Fabulous Ways to Explore the Grand Canyon Including a Few Hidden Secrets

Making a trip to the Grand Canyon in the United States guarantees a trip like no other, with awe-inspiring scenery and natural beauty that can’t be found anywhere else. The park itself encompasses more than one million acres of land and 277 miles of river. While the age of the Grand Canyon is still up for debate, some rocks at the bottom are 2,000 million years old and the actual canyon is thought to have been formed between five or six million years ago.

Located within Grand Canyon National Park, the South Rim is the most popular viewing area and is open year-round featuring popular excursions such as the antelope canyon tour from Las Vegas, while the North Rim is open on a seasonal basis. Exploring the Grand Canyon and the surrounding area has become something of an art form, as there are all kinds of different options for tourists depending on their activity level, interest, and the time they have available.

We’ve gone ahead and put together some fabulous ways you can explore the Grand Canyon, and even listed a few hidden secrets that you may want to check out while there.

Hidden Secret Number 1 - Havasupai Falls

Havasupai Falls is located in the state of Arizona, which is also known as Havasu Falls. Thanks to a number of videos online that have gone viral, this area has really become popular as of late. It's ideal for adventure seekers and hikers who want to get off the beaten path.

In order to reach the 100-foot falls you'll need to hike 10 miles in each direction, but once you reach the incredible blue-green waterfalls, it will all be worth it. Not only is it a long hike, it can also be fairly strenuous. The starting elevation is 5,200 feet, and by the time you reach the falls, you'll be at 2,800 feet. For most people, it’s the hike back that is the hardest since you will be climbing uphill.

The Havasu Falls hike also offers tourists a chance to take in the natural scenery and beauty along the way, which is a marvel in itself.

Tour the Canyon by Mule

If hiking isn't really your thing but you still want that up-close view of the Canyon, then it can be fun to explore by mule. South Rim mule trips happen all year round and feature a three-hour trip that provides unbeatable views of the Canyon. If you want to make it really special, you can travel all the way to the bottom and stay overnight.

Rafting Trips with Spectacular Scenery

If you want to get a true sense of the sheer size of the Canyon and its steep cliffs, then there is no better way to do it than by taking part in a rafting trip along the Colorado River. You can find itineraries that range from 3 to 21 days if you want to get a true sense of the Canyon, or you can always do a half-day trip if you prefer.

The Railway Offers a Historic Vibe

If you're looking to really get that historic vibe from your trip to the Grand Canyon, then a ride aboard the Grand Canyon Railway can do just that. The railroad was built in the late 1800s for the sole purpose of transporting the ore from the mines in Anita to an area north of Williams, AZ.

The railway was then opened to the public in 1901, but ceased to operate as of 1968, thanks to a drop off in passenger numbers. After extensive restoration, the railway re-opened to the public in 1989 and it now transports people between the Grand Canyon Depot on the South Rim and Williams.

Get a Bird's Eye View by Helicopter

Finally, there are helicopter tours of the Grand Canyon, which will allow you to get a bird's eye view of the giant canyon as well as the surrounding area, which can be hard to do from the ground.

Hidden Gem Number 2 - Don't Skip the North Rim

When it comes to sightseeing, the majority of tourists head to the famed South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Statistics show that only about 5% of tourists visit the North Rim, which means you'll have a lot fewer tourists to contend with. As well, because of the fact that the North Rim is on average 10 degrees cooler than the South Rim, it is able to support a larger variety of animal and plant life. Of course, the North Rim offers spectacular viewing areas, just as you would expect.

One thing to keep in mind is that the North Rim is only open from mid-May to mid-October. This is due to the fact that the winter tends to see very heavy snowfall.

A Memorable Experience No Matter What

No matter how you choose to explore the Grand Canyon or the hidden gems you check out, one thing is for sure and that is the fact it will be a memorable experience.

This is a contribution from one of our contributing writers.