Frommer's Grand Canyon National Park

by Christensen, Shane

• ISBN13: 9781118118047
• ISBN10: 1118118049
• Edition: 8th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-02-28
• Publisher: Frommers

Summary

Insider advice on hiking and adventures, including helicopter tours, mule rides, and rafting trips along the Colorado. Plus, our hotel reviews and campground guide breaks down the best sites to spend the night, both in the park and nearby. Where to find the best spots in the park to avoid the crowds, whether you have a full week or just a few hours. Opinionated reviews. No bland descriptions and lukewarm recommendations. Our expert writers are passionate about their destinations--they tell it like it is in an engaging and helpful way. Exact prices listed for every establishment and activity--no other guides offer such detailed, candid reviews of hotels and restaurants. We include the very best, but also emphasize moderately priced choices for real people. User-friendly features including star ratings and special icons to point readers to great finds, excellent values, insider tips, best bets for kids, special moments, and overrated experiences.

Author Biography

Shane Christensen, a California native, has written extensively for Frommer’s in the United States, Europe, and South America. He is also the author of Frommer’s Dubai and a co-author of Frommer’s Mexico.

Table of Contents

List of Maps vi

1 WELCOME TO THE GRAND CANYON 1

Current Park Projects 5

The Best of the Grand Canyon 6

2 PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK 11

Getting There 11

Getting Around 13

Tips on Accommodations 14

FAST FACTS: GRAND CANYON 15

Airline Websites 27

3 EXPLORING THE GRAND CANYON 29

The Basics 29

How to See the Park in Several Days 32

Driving Tours 34

DRIVING TOUR 1: HERMIT ROAD 35

DRIVING TOUR 2: DESERT VIEW DRIVE 40

DRIVING TOUR 3: NORTH RIM: CAPE ROYAL DRIVE 46

Ranger Programs & Organized Tours 49

Attractions 50

4 HIKES & OTHER OUTDOOR PURSUITS IN THE GRAND CANYON 55

An Overview of the Hiking Trails 55

Preparing for Your Backcountry Trip 58

Exploring the Backcountry 60

Trails on the South Rim 61

Trails on the North Rim 72

Backcountry Campgrounds 80

Other Sports & Activities 81

5 CAMPING WITH A CAR IN THE GRAND CANYON AREA 93

Camping Inside the Park 94

Camping Outside the Park 98

Picnic & Camping Supplies 102

6 WHERE TO STAY & EAT IN GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK 104

South Rim Lodging 106

Lodging Inside the Canyon 110

Lodging on the North Rim 111

Where to Eat on the South Rim 112

Where to Eat Inside the Canyon 114

Where to Eat on the North Rim 115

7 GATEWAY TOWNS 117

Flagstaff 117

Tusayan 131

Williams 136

Cameron 144

Towns & Outposts Near the North Rim 145

Kanab, Utah 149

Havasu Canyon & Supai 154

8 GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK IN DEPTH 163

Looking Back 164

The Lay of the Land 174

The Flora 180

The Fauna 188

The Ecosystem 196

Index 201

General Index 201

Accommodations Index 206

Restaurant Index 206