Grand Canyon Travel: An Insiders Travel Tips on Having a "Grand Canyon Experience"

So much information is available about the Grand Canyon and the many tours and packages for vacationers that it's easy to become overwhelmed. The easiest way to plan your Grand Canyon vacation is to explore some of the packages put together by reputable and experienced guides and tour planners that have a record of safety and reliability. Your first step should be to visit your local travel agency to see what package specials may be available. Your local travel agent will also be able to tell you about the reputation of these tours. There are also a number of sites online you can explore, many of which offer free booklets and planners.

Here are few tips you should keep in mind for your trip to the Grand Canyon:

• Timing - Peak tourist season to the Grand Canyon is June to mid-September. Best all-around times to visit the Canyon are May and mid-September. These 'shoulder' periods make for relatively thinner crowds and cooler temperatures.

• Reservations - During this busy season, reservations for your park lodgings and campgrounds must be made months in advance. Even outside the Park, accommodations may be full, so reserve early.

• Traffic - At peak tourist season, congestion on the roads can be heavy. Make use of the free shuttle bus to the lodges and lookout points to avoid parking problems.

• Weather - Bring raingear as heavy rains can occur during the summer. Spring and fall can be unpredictable. A winter visit to vacation. The Grand Canyon National Park can be risky, with icy roads, short daylight hours, and obscured views of the Canyon.

• Wildlife - The Grand Canyon National Park contains a variety of wildlife. Though encounters are rare, you should be aware that you are sharing the Park with rattlesnakes, mountain lions, coyotes, and bighorn sheep. Make noise as you hike to alert them to your presence.

• Heat - Be prepared for searing temperatures, even at the bottom of the Canyon. Temperatures can reach 106 degrees. Wear sunscreen and a hat, and drink plenty of water. Pace yourself during hikes.

• Best Viewing - early morning and sunset are the best times to view and photograph the Canyon. The angled rays from the sun play off the angles of the rock and intensify the colors of the rock layers. Visitors gather on ledges and outcrops. Be careful and watch your footing.

• North Rim/South Rim -

the best viewing and most amenities are at the South Rim. The North Rim is often closed well into spring because of road conditions.

Keeping these tips in mind, you can make the most of your Grand Canyon trip in comfort and safety.

For additional information and a free Insiders Travel Guide to the Grand Canyon visit:

http://www.freegrandcanyonguide.com