The Grand Canyon: One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World

The Grand Canyon achieved national park status in 1919, when the West was still a new region of the nation. Of course, Native tribes have flourished here for thousands of years before this. Tusayan is the closest town outside the park, located in the South Rim section of the Grand Canyon, offering the most accessible and grandest views. Check out any offerings you might be interested in booking here first at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. There are Pink Jeep canyon rides, nature walks, and guided hikes.
Spend the morning at one of the activities selected and booked at the visitor centre yesterday. Put on your sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and hat, and enjoy both the natural and cultural landmarks on display!
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Please visit the official website for more information.

Fred Harvey Burger is located in the Bright Angel Lodge, built by Mary E. J. Colter, a pioneering architect who gave this early national park its rustic, culturally relevant feel. This is a casual family-friendly restaurant, featuring healthy diner-style fare prepared in the Harvey House tradition, something you can learn about in the Fred Harvey History Room inside the lodge. Make sure to see the lodge's second fireplace in the History Room, featuring Colter’s ten-foot-high geologic representation of the Grand Canyon rock layers.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
For more information, please visit the official website.

Another Mary E. J. Colter masterpiece, the Hopi House is built in the style of a typical adobe pueblo used by the Hopi Indians of Old Oraibi. Inside, you'll find authentic, museum-quality Native American arts and crafts, such as hand-crafted kachinas, Native American jewellery, hand-woven Navajo rugs, and authentic Native American pottery.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Now you'll start the drive on Hermit Road, on the west end of the Grand Canyon's South Rim area. Hopi Point offers superb, unobstructed views of the Grand Canyon, a popular place to view the sunset. From here, you'll see several prominent mesas, including Isis Temple, Horus Temple, and Osiris Temple, located on the North Rim.
Please note that, from March to November, a free shuttle is available to take visitors to numerous stops on this road. See the schedule here if you prefer to take this 80-minute round-trip route.
You can also explore this whole route in your car, stopping along the way and admiring the incredible views of this natural wonder. And it will be a beautiful and convenient journey. The most picturesque stops will be suggested below. Enjoy!

Often less crowded than Hopi Point, Mohave Point also offers excellent views of the canyon below. Here, you can see the 3000-foot vertical cliffs that encircle The Abyss (another viewpoint) from a unique perspective at Mohave Point. You can hike to The Abyss on a one-mile walk from Mohave Point, where you can see the 3000-foot drop from the Tonto Platform and views of The Monument, the largest sandstone column in the Grand Canyon.

You are now seven miles west of Grand Canyon Village at Hermits Rest, another fantastic example of Grand Canyon architecture designed by Mary E. J. Colter. This 1914 National Historic Landmark offers convenience and comfort for travellers, and a far-reaching view of the canyon.
Depending on timing, you can enjoy the sunset here, or hit another lookout as the sun sets on your drive back to the village.

What more wonderful way to cap off the night than dinner at the distinctive and historic El Tovar Dining Room? Situated in the grand dame hotel of the Grand Canyon, the El Tovar Dining Room has been delighting guests since it opened in 1905.
Try out some of its signature dishes, including the Chicken El Tovar or Salmon Tostada. And, believe it or not, Arizona wine country exists and produces excellent varietals, so check out the restaurant's excellent wine list.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 6:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Please note that a reservation is required for lunch and dinner. Visit the official website to reserve a table online.

The El Tovar Hotel is a classic historic National Park Lodge with a rich history. Due to its age, some rooms are subterranean, so they have no windows. Note this when making a booking! Otherwise, soak in the ambiance and rest easy tonight for another day of red rock canyons and Wild West landscapes. Book Now
If you are a TCS member and would like to book a hotel with 3% cashback, please follow the instructions via this link.