Arizona, USA

The GrandCanyon

277 miles of carved Colorado River geology revealing nearly two billion years of Earth's history. The most spectacular natural wonder in North America.

1,857m

Depth

446 km

Length

Visitors/Year

1919

National Park

What Makes It Special

Geology on Display

The Grand Canyon exposes nearly two billion years of Earth's history in its layered rock formations. The Vishnu Schist at the bottom is 1.75 billion years old; the Kaibab Limestone at the rim is "only" 270 million years old. The Colorado River has carved the canyon over 5-6 million years at an average rate of one foot every 1,000 years. The canyon is up to 18 miles wide and over a mile deep.

South Rim vs. North Rim

The South Rim is open year-round, more developed, and has iconic viewpoints like Mather Point and Hopi Point. The North Rim is 1,000 feet higher, cooler, more forested, and less crowded — but closed in winter. The South Rim receives 90% of visitors. For luxury travelers, the North Rim offers solitude and exclusivity. The inner canyon is accessible only by foot, mule, or raft.

Grand Canyon Skywalk

The glass-bottomed Skywalk at Eagle Point on the West Rim (Hualapai Reservation) extends 70 feet over the canyon edge, offering views straight down 4,000 feet to the canyon floor. While touristy, it is an engineering marvel. The West Rim is closer to Las Vegas and offers helicopter landing at the bottom. The South Rim is the more "authentic" Grand Canyon experience.

Luxury Experience

Stay at El Tovar Hotel on the South Rim — opened in 1905 and still the most luxurious accommodation. The Grand Canyon Railway offers a vintage train from Williams, Arizona. Helicopter tours from Las Vegas or the rim itself. Mule rides to Phantom Ranch (book a year in advance). White-water rafting trips through the canyon range from 1 to 21 days. Best visited in spring or fall for ideal weather and fewer crowds.

Luxury Lodges

LodgeSouth Rim

El Tovar Hotel

Historic Luxury

LodgeSouth Rim

Bright Angel Lodge

Rustic Charm

LodgeCanyon Floor

Phantom Ranch

Only Lodging

LodgeNorth Rim

Grand Canyon Lodge

Canyon Views

"The ages have been at work on it, and man can only mar it."

— Theodore Roosevelt, 1903

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