Grand Canyon and Sedona

The Grand Canyon in Arizona, is not the largest, nor the longest, nor the deepest canyon in the world. However, the gorge cut ages ago by the Colorado River earns its name not from its size, but from its spectacular beauty and awe-inspiring vistas. And, it’s still unimaginably large. In fact, the canyon is so big that one can usually find a peaceful spot to contemplate this behemoth of a landmark, even with five million visitors a year at Grand Canyon National Park.

The colorful layers of rocks exposed in the Grand Canyon are old, 2,000 million years by some estimates. The park itself seems infantile by those standards, although it is actually one of the oldest national parks in the country, designated as such in 1919, three years after the creation of the National Park Service. However, it was first afforded federal protection in 1893 as a Forest Reserve and later as a National Monument. The stream of visitors has been steady ever since, with most arriving at the South Rim, which is 30 miles and is accessible by park roads. For those wanting to forego air-conditioning, the Grand Canyon offers amazing hiking, from short loops on well-maintained trails to serious and lengthy treks through the wilderness.

South Rim's Grand Canyon Village is the hub of activity for canyon visitors. A variety of accommodations, from historical landmarks, quaint cabins, modern facilities or camping and hookups for RVs, are available. Museums, gift shops, restaurants, mule rides, train rides and other activities are clustered here as well. Yet, it is the spectacular canyon views that bring the visitors back each year. The Visitor Center, which was previously located here, is now across from Mather point.

Each year millions of visitors to the Grand Canyon get their first spectacular, panoramic view of the natural wonder from the lookout at Mather Point. At an elevation of 7,120 feet, this viewpoint overlooks Pipe Creek Canyon and the Inner Gorge of the Colorado River. From this point sightseers can hike the South Rim Trail, which leads west to Yavapai Point. The Canyon View Information Plaza, open daily, is located at Mather Point. Restrooms, bookstore, pay phones and shuttle bus stops are close by.

You will feel like you are supping at a European hunting lodge at this fine dining venue. But make your dinner reservations early; these are the area's hardest-to-get tables. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily, year-round. Hotel guests may make reservations up to 90 days in advance, non-guests up to 30 days in advance. Full bar service is offered.

Running parallel to the South Loop Road, which is open to vehicular traffic, this trail comes about as close to the Canyon's edge as it is safe to saunter. Classified as a "moderate" trail, it is the perfect choice for a less challenging foray and an ideal walk for kids. The trail extends from Yavapai Point on the east end of the Village to Hermit's Rest on the west. It is an 18-mile round trip, but you can also catch a shuttle bus back to town, if you like. Along the way, you will pass the most popular South Rim attractions.

Located at Yavapai Point, the observation station houses a museum. It is encased in glass, affording a great view of the suspension bridge crossing the Colorado River. Geological exhibits showing the creation of the Grand Canyon are on display; books, maps, postcards and videos are on sale by the Grand Canyon Association. During the day, the Park Rangers meet at this location for their informative talks and walking tours. This place is open daily from 8 AM.

Ruins of a small Anasazi village, dating back to the late 1100s, furnish visitors with a brief history lesson of how some of the early settlers in this area lived. Historians speculate this settlement numbered about 30 people and was in occupation for only a quarter of a century. Although there are an abundance of nearby Anasazi sites, the Tusayan site is the only one with easy access. Paved walking paths wind through the pueblo excavation and there is a small museum. Admission is free. Estimated walking time is 30 minutes.

The Bright Angel Lodge's upscale steakhouse offers amazing views of the Grand Canyon while you enjoy tender, juicy steaks, seafood and other Southwestern specialties. The steaks are hand cut on the premises for assured quality. Seafood, poultry and barbecue dishes are also enticing options. Main courses range from USD12-22, and portions are more than adequate. Full bar service is available. No reservations are accepted, but you can put your name on the establishment's same-day waiting list.

See the Grand Canyon's majesty through the eyes of the earliest explorers, from the back of a sure-footed mule! Canyon Trail Rides hosts mule and horseback expeditions into the heart of the canyon, with tours ranging from one hour's romp to a full day's descent on Kaibab Trail. Choose a half-day trek to Uncle Jim's Point or Supai Tunnel, an unforgettable experience for around USD40 per person. North Rim rides begin at Grand Canyon Lodge at 8 a.m.

Adventurous visitors to the Grand Canyon who wish to hike down into the spectacular geological wonder can choose from two maintained South Rim hiking routes, one of which is the Bright Angel Trail. This trek is not a spur of the moment endeavor, but a trip the hiker should carefully plan out. Descending 4,000 feet, this eight-mile trip to the Canyon floor takes approximately five hours going down, and nine hours returning. Although this trail is considered the most popular and easiest of the two maintained trails on the South Rim, hikers have rated it "strenuous." This place is open sunrise to sunset.

Flagstaff sits just north of the center of Arizona, only a few hours’ drive from Phoenix. Less than an hour from the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff is covered in pine forests and is an ideal destination for hiking, skiing and other outdoor activities.

The San Francisco Peaks surround Flagstaff and attract many tourists to its hiking and biking trails; science buffs will relish the Lowell Observatory, where astronomy and the solar system are hot topics; and the Meteor Crater Visitor Center offers visitors telescopes from which to view the giant hole in the ground that spans 4,000 feet across.

This national monument houses the largest pueblo in the Flagstaff area. Conduct yourself on a guided tour around this remarkable structure abandoned more than 700 years ago. Visit the amphitheater and ball court, where recreational and ceremonial games were once played. Examine the blowhole, a bizarre geological feature through which a steady stream of cold air howls. The entrance fee is $3 per person (cash only) and the park is approximately three hours north of Phoenix. From Flagstaff, take U.S. Highway 89 north about 15 miles and follow the signs.

Located north of Flagstaff near Wupatki National Monument, this volcano last erupted in 1065, scattering ash and black cinder for miles around the area. Examine fascinating volcanic features such as squeeze-ups and hornitos. Hike along one-mile Lava Flow Trail and discover a variety of volcanic formations. Climb a nearby cinder cone on the Lennox Crater Trail and enjoy the astounding views. The entrance fee is $3 per person (cash only). From Flagstaff, drive north on U.S. Highway 89 approximately 12 miles and follow the signs.

In Walnut Canyon, visitors can hike back in time nearly 700 years. Now that's a workout! Originating at the visitors center, a rugged three-quarter-mile off-trail hike leads to cliff dwellings that stand unspoiled in the cover of the beautiful canyon walls. The strong of heart can hike deeper into the canyon on Island Trail, a breathtaking 85-foot descent into 25 rooms where American Indians once lived in the shadow of the cliffs. Bring your most reliable shoes and your spirit of adventure.

Located 80 miles from the Grand Canyon and 140 miles from Phoenix, this hotel is situated on the border of the world's largest Ponderosa Pine forest. Enter the Radisson Woodlands Hotel Flagstaff and you'll experience a grand lobby, richly adorned with Italian marble and granite details, hand-carved teakwood art, and an inviting, woodburning fireplace. Outside is the world's largest Ponderosa Pine forest, home to great fishing, hunting, hiking, golf, and sightseeing. The snow-clad San Francisco Peaks attract skiers, while the volcanic craters of Sunset Crater National Monument, and age-old Native American ruins at Wupatki and Walnut Canyon National Monuments are a haven for hikers.Only slightly further is the Red Rock country of Sedona, and the striking vistas of the Painted Desert. The spectacular Grand Canyon is less than two hours from the hotel's doorstep. Standard room amenities include two phones per room, voice messaging, free high speed internet access, computer data ports, Free HBO, complimentary business center, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, and coffee and coffee maker. Upgrade for a nominal fee to Radisson?s new Sleep Number Bed Rooms, found exclusively at Radisson Hotels & Resort, allow you to adjust your mattress just the way you like, with the touch of a button. Discover your Sleep Number, right here, at the Radisson Woodlands Hotel Sleep Number Bed Guest Rooms also include, upgraded, deluxe linens, down pillows, premium down-filled comforter in an ultra-soft duvet cover, plus all of the standard-guest-room features.During crisp winter months guests can ease into our indoor whirlpool spa, where a picture window frames tall pines and blue skies. A soothing steam room, sauna and fitness center is also on premise, and the hotel is only 30 minutes away from Snowbowl for great winter skiing. In the summer, guests can bask under Flagstaff's sun by the swimming pool and whirlpool spa.

Sedona is an Arizona town 120 miles north of Phoenix. Known for its beautiful and serene setting amidst the Red Rocks, the town is also famous for its vibrant arts community. It boasts nearly 100 art galleries and plays host to annual events such as the Sedona International Film Festival, Sedona Arts Festival and the Sedona Jazz Festival.

Canyons, creeks, mountains and forests surround the area, while the main attraction, the Sedona Red Rocks, appear to glow in brilliant orange and red when illuminated by the rising or setting sun. To hike, remember to buy a Red Rock Pass from the Sedona Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center. With the pass, you'll be able to park at or near the trailheads for some of the United States' most spectacular hikes. For a challenge, try Cathedral Rock. It's steep, but the view is unparalleled.

There is a specialized New Age tourism industry in Sedona, where the "Harmonic Convergence" was organized by Jose Arguelles in 1987. "Spiritual vortices" are said to be concentrated in the Sedona area at Bell Rock, Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Boynton Canyon and Schnebly Hill and many visitors come to the area in search of a mystical experience.

Rand-McNally named Highway 89's panoramic path through Oak Creek Canyon one of the most beautiful drives in America, designating it Arizona's first scenic route. Towering trees line the beds of Oak Creek, whose natural springs are said to have healing powers. The water winds through mountain shadows to Sedona's famed red rock vistas. Four mild seasons support a canyon kaleidoscope of wildlife, foliage, and fun. Attractions include hiking, biking and trout fishing and be sure to stop at the Slide Rock State Park.

The Red Rock State Park park is an open-sky theatre of fabulous rock formations. Sprawled across 286 unspoiled acres, this popular park is the perfect starting point for hiking, picnicking, bird watching and photography. At an elevation of approximately 3,900 feet, the air is always invigorating. Enjoy the soothing sights and sounds of the natural creek threading the landscape, but please save the joy of swimming for the fish and animals who make this land their home. A visitor's center and gift shop completes the package for those who seek knowledge of America's Southwest.