I first visited The Grand Canyon in 1979 and it made a lasting impression on me as I am sure The Grand Canyon does to the thousands who visit it every year. I have been back to the Grand Canyon many times and I am always amazed just how impressive it is.

We decided (family: wife, 2 children - aged 18 and 11) to visit the canyon off season actually over Christmas 2004.

We took direct flight from Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic to Los Angeles and stayed in Anaheim (30 south of LA) and chilled and did the disney thing for a few days.

We then travelled to the Grand Canyon a 500 mile trip (approx) a long days driving but well worth it. We stopped twice on the way to eat and stretch our legs.

Arriving in the dark we has to wait until the following morning for our first view of the Canyon.

We awoke dressed warmly Hats, gloves and fleeces and walked the 1/4 mile to the rim, Excellent visibility,but a cold updraft from the canyon,best of all very few tourists.

A few coach loads would arrive but have very little impact on the place. We assumed that the park facilities would be scaled down for Christmas but all amenities were available (without queing) We had 4 nights booked there staying at the Maswick Lodge about 98 dollars a night (sleeps 4) in a rustic cabin surrounded in pine forest (almost alpine with the snow on the ground).

There are several eateries available from self service to 4 star we tended to eat at the Bright Angel Restaurant which has an excellent and inexpensive menu (try the fahitas) Each day we visited different viewpoints along the rim all easily accessable by car,as as Christmas day approached the weather warmed up.

We had a great time there and if experiences would allow I would go back again next Christmas -who knows There are airports located closer than LA but they either involve transfer between flights or only fly on certain days I guess Las Vegas would be the next most popular Airport but its still a 3-4 hour drive to the Grand Canyon.

I first visited The Grand Canyon in 1979 and it made a lasting impression on me as I am sure The Grand Canyon does to the thousands who visit it every year. I have been back to the Grand Canyon many times and I am always amazed just how impressive it is.

We decided (family: wife, 2 children - aged 18 and 11) to visit the canyon off season actually over Christmas 2004.

We took direct flight from Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic to Los Angeles and stayed in Anaheim (30 south of LA) and chilled and did the disney thing for a few days.

We then travelled to the Grand Canyon a 500 mile trip (approx) a long days driving but well worth it. We stopped twice on the way to eat and stretch our legs.

Arriving in the dark we has to wait until the following morning for our first view of the Canyon.

We awoke dressed warmly Hats, gloves and fleeces and walked the 1/4 mile to the rim, Excellent visibility,but a cold updraft from the canyon,best of all very few tourists.

A few coach loads would arrive but have very little impact on the place. We assumed that the park facilities would be scaled down for Christmas but all amenities were available (without queing) We had 4 nights booked there staying at the Maswick Lodge about 98 dollars a night (sleeps 4) in a rustic cabin surrounded in pine forest (almost alpine with the snow on the ground).

There are several eateries available from self service to 4 star we tended to eat at the Bright Angel Restaurant which has an excellent and inexpensive menu (try the fahitas) Each day we visited different viewpoints along the rim all easily accessable by car,as as Christmas day approached the weather warmed up.

We had a great time there and if experiences would allow I would go back again next Christmas -who knows There are airports located closer than LA but they either involve transfer between flights or only fly on certain days I guess Las Vegas would be the next most popular Airport but its still a 3-4 hour drive to the Grand Canyon.