The Grand Canyon is located just two hours north of Flagstaff. It’s a beautiful sight that’s allows you to enjoy the outdoors. The canyon is nearly 280 miles wide. It has several trails to hike, hotels to stay at, gift shops and restaurants to eat at. Not to mention an unforgettable view that goes as far as the eye can see.

Since the Grand Canyon is in Northern Arizona and a few miles south of Nevada, the weather is much cooler. As you get closer to the edges of the canyon, it gets a little windy. If you choose to hike down, it does get a little warmer, but not much. I personally enjoy the cooler temperatures. Living in Phoenix, where temperatures are usually over 100°F, most people appreciate any type of cool weather. The temperature in mid-February, when I went, was in the mid 50’s.

There are several things to do while visiting the Canyon. There are many hotels to stay at, both new and historic. There are mules you can rent and ride down the trails, if you don’t choose to hike. There are a ton of restaurants and gift shops to go to, They also offer a train ride,. Although they offer all of these things, you don’t have to do any of them. You can just sit back and cherish the indescribable view.

The canyon has so many incredible colors. Reds, oranges, grays, purples, greens; it’s amazing. This was my first time visiting the Grand Canyon, and it will not be my last. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming.  It was a great experience to bond with my family and something I will never forget.

There is any entry fee depending on who you are and when you go. Entry fees include: Grand Canyon National Park Vehicle Permit- $25.00 (Admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers) and Grand Canyon National Park Individual Permit – $12.00/person (Admits one person when entering by foot, bicycle or motorcycle and people 15 years old and younger are admitted free of charge).

The following days are free of charge:

April 19-20 (Opening weekend of National Park Week)

August 25 (National Park Service Birthday)

September 27 (National Public Lands Day)

November 11 (Veterans Day)

All the information is located on the website of the Grand Canyon (http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/index.htm).