Grand Canyon South Rim National Park AZ Skywalk<<>> Visit Grand Canyon South Rim National Park that is one of the planets most astounding natural features. See the Skywalk Grandcanyon AZ it will amaze you. This steep-sided canyon carved out by the Colorado River was one of the first national parks in the United States. It is 277 miles (446 km) long, ranging in width from 4 to 18 miles (6.4 to 29 km) and has a depth of over a mile (1.83 km) (6000 feet).
This place will cause you to stand in awe at its beauty and majesty. At sunrise you will be mesmerized by the play of the light against its massive cliffs. And at sunset you will be thrilled at the wonderful hues of red that creep over its spires and buttes.
People tend to forget the elevation of the Canyon because the are looking at a massive hole in the ground. Remember that the South Rim averages 7000 feet/2134 m above sea level. And the North Rim is over 8000 feet/2438 m above sea level. All walking at this elevation can be strenuous, especially if you are not used to it.
The park's information and visitor facilities are first class with the main center being at Canyon View. You will receive a good clear map pointing out everything you require from rest rooms to overlook sight-seeing points. There are plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants.
You can park your car and use the free shuttle buses, which are simple, hop on and off. Or walk the various trails from the many viewing points. There are many overlooks that provide parking for cars and each give spectacular views of the canyon.
The Yavapai Observation Station at Yavapai Point is a great place to see the Colorado River that is 5000 feet/1524 m below the rim. From here you can also see the Phantom Ranch and have spectacular panoramic views of the Grand Canyon.
The Roads along the south rim are, Hermit Road that follows the rim for 8 miles/13 km west from Grand Canyon Village to Hermits Rest. This road is closed to private vehicles most of the time.
And Desert View Drive (Highway 64), which follows the canyon rim for 26 miles/42 km east of Grand Canyon Village to Desert View - the east entrance to the park. This road is open to private vehicles most of the time.
A bicycle free walking trail, known as the Rim Trail, follows the rim from Pipe Creek Vista to Hermits Rest. The section of the Rim Trail between Pipe Creek Vista and Maricopa Point is paved, and mostly wheelchair accessible. Between Maricopa Point and the Hermits Rest it’s a good path but unpaved.
There are many activities, walks and talks arranged by the rangers and are well worth attending because the give you some good information on the parks many different aspects.
Walk south rim trails.
If you want to go and dip your toes in the Colarado it is generally a two-day hike to the river and back from the South Rim. It's longer from the North Rim. Every year around two hundred and fifty people have to be rescued from the canyon. If you do decide to hike into the canyon, just remember, going down is optional coming back up is mandatory.
Needless to say the canyon is a photographers dream with the best light being early or late in the day. Many photographers like to get shots with the Ravens or Condors circling overhead.
You can view the canyon in many different ways including helicopter and plane rides.
One of the Canyons latest attractions is the Skywalk located sixty miles north west of Peach Springs, AZ. The Skywalk is a glass bridge walkway, suspended 4,000 feet above the Grand Canyon, where you walk out on to the glass skywalkway to view the canyon below your feet.
Nearly two billion years in the making the Grand Canyon is sure to make an impression on your soul.
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