Adventurous Grand Canyon Activities and Trips

Visitors to the Grand Canyon find it's a spectacular place to spend their vacations. As many as 4 million people come to the Grand Canyon to see the sights, enjoying all the amenities offered at the Grand Canyon Village area inside the Grand Canyon National Park-its lodgings, restaurants, museums, gift shops, archaeological artifacts, and historic buildings. Viewing the planes and facets of the colored rocks at sunrise and sunset brings an awe and pleasure that is incomparable among vacation experiences. But the area offers so much to the vacation traveler.

The Grand Canyon is not just a place to stand-and-look, but a place to do-and-enjoy. There's a tour for every age and ability. Whether you are content to ride the shuttle bus from scenic lookout to scenic lookout, or hike down into the backcountry for overnight camping, you can indulge your sense of adventure at the Grand Canyon National Park.

Adventures abound at the Grand Canyon. Perhaps your dream is to mule ride through the Canyon as seen in old photographs. This is a wonderful way to get deep into the Canyon to enjoy it in its natural state. There are restrictions for the mule ride-riders must be at least 4 feet 7 inches tall, under 200 pounds, and must be able to understand the instructions given by the experienced mule guides. Because these rides are so popular with visitors, you must reserve your space well in advance.

River rafting on the Colorado River is also a popular choice. Smooth water trips are available at the West Rim area of the Canyon. These may be suitable for younger visitors and those less adventurous. Whitewater rafting tours are also available for those enjoy more adventurous conditions. There are age limits for younger children, so please check in advance with a reputable guide company.

Whitewater rafting tours are available with either motorized boats or paddle-powered. Some of these whitewater excursions are physically challenging, so consider your own needs and ask questions before booking. Many of these tours are from 3 to 16 days and include camping under the stars. Weather conditions may affect your tour.

What could be more fun than a helicopter flight over the Canyon rim, with a landing on the Canyon floor-and lunch on the floor of the Canyon? These helicopter tours will give you an astounding view of the colors and formations of the Canyon walls, with opportunities to photograph all you like. Experienced pilots will soar down into the Canyon to see what it feels like from that viewpoint. The Grand Canyon National Park operates a lodging facility at the bottom of the Canyon. It is the only one deep within the Canyon walls.

For additional information or a free Insider's Guide to the Grand Canyon visit

http://www.freegrandcanyonguide.com