Grand Canyon National Park

02/22/06

magnificent

by pkfrse0203

I lived in GCNP one summer. Coule suggestions: don't go in July, its very hot and crowded. get your reservations in ADVANCE, especially if you stay in the park at El Tovar or Bright Angel (only the ET has air conditioning). There are ATM's in the Village, not at Desert View. The only restaurant in Desert View is the DV snack bar so come prepared. There are long lines to get into the Village, but if you come through Cameron and go in the East Rim entrance they're usually much shorter. Bring your camera, plenty of film, water and be sure to hydrate before you head out there, especially if you're not from an area where theres dry heat. Its very different from the South's humid heat. If you're camping make sure you make reservations before you go for the campgrounds. Desert View, although smaller, typically has camping grounds open.

08/26/05

Undescribable!

by dimo

Neither words nor pictures can describe the grandeur of Grand Canyon National Park. We visited 4 other National Parks in May and June and almost didn't go to Grand Canyon. How could it be any better than what we had already experienced? What was there to do if you didn't hike down into the canyon? Grand Canyon knocked our socks off! We watched condors swoop around the rim, sat on our lawn chairs watching the changing colors of sunset, walked the rim, ate at El Tovar, watched the Navaho dancers at the Hopi House, watched the burros weave their way down the trail, and took many, many pictures! It is incomparible and undescribable!

• Pros: shuttles, shops, sunsets

08/26/05

See it from river level...

by rickbr

I've seen the canyon from the rims, from the air, and from river level during a 6 day river run in July 2005. Running the river is by far the best way to experience the canyon, but most can't afford such a trip or that kind of time. Still, the solitude (read: no crowds), immense beauty, and environment from deep within the canyon just can't compare when you are looking down from the rims. And don't be deceived: Whether it's the north or south rim, be prepared for lots of people and crowded parking, especially during the tourist season. The ambience at the north rim was spoiled by a bar/nightclub in the village that played loud music. Very disappointing. Ironically, the drive to the north rim, I thought, was the best part. Running the Colorado river remains my most memorable trip and Grand Canyon experience.

• Pros: Geology, the Ecosystems, River history
• Cons: Crowded at rims