by Tracy Thomas

Created on: June 30, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Whether your plan is to hoof it down South Kaibab Trail to the canyon bottom and grab a cold brew with a serving of Hiker's Stew at the Phantom Ranch Canteen; run the rapids of the Colorado River with a slightly deranged guide along the canyon walls; or quietly photograph a breathtaking sunset up on the North Rim, you are bound to experience the trip of your lifetime while at the Grand Canyon.

One of the seven natural wonders of the world, this 18-mile-wide, 1-mile deep, 277-mile-long canyon is a favorite destination for people the world over for its breathtaking vistas, colorful rock formations, and challenging trails. The Grand Canyon falls into the top 10 list of most visited National Parks in the U.S. Though the park is large, its popularity means really big crowds during certain times of the year. In order to avoid the large crowds, a visit to the park in early spring or late fall when schools are still in session will provide a quieter experience.

There are numerous options when making plans to stay overnight at the park. For the more adventurous, a challenging hike down to the canyon bottom followed by a stay at the Phantom Ranch in a dormitory provides a more intimate experience with the canyon walls. If sharing a dorm room with nine other tired hikers is not your idea of fun, there is a National Park Service campground nearby where you can throw out your bag and rest your tired bones for the night. For those who prefer the comforts of home, then pull-through paved sites with full RV hookups for your vintage Shasta or Airstream are right inside the park at Trailer Village, a mere half-mile from the rim. It is best to book your spots close to a year in advance since the campgrounds and especially the lodging in the canyon bottom tend to fill up fast.

If warm running water, feathered pillows and concierge service are more your style, then booking one of the many hotel rooms in and around the park will ensure a more restful night's sleep. The El Tovar Hotel is the Grand Canyon's premier lodge located right on the canyon rim. With breathtaking views, this Registered National Historic Landmark was built in 1905 and hosted the likes of Zane Grey, Albert Einstein and Teddy Roosevelt. The $205 nightly rate for a Standard Queen is worth every penny spent for a chance to experience the hotel's elegant charm while perched on the canyon's edge. For more than half the price of the El Tovar, the Maswik Lodge offers a modern facility surrounded by a Ponderosa pine

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