Important Things to Know Before Visiting the Grand Canyon

While it is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world, Grand Canyon is on the top of the list for vacation- goers, thanks to its striking views, stunning wildlife and mind- blowing hike trails. If you’re planning to take cheap flights from India with unbelievable flight offers, book flight tickets from us now.

To ensure that you can have the best possible experience, we have listed what you should be doing- from when to visit and to what should be done when you’re there.

1) You’ll have a better experience if you plan ahead.

From advance permissions for camping trips, to pre- booking for activities and checking the best time to visit and researching exactly how much time you need for experiencing everything you’re planning on doing and visiting, you need to ensure that your plan for the trip is solid before you go visit the Grand Canyon.

2) Camping in the rim and canyon

If you’re planning to explore as much of the area, plan on staying there for some time. Since the park has well- developed camp grounds above the rims, such as Desert View and Mather Point, it is relatively easy to book them.

However, if you want to camp within the park in the open country, backcountry permits need to be booked well in advance for you to camp off the trodden path.

3) Entrance is not free.

The entrance to the Grand Canyon National Park isn’t free. The entrance fee costs $35 per vehicle, including everyone inside it.

And it costs $20 for each person on foot, bicycle, or a part of the shuttle tour. The admission fees go towards the upkeep and maintenance of the park.

4) North Rim closes for winter.

Figuring out where to go- North Rim or South Rim? As the Grand Canyon is legit massive, it comes as no surprise that going from one Rim to another takes approx five hours by car. You can visit the South Rim year round, as it is always open.

The North Rim however, closes during the winter from October to May. So you need to remember this if you plan on exploring as much as possible.

5) Helicopter tour of the park is available from Las Vegas.

The distance from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon by car takes about 5 hours, same as the distance between the North Rim and the South Rim of the canyon.

While the drive itself is a great experience, if you have little time and extra cash, skip the 10- hour car ride and take a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon for an astounding view from the top to experience the beauty of the park.

6) Alternative to helicopter tour: Skywalk

If you’re strapped for both time and cash, and have less of an inclination to go for a helicopter ride, try the Skywalk. The Skywalk at Eagle Point stands at above 4000 ft. above the canyon floor, and the 10 ft. wide platform is suspended at the edge of the South Rim with a clear glass floor.

So if you’re interested in feeling like you’re floating above the ravine, this would be a great choice for you. The tickets cost from $69 and the Skywalk is operated by Hualapai Tribe.

7) Whitewater rafting in the canyon is a thing.

When you’re interested in admiring the dramatic rock formations from various different angles, try your hand at rafting in the whitewater rapids of Colorado River.

The trips generally last from 1- 4 days and are an exhilarating experience for visitors. You need to book in advance, considering how much you want to explore with a new perspective.

8) Hike your way on and pack appropriate gear.

There are many scenic trails for hiking to explore the interior of the Grand Canyon. These usually encompass various degrees of length and difficulty, ranging from a week- long trek expedition to a gentle slope towards the canyon floor.

9) Prepared for microclimates in the canyon.

When you’re engaging in any activity in the Grand Canyon- be it hiking, rafting or simply walking and exploring around, you need to be prepared for the quick weather changes since the Grand Canyon is a theatrical collection of different altitudes.

Thanks to this, it pretty much leaves the visitors exposed to harsh weather conditions like scorching heat and sudden storms. So be sure to pack proper sets of footwear, and sun protection.