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Phoenix Maps & Attractions Guide
Phoenix maps & Attractions - Things to do
in Phoenix
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Phoenix
Attractions - Things to do
1. The Grand Canyon
www.nps.gov/grca |
What is it? A mile deep, 277 miles (446km) long and up to
18 miles (29km) wide the breathtaking grandeur of the Grand Canyon
is so impressive that pictures or words simply cannot do it
justice. One of the great natural wonders of the world, it was
formed by the cutting action of the Colorado River over millions of
years. The hard rock formations survive as great cliffs, pinnacles
and buttes, and the different layers of rock span a range of
colours: from purple, fiery-red and pastel-pink, to yellow, brown,
grey and soft tones of blue. Whether by foot or on horseback, from
a plane or helicopter, aboard a raft down the mighty Colorado River
or by merely gazing in awe from the rim, the canyon's seemingly
infinite depths can be experienced in a variety of ways and is a
sight not to be missed, however one chooses to see it. The park
receives hoards of visitors from around the world, who cannot fail
to be transfixed by the sculpted rock shapes, the shifting colours
that change with the light and a tiny glimpse of the Colorado River
far below. The Grand Canyon National Park comprises two separate
areas: the South Rim and the more remote North Rim. Separated by
the 10-mile (16km) width of the canyon, it is a 215-mile (346km)
drive from one Visitor Centre to the other. The South Rim is the
most accessible and has more facilities, and as a result it
attracts the bulk of visitors to its boundaries. The North Rim is
higher in elevation, wetter, with thicker surrounding forests, is
further to access, and is cut off by snowfall from October to May.
Many people however prefer its comparative peacefulness and
less-crowded lookouts. Both rims have numerous drives and walkways
along the edge with various scenic viewpoints and some hiking
trails into the canyon where one can overnight at Phantom Ranch on
the canyon floor. The impact of the more than four million visitors
a year to the South Rim, especially during the busy summer months,
is one of overcrowding and traffic congestion; but to see for
oneself one of the most spectacular examples of natural erosion in
the world more than makes up for the
inconvenience.
Hours of Operation: South Rim is open 24 hours daily, all year;
Information Plaza 8am to 5pm. The North Rim is open from 10 May to
14 October, and the visitor centre from 8am to 6pm
Phone:(928) 638 7888 |
Phoenix Holidays guide
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Transport -Phoenix is rather spread out and distances
between places of interest to visitors tend to be long, therefore
self-drive rental cars are probably the easiest way to get around.
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