Overlooked gems at the Canyon

Our Local Expert Says:

Tours are available, lasting 45 minutes. I suggest taking these informative and entertaining tours and come away with more cavern-related puns than you’d ever think possible.

Description:

In 1927, a heavy rain widened the natural funnel-shaped opening to the upper level of an unknown system of caverns in western Arizona. Inside the deep cavern, two human skeletons were found and thought to be cavemen. However, it was later discovered that the bodies were two members of the Hualapai tribe who were secretly buried there. During the Great Depression, a wooden staircase was constructed, plunging visitors 15 stories into the cavern. Today, visitors are lowered to the bottom with an elevator. The original natural entrance is a sacred burial ground. Fossils of prehistoric clams, scallops and evidence of sea turtle remains have been found lithified in the limestone walls. Also found were the remains of a giant ground sloth, which went extinct 11,000 to 20,000 years ago. From I-40, take Rt. 66 about 25 miles northwest to the Grand Canyon Caverns exit.

Our Local Expert Says:

Experienced hikers should take this rocky but rewarding trail. Bring your own water, as none is available anywhere on or near the trail.

Description:

The Grandview trail offers a challenging hike through steep, rocky terrain beginning on the South Rim. Experienced hikers should take this trail, which is not maintained, and plan to reach Coconino Saddle in 2.2 miles and Horseshoe Mesa in 6.4 miles. Don't let the steep trail deceive you. The hike back up will take twice as long. Trail conditions are much tougher than the Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails. A good set of hiking boots with ankle support is recommended, as it is easy to twist an ankle on this rocky trail. The Grand View Trail begins on the canyon side of retaining wall at Grandview Point on Desert View Drive, which is 12 miles east of the village. There is no water available on this trail, so bring plenty.

Description:

Taking "the road less traveled" CAN make all the difference, especially if you are camping the backcountry of Arizona's Grand Canyon. Pitch a tent at Crazy Jug Point and feast your eyes on sweeping panoramic views of Grand Canyon National Park, including Fishtail Mesa, Steamboat Mountain and Tapeats Amphitheater. Travelers can obtain overnight backcountry permits, maps, and more at the North Rim Ranger Station, located one mile north of Grand Canyon Lodge along AZ 67. Reservations are recommended.

Description:

The awesome, dramatic visual of the Grand Canyon has inspired more than one writer to liken the majestic canyon to an abyss. It is no wonder why one observation point along the West Rim Drive earned the name The Abyss. From this point, it is a dramatic 3,000-foot drop off that plunges to the plateau below. Access to this point is via the trail system linking the outlooks along West Rim Drive and by shuttle in the summer months.

Our Local Expert Says:

Take a weekend excursion from the Grand Canyon and hike out to three of the most preserved cliff dwellings of the Anasazi people.

Description:

Overlooking the Tsegi Canyons, Navajo National Monument sits high on the Shonto plateau in the northwest corner of the Navajo Reservation. Located at the ruins are a visitor's center, a museum, two campgrounds, and a picnic area. The campgrounds are primitive, but there is water available. No wood fires. Navajo National Monument is located at the end of the State Highway 564 off of U.S. Highway 160. After 10 miles, look for a sign for the visitors center.