Just Ask Jess: The Grand Canyon: Breathtakingly Beautiful

When my family and I spent the holidays in the U.S. last December 2014, we heeded the advice and recommendation of friends and saw to it that we book a tour to the Grand Canyons, and little did I know how much it would take my breath away!

The Grand Canyon National Park is perhaps one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States of America and a hike to the majestic rock formations is probably on top of every adventurer's bucket list. In fact, nearly five million people travel here every year, with 83% coming from the U.S. and another 17% from other parts of the world (canyontours.com, 2015).

The Grand Canyon
(Image Source: canyontours.com)

The road to the Grand Canyon from the south crosses a gently rising plateau that gives no hint at what is about to unfold. You wonder if you have made a wrong turn. All at once an immense gorge a mile deep and up to 18 miles wide opens up. The scale is so vast that even from the best vantage point only a fraction of the canyon's 277 miles can be seen.

There are many drop off points where tourists can take off and enjoy the sights offered by the Grand Canyon but the South Rim is the most visited location at Grand Canyon National Park, with elevations averaging at 7000 feet (2134 m) above sea level. The Scenic views and vista's are what you are expecting and have been waiting a lifetime to see. The South Rim is open year around and is accessible by all.

The South Rim includes:

- The Historic Grand Canyon Village, reached by driving and served by Grand Canyon Railway

- The Scenic Hermit Road and Hermits Rest (7 miles/ 11.2 km) west of Grand Canyon Village

- The Desert View Drive and Desert View (25 miles/ 41 km) east of Grand Canyon Village

View of Grand Canyon from Mather Point on the South Rim.

View from Mather Point on the South Rim.
(Image copyright: Jessica E. Vitangcol)

There are many ways to experience Grand Canyon, all of which may be influenced by individual interests, available time, and the weather. If like me, you will opt to visit around December, why not try the same route that we took and try out the activities that we had at the South Rim:

1. Attend Free Ranger Programs
Learn more about the the nature, science, history and culture of the Grand Canyon with a park ranger as your guide.

2. Stop by the Visitor Center or one of the Museums
The South Rim offers a variety of museums and information centers that house exhibits and provide park information

3. Walking or Hiking
Walk part of the well defined, and mostly level Rim Trail, starting from any viewpoint in the village or along the historic Hermit Road and greenway; day hike in and around the canyon or backpack overnight below the rim.

4. Tour the Scenic Hermit Road

5. Visit the Scenic Desert View Drive

6. At Desert View Point, climb to the top of a 70 ft. tall (21.5 m) stone Watchtower for a panoramic view that extends for more than 100 miles on a clear day.

And last but not the least, TAKE LOTS AND LOTS OF PICTURES!