What is the best means to discover the Grand Canyon? Will hiking make the greatest introduction? Are mule rides or automobile tours the most effective ways to reach the park’s nicest spots? Do the various aircraft tours only aim to give us a summary of the Grand Canyon’s mystique or are they supposed to offer us more?
There are roughly five million park visitors each year. With this number, it’s not hard to imagine just how fascinating the Grand Canyon is. While some of them feel satisfied just gawking at the sights, there are those who simply have to do more.
Experiencing the real essence of the Grand Canyon goes beyond traditional view-watching. Most of the five million guests sign up for the different Grand Canyon tours to get a feel of what the canyon is all about. About 90% of the park visitors spend their time driving along the roads of the South Rim of the canyon. Grand Canyon tours take guests to scenic viewpoints like Mather Point, Grandview Point, and Desert View. People who have more time to spare may opt to take the Grand Canyon tours bound for the Hermits Rest Route which stops at places like Pima Point.
Although there are several Grand Canyon tours available towards the North Rim, not a lot of guests are too eager for these. The North Rim is the more remote side of the canyon, and its seclusion is further emphasized by its closure during the winter months.
Taking a peek on a ledge down to the abyss, or watching the scenes at a distance aren’t the only means to truly get to know the canyon. There are numerous Grand Canyon tours available ranging from hiking, mule or horse riding, rafting, and flying on board aircrafts. Some guests even opt to live and stay longer within the park premises. And because time and weather can ruin your chances of staying inside the Grand Canyon, the various museums and the National Geographic Visitor Center help guests experience the ultimate thrill of being up close and personal to the walls of the canyon and the raging waters of the river.
While the different Grand Canyon tours let you meet Mother Nature’s playground face to face, the visitor centers and the park’s museums give those who are bounded by time, a chance to feel the park’s fascinating splendor. So whether you’re taking real Grand Canyon tours or simply taking virtual ones, the park is worth all the time you can spare.