An amazing panorama to behold, the Grand Canyon is deservedly one of the seven wonders of the world. With so much to see, it will be tempting to zip around the park and try to take it all in by car, but to bring the canyon down to a more memorable size for your kids, try to take time together to walk, linger, and savor its many subtleties and nuances. One way to have children spend time looking is to have them photograph what they observe. Point out to them how the cliffs change color with the sun or how clouds create shadows on the gorge.
The park is divided up geographically into the Inner Rim, the two main rims (South and North), and the two rim drives (East and West). Pick up a Young Adventurer newspaper at any of the park's visitor centers for suggestions on how to plan your tour and activities and attractions such as becoming a "rock detective" for children between the ages of four and twelve. Junior Ranger Badges are earned by attending ranger-led activities and attractions and exploring the geology and zoology of the park. The Grand Canyon Association at 800—858—2808 has many publications to order before you go. Exploring the Grand Canyon by Lynne Foster ($15.95) offers fascinating geological information and activities and attractions; it is also available at all park bookstores. activities and attractions include creating a sketch pad of animals and their tracks or folding a raven origami.
Numerous organizations lead guided river raft trips along the Colorado River through the Canyon from one to twelve days, but most are quite costly. An affordable way for families to have a taste of the more lengthy white water trips is the four- to five-hour smooth water raft trip through Glen and Marble canyons with picnic-style lunch offered by Fred Harvey Tours; the entire tour takes a full day (520—638—263 1). To plan a white-water raft trip, contact the park's River Permit's office at 520—638—7843 for a list of all concessionaires. Two recommended for families are OARS (800—346—6277) and Hatch River Expeditions (800—433— 8966) . Plan a year in advance to get your choice of dates and types of rafting.
Horseback rides are offered at Moqui Lodge and in Tusayan outside the park. Choose from one- or two-hour rides through Kaibab National Forest, or take a four-hour ride to the East Rim through Long Jim Canyon. Evening horseback and wagon rides are also available. Contact Apache Stables at 502—638—2891. The authentically restored 1900s-era Grand Canyon steam train chugs the sixty-four miles from Williams to the South Rim in about two hours (adults $50, children $20) with time allowed to explore the rim; it's a great sightseeing splurge. Call 800— 843—8724 to reserve.
Mule rides from two-hour treks to a one-day trip to Plateau Point, or a one- to two-day overnights into the canyon to Phantom Ranch are run by Grand Canyon National Park Lodges. Riders must be at least four feet seven inches tall. Trips depart daily from the Stone Corral at the head of Bright Angel Trail; the more extended trips need to be arranged at least eleven months in advance. Call 520—638—2401 to reserve.
Some must-see recommendations from veteran park visitors: Go to Yaki Point, off East Rim Drive, an hour before sunrise for an unbelievable view. Likewise, Hopi Point, off West Rim Drive, provides the best sunset spot. One of the best views of the canyon is from Lipan Point on the East Rim Drive.
As many will share your desire to peer into the canyon's larger-than-life depths, be sure to secure accommodations well in advance. If you miss out on in-park accommodations, try lodgings in nearby Tusayan (call the Chamber of Commerce at 602—635—4061).
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