Arizona's pride, the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, attracts more than five million tourists a year. This ancient marvel consists of limestone, sandstone, and shale brought about by geological processes including the erosion by the Colorado River. The early twentieth century saw the national reserve becoming a popular tourist destination. Different companies offer exciting bus, helicopter, Hummer, and airplane tours. For example, the Grand Canyon Tour Company offers terrific luxury coach tours, while some others use minivans at times. There are scenic tours to the Grand Canyon South Rim National Park. Also fascinating are the Indian heritage sites. National Geographic certified cruises and rides are also offered. There are lovely lodges and places to eat on these sightseeing adventures. The coaches take about fourteen hours. The air tours take you from top to bottom of the magnificent Grand Canyon. There are combination tours, say a helicopter ride to the west rim of the canyon and then a ride on the Colorado River from the bottom of the gorge. The flight takes you from Las Vegas, flying over Lake Mead and Hoover Dam. If these tours are beyond your budget, then you can always enjoy the six-hour drive. The north rim is closed for the winter, unlike the south rim. One can visit the Zion National Park too. The grandeur is breathtaking at sunrise and sunset" ?a photographer's dream! Some of the tour operators are Papillon, Look Tours, Gateway Airlines, etc. Some companies offer discounts for reservations made online. Most of these tours include hotel pick-up and drop-off and other luxuries, from the glitter of Las Vegas, onto the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Colorado River to the Grand Canyon Railway in Williams, and finally the impressive canyon! |
