The Grand Canyon National Park obtained its national park status on February 26 1919. Since then it has inspired poets, writers, artists and photographers to praise its splendiferous beauty. This multi-colored, steep gorge was carved by the Colorado River. Today, it is considered to be one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Although many people associate the Grand Canyon National Park with Arizona, Kanab Utah is actually one of the park’s gateway cities. Each year, the majestic allure of the park’s natural geology inspires thousands of Grand Canyon tours and Grand Canyon vacations. When the poet Carl Sandburg first witnessed a Grand Canyon National Park sunset, he remarked: "There goes God with an army of banners."

Indeed, many have waxed poetic about their Grand Canyon tours. You’ve probably read descriptions of the Canyon in a number of guide books. Perhaps you have seen photos of your friend’s Grand Canyon vacations. However, neither word nor image suffice in their ability to portray the breathtaking beauty and enormous impact of the first sighting of Grand Canyon National Park. You really need to experience it for yourself.

Utah Map

Grand Canyon tours can be taken in a variety of ways. If you take a helicopter tour, you can soar above the Canyon like an eagle as you fly above the buttes, mesas, and valleys that are within the Grand Canyon's main gorge. You can see the Canyon up close and personal on a rafting trip. Float down the river on one of the many expertly guided Grand Canyon tours and watch the wildlife that passes by. If you would prefer to experience Grand Canyon National Park in the same manner as its ancient inhabitants and early explorers, you can hike by foot, or explore by mule or horseback. A jeep or guided bus tour is another alternative.

Since each method of touring the Grand Canyon National Park provides a different perspective, many people arrange for different types of Grand Canyon tours on their Grand Canyon vacations. If you are planning your vacation from Utah, you will be closest to the Canyon’s North Rim, and relatively close to Zion, Bryce and Lake Powell. In fact, many people plan their Grand Canyon vacations as part of the multi-park grand circle tour. Since the North Rim is more remote, it generally attracts fewer tourists. This makes it’s a good place to visit during the busy tourist season.

If you are planning to stay near the Canyon, there are a number of Grand Canyon hotels as well as other Grand Canyon lodging options. However, if you want to stay at the North Rim, the Grand Canyon Lodge, which is operated by Xanterra Parks & Resorts®, is your only Grand Canyon lodging option. However, as operators of all the Grand Canyon hotels throughout the park, they show superb skill in Grand Canyon lodging management. Since only ten percent of the Canyon’s visitors stay at the North Rim, it might be easier to get a reservation.

Xanterra provides it guest with two Grand Canyon lodging options: motel room or cabins. The main lodge has an enormous sun room that features spectacular views of the park, a gift shop and a dining room that serves some of the best meals you will ever eat on any vacation.