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Grand Canyon National Park was established by Congress on February 26, 1919. Although it was not America's first national park, Grand Canyon is certainly one the country's most treasured parks. Encompassing 1,218,375 acres of land, the park offers awe-inspiring vistas, a diverse array of hiking trails, wildlife, photographic opportunities, outdoor adventure such as whitewater rafting, and of course the famous gorge for which the park is named. At 277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and a mile deep, the Grand Canyon is impressive by any standard.

Everyone should attempt to visit the natural wonder of Grand Canyon National Park at least once in their lifetime. If you are planning a vacation at Grand Canyon Park, you will enjoy a wide selection of things to see and do. The most obvious option for park visitors is to take in an inspiring view of the Canyon, which can easily be done from the South Rim. However, there are many more options for the park visitor.

Most visitors make a point of visiting the world-famous El Tovar Hotel, even if they are not staying in that specific lodge. The El Tovar Hotel is a Registered National Historic Landmark, and the lodge has hosted famous people such as Theodore Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, and author Zane Grey. Although it was built in 1905, the El Tovar Hotel was remodeled in 2005. The beautiful and historic lodge is known for its luxurious accommodations and spectacular views. If you are interested in staying at the El Tovar, be prepared to pay premium rates as the average room rents for well over $200 per night. In addition, guests who wish to stay in the El Tovar must plan early. Due to its popularity, the El Tovar Hotel can sell out for busy dates several months in advance.

Many park visitors choose to see the majestic Canyon from the same vantage point of a soaring eagle. Helicopter tours of the Grand Canyon are very popular, and they offer visitors a rare opportunity to see the natural wonder in a way that few people ever do. The helicopter tours include headphones with a tour narration and soothing music, and there simply is no better way to enjoy the Grand Canyon.

Another popular way to tour the area is by jeep tour. A variety of jeep tours are available including a sunset tour, Indian paintings tour, safari and rim walk tour, and combination tours. Jeep tours offer an economical way for visitors to get off the beaten path and explore things that most never see.

Mule rides are one of the most popular activities in Grand Canyon National Park. The two mule rides available include the Abyss Overlook Mule Ride and the Overnight Phantom Ranch Mule Ride. Both mule rides are popular, and advance reservations are required. The Abyss Overlook Mule Ride is for those visitors who prefer to avoid the fear of heights. The experience begins as a peaceful ride along a portion of the historic Grand Canyon railroad tracks, which were part of the formerly-known Santa Fe Railroad. From there, guests ride through America's largest Pinyon Pine forest where wildlife such as elk and mule deer are often seen. At the scenic Abyss Overlook, visitors enjoy approximately 30 minutes of photographic opportunities with spectacular scenery including a 3,000 foot vertical drop and many colorful pinnacles, buttes and mesas. The Abyss Overlook Mule Ride is very popular, and reservations should be made as early as possible.

The Overnight Phantom Ranch Mule Ride is also extremely popular, and it can sell out up to a year in advance. this 21-mile overnight ride takes visitors to the bottom of the Canyon via the Bright Angel Trail. The Overnight Phantom Ranch Mule Ride is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience although it is not recommended for those visitors who are afraid of heights. Guests on the overnight ride will lodge in the Phantom Ranch, a rustic oasis located at the bottom of the Canyon. The mule ride, lodging, and meals are all included in the price which is $842.60 for two people and $378.08 for each additional person. Both of the mule rides have strictly-enforced rules including requirements that riders not exceed 200 pounds in weight, be at least 4'7'' tall, be in generally good physical condition, speak and understand fluent English, not be pregnant, and not be afraid of heights or large animals.

Another popular activity is the "ride of another lifetime". The Grand Canyon Train Ride takes visitors round trip from Williams, Arizona to the Grand Canyon. This train ride is more than mere transportation to and from the park. Rather, it allows visitors to step back in time and enjoy a historical experience from the old west days. In fact, visitors enjoy local folklore and history, strolling musicians, and even recreations of an old west shoot out and train robbery. The train departs Williams, Arizona daily at 9:30 a.m. and returns by 5:45 p.m.

Grand Canyon National Park offers visitors many opportunities by which to experience the area's scenic beauty and inspiring landscape. Whether you choose to explore the park by hiking, a helicopter tour, a jeep tour, or a mule ride, Grand Canyon National Park will certainly leave you in awe. Once you have visited the Canyon, the once-in-a-lifetime memories will be with you forever. Simply stated, there is no other place on Earth quite like the Grand Canyon.