"Getting to the Bottom of the Grand... " a Grand Canyon National Park Travel Page by richiecdisc

Immense, not only in its vast size, but also in its place in the psyche of Americans by citizenship and those who travel here from afar by choice, the Grand Canyon is the icon of the American National Park system. Even with such hype, few are disappointed by their first gander of its grandeur on broaching the canyon's rim. It is that rare time that one can precisely imagine how our predecessors on the planet felt on first seeing it. It's likely exactly as we do now. In complete and utter awe. It would be a losing conjecture to argue that Native Americans have not held this special place sacred long before the white man laid eyes on it. But by the same token, even as these rightful inhabitants gain more control over their native lands in general, the Grand Canyon is unlikely to ever be taken from the realm of the masses. It is just too big a part of what the United States stands for when in control by leaders who truly understand its doctrines. Protection of those things special take precedence over gain in the monetary, and needless to say short run. The Grand Canyon is one thing we must all learn to share. Its preservation is our salvation.

One of the most developed in the National Park System, the Grand Canyon is accessible from every angle imaginable. There are scenic drives along the rim with many pullouts featuring explanatory signs.The new Visitor Center is something out of Disney World, as big it seems as the canyon itself. You can hike along the rim for a flat and scenic walk or hike to varying degrees into the canyon. Full amenity camping is offered on the rim and back country campsites at various spots on the way into and at the bottom of the canyon. You can either walk or ride a mule to these. Rafting is also popular on the Colorado River. This may all add up to a very crowded place during the main season but there's no denying that you name it, the Grand Canyon has it.