Top Reasons to Go

Top Reasons to Go

Its status: The only natural wonder in the contiguous United States—and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's one place about which you really want to say, "Been there, done that!"

Awesome vistas: Painted desert, sandstone canyon walls, pine and fir forests, mesas, plateaus, volcanic features, the Colorado River, streams, and waterfalls make for some jaw-dropping moments.

Year-round adventure: Outdoor junkies can bike, boat, camp, fish, hike, ride mules, whitewater raft, watch birds and wildlife, cross-country ski, and snowshoe.

Continuing education: Adults and kids can get schooled, thanks to free park-sponsored nature walks and interpretive programs.

Sky-high and river-low experiences: Visitors can experience the canyon via planes, trains, and automobiles (buses, Jeeps, and Hummers), as well as helicopters, boats, bikes, mules and, of course, on foot.