With the summer months approaching, it is at this time of year that thoughts turn towards where to go on your vacation. A popular destination with tourists is the United States (both with Americans and the rest of the world) due to its varying landscapes and diverse cultural heritage. As home to some of the world’s most famous and iconic landmarks, it should come as no surprise that these places are the destinations that prove to be the most popular with holiday makers.

America is home to many famous landmarks, but none of them are more beautiful (or bigger!) than the Grand Canyon. At 277 miles long, 1 mile deep, and in places 18 miles across, the Grand Canyon can be found in Arizona. This incredible chasm has been carved out of the rock by the Colorado River over millions of years. Considered to be one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon receives on average around 5 million visitors each year.

3 Reasons To Visit The Grand Canyon

1) The Scenery

This is the number one reason that so many people flock here each year. There is nothing that can prepare you for actually being at the Grand Canyon first hand.  As well as the changing colors and contours of the canyon rocks themselves, it is also home to over 600 types of wildflower and over 300 species of animal. A unique way of experiencing this scenery is from the air on one of the many helicopter tours that are available. These tours enable you to get an experience like no other, as there really is no better way of taking in the sheer size of the Grand Canyon than from the air.

2) The History

The Grand Canyon is steeped in history. The Canyon itself is believed to be somewhere in the region of 10 million years old, however rocks have been discovered within it that date 2 billion years old! There is also evidence that people has inhabited the Canyon for over 4.000 years. At this point around 5,000 ancient Native American have been discovered in and around the Grand Canyon. To this day the Grand Canyon is home to the Hualapai Tribal Nation, and the Havasupai Tribe.

3) The Activities

There is more to do at the Grand Canyon than just soak up the atmosphere. There are many walking routes throughout the Canyon which can range from rugged walk to challenging hike, if you really want to get up close and personal with the Canyon. Located at Grand Canyon West Rim you can find the Skywalk, which is a marvel of modern engineering, enabling visitors to walk out 70 feet from the edge on a glass walk way and look down 4,000 feet to the Canyons floor. Other activities which can be found include boat rides and rafting on the Colorado River, helicopter tours, and traditional Native American crafts.

There are many other reasons that the Grand Canyon is an amazing destination to visit, but there will never be enough room to list them all. It truly is a place like no other which you need to go and experience for yourself.

Author: Sarah Bourne works for an online Las Vegas tour company who specialize in Grand Canyon helicopter tours.