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This Town Overlooks a Natural Spectacle! 🏜️🚁 - Grand Canyon Village, Arizona.

This Town Overlooks a Natural Spectacle! 🏜️🚁 - Grand Canyon Village, Arizona.

Today: History, Helicopters, and every outlook in Grand Canyon National Park!

Random Towns & Trey Shuey
June 24, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes

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Welcome to Grand Canyon Village, Arizona! Watch our preview below! ⬇️

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Everyone knows about the Grand Canyon. It’s a spectacle that has been shared with the whole country, let alone from those outside the United States. Somewhere around 5 million people visit the National Park every year, so it’s no secret.

But how did Grand Canyon Village progress as the region and Nation Park grew in recognition and tourism?

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A Rich History

Early Beginnings

Native American Presence: Long before European settlers arrived, Native American tribes, including the Ancestral Puebloans, the Havasupai, and the Hualapai, inhabited the Grand Canyon region. These tribes left behind artifacts, dwellings, and other evidence of their presence dating back thousands of years.

European Exploration

1860s: European explorers began to take an interest in the Grand Canyon. John Wesley Powell’s expeditions in the late 1860s and early 1870s were among the most notable early explorations of the canyon. Powell's detailed accounts and scientific observations brought national attention to the area.

Establishment as a Tourist Destination

Early 1900s: The Santa Fe Railroad played a significant role in promoting tourism to the Grand Canyon. The completion of the railway to the South Rim in 1901 made the area much more accessible to visitors.
1905: The El Tovar Hotel opened its doors, becoming a landmark of luxury and comfort for early tourists. Designed by Charles Whittlesey and financed by the railroad, it set the standard for accommodations in the area.

National Park Designation

1919: The Grand Canyon was designated as a National Park, a milestone that marked the beginning of more structured conservation efforts and a surge in tourism.
1920s-1930s: Infrastructure development included the construction of roads, trails, and additional lodging facilities. Key structures, such as the Bright Angel Lodge and Hopi House, were designed by Mary Colter, an architect known for her work blending Native American motifs with natural materials.
1940s: Tourism slowed during World War II, but post-war America saw a renewed interest in national parks. The increase in automobile travel led to further infrastructure improvements and increased visitation.

Modern Developments

Late 20th Century: Efforts to preserve the natural beauty and integrity of the park increased. The National Park Service undertook various projects to manage the impact of millions of visitors each year.
21st Century: Grand Canyon Village continues to be a hub of activity, with ongoing conservation efforts, new visitor amenities, and educational programs aimed at promoting sustainability and awareness of the canyon's natural and cultural heritage.

Here’s Where to Go in Grand Canyon Village!

El Tovar Hotel

Dining: Enjoy fine dining with canyon views at the El Tovar Dining Room.
Accommodation: Stay in one of the 78 uniquely decorated rooms and suites.
Activities: Participate in guided tours and seasonal events hosted by the hotel.

Hopi House

Cultural Experience: Explore authentic Hopi architecture and cultural exhibits.
Shopping: Purchase Native American art, jewelry, and crafts.
Workshops: Attend artist demonstrations of traditional crafts.

Bright Angel Lodge

Accommodation: Choose from historic cabins or modern rooms.
Dining: Dine at the Bright Angel Restaurant or grab a snack at the coffee shop and ice cream fountain.
Activities: Book mule rides, join ranger-led programs, and hike from the Bright Angel Trailhead.

Kolb Studio

Exhibits: Visit the museum and art gallery to learn about the Kolb brothers and Grand Canyon history.
Shopping: Buy books, prints, and souvenirs related to the canyon's history.
Events: Attend art exhibitions and educational lectures.

What it’s really all about, though, when you’re visiting the Grand Canyon, is taking in as much of the scenery as possible. They didn’t name it the Grand Canyon for nothing, after all. The National Park has plenty of lookout points, hikes, and once-in-a-lifetime tours all around Grand Canyon Village, and you’ll be sorry if you miss these amazing views! ⬇️

Views and Hikes

Outlooks

Mather Point
- Location: Near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center
- Features: Panoramic views, especially stunning at sunrise and sunset. It's one of the most popular and accessible viewpoints.
Yavapai Point
- Location: East of Mather Point
- Features: Offers a great perspective of the Colorado River, with easy access to the Yavapai Geology Museum.
Desert View Point
- Location: East Rim Drive
- Features: Known for the historic Desert View Watchtower, designed by Mary Colter. Provides expansive views of the eastern Grand Canyon and the Painted Desert.
Hopi Point
- Location: West Rim Drive, accessible via the shuttle bus
- Features: Renowned for its spectacular sunset views, offering a broad vista of the canyon.
Pima Point
- Location: West Rim Drive
- Features: Offers a stunning view of the inner canyon and the Colorado River. It's less crowded compared to other viewpoints.

Hikes

Bright Angel Trail
- Trailhead: Bright Angel Lodge
- Length: Up to 12 miles (round trip to Plateau Point)
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
- Features: Well-maintained trail with water stations, offering spectacular views as it descends into the canyon.
South Kaibab Trail
- Trailhead: Near Yaki Point, accessible by shuttle bus
- Length: Up to 14 miles (round trip to the river)
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Features: Stunning panoramic views, with notable points such as Ooh Aah Point, Cedar Ridge, and Skeleton Point.
Rim Trail
- Trailhead: Begins at the South Kaibab Trailhead and stretches to Hermits Rest
- Length: 13 miles (one way)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Features: A relatively flat, paved path offering continuous, breathtaking views of the canyon along the South Rim.
Hermit Trail
- Trailhead: Hermits Rest
- Length: 9 miles (round trip to Dripping Springs)
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Features: Less crowded with beautiful canyon scenery and historic trail remnants.

Tours

Mule Rides
- Guided mule rides are a classic way to explore the canyon. Options range from a few hours to overnight trips.
- Providers: Xanterra Travel Collection
Helicopter Tours
- Provides an aerial view of the Grand Canyon, highlighting its immense scale and beauty.
- Providers: Maverick Helicopters, Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters
Rafting Tours
- Offers an adventurous way to experience the Colorado River and the inner canyon.
- Providers: Grand Canyon Expeditions, OARS
Jeep and Bus Tours
- These guided tours cover various viewpoints and landmarks along the South Rim.
- Providers: Pink Adventure Tours, Grand Canyon Tours
Ranger-Led Programs
- Educational programs led by National Park Service rangers. Topics include geology, wildlife, and history.
- Providers: National Park Service

Remember, as you explore the park, you’ll want to keep a supply of water handy. Keep in mind that the South Rim and North Rim are equipped with bus routes, so if you find yourself a way out, you can easily shuttle back to Grand Canyon Village to refuel.

The park is vast and there is endless beauty that awaits. Take a trip to the Grand Canyon, explore the village, and see on of the most unique natural formations that exists on planet Earth!

See you in Grand Canyon Village, Arizona!