Grand Canyon News

Good day Grand Canyon travelers – hope you’re enjoying this “grand” weather! 

First off, we want to say how sorry we are that we’re not being quicker about answering your questions.  2009 is proving to be a “last minute” year for vacation planning and as a result, we’re getting LOTS of questions thrown at us at a fast and furious pace.  We’re doing the best we can keeping up with them, and we thank you for your patience.

OK, so the economy isn’t so “grand.”  We’re all trying to think of ways to stretch every dollar we make, present company included: my last vacation was a “stay-cation,” where sleeping arrangements included everything from floors to single beds pushed together!  So it’s no surprise that the question on the minds of so many Grand Canyon visitors is “what can I do to make my Grand Canyon vacation affordable, yet fun?”

Fortunately, there are lots of ways to do just that.  Which ones you take us up on depend on a few factors, such as who you’re traveling to the Grand canyon with (kids or no kids?), what time of year you’re coming to the Grand Canyon (winter = winner; summer = bummer…), what your goals are for your Grand Canyon vacation (get to the bottom? See the most I can in a short amount of time? Both?) and other things. 

Here are a few suggestions our staff has come up with from their own experience and from sharing yours:

For example, if you’re traveling to Phoenix or Las Vegas to begin your Grand Canyon vacation, start shopping for the best airfares.  Usually, the best rates can be had by booking with the airlines directly.  It doesn’t hurt to check Priceline, Hotwire, Orbitz, Travelocity, etc. either.  One piece of good news is that hotels in these cities are offering great deals this season too.  Heck, some are beyond great; they’re almost outrageous!  $30/night rates in May; stay 2 nights, stay 2 free – it’s unreal!  Many hotel chains in Vegas, for example, such as Harrah’s, Station Casinos, Boyd Gaming, etc. allow you to sign up for e-mail promotions, including discount offers.  So decide where your starting point is going to be, look at which hotels you might want to stay at and get on their e-mail lists if they have one.

Once you get to the Grand Canyon, one way to save money on your hotel costs is by staying at one of the outlying gateway communities such as Williams (1 hour South of the park) or Flagstaff (90 minutes Southeast of the park).  Hotels in these cities, Williams in particular, tend to charge much lower rates than the hotels in the immediate area of the park. 

Another suggestion: if you’re going to come to the Grand Canyon, come here anytime but summertime.  Grand Canyon hotels have historically never given discounts during peak travel periods, which is typically from spring break through Halloween.  This year, all bets are off as we all know, but scoring a killer deal on a Grand Canyon hotel room is still a laughable proposition in June.  November is a different story.  Now before you start laughing, a winter visit to the Grand Canyon can be a very fulfilling experience.  November through February is unquestionably the quietest time of year at the park, with only 15% of its annual visitation occurring then.   Yes, it’s cold, with average daytime highs ranging from 35-50°F.  Grand Canyon West will be slightly warmer.  Nights are even chillier, typically getting down to the teens and even below zero on occasion.  And of course, snow is a contingency one always has to plan for.  But, if you’re seeking peace and solitude, and a photo opportunity like no other, winter is a wonderful time to visit the Grand Canyon.  Most of the popular Grand Canyon tours are still operating, including those that go to the bottom. 

Another money-saving option is to tent camp.  Depending on time of year (nights tend to get cold, even in springtime), you can choose from several campgrounds both in-park and out of park.  The main campground at the South Rim is Mather Campground.  Reservations for Grand Canyon and other National Park campgrounds can be made by phone at 877-444-6777 or on-line at www.Recreation.gov   A limited number of tent sites are also offered at Trailer Village, which is managed by Xanterra South Rim LLC (www.grandcanyonlodges.com , 888/297-2757 or 303/297-2757).  The gateway communities of Williams (1 hour South of the park), Flagstaff (90 minutes from the park) and Page (2.5 hours from the North or South Rim) also have many fine RV Parks and Campgrounds. 

To save money on food, pick up a good-sized cooler and picnic supplies and dine “al fresco,” weather permitting!  Gateway communities such as Las Vegas, Phoenix, Flagstaff and Page-Lake Powell will have a good selection of supermarkets and so forth where you can stock up on ice, beverages, etc.  There are several picnic areas inside the park, not many with a view of the canyon, but situated within the forest. 

If you are considering some guided tours and activities, GrandCanyon.com’s best value tours include (but are not limited to):

• The Grand Discovery Air Tour: covers the most famous and beautiful parts of the Grand Canyon for a great value. This tour takes off from the Grand Canyon National Park Airport for the Eastern part of the Canyon crossing the Zuni Corridor. You can see Desert View, the Painted Desert, and Navajo Indian Reservation to the East while following the mighty Colorado River. One of the highlights of the trip is known as the "Confluence" where the Little Colorado River and the Colorado River join just below Cape Solitude. The aircraft will turn toward the North Rim showing fantastic areas of the Kaibab National Forests. Point Imperial, the highest point on the North Rim, can be seen as you fly directly West toward the Dragon Head. You will return southbound through the Dragon Corridor, over part of the deepest portion of the Grand Canyon. Near the South Rim once again, you will then fly around the Hermits Rest area before turning back for the Grand Canyon National Park Airport. Digital tour narration is available in several languages.  50 minutes length, $119/adult, $99/child age 2-12 (children under 2 may ride free as long as they sit in a parent’s lap).  For more information, click here ->: http://grandcanyon.com/granddiscovery.html

The North Canyon Helicopter Tour: From a front row seat in the sky, take in the significant beauty of the widest and deepest part of the Grand Canyon as you tour through the Dragon Corridor.  Even spending a full day walking the Canyon could not show all the sights and highlights that this tour offers: the splendor of Kaibab National Forest, the imposing Tower of Ra, and the seemingly endless stretches of intact Earth.  Tour length: 25-30 minutes, $140/adult, $120/child, children under 2 may ride free as a “lap child”  For more information, click here ->: http://grandcanyon.com/grandcanyonhelicoptertours.html

• The Grand Canyon Railway: The Grand Canyon Railway originates in Williams, Arizona.  Every morning, rain or shine, this vintage locomotive powers up to make the 60 mile journey to Grand Canyon South Rim, traveling the original rail line that brought passengers to the brink of the mighty gorge starting over a century ago.  But before you answer the call of “All aboard!” be sure to answer the call of the Marshall John B. Goodmore and Cataract Creek Gang as they put on a “Wild West Shootout” show just for you!  Aboard the train you’ll be entertained by cowboy poets, musicians and other Old West characters as you enjoy this historic two hour and 15 minute journey to the park.  When you arrive at Grand Canyon South Rim, you’ll be dropped off at the Grand Canyon Depot in the heart of Grand Canyon Village.  Here you can take a stroll along the canyon rim trail, enjoying the breathtaking canyon views, and old-world architecture of the Historic District.  Or, ride the free shuttles around the Grand Canyon Village.  After approximately a 3 hour layover in the park, you’ll reboard the train for the return trip to Williams, which has a few more surprises in store!  Trip length: approximately 8 hours.  Cost (Coach/Economy Class) $85/adult, $39/children 2-12 (children under 2 may ride free as a “lap child”)  For more information, click here ->: http://www.grandcanyon.com/train.html
• The Grand Sunset Jeep Tour: venture deep into the Kaibab National Forest and search for elk, deer, and other species of wildlife.  During this Grand Canyon tour you will have the opportunity to climb an eighty foot lookout tower that views the Grand Canyon, the Painted Desert, and San Francisco Peaks!  Concludes with sunset at Grandview Point at the edge of the Grand Canyon.  This is one of the least crowded canyon vistas at sunset.  Bring your camera on this expedition – you don’t want to miss any of the awesome scenery and abundant wildlife.  Length: 3 hours, $74/adult, $59/child 12 and under (see below re: carseat requirement).  (Seasonal: March through November)
• Or Grand Canyon Jeep Safari & Rim Walk: take a trip back through history as you venture deep into the Kaibab National Forest searching for elk, deer, and other species of wildlife as you travel along an 1880’s era stagecoach route to the canyon rim.   At Yavapai Point, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the complex geological forces that shaped the Grand Canyon as well as walk along the canyon rim. Continuing on the Grand Canyon Village, you’ll learn about the diverse and unique architecture of the area’s many historic landmarks, such as the El Tovar Hotel, the Hopi House, Bright Angel Lodge, the Kolb Studio and Lookout Studio, all while taking in more spectacular canyon views as you stroll leisurely down the rim trail.  You might find it hard to decide which is more interesting – the buildings themselves, or the people who designed them and in some cases, called them home!  Tour departs 9.30 AM, length 3 hours, $74/adult, $59/child 12 and under. Parents must provide carseats for children under the age of 4 on jeep tours, no “lap children” allowed.  For more information on Grand Canyon Jeep Tours, click here ->: http://www.grandcanyon.com/srjeeptours.html  (Seasonal: March through November)

Last but not least, If you plan on visiting a few National Parks and/or Federal Fee areas within one year’s time, the “America the Beautiful” National Parks and Federal Lands Access Pass would be a worthwhile purchase.  For $80, you and everyone in your vehicle are granted access to all National Parks, Monuments and Federal Fee Areas in the United States for one year; the pass also covers entrance and amenities fees at sites managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Reclamation and the USDA Forest Service.   Save even more time by purchasing your pass before you go on vacation at http://store.usgs.gov/pass  or call 1-888-ASK-USGS.  Due to the high cost of international postage, overseas visitors are advised to simply purchase the pass at the first National Park Service station they encounter on their vacation.  Visitors 62 or older qualify for a Senior Pass, which grants you lifetime access to all National Parks for a one-time fee of $10.  If you are disabled, ask about the free Access Pass.  Senior and Access Passes must be obtained in person.  The “America the Beautiful Pass” does not grant access to State Parks or Native American Tribal Parks such as Monument Valley or Grand Canyon West.

So there you have ‘em!  Is this all there is?  You tell us!  ‘til next time, make it a “grand” day!

GrandCanyon.com

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