9 Places to Visit Around America’s Incredible Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is full of amazing attractions perfect for hiking around and enjoying the beautiful natural landscape. It caters to both avid adventurers as well as cautious historians. With multiple national parks and reserves open to the public, it's no wonder the Grand Canyon is an experience that just can't be expressed in photographs alone.

1. Grand Canyon National Park

Showcasing the colorful and natural formations and erosion, the Grand Canyon National Park displays unique geological history found around the Grand Canyon. This park is divided into two major portions, namely, the North Rim, which is closed for the winter, and the South Rim which is open throughout the year. Free shuttle buses allow for sightseeing activities whereas lodging and camping facilities are also provided. For camping in the Grand Canyon, visitors can make campground reservations in both the North Rim and South Rim to really experience the beauty of the valley.

2. Kaibab National Forest

Located in the southern region of the Grand Canyon, this national forest lies as a border between the North and South Rims of the Grand Canyon. From the Grandview lookout tower to Kanab Creek Wilderness, this tourist attraction is a must-see for those enthusiastic about such adventures. In addition to this, the Sycamore Canyon Falls, similar to all the recreational opportunities that are offered in this attraction is fantastic in showcasing a wide range of flora and fauna as well as the natural beauty of mother nature. From prairies and canyons to peaks and plateaus, this natural reserve is an exceptionally popular tourist attraction.

3. Grand Canyon Parashant National Monument

Erected only recently in the year 2000, this monument, more commonly referred to as the Parashant National Monument, is a monument to those who are passionate about hiking, sightseeing, camping or backpacking. Most public lands throughout the Parashant are open for camping free of charge. Visitors can enjoy the night skies at the top of the rim of the Grand Canyon with a permit requested in advance. Additionally, visitors to the Grand Canyon can also visit the nearby Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Zion National Park or Pipe Spring National Monument.

4. Hualapai Indian Reservation

Following the opening of the Grand Canyon Skywalk, the Hualapai Reservation has seen a heightened popularity in recent years. The skywalk, opened in 2007, allows visitors to walk along a glass-bottom bridge nearly 400 feet above ground level. Although visitors may not be allowed to bring cameras or personal belongings up to the bridge, the experience of enjoying this spectacular sight of the Grand Canyon is definitely worth considering. Permits allow visitors to travel the many paved roads in the Hualapai Reservation for sightseeing and camping activities. This reservation also offers lodging as well as raft trips and guided tours.

5. Havasupai Indian Reservation

Havasupai is known for its breathtaking waterfalls and the isolated community within the Havasupai Indian Reservation. Administered by the Havasupai Tribe council, this reservation area attracts up to thousands of visitors annually. Although the reservation is beyond the jurisdiction of Grand Canyon National Park, it prospers from an abundance of visitors requesting for campground reservations. Tour groups, a cafe and lodging is all available in efforts to accommodate tourists who intend to tour around the area. With an annual total of approximately 25,000 visitors, Havasupai is a must-see for those traveling to the Grand Canyon.

6. Kolb Gallery

Perched on the walls of the Grand Canyon, Kolb Gallery is just a short walk from the west of The Lookout Studio. A dark, wooden brown structure houses this historic Victorian home which was built in 1905 and owned by the Kolb brothers. Not only an art gallery, this historic attraction has constantly changing exhibits, a small bookstore, and extensive information on the life of the Kolb brothers, early adventurers in the park. The Kolb Gallery, located at the start of the Bright Angel Trail is convenient for travelers to do some sightseeing before embarking on the trail.

7. Lookout Studio

The Lookout Studio in the Grand Canyon is a functioning piece of history. Housed in one of the several Mary Colter Buildings found throughout the Grand Canyon National Park, the Lookout Studio boasts a traditional stone design meant to mimic ruins and the studio's surrounding environment. The building resides at the edge of the South Rim in the Grand Canyon. In addition to a gift shop selling trinkets and souvenirs, the studio also provides two outdoor viewing decks for visitors to look across the geographic beauty of the Grand Canyon.

8. National Geographic Visitor Center

A few minutes drive away from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and right next to the airport sits the National Geographic Visitor Center. Along with Pink Jeep Tours, a National Geographic Store, and an Explorers Cafe, this visitors center is home to a collection of friendly staff, armed with extensive knowledge of the Grand Canyon. However, the most prominent activity that most visitors choose to participate in is the IMAX theatre screening of 'Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets'. This film lasts for around half an hour and shows up to 40,000 years of the Grand Canyon’s incredible history.

9. Bright Angel Trail

Nearly six miles in length, this trail challenges both novice and expert travelers with its steep one-way trail. Travelers to this hiking site located in the national park are encouraged to travel around by riding mules. Along with camping facilities, travelers can venture to Plateau Point to check out the scenery before having a lunch break at the Indian Garden. The three-hour ride offers its travelers a highly unique experience in the Grand Canyon. The trail is one of the most popular day-hikes that gives visitors a taste of what the Grand Canyon offers.

Conclusion

Overall, the Grand Canyon is among one of the most valuable experiences for those passionate about scenery, hiking, and camping. Not only does it cater for everyone with an abundance of sites of historic value with museums and art galleries, this vast national park is full of watchtowers and trails to excite adventurers from all regions.