Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park

National Park · Arizona, United States

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Grand Canyon National Park, located in northwestern Arizona, is the 15th site in the United States to have been named as a national park. The park's central feature is the Grand Canyon, a gorge of the Colorado River, which is often considered one of the Wonders of the World.

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While the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is closed in winter, the South Rim stays open year-round. And as if the Grand Canyon weren’t dramatic enough in other seasons, winter brings a new sense of the spectacular, as the canyon’s intense earthy colors contrast brilliantly with fresh white snow. Whether you’re looking for a physical challenge or a chance to slow down and rest, winter allows visitors a chance to enjoy this park during the less-busy season.
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National Park Winter Wonderlands
National Park Foundation15 places
Most of the hikes found in this guidebook are located in Grand Canyon National Park, but a few are located further afield outside of the park—most notably, Havasu Falls.
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Best Hikes in the Grand Canyon
FATMAP15 places
The area around the Grand Canyon has been occupied by people for thousands of years. The park has 11 traditionally associated tribes with long-term connections to the park prior to its establishment and consider park resources as key to their development and cultural identity. Three of the federally recognized tribes also share borders with the park. NPF is supporting the transformation of the park’s Desert View area into an inter-tribal cultural heritage site.
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Parks that Honor Native American History
National Park Foundation14 places
Cory Wharton-Malcolm: “This park is all about the incredible views. Be sure to catch the sunrise or sunset at the South Rim—it doesn’t feel real. It’s a great place to disconnect from the rest of the world. One thing to keep in mind is the high altitude, which makes it harder to breathe and work out. Make sure to slow down while your body adjusts. The elevation also makes it great training for when you return to sea level.”
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Apple Fitness+ Trainers’ National Parks
I Just Love10 places
There isn't a trail runner in the world who hasn't dreamt of running the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim to Rim. A bucket list route, even those who have completed it often come back for seconds. It stands boldly as one of the most recognized epis in all of the US, maybe even the western hemisphere. On average, it takes most runners between 12 and 15 hours, most choosing to start between 3 and 4am.
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The Best Trail Runs of the Grand Canyon
FATMAP10 places
We know the Grand Canyon is perhaps the most famous national park in the world. But it has more than a few secrets tucked within its immense expanse. Our favorite? Havasu Falls. There are no roads in, so your only route is on foot, or via horseback, or helicopter. We suggest taking the slow route, hiking 10 miles (16 kilometers) in to reach waterfalls and pools of brilliant turquoise water amid the warm glow of the orange- and red-hued rocks walls.
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11 Underrated National Parks in the US
Viator11 places
Offering rim to rim hiking, donkey rides, and whitewater rafting, Grand Canyon National Park is a hugely popular destination. There are two public areas of Grand Canyon National Park, the North and South Rims. The South Rim is the most accessible section of the park, with numerous places where visitors can pull over to admire the views. The North Rim isn't as visited because it is slightly harder to get to, especially when harsh winter weather closes access roads.
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Discover America's National Parks
National Park Foundation63 places
Found in Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park is an awe-inspiring desert stunner that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A national park since 1919, this massive, colorful geological wonder, where some of the geological formations date back 1.8 billion years, is an impressive 277 river miles (446km) long, up to 18 miles (29km) wide and one mile (1.6km) deep and is home to a diverse group of wildlife.
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Most Beautiful National Parks in the USA
Culture Trip11 places
The famous, sweeping vistas of Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park are regarded as a “must-see” by many, making it a natural choice for your family’s first national park visit. The park’s South Rim is where you’ll find the most amenities; making this your home base will put you within easy reach of kid-friendly dining and accommodations. While a journey down into the canyon isn’t advised for novice hikers, the paved Rim Trail offers plenty of canyon views and easy access for families.
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10 Family-Friendly National Parks
Roadtrippers10 places
What better example of an inverted world exists than the Grand Canyon? This beloved and iconic national park has served as inspiration and subject matter for countless works of art. Take a hike on the Bright Angel Trail to soak in the stunning views below the rim. The view and the climate change with each trail leg deeper into the canyon, making for some real-world multiversal travel.
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Visit All Three Meow Wolf Locations
Roadtrippers8 places
Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park is world renowned for its vistas, but another vista can be seen after dark when unobstructed views reveal a dazzling star-scape! If you’re the type to plan ahead for an amazing stargazing experience, schedule your visit around the park’s summer Star Party, typically held in June. The event includes nightly evening programs and telescope viewing behind the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, as well as constellation tours.
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National Parks Perfect for Stargazing
National Park Foundation44 places
This natural wonder cradles two billion years of geologic history, with 40 layers of rock shaped into buttes, spires and cliffs. Carved by the Colorado River, the 277-mile gorge is magisterial from any perspective, but it’s thrilling to venture below the rim. The safest place to start is the well-maintained Bright Angel Trail, which follows an ancient route past sculpted sandstone to a cottonwood oasis.
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The most scenic national parks in the US
Time Out10 places
Images and videos never truly capture the astounding beauty and magnificence of the Grand Canyon. A visit here is a must for all travelers on America’s Grand Circle. You’ll stand slack-jawed and speechless as you marvel at the 277mi-long natural phenomenon that stretches into the horizon. Somehow, the Grand Canyon becomes even more breathtaking when viewed from the bottom of its 1mi-deep floor.
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A Guide to America's Grand Circle
Culture Trip12 places
This Unesco World Heritage site might just make you think of cliché family road trips and movies from the ’90s. However, the Grand Canyon really should be on everyone’s bucket list. Carved out over millions of years by the Colorado River, the massive canyon is truly a sight to behold. While there are various difficult and technical hikes, the Rim Trail is one of the most family-friendly – you can even explore parts of it via donkey.
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Popular Family-Friendly Spots in the USA
Culture Trip10 places

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