MGM Grand Hotel & Casino
3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, NV, 89109
With 5,005 rooms and eight major onsite restaurants it is currently the largest resort hotel in the U.S. and the largest casino in
the world. The resort's major draw is the wide breadth of non-gaming tourism attractions located on its 112-acre complex
which includes a 33-acre movie and entertainment based theme park.
Monte Carlo Resort & Casino
3770 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV, 89109
The Monte Carlo offers 3,002 guest rooms, including 259 luxury suites. The accommodations feature functional elegance and styles.
MainTour Vacation Cruise Central
Planning your next getaway? Whether you are looking for a last-minute three-day cruise to the
Bahamas or a 21-day cruise through the Orient several months from now, we can help with savings of up to 70%!
-
Olympus Newpic Zoom 95mm APS Camera
with APS - Advanced Photo System - the latest level in Point & Shoot Photography TechLVGogy.
| MainTour Resort Lodging Search Engine | |
|---|---|
|
|
Probably the single most amazing geological wonder in the world - over 3 million people come each year to view the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River. An abyss more than one mile deep, from four to eighteen miles wide and over 150 miles long in bright desert colors. Visitors are not disappointed by its immense beauty. This natural wonder inspires the imaginations and greatest respect for nature, expressed in so many different ways. This author has even attended weddings held here.
There are many different ways to explore the Grand Canyon, - Helicopter tours, whitewater rafting, backpacking hikes, overlook vistas from both the North Rim and South Rim.
How the canyon was formed is a mystery, satellite photos show that river runs thru the heart of an immense flat hill (kaibab) and deepens at the rate of 50ft per million years. What is left today are immense limestone and sandstone formations. Desert wildlife here is abundant - visitors can encounter sheep, rabbits, eagles, vultures, mountain lions, spiders, scorpions, snakes and more.
Earliest sign of human habitation dates to the Anasazi in 2000 BC. The first white men here were a party of Spaniards in 1540 - Coronado and his party were searching for Seven Cities of Gold of Cibola. In 1869 Maj. John Wesley Powell lead a major expedition (starting at Green River, Wyo.) down the length of the river canyon to Western Arizona. Only after the visits of John Wesley Powell in 1869 and 1871 did the canyon begin to get notoriety.
Please note that Northern Arizona is heavily visited in the summer (May-August) which makes getting reservations difficult. The best time to visit is March / April / September / Octoboer when there is beautiful weather and less competition for reservations.
Major Points of Interest:
Canyoneering the Trails - Guided tours up and down the canyon.
Air Tours - More guided tours.
South Rim - Park headquarters and attractions.
North Rim - More secluded but just as exciting of a lookout.
Phantom Ranch - Located in the bottom of the canyon. Wait to you
here how you get there.
Navajo Bridge - Giant highway span over the canyon by US-89A.
Lee's Ferry - Early pioneer canyon crossing.
Tuweep - Sight of major volcanic activity.
Havasu Canyon - South canyon area popular for watersports.
Williams - Depot for the Grand Canyon Railway
excursion tour.
Peach Springs - Gateway to the Grand Canyon Canverns.
The Grand Canyon is the most photographed geological feature in the world - come prepared!
Great West Adventure Co
PO Box 2608, Sedona, AZ 86339; (928) 204-5506; Email;
Daily Grand Canyon tours from Sedona & Flagstaff, Arizona. Luxury, wheelchair accessible coaches.
- Bright Angel Trail - Most popular trail for descending into
the canyon. This 9 mile trail starts at Bright Angel Lodge and
descends 4460 feet to Phantom Ranch.
- South Kaibab Trail - Very steep 7 mile trail starts near
Yaki Point (3.5 miles east of Grand Canyon Village). Descends into
the canyon to a suspension foot bridge over the Colorado and onto
Phantom Ranch. This trail is not recommended
for trying to exit the canyon.
- North Kaibab Trail - 14.2 mile North Rim trail starts at
head of Roaring Springs Canyon and descends 5840 feet to the river
and Phantom Ranch.
- Rim Trail - Easy 3.5 mile trail follows the West Rim is
less strenuous then the other trails. Trail runs from Maricopa Point
to Yavapai Museum.
A very exciting (and fast) way to see the canyon is by aircraft or helicopter - you can see a lot more from the air than you can on foot. Most of the canyon is inaccessible by ground:
WARNING: - Most trails are very steeped and descend deep into the canyon (over 5,000 feet). Going down might be easy - but it is very hard work to hike back up. These hikes are recommended only for those in excellent physical condition. Also remember to bring lots of water.
South Rim trails are open year-round although snow will accumulate during the winter months. North Rim trails are open only May - October.
Another form of canyoneering is taking a Muleback Trip. Again these also require that you be in good physical condition, weight under 200 lbs and have a good command of the english language. Make reservations well in advance. Both one-day and overnite trips to Phantom Ranch are available.
All backcountry trips and camping require a permit - Grand Canyon National Park, PO Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023, 520-638-7875.
- Mather Point - Major Vista overlook
- Yavapai Geological Museum - displays about the canyon
and large observation deck windows for great panoramic views
- Grand Canyon IMAX Theater 638-2468. Open Daily.
Located at the south rim park entrance with food court, gift shops,
and info center. Special wide screen features about the Grand Canyon.
Email: IMAX.
- Desert View Watchtower - built 1932 in variety of indian
styles and decorated with pictographs. Vast panoramic views of
Northern Arizona
- Visitors Center - Located 6 miles north of the South
Entrance - includes museum and info center with dioramas and exhibits
about the geology of the region. Ranger/naturalist on duty.
- East Rim Drive - Great Scenic Drive takes you by several
key features.
- Tusayan Museum and Ruins - located 23 miles east of
Grand Canyon Village is this exhibit of the Indians who once
lived here.
- Tusayan Pueblo - 800 year old Anasazi ruins easily
reached by self-guided trail.
- Grand Canyon Caverns
Located off Route 66 halfway between Seligman and Kingman is a vast network caves that are over 300 million years old. A elevator takes you 210 feet below the surface.
This is the most popular and easily assessible (from Flagstaff and Phoenix) vantage point. This place is open year round. There are pathways leading for several miles in both directions. Attractions include:
North Rim is only open from from Mid-May to late-Oct. The vantage point is a more serene and a lot less crowded than South Rim. Campgrounds and cabins are available here (340-9033). There is also a lodge, general store, post office and gift shop.
Phantom Ranch
Campground and cabins are located at the bottom of the canyon and are only accessible by either muleback or dayhike from down the canyon sides of either North Rim or South Rim or by the river. Phantom Ranch is the mid-point of the Bright Angel Trail, a two-day hiking trail across the canyon. This is the only way across the river, the nearest road route is a 215 mile detour. A suspension bridge was built here in 1928. Reservations are required (638-2631) for either dining or lodging accomodations.
Located at the far northeast corner of the park where Highway US-98A crosses the Marble Canyon gorge. The bridge is 616 feet long and 467 feet high. This is awesome sight as the highway approaches from either side are across a very flat mesa and the Colorado River cuts right thru the middle of up.
About 22 miles west of the bridge and off the beaten path is House Rock Valley - home to a herd of wild bison.
Crossing point for the most direct route across the river. Originally John D. Lee operated a ferry here from 1872-1929. In 1929, the first road bridge across the river was built.
This is also the most common starting point for whitewater rafting trips down the river.
Watchtower
Located at Desert View (25 miles east of Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim) is 1932 rest stop tower that offers commanding of the Grand Canyon and well across Northern Arizona. NT COLOR="navy">
Tuweep Area
Located in the northwest corner of the park is a site of recent volcanic activity ane unique views of the inner canyon. This place is accessible only by a 60 mile dirt road from Fredonia. No services are available. At the base is Vulcan's Throne a old cinder cone.
Havasu Canyon
Havasu Canyon is a side canyon on the south side. It is really part of the Havasupai Indian Reservation. Key features here include Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls, great places for swimming. Camping and lodging are available. (448-2111).
TicketsNow.com -Access giant database of sporting event tickets & calendar!
Grand Canyon National Park Lodging, Hotels and Park Information
Choose from a complete list of hotels and lodging options in Grand Canyon National Park. The Grand Canyon Lodging room search allows you to view all hotels that have availability for your specific dates.
