The Grand Canyon simply takes your breath away. I had seen the photo’s and read all about it, but no photo can capture the sheer vastness of it. However, I’m sure you’ve heard it all before because everyone says it, so I hope to pass on a few handy tips for visitors to the Canyon.

First of all, try and arrive at the gates of Grand Canyon National Park before 10am because any time after then the tailbacks will start. It costs about $20 per vehicle to enter but if you intend to visit more National Parks it may be worth investing in a $50 pass that will last 12 months. You will be given a Guide to help you make the most of your visit. It is worth spending 20 minutes or so having a look through this guide and getting your bearings because once you drive into Grand Canyon Village it is very very crowded and it’s a struggle just to find a parking space when you don’t know where you’re going.

There are three free shuttle buses. Their routes are marked on the map by different colours. The Hermits Rest Route runs between the Village and Hermits rest and has stops along the way at canyon overlooks. The Village Route does a loop around the village stopping at facilities in the village area. The Kaibab Trail Route runs east between the village and the Kaibab Trail. These buses are standing room only. It is exhausting with the heat and the crowds. As an alternative we drove east along Highway 64 for about 24 miles to Desert View. There are plenty of spectacular lookout points along the way and you’re not doing battle with the crowds.

If you’re fit enough for a short hike then one of the easier ones is the South Kaibab Trail. The trailhead starts at Yaki point on the Desert View Drive. Carry plenty of water and snacks. My personal favourite snack is Peanut M&M’s. Remember if you have been hiking into the Canyon for half an hour then it will take you an hour to get back. Don’t overdo it but make the effort to go at least a little way in if you can. You’ll be glad that you did. Don’t forget sunblock and hat, these are essential.

You will encounter lots of cheeky squirrels at the Grand Canyon, even on the lookout points at the rim. Although it is tempting because they practically sit up and beg you must not feed them or let your children touch them. Apparently they can be carriers of Bubonic Plague. Be Warned.

The Grand Canyon simply takes your breath away. I had seen the photo’s and read all about it, but no photo can capture the sheer vastness of it. However, I’m sure you’ve heard it all before because everyone says it, so I hope to pass on a few handy tips for visitors to the Canyon.

First of all, try and arrive at the gates of Grand Canyon National Park before 10am because any time after then the tailbacks will start. It costs about $20 per vehicle to enter but if you intend to visit more National Parks it may be worth investing in a $50 pass that will last 12 months. You will be given a Guide to help you make the most of your visit. It is worth spending 20 minutes or so having a look through this guide and getting your bearings because once you drive into Grand Canyon Village it is very very crowded and it’s a struggle just to find a parking space when you don’t know where you’re going.

There are three free shuttle buses. Their routes are marked on the map by different colours. The Hermits Rest Route runs between the Village and Hermits rest and has stops along the way at canyon overlooks. The Village Route does a loop around the village stopping at facilities in the village area. The Kaibab Trail Route runs east between the village and the Kaibab Trail. These buses are standing room only. It is exhausting with the heat and the crowds. As an alternative we drove east along Highway 64 for about 24 miles to Desert View. There are plenty of spectacular lookout points along the way and you’re not doing battle with the crowds.

If you’re fit enough for a short hike then one of the easier ones is the South Kaibab Trail. The trailhead starts at Yaki point on the Desert View Drive. Carry plenty of water and snacks. My personal favourite snack is Peanut M&M’s. Remember if you have been hiking into the Canyon for half an hour then it will take you an hour to get back. Don’t overdo it but make the effort to go at least a little way in if you can. You’ll be glad that you did. Don’t forget sunblock and hat, these are essential.

You will encounter lots of cheeky squirrels at the Grand Canyon, even on the lookout points at the rim. Although it is tempting because they practically sit up and beg you must not feed them or let your children touch them. Apparently they can be carriers of Bubonic Plague. Be Warned.