopter tour, you and your party will

get a view that will be difficult to forget. Hiking, camping, and river rafting are all fun, but all of

those options only allow you to see a part of this natural wonder. In a helicopter, you’ll be able

to see the whole thing with your own eyes.

As you can see, there are plenty of Grand Canyon tour options available to visitors of all ages

and activity-levels. Whether you’re looking for a one-day hiking trip, or a multiple-night

camping excursion within the canyon, you’re sure to find the perfect activity for you and your

entire party.

Company Bio:

Since 1965, Papillon Helicopters has been the world’s oldest and largest sightseeing company,

flying an estimated 600k passengers a year on its daily tours of the Grand Canyon. With over

forty unique excursions available, we at Papillon are proud to offer our guests an unparalleled

perspective of one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Our catalog of tours and activities

ensure travelers a variety of options and an up-and-close and personal experience they’ll carry

with them long after they leave.

Sources:

1. http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/things2do.htm

2. http://www.nps.gov/grca/naturescience/geologicformations.htm

3. http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/whitewater-rafting.htm

4. http://www.en.wikipedia.com