One of the top attractions in the US and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Grand Canyon welcomes millions of visitors each year who come for superb scenery, cycling, hiking and climbing or white water rafting. Carved by the path of the Colorado River over millions of years, the Canyon stretches for 277 miles (446km) through northern Arizona and is up to 18 miles (29km) wide and over a mile deep in parts.
Grand Canyon National Park is divided into two main areas, the South Rim and the North Rim and you’ll find unique landmarks and attractions in each. South Rim highlights include structures built by Mary Jane Colter such as the Desert View Watchtower 20 miles east of Grand Canyon Village. North Rim boasts majestic views from Cape Royal, Bright Angel Point and Point Imperial, and birdwatchers may be lucky enough to spot the rare California Condor.
The canyon also extends into the Havasupai Indian Reservation and the Hualapai Indian Reservation – sometimes referred to as Grand Canyon West where you can see incredible waterfalls at Havasu Canyon and panoramic views near the Supai Village.
Several parts of the park can only be reached using the designated shuttle service. The service has three routes through the South Rim which are extensive and connected, and this free service operates frequently every day during peak season from dawn till dusk. West Rim Drive is not open to private vehicles from March till November, but again a shuttle service is available.