Grand Canyon National Park

It simply takes your breath away. As someone who grew up in the back woods of Maine, this place is so alien, awe inspiring, and well, grand. Try to go in the off season, and reserve your camp site well in advance. more

I lived in GCNP one summer. Coule suggestions: don't go in July, its very hot and crowded. get your reservations in ADVANCE, especially if you stay in the park at El Tovar or Bright Angel (only the ET has air conditioning). There are ATM's in the Village, not at Desert View. The only restaurant in Desert View is the DV snack bar so come prepared. There are long lines to get into the Village, but if you come through Cameron and go in the East Rim entrance they're usually much shorter. Bring your camera, plenty of film, water and be sure to hydrate before you head out there, especially if you're not from an area where theres dry heat. Its very different from the South's humid heat. If you're camping make sure you make reservations before you go for the campgrounds. Desert View, although smaller, typically has camping grounds open. more

Neither words nor pictures can describe the grandeur of Grand Canyon National Park. We visited 4 other National Parks in May and June and almost didn't go to Grand Canyon. How could it be any better than what we had already experienced? What was there to do if you didn't hike down into the canyon? Grand Canyon knocked our socks off! We watched condors swoop around the rim, sat on our lawn chairs watching the changing colors of sunset, walked the rim, ate at El Tovar, watched the Navaho dancers at the Hopi House, watched the burros weave their way down the trail, and took many, many pictures! It is incomparible and undescribable! Pros: shuttles, shops, sunsets more

I've seen the canyon from the rims, from the air, and from river level during a 6 day river run in July 2005. Running the river is by far the best way to experience the canyon, but most can't afford such a trip or that kind of time. Still, the solitude (read: no crowds), immense beauty, and environment from deep within the canyon just can't compare when you are looking down from the rims. And don't be deceived: Whether it's the north or south rim, be prepared for lots of people and crowded parking, especially during the tourist season. The ambience at the north rim was spoiled by a bar/nightclub in the village that played loud music. Very disappointing. Ironically, the drive to the north rim, I thought, was the best part. Running the Colorado river remains my most memorable trip and Grand Canyon experience. Pros: Geology, the Ecosystems, River history Cons: Crowded at rims more

Don't go on the Fourth of July weekend. It was HOT & crowded (and I'm used to HOT since I live in Louisiana). We drove to the main attractions, but had to walk forever to get to the lookout points because there was no place to park due to the vast number of other tourists doing the same thing we were. Our experience might have been different if we had visited during a slower time. The views were fantastic (when we could push through the crowds to get a good view.) If I go again, it will be to the north rim. Pros: views Cons: hot , crowded, unfriendly more

We visited Grand Canyon for the first time this year. We were lucky to get to stay in the park and I recommend it highly. Book your reservations well in advance. Only one hotel there has air conditioning--we were lucky to have it. We stayed two nights, which is too long if you aren't hiking the canyon. We saw the IMAX movie, helicopter ride and had a good time, but we didn't need to be there more than a day. In the summer lines coming into the park are very long. Pros: breathtaking, one of a kind, scenic Cons: hot, long entry time more

On a Clear Day you can see forever...Truly a wonder of the world Pros: Unbelievable, Breathtaking, invigorating Cons: gift shop tacky more

I'll never forget my first view of the canyon - I was absolutely speechless. It is just simply too magnificient for words to describe. I just didn't have enough time to see all of it. Pros: priced right, well organized, courteous employees more

The North Rim is fabulous -- the view is better and it's not nearly as crowded. The view from the rim is absolutely stunning. Get there early and hike down to the river -- or ide down on a mule, but be prepared for a scare as the paths are skinny and the mules a bit rickety. Pros: Amazing views Cons: Summer crowds more

wow--when i first walked up to the edge of the canyon, it almost knocked me over. more immense than anything you've ever seen, more beautiful, this is something that everyone should see at least once in their life. Pros: amazing view, beautiful setting more