Grand Canyon Family Vacations Tips

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How long should I give myself to really see and experience the Grand Canyon?

Don't Cut Your Visit Short

It's not unusual to hear a tourist say, "I only have one hour to spend at the Grand Canyon – what should I see." If you only have an hour to spend, don't plan on seeing more than a viewpoint or two. The canyon is a big place, and an hour is barely enough time to get from the entrance station to the visitor center and Mather Point.

Instead of rushing around the canyon for an hour or two, give yourself several days to really explore and experience the canyon. The view from each vista is different, and so is the same view at different parts of the day. In the early morning and evening, when the sun is low, the canyon's rich colorations really come through. At high noon, the canyon appears hazy and less detailed. Colors seem to change minute by minute as the light changes, which is why the canyon is often called "the house of stone and light."

Take your visit to the canyon slowly, and savor all you can of the park. It is a treasure, and any treasure is worth saving up for and relishing, rather than rushing though it to get to the next destination. Slow down, and enjoy all the views.

   
How long should I give myself to really see and experience the Grand Canyon?

Don't Cut Your Visit Short

It's not unusual to hear a tourist say, "I only have one hour to spend at the Grand Canyon – what should I see." If you only have an hour to spend, don't plan on seeing more than a viewpoint or two. The canyon is a big place, and an hour is barely enough time to get from the entrance station to the visitor center and Mather Point.

Instead of rushing around the canyon for an hour or two, give yourself several days to really explore and experience the canyon. The view from each vista is different, and so is the same view at different parts of the day. In the early morning and evening, when the sun is low, the canyon's rich colorations really come through. At high noon, the canyon appears hazy and less detailed. Colors seem to change minute by minute as the light changes, which is why the canyon is often called "the house of stone and light."

Take your visit to the canyon slowly, and savor all you can of the park. It is a treasure, and any treasure is worth saving up for and relishing, rather than rushing though it to get to the next destination. Slow down, and enjoy all the views.

   
Should I purchase a tour package to visit the Grand Canyon?

See the Canyon by Shuttle

While there are plenty of Grand Canyon packages available, you really don't need a tour package to get around in the Grand Canyon. Most of the roads are open to private vehicles throughout the year, and most of the activities on the South Rim take place within a few miles of each other.

The NPS also runs an extensive free shuttle bus system between Hermit's Rest in the west and Yaki Point/Kaibab Trailhead in the east. Shuttles run throughout Grand Canyon Village during the day and early evening, all year round. They also connect the Village with Mather Campground, the grocery store, bank, and post office at Market Plaza, and other points along the South Rim.

   
When's the best time to visit the Grand Canyon for a relaxing vacation?

The Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon

The best time to travel to the Grand Canyon for a peaceful, relaxed vacation is certainly not summertime. That's the time when most people travel to the Grand Canyon for vacation. If you're looking for real peace and quiet at the canyon, then choose those times when fewer people tend to visit.

The holidays, especially just before or after Christmas and Thanksgiving, are a good time to travel to the canyon. Many people don't travel for vacation that time of the year, and the canyon can be pretty empty and especially relaxing.

Early spring is also a great time to visit. Set your sights for February and early March, before the snows melt and most families begin to hit the road for summer. Remember, however, the canyon can receive heavy snowfall during late fall, winter, and early spring. Take a tour bus, fly, or take the Grand Canyon Railway if you're not comfortable driving in snow and ice.

   
The Grand Canyon Music Festival has a long history at the Grand Canyon, and provides high-quality entertainment in a beautiful setting.

The Grand Canyon Music Festival

Some special entertainment begs a trip to the Grand Canyon around Labor Day. A whim that began in 1984 is now an annual event in September at the Grand Canyon's South Rim. The Grand Canyon Music Festival takes place for three weeks, with the kick-off on Labor Day weekend each year.

The Festival concentrates on chamber music, but always throws in some alternative musicians too, just for variety. Musicians give nine concerts during the three-week run, and different groups play each year so no two year's are ever the same.

Musicians and founders Robert Bonfiglio and Clare Hoffman began the music festival after hiking through the canyon and imagining world-class entertainment during the summer evenings under the stars. With the support of NPS, the first festival took place in 1984 at the Shrine of the Ages. It was greeted with such enthusiasm Bonfiglio and Hoffman began preparing entertainment for the following year. Today, the festival is required trip for many fans.

   
Are there any activities kids can enjoy during our Grand Canyon vacation?

Junior Ranger Program Just for Kids

Grand Canyon National Park is a great place for a family vacation. It's a place where the whole family can enjoy nature and the outdoors together. The National Park Service also offers several extensive Junior Ranger programs just for kids so they can benefit from the park experience even more.

Junior Rangers can choose from naturalist programs, scientific programs, or programs geared specifically to their age groups. Kids between 4 and 14 can choose from Ravens (ages 4-7), Coyotes, (ages 8-10), and Scorpions (ages 11-14). If you pick up a copy of the Junior Ranger magazine when you enter the park, you can find a list of activities and how to join in these programs, which are available year round.

Other activities for kids 9 to 18 include the Dynamic Earth Junior Ranger Program and the Junior Ranger Discovery Pack, which are both offered only during the summer. If kids make it all the way to Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon, they can earn a very special Phantom Rattler Junior Ranger patch and recognition, too.

   
Are there short introductory hikes that will teach me more about the Grand Canyon?

Meet the Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park Lodges, the concessionaire offering lodging and dining inside the park, offers family vacation packages that include lodging and educational tours with the Grand Canyon Field Institute. This is a great way to really get an overview of the Grand Canyon with kids.

The "Meet the Canyon" series offers short day hikes to different locations to introduce families to the canyon. Even if you're only visiting for a day, you can fit in one of these hikes for a greater understanding of the history and geology of this wonder of the world.

Experiencing the Grand Canyon with kids may open your eyes to some of the unique natural features you might have missed otherwise. The Grand Canyon Field Institute's programs are open to children over eight and their families.

   
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