About the Park :
Grand Canyon National Park encompasses canyons, river tributaries, and surrounding grounds. The Grand Canyon is situated in Arizona's northwestern quadrant. With millions of visitors making the trip to the canyon each year, this park is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. In addition, the park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.
The Grand Canyon had a long and arduous road to becoming a national park, beginning in the 1880s with several failed congressional bills. After making multiple visits to the area, Theodore Roosevelt declared the Grand Canyon a National Monument in 1908. The bill to grant national park status to the area was passed in 1919 and signed by then-President Woodrow Wilson.
There are two public areas of Grand Canyon National Park, the North and South Rims. At 7,000 feet above sea level, the Grand Canyon South Rim is the most accessible section of the national park, with numerous places where visitors can pull over to admire the views. The Grand Canyon North Rim, 1,000 feet higher than its southern sibling, isn't as popular because it is harder to get to, especially when harsh winter weather closes access roads. By car, the trip from one rim to the other is 220 miles. However, if traveling by foot, the distance across the canyon is 21 miles via the Kaibab Trails.
WEATHER AT GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK :
Though open 365 days a year, Grand Canyon weather can present a few extremes. While the South Rim is pleasant in the summer, it's also very busy and the temperature on the canyon floor can reach over 100 degrees. Spring and fall can be pleasant, but unpredictable. Make sure to review all information when planning ahead for a trip to Grand Canyon National Park.
TOURS AND CAMPING :
Access to Grand Canyon National Park requires an admission fee per vehicle or individual on foot or bicycle. The one-time fee is good for a visit of seven consecutive days. Grand Canyon camping in the park itself is on a first come, first served basis as well as via reservation. Commercial campsites are also available outside of the park area.
Grand Canyon tours are numerous and cater to many particular interests. Mule trips, reserved through the National Park Lodges system, take visitors on a 2-day round trip down to the bottom of the canyon. While popular, this type of tour does have restrictions. Other tours include whitewater rapid rides down the Colorado River, hikes that last a day or more, or helicopter and hot air balloon tours that provide visitors a panoramic view of the entire Grand Canyon. Visitors can also acquire a Grand Canyon map through the National Park Service to guide their exploration or find informational pamphlets to read about Grand Canyon facts. There are several things to do at Grand Canyon National Park and many areas to explore that the whole family will enjoy.
WILDLIFE IN THE PARK :
With several major ecosystems to call home, over 500 species of animals can be found in Grand Canyon National Park. The endangered California Condor is one of hundreds of bird species found in the park. A range of mammals inhabit the park, including coyotes, bats, mule deer, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, elk, and many others. Grand Canyon’s wide array of animals also includes many types of arachnids and insects, with scorpions found primarily in the lower elevations along the river. Many snake species, including 6 types of rattlesnake, can be found within the park.
Best Months to Visit :
The best times to visit the Grand Canyon are March through May and September through November, when daytime temperatures are cool and crowds are thin. If you decide to visit during the summer (the park's peak season), be prepared for hordes of tourists and very limited lodging availability. You can find deals on hotels during the winter, but much of the park (including the entire North Rim) closes after the first snowfall. The South Rim is open throughout the year.
LOCATION & DIRECTIONS :
Canyonlands National Park is located in near Moab, Utah, (just 30 minutes from Arches National Park) and is accessible by air or car from Las Vegas, Salt Lake City and Grand Junction. Here’s how we recommend getting to Canyonlands.
Nearest Airports to Canyonlands National Park :
Depending on where you're coming from, there are two airports we recommend near Canyonlands National Park.
GRAND JUNCTION REGIONAL AIRPORT: Flights from Salt Lake City, Denver, Phoenix and Dallas. A 2-hour drive to Canyonlands (Island in the Sky District).
SALT LAKE CITY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: Major airport with direct flights from many foreign and domestic destinations. A 4-hour drive to Canyonlands (Island in the Sky District).
Note: Some visitors choose to fly into Las Vegas and visit other Utah national parks on their way to Canyonlands. Canyonlands is a 7-hour drive from Las Vegas.
Driving Directions to Canyonlands National Park :
Take a look at how far Canyonlands (Island in the Sky District) is from some notable nearby destinations.
FROM SALT LAKE CITY, UT (244 miles): Take I-15 S toward Las Vegas. Merge onto US-6 E (exit 258) toward US-89 E Price/Manti. Take the US-191 S (exit 182) toward Crescent Junction/Moab. Turn right onto US-191 S to Moab. Turn right on UT-313 W and follow signs to Canyonlands National Park.
FROM LAS VEGAS, NV (467 miles): Take I-15 N toward Salt Lake City. Take exit 132 for I-70 E. Take exit 182 toward Crescent Junction/Moab for US-191 S, then turn right on UT-313 W and follow signs to Canyonlands National Park.
0 Comments