The Grand Canyon is one of 2010’s top family vacation spots. If you’re looking for a great place to take your family this season, the Grand Canyon should top your list. Even if you’ve been here before, it’s such a beautiful and exciting place to visit, it’s well worth a second trip. There are also so many great things to see and do that you can visit different parts of the Grand Canyon on subsequent trips.

If you have kids, no matter what their age, they will love this “Wonder of the World”. Nothing is cooler to a kid than getting a close-up view of this amazing canyon. This is the type of thing a kid will remember their whole lives. It’s also great to bring your camera and get pictures of the canyon as well as of your family there.

If you visit again the future or even if you return every year to this 2010 family vacation hotspot, you can keep all the photos of your growing family from each time you visit. One trip to the Grand Canyon will show you why this is a 2010 hot spot for families.

Here are some sites you want to see when you go on a Grand Canyon family vacation:

• Helicopter ride around the Grand Canyon – the EcoStar 130 helicopters that take you into the canyon are a smooth ride and they can seat 7 passengers so the whole family can go together. They have extra large windows for taking in all the sights of the canyon and each rider gets a headset with mic so you can hear the pilot and ask questions throughout the ride.
• Hike the Grand Canyon North Rim- Hiking can be for kids, too. Try taking a family hike on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. It’s lightly traveled and you can take your time and allow the children to explore as much as they’d like.
• Grand Canyon Jeep Tours and Safaris- Here’s another great idea for the whole family because those cannot walk for long periods will enjoy seeing it all from the comfort of a safari ride.
• Junior Ranger Program- Designed for kids aged 4-14, the Junior Ranger Program lets kids and their families take part in hands-on exploration at the Grand Canyon.

Of course this isn’t all that the Grand Canyon has to offer families so if you’re planning your own trip, do your research, plan ahead and even allow the kids to get in on the action of planning your trip.

Grand Canyon Rock Tower

One of the most favorite places for families to visit on vacation is the Grand Canyon. It is estimated that nearly 5 million travel to this 1 mile deep canyon each year. Most of these people go to the South rim to see the canyon from their car at overlooks along the way. This is the most accessible part of the park and it’s open all year. From Grand Canyon South you can see a great deal of the park such as from Grand Canyon Village, Desert View or Hermits Rest.

There are a smaller number of people who visit the Grand Canyon through the North Rim which is only open during certain times of the year and it is less accessible. If you plan a trip to the Grand Canyon, your first step is to determine which way you will be going.

What is known as the “Inner Canyon” contains everything below the rim and this part of the Grand Canyon is seen mainly only to hikers, mule riders or river runners. If you are an adventurous person, this may be a place for you to consider.

If you’re planning a trip with the fam to the Grand Canyon, you may not be up for canyon hiking or river running. You want to stick with something a little safer for children and other members of the family. But don’t worry because there is plenty to see and do.

Here are some ideas:

• Attend free ranger programs
• Visit and information center and learn about the Grand Canyon
• Visit a museum
• Visit scenic Hermit Road
• Listen to park rangers give 2-minute audio tours via your phone
• Visit the scenic Desert View Drive
• Climb 70 feet to the top of Watchtower for an amazing panoramic view
• Visit a Grand Canyon “hot spot” and take some fantastic photos to remember your trip
• Check out whitewater and smooth-water rafting on the Colorado River
• Enjoy hiking on the many different types of trails

It can be helpful to plan all the events you want to take part in before you leave but remember to be flexible once you arrive. Don’t be so rigid in your planning that you pass up the opportunity to see something new or experience some interesting that might be happening once you arrive.

Planning a trip to the Grand Canyon South is something the whole family can take part in. Encourage your children to give ideas and if you have never been before, have them help you with the research and tell you about the things they would like to do so you can work it into the itinerary.

The Grand Canyon is an American landmark that everyone has to see at least once in their lives. It is one of the most popular motor home destinations in the United States.

Photo via flickr member Robert Lz

You can see a picture of the canyon and get an idea of how beautiful it is, but it is nothing like actually sitting on the canyon’s edge and looking down.

The Grand Canyon is inspirational. When you look into its depths, the walls of rock chiseled over thousands of years lead you to contemplate how vast nature is. It is truly awe-inspiring.

You can watch the shadows creep along the buttes as the sun moves across the sky. It is a natural light show with changing colors.

The Grand Canyon has a south rim and a north rim. These two areas of the park are very different.

The south rim has more to do. There are lots of overlooks, hiking trails, museums, information centers, and lodging.

The north rim is somewhat more desolate, cooler and at a greater elevation.

Because the south rim is so popular, it is often crowded. During the summer months, you’ll see tourists climbing over each other to get a look at the breathtaking view. If you want to avoid crowds, it’s best to go during the off-season, in the winter or fall. Many prefer the north rim, where there are fewer people and you can enjoy the peace and quiet.

The most popular activity on this kind of trip is backcountry hiking. While you’re hiking, you will see rock formations and views few have seen before. Hikes range from day trips to overnight backpacking adventures. Hiking here is very strenuous so be prepared.

It can also be dangerous. There are temperature extremes similar to the desert: very hot during the daytime and very cold at night. This is desert hiking at its most extreme; bring plenty of water and food. You also have to know when to take a rest. Before setting off on a backcountry hike, make sure that you are fully prepared, and it can be a wonderful adventure.

Getting a spot at one of the popular campsites during the summer tourist season can be a challenge. Wherever you plan to stay, you should make reservations in advance if possible. If space is important, you might try sites a little ways away from the bustle.

North Rim Campground

At the North Rim Campground, you can be right on the north rim, just minutes away from some wonderful hiking. The North Rim Campground has no hookups and very limited services. However, this site is as close as you’re going to get.

The North Rim Campground fills up quickly because of its prime location, so it’s a good idea to book your stay well in advance. They take reservations as early as five months ahead.

Demotte Campground

For a little more luxury, try the Demotte Campground, about 15 miles from the north rim. They allow small RVs, but there are no hookups. There is a convenience store, restaurant and flushing toilets. You can also be close to hiking trails and horseback riding activities.

The Demotte Campground doesn’t take reservations, and it fills up fast. It can be a gamble. But, it’s well worth it because the high elevation of the campground ensures that you’ll have nice cool sleeping weather.

Desert View Campground

Desert View is located on the south rim, and named after one of the south rim’s most famous lookout points. It’s 25 miles from the canyon, and operates from May until October. There are no hookups for your motor home, but the low nightly charge and proximity to the canyon make it well worth it. They don’t take reservations.

The Grand Canyon KOA

If you want to spoil yourself a little, why not try the Grand Canyon KOA? It’s actually a ways away, just north of Williams, Arizona. But it is a comfortable and not that far away, and features fun amenities like barbecues and an indoor pool.

The Grand Canyon is truly one of the wonders of the world, and it makes for a great motor home holiday.  AS82F6QCFCBC

About the Author:
For scenic, creative wedding photography, New Orleans knows Fine Art Exposure has the photography style needed to capture the unique mood of your wedding. For wedding photos with elegant New Orleans ambiance, visit http://www.fineartexposure.com

It's been said that stereotypes become such because they contain a grain of truth at the very least. When it comes to the stereotype that a Grand Canyon trip is a quintessential American vacation, the truth is absolutely there. And, for a number of reasons. A trip to the canyon is an incredible adventure for a couple, a single traveler and even an entire family.

Photo via flickr member Wolfgang Staudt 

The Grand Canyon itself is a massive tourist attraction, emphasis on massive. The canyon, when measured from Lee's Ferry to Lake Mead, runs nearly 280 miles long. It averages 10 miles in width and is steep, very steep. In some locations, its depth is measured at more than a mile. It is for these reasons and many others it's considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Remember when visiting the Grand Canyon, the kids won't find roller coasters, but they will find natural views that are far more spectacular than any amusement park could hope to muster. The canyon area itself is home to such attractions as camping, hiking, horseback and mule riding, natural explorations and even a native Indian village that can be accessed by foot or helicopter.

The canyon is so big, it has several points where visitors can get a very good glimpse of the action and learn more about the canyon and its wonders. The South Rim area, however, is perhaps the most trafficked among visitors as it's a little easier to access on foot than other areas of the canyon. The South Rim is open year round, seven days a week. It doesn't even close on holidays.

The National Parks Service has facilities open year-round to accommodate visitors. It, however, recommends trips between November and February for those who want to visit when traffic isn't at its peak, but winter weather can get in the way.

The South Rim itself has an average elevation of about 7,000 feet, which puts it well above the mile mark. Considering this, it can be difficult for people used to sea level elevations to breath and considerations should be taken here.

So, why visit the Grand Canyon? The view!

With literally hundreds of miles of incredible natural craved rocks, a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times and a culture of native people that remains strong and true, this area is America's West at its most pristine. The canyon itself is an absolute jaw dropper and the views, wildlife, weather and rough and tumble atmosphere are simply amazing.

Trips here are ideal for virtually anyone who wants to take in one of America's most spectacular views, but for the adventuresome, they're even more incredible. There are hiking trips available into the canyon along with mule rides and more. Adrenaline junkies can go on river rafting trips, rock climbing and so on. The possibilities for exploration are almost endless. But, for those who are brave at heart, it's a good idea to remember the canyon is not necessarily a hospitable place. A good guide will be needed to help visitors navigate dangerous territory.

It's considered one of America's top vacation spots for a number of reasons. The biggest, however, is simply the view. With nothing else like it in the world, the Grand Canyon packs in tourists from all over the world who want to see what Mother Nature and her paintbrush can create. 

Copyright (c) 2006

About the Author:
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The Grand Canyon Skywalk
By Sheri Keyser

Photo via flickr member prayitno

The Grand Canyon Skywalk, a massive glass walkway that perches almost a mile over the Colorado River, recently opened in Arizona. The unique horseshoe-shaped Glass Bridge reaches 70 feet from the Grand Canyon's edge and provides the vertical view down from the canyon rim. Located 120 miles east of Las Vegas, Nevada, the Grand Canyon Skywalk Glass Bridge was built by the Hualapai Tribe to provide a one-of-a-kind Grand Canyon experience and to make money from the tourists who will flock to this attraction. The grand opening was March 20, 2007, a week earlier than planned. Several special guests including Buzz Aldrin and elders of the Hualapai Tribe took the first steps on the new structure.

 Is the Skywalk Safe?

Over three times higher than the Empire State Building, the Glass Bridge was constructed with over one million pounds of steel and is built to withstand the weight of 71 fully-loaded Boeing 747 planes (over 71 million pounds). The Skywalk was engineered to withstand winds of over 100 miles per hour from eight directions.

Engineers also took earthquakes into consideration when designing the Grand Canyon Skywalk. The structure was built to last through an earthquake of up to 8.0 on the Richter scale within the surrounding 50 miles of the Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon Controversy

The opening of the Grand Canyon Skywalk has reignited the controversy surrounding the commercialism of the Grand Canyon, one of nature's greatest wonders.

The primary arguments against the new attraction are:

• Some people believe it to be an eye-sore
• Conservationists believe that the Skywalk is turning one of the world’s greatest natural wonders into a commercial tourist attraction
• Others feel that the Skywalk devalues the cultural and historical values of the Grand Canyon and the Hualapai Tribe
• Critics question how the Tribe will support these resorts and attractions with the currently limited infrastructure (there’s currently no sustainable water, sewer, trash, telephone, or electrical service in the area)

Supporters of the Grand Canyon Skywalk say that the new attraction is simply a novel way for tourists to experience the Grand Canyon like never before and an effective way for the Huapalai Tribe to earn more on the land. They believe that the new Grand Canyon West development will be good for the local economy.

Grand Canyon West

The Glass Bridge is only one piece of a 6,000 square-foot development called Grand Canyon West that includes a visitors' center, gift shop, and a restaurant. It'll cost you $25 to see the Grand Canyon from this unusual perspective.

The Huapalai Tribe is a steward of the lands of the Grand Canyon. They have plans to build hotels, additional shopping, and a golf course near the Glass Bridge in the future. Part of their master plan includes adding cable cars to transport tourists from canyon rim to the Colorado River (inside the Grand Canyon). Pontoon boat tours, raft rides, and low-flying airplane and helicopter tours are also in their plans.

Sheri Keyser is the Founder and CEO of GoSightsee.com, a travel website that provides you with insider travel tips on sightseeing destinations, vacation planning resources, and travel deals.

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Summer Hiking Safety Tips – Staying Safe When Hiking in the Hot, Dry, Beautiful Grand Canyon
By Rebecca Beltran

Photo via flickr member JamesWatkins

Review these hiking safety tips before you go to ensure this trip is an enjoyable one.

Hiking in the Grand Canyon can be an awesome experience. It could also be the most difficult hike of your life if you are not careful.

1. Bring (and drink) lots of water

The Park Service recommends that during warm months, each hiker should carry about 1 gallon (4 liters) of water with them per day. Yes, that is 1 gallon per person.

Dehydration is a big issue at the canyon and every day hiker's are hospitalized because of it. Don't be one of them.

2. Bring snacks

Your body needs more fuel than normal when it's working this hard, so pack lots of snacks and eat often. Granola bars, trail mix and beef jerky are some of my favorites.

3. Go 1/3 of how far you think you can go

In a canyon, the unfortunate thing that most of us forget is that going down is the easy part.

It's a common mistake to hike until you get tired and then turn around and head back, only to realize you still have 2/3rds of the journey still to go.

4. Pass other hikers on the correct side

To encourage hiking safety for all, downhill hikers move to the outside of the trail when passing and uphill hikers move to the inside.

5. Don't underestimate the climate

The climate at the canyon is high elevation, dry air and very, very warm. Not only will you likely run out of breath much faster here since the air is thinner, you'll sunburn quicker.

Also, because of the dry air, you won't notice how much you are sweating and you have a higher chance of heat stroke and heat-related illnesses – all just because of the climate.

6. Hike in the shade

Stay in the shade as much as you can. The shade will help to keep you from overheating and help make your trip that much more pleasant.

7. Safety in numbers

Hiking safety means not being alone when something goes wrong.

It's safer to hike with a group, but if that's not possible, at least let someone on the rim know where you are going and when you will be back.

8. Be prepared for emergencies

Bring a first aid kit and know how to treat the most common hiking injuries.

Also, know some of the most common Grand Canyon hiking injuries and illnesses, such as dehydration and hyponatremia, and know how to properly identify and treat them.

Rebecca Beltran is a former long-time resident of the Grand Canyon National Park. To hear more about what life in a national park is like, and what to see and do when visiting the Grand Canyon, go to http://beckysbackyard-grandcanyon.com

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