The Grand Canyon center is about the area of El Tovar Hotel and the area of Hopi House.
You can visit the Grand Canyon 365 days a year. The south rim remains open year-round, though some of the local conveniences might close during the winter. Many experts recommend visiting in the fall or spring. The temperatures remain mild enough to suit most people, and the crowds don't ramp up significantly until summer hits. You'll also enjoy more favorable rates at local hotels.
Summers are extremely hot at the Grand Canyon, especially when the sun reflects off the rocks and back into your eyes. You'll face larger crowds, which means your experience won't be a quiet one, but the Grand Canyon's heaviest tourist season brings other activities to nearby towns, from festivals and concerts to fairs and more.
If you want a unique experience, visit the Grand Canyon during the winter. Temperatures hover around the mid-40s during the day, so pack plenty of warm jackets, but you'll get to see this natural wonder without all the crowds. Plus, if snow falls during your visit, you'll see a completely different view of the canyon.
It's difficult to find hotel discounts near the Grand Canyon because it's such a popular tourist destination. When possible, use AAA, senior citizen, and military discounts to your advantage. Some hotels — especially the chains — offer these discounts even when they don't advertise them. You might also score a discount if you book in advance, so consider planning your trip at least a few weeks ahead of time.
If you want to stay near the south rim but don't want to pay as much for the privilege, the Yavapai Lodge will serve you well. It's not as expensive as the more luxurious accommodations in the area, but it still has plenty to offer. Make sure to stay in the East Lodge because it's the only building that offers air conditioning. Other amenities include refrigerators, coffee makers, microwaves, private baths, and flat-screen televisions. You'll also enjoy the modern decor and interesting artwork. The king room comes with a pull-out sofa to accommodate groups who want to stay together, and you can request adjoining rooms if you prefer.
You might want to try the Grand Canyon Inn, as well. It has an on-site restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as room service, and there's a cocktail lounge where you can relax with your drink of choice. You'll also have access to a gift shop and convenience store. The rooms are simple but clean, most with carpeted floors and slightly outdated furnishings. You will have a flat-screen television, however, and a spacious private bath.
During the morning hours in Grand Canyon, you'll see rock formations bathed in golden light, which can create stunning photographs. Consider moving to several points along either rim in the morning so you can capture shadows in different ways. The light changes quickly, so the landscape can provide a different photo opportunity from one minute to the next.
The shadows get deeper and harsher as the day progresses. Most people prefer to avoid photographing the canyon itself during the day because the results don't turn out as dramatic. Consider reserving these hours for portraits of family and friends with the canyon as a backdrop.
In the evening — particularly the blue hour — the shadows start to soften again and the light becomes more golden and forgiving. This is the best time of day to get shots of the Grand Canyon with a dramatic sky to offset the rock formations. If you're lucky, you'll visit while clouds hang overhead so you have plenty of texture in your images.
The Grand Canyon might serve as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, but it's also a beautiful place to exercise, reflect, and take photographs. If you want a singular vacation experience, choose one of the hotels recommended above, and start packing your bags.
The Grand Canyon is considered one of the greatest wonders in the world. An inspiring and powerful landscape, the view can overwhelm the senses through its enormity and immense size which is 446km long, 29km wide and 1.6km deep. A staggering 17 million years have passed that the Colorado River has established its course through the canyon and continues to erode and form it up to its present-day shape. The Grand Canyon is located in the state of Arizona, USA. Close to five million tourists flock to see its wondrous sites each year. Most of the tourists see the sights, content inside their cars while others simply have to step out and experience the magnificence of the Grand Canyon. The South Rim of the canyon is very much accessible to tourists and is open year round. The North Rim of the Canyon is a different matter altogether, seeing a much smaller number of people. A thousand feet higher compared to the South Rim, the North Rim is a challenge that many thrill seekers goes for. The North Rim is also prone to heavy snows, usually causing the roads to be closed off especially during the months of October to May. Tourists can see the sights from their car or go more personal and take the hiking trails and camping. Must see spots are the Grand Canyon Skywalk, Grand Canyon Deer Farming Zoo, and the Grand Canyon Railway.
Below are reviews of the city of Grand Canyon, AZ from an actual visitor's perspective.
The railroad is great and the location of the Grand Canyon is glorious!
The market was great! Views great!
The Grand Canyon is an epic location.
Totally incredible, amazing & stupendous!
The general store was more than adequate!
Very cool place! Everything you need is close!
The Grand Canyon was breathtaking! You really have to see it in person to experience the vastness and beauty!
There are various eating places around town. From steak houses, to pizza and Mexican food.
The staff and information they provided were nice, informative and fun.
Grand Canyon hiking.
The Canyon is beautiful although on the second day the visibility was shrouded by thick clouds of fog erasing all vistas. Grand Canyon Village is overpriced for the quality of services and products.