The Best Grand Canyon Points to Visit

The Grand Canyon is one of tourism's premier destinations of the American West. Each year millions of people choose to spend their vacation time viewing the Canyon at Grand Canyon National Park. The Grand Canyon Village is the hub of the South Rim Canyon area. Here you will find the Market Plaza, lodging, restaurants, a post office, and bank, and the free shuttle bus that takes you to various points of the Park. The Park service offers a number of tours to visitors, from rafting trips to mule rides, guided hikes to horseback-riding. Be advised that weather conditions may cancel tours on some days. Be sure to confirm any tours the day before to ensure that you don't lose any vacation time.

During your time at the Grand Canyon, utilize the free shuttle bus to see the best views at the following points:

• Yavapai Point and Observation Station - This lookout offers a view of Phantom Ranch, the Xanterra-operated lodging at the floor of the Grand Canyon. You can also see hikers walking the paths of Bright Angel and North Kaibab Trails.
• Mather Point - Usually the first lookout Grand Canyon visitors visit, and one of the most popular stops along the bus tour route. The sunsets here are incomparable, weather permitting. The vista includes a number of notable formations that can be seen from different angles throughout the Park.
• Yaki Point - This lookout on the East Rim Drive allows a view deep into the east side of the Canyon which has slightly different ecology than the western and central parts of the Canyon. This is also the trailhead for the South Kaibab Trail which winds down to the Canyon floor.
• Desert View - At the eastern edge of the Park, you can get a good view of the Colorado River below. When clear, the view can extend far north to the Vermillion Cliffs. This lookout is also near the Park's Watchtower, designed by architect Mary Colter, incorporating Hopi images.
• Lipan Point - From Lipan Point, you can scan over the Unkar Delta with its rich soil suitable for farming. Archaeological evidence indicates it was used as farmland during pre-historic times. Artifacts from the Grand Canyon's ancient inhabitants can be seen at the nearby Tusayan Museum and Ruin located just off Desert View Drive.

  For additional information or a free Insider's Guide to the Grand Canyon visit www.FreeGrandCanyonGuide.com

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