By foot and hoof and Jeep
Hiking in the Grand Canyon is the simplest and cheapest way to see the gorge, though considerable physical effort is required. Day hikes provide a sense of the scale of the place. The trails are well marked and hiking can be a do-it-yourself adventure.
The most popular hike and a great entry-level introduction to the canyon is a four-and-a-half mile trek on the famed Bright Angel Trail from the resort and commercial area on the canyon's south rim to Indian Gardens, a sprawling campground on the canyon's central plateau. The trail continues either to Inspiration Point overlooking the Colorado River or Phantom Ranch, a comfortable and simple lodge on the banks of Bright Angel Creek at the bottom. Get an early start and allow a full day for these hikes.
The trip from the south or north rim to Phantom Ranch also can be accomplished via daily mule rides, distinctive experiences that are rugged but require far less exertion. Prices range from $40 for a half-day trip from the north rim to more than $400 for overnight trips from the south rim. If you want to take a mule ride, you should book 6 to 8 months in advance. Be warned there is a weight limit and scales are used.
Inner-canyon motorized vehicle tours out of Las Vegas, NV, Williams, AZ, or the south rim are more comfortable and quicker, starting at more than $200 for a 10-hour-plus excursion.
Air and water
Seeing the Grand Canyon from an airplane, helicopter or raft can involve significant investments of time and money but provide thrilling views of the canyon from above or below.
Numerous flight services offer partial-day tours of the canyon out of Las Vegas, NV, and Tusayan, AZ, location of Grand Canyon National Park Airport. Prices range from $100 to more than $400, with the higher-end tours including other activities such as float trips or horseback rides.
About 15 commercial whitewater rafting services as well as the Hualapai Indian tribe offer a wide variety of float trips on the Colorado River through the canyon ranging from a single-day excursion to 18-day trips over the length of the gorge. Prices range from less than $1,000 to more than $4,000. A full-canyon trip lasting two weeks or longer is a highly recommended experience offered by several rafting companies.
Article Written By Gary Olson
Gary Olson is a freelance writer, editor, photographer and designer with 34 years of experience. His work has appeared in such publications as Sailing, Northwest Living, 5280, The Arizona Republic, The Denver Post and many other newspapers and magazines. He has a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Minnesota.
