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Flagstaff/Grand Canyon

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The Grand Canyon stands alone in the annals of canyons. There are deeper canyons, wider canyons and longer canyons, but none have the scintillating, spiral-colored majesty of the Grand Canyon. The Canyon is over a mile deep, 13 to 18 miles wide and 227 miles long. The canyon is so huge that it is really three distinct entities; the South Rim, the North Rim and the Canyon Floor. In addition to the Grand Canyon, the region, dubbed the “Grand Circle,” includes Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Lake Powell, Glen Canyon, Monument Valley, Canyon de Chelly, Mesa Verde and Capitol Reef.

Where is Flagstaff/Grand Canyon

Flagstaff is located 8hrs east ofLos Angeles along I-40 from I-15 and 2.5 hrs from Phoenix along 1-17. It is a good stopping off point for exploring the region and home to two hostels.

Coach

Greyhound (399 S Malapais Lane, 928-774-4573) LA to Flagstaff ($57, 13+hrs).

Region Highlights

Flagstaff can be used as a base to explore the Grand Canyon region including Sedona.

Grand Canyon NP South Rim. Tthe most popular destination inside the NP. The best way to see the Canyon is to hike it. Make sure you are well informed on the hazards. The desert is not forgiving, and make no mistake, the Grand Canyon is a desert. It will take twice as long to climb up as it did for you to descend. Most popular hike is the Bright Angel Trail.

Lodging is booked a year ahead and the campgrounds within the park fill up fast. If you have no luck in the park, try the campgrounds in nearby Tusayan. Grand Canyon South Rim is 90 miles north, on US 180, from Flagstaff. ($10pp/$20 per car, 928-638-7888).

Grand Canyon NP North Rim the North Rim, at a higher elevation, is less traveled, but definitely worth the trip. At the North Rim, within walking distance of the Grand Canyon Lodge, is Bright Angel Point. It offers great views of the canyon (1/2 mile walk).The North Kaibab Trail leads to Roaring Springs (9 miles, 5 hrs r/t) and the canyon floor (2/3 day hike r/t). The North Rim is 220 miles by car from the South Rim. ($10pp/$20 per car, 928-638-7888).

Zion Nat’l Park a must go to national park! Trek through knee to waist high water, between high cliff walls in the Narrows or check out the many monoliths, massive rock formations that extend up to 4,000 feet in the air from the road and the canyon floors. Ones to see are at the entrance of the visitor center and just inside the park. Or take a strenuous 14 mile hike to Kolob Arch, one of the longest arches in the world. 41 miles from Kanab, Utah. ($10pp/$20 per car, 435-772-3256).

Bryce Canyon Nat’l Park filled with hoodoos - pillars of rock like pinnacles and spires. Elevation exceeds 8,000 feet. Over 50 miles of hiking trails are available. The Queen’s Garden Trail is a fun trail that goes down over 300 feet from the rim at Sunset Point and takes 1.5 hrs r/t. Fairyland, Sunset, Farview, Yovimpa and Rainbow points all offer excellent views. Located off intersection of Rts 12 and 63 in Utah, 86 miles from Zion NP. ($10pp/$20 per car, 435-834-5322).

Canyonlands Nat’l Park largest of Utah’s parks is set in a desert climate. Probably the most untouched of the parks, thereby retaining its unique ruggedness. Rent bikes in Moab. ($5pp/$10 per car, 435-719-2313).

Arches Nat’l Park over 2,000 arches ranging in size from 3 feet to over 300. An underground salt bed, water, ice and extreme temperatures over the last 100 million years led to these formations. Located off Hwy 191 in Utah, 5 miles northwest of Moab. ($5pp/$10 per car, 435-719-2100).

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