Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is entirely in northern Arizona and is one of the great tourist attractions in the United States. The massive canyon encompasses several distinct areas, most famous of which is Grand Canyon National Park, a United States National Parks|United States National Park. Visitors to the national park have many options, including: the remote North Rim; the more accessible (and therefore more crowded) South Rim; parts of the canyon, such as Phantom Ranch or the Colorado River, upon which many boating trips are made. In addition, parts of the southwestern end of the canyon are within the borders of two Indian reservations: the Havasupai Indian Reservation and the Hualapai Indian Reservation (which includes the development known as Grand Canyon West). Lastly, part of the southeastern end of the canyon is within the borders of the Navajo Nation. Except for the Navajo Nation portion, all sections of the canyon offer amenities for visitors. However and the national park, and in particular the South Rim, is by far the most popular destination and the best equipped to handle the millions of yearly visitors.

Grand Canyon Halal Travel Guide

Note: The Grand Canyon fills me with awe. It is beyond comparison—beyond description; absolutely unparalleled throughout the wide world.

The canyon is an overwhelming experience, and nothing can prepare a visitor for the sight. The Grand Canyon is a massive canyon carved over several million years by the Colorado River. Grand Canyon National Park boasts an elevation change of nearly 7,000 feet (2130 m) from Point Imperial (at nearly 9,000 feet or 2740 m) to the banks of Lake Mead (at just over 2,000 feet or 610 m). The canyon is over a mile (1610 m) deep, from rim to river. In spots the rock layers exposed in the canyon display over two billion years of geologic history.

History

The park was founded as Grand Canyon National Monument in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt, and became a national park in 1919. Today the park contains over 1.2 million acres (490,000 ha), slightly less than the entire state of Delaware (state) | Delaware, and in 2012 received more than 4.4 million visitors.

How is the Landscape of Grand Canyon

Throughout the past century, hundreds of authors have attempted to depict the enormous landscape that is Grand Canyon. Not surprisingly, words most often fail to invoke the sense of awe and wonder that many visitors experience. Edward Abbey, a noted Southwest author, once penned: "Those who love it call it the canyon. The canyon. As if there were no other topographic feature on the face of the Earth".

There are, of course, other canyons on the planet. Some are longer, others wider, and even some that are deeper. Canyon visitors are often surprised to learn that Grand Canyon sets no records for sheer size. It is, however, simply regarded by most as the "grandest" canyon of them all.

Geologically and they canyon extends from Lee's Ferry near the Arizona/Utah border to the Grand Wash Cliffs near Las Vegas, a distance of 277 mi (445 km). It ranges in width from about a quarter mile to over 18 mi (29 km) wide. In places the canyon is over a mile deep.

However, it is not the statistics that define this landscape as "grand", but rather a combination of factors. The desert environment and a lack of herbaceous ground cover reveal a geologic story that is unparalleled. Surprisingly and the rock layers displayed at Grand Canyon show little sign of wear. The layers have been preserved almost perfectly, as though they were layers in a cake. Nowhere else on Earth displays so many volumes of the planet's history in such pristine condition.

The resulting landscape provides visitors with some of the most magnificent and unsurpassed vistas on the planet.

Flora and fauna

Raven at Grand Canyon - A raven sitting near the canyon edge Big Horn - Desert big horn sheep near the bottom of the canyon Flowering Cactus - Flowering cactus in the Grand Canyon

The most famous animal in the park may be the rare California Condor. They can occasionally be seen flying near Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim. Common bird life includes Canyon Wrens, Stellar's Jays (with their peaked caps), swallows, hummingbirds, and the playful and entertaining raven.

Mule Deer are common. Some of the largest elk in North America can be found in the national park, and in the adjacent Kaibab National Forest. Desert Big Horn Sheep are also seen on occasion, mainly in the inner canyon.

You'll often spot coyotes no matter where you are in the park, and if you're lucky, you'll get to hear them sing. Other predators are Mountain Lions and bobcats. Black Bears are rare, and they generally stay away from the inhabited areas.

Some of the smaller creatures that can be found in the inhabited areas of the park are the Ringtail (called a cat, but not in the cat family), which like to live in the rafters of some of the historic buildings on the rim. They are quick and stealthy, but they often forget how visible that tail is, and you'll see it hanging out over a beam.

A favorite with Muslim visitors is the Abert's Squirrel with their tufted ears. Other varieties of squirrels and chipmunks are also popular. They seem tame and like to beg for food behind the Bright Angel Lodge, near the Ice Cream fountain. But heed the warnings and resist the urge. One of the most common injuries in the park are squirrel bites.

You might also see the common Striped Skunk, and if lucky, you might even see the rarer Western Spotted Skunk (usually at lower elevations). Skunks here are also habituated to humans and may seem tame, but they will react as all skunks do, so don't come up on them suddenly!

For the reptile family and there are variety of small lizards, and a few snakes. The most striking (in more ways than one) is the Grand Canyon Rattlesnake; with its reddish (almost pink) coloring it neatly blends into the rocky terrain of the canyon. They are interesting to see as long as it is at a safe distance. Rattlesnakes are more afraid of you than you are of them. If given the chance and they will avoid any contact with humans. Most rattlesnake victims are young males that are chasing or trying to capture a snake.

Do not feed the animals. It is unhealthy for them, and may be unhealthy for you. A seemingly tame squirrel might bite you—they carry plague, rabies, etc. A deer or elk can charge at you without warning. If the animal is aware of your presence, you're too close.

How is the Climate in Grand Canyon

Temperatures and weather within the park vary greatly by location. Temperatures on the North Rim are often 20-30°F (11-16°C) cooler than at the river. Thit is a land of extremes. It can be snowing at the rim, while others are comfortable sunbathing at the river. Conversely, it can be cool and comfortable at the rim in the summer, while temperatures at the river exceed 120°F (49°C). It is not unusual for local canyon guides to encounter neophyte hikers in desperate shape. Some die. An unusual number of fatalities occur among young people who overestimate their abilities. Due to the high altitude, snowfall is a regular occurrence on the rims during the winter months.

July and August are monsoon season in Arizona and strong thunderstorms can sweep in quickly with lightning strikes every few minutes and sudden downpours. Due to the elevation of the Grand Canyon rims, people are struck by lightning fairly regularly so take shelter indoors during storms.

Additional cafeterias are in the Maswik and Yavapai Lodges. There is a grocery deli at Market Plaza inside the grocery store, as well. Just outside the park, in the gateway community of Tusayan, are a number of dining selections. The Arizona Room - 9 Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village 36.056874, -112.140647 on the East side of the Bright Angel Lodge - Opening Hours: Dinner 4:30PM–10PM (open seasonally), lunch seasonally Also features partial canyon views. Bright Angel Restaurant | Bright Angel Lodge - Informal dining, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. El Tovar Hotel Dining Room | Fine dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reservations required for dinner (not accepted at other times). Dining room is a flashback to the 1910s and features partial canyon views. $20 for lunch, $30 for dinner. North Rim Grand Canyon Lodge Dining Room | Opening Hours: Open daily, mid-May through mid-Oct (exact dates vary year to year), 6:30AM–9:30PM $7–25 Wonderful food and an unrivaled view of the canyon. Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Dinner reservations required. Cafe On The Rim | $1-10 Serves cafeteria-style Snacks, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Veggie burgers, salads, sandwiches. Coffee Saloon | Opening Hours: 5:30AM–10:30AM In the Rough Rider Saloon. Coffee, bagels, and pastries. Jacob Lake Inn and Gift Shop - Highway 89A & AZ-67 36.71386, -112.21696 ☎ +1 928-643-7232 Opening Hours: Summer: 6:30AM Monday - 9PM; winter 8AM Monday - 8PM Jacob_Lake_Inn,_2007 - Has exceptionally good cookies and malts. About 40 mi north of the rim, and outside of the park. Also offers comfortable lodging. South Rim El Tovar Lounge | South Rim in the El Tovar Hotel - Inside seating year round, patio seating overlooking the rim seasonally. Bright Angel Cafe | South Rim in the Bright Angel Lodge - Live entertainment seasonally. Maswik Pizzas Pub | South Rim in Maswik Lodge - Pizza, Beer and Wine big-screen TV and more. North Rim Grand Canyon Lodge Dining Room | Serves cocktails. Rough Rider Saloon | eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Grand Canyon Grand Canyon - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Grand Canyon, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Grand Canyon. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Grand Canyon and its surrounding regions. With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Grand Canyon. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values. The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Grand Canyon. Key components include: Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Grand Canyon: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Grand Canyon. Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Grand Canyon: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Grand Canyon, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Grand Canyon. Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Grand Canyon, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations. Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Grand Canyon, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values. Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Grand Canyon and beyond. Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Grand Canyon, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Grand Canyon, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Grand Canyon without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients." The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Grand Canyon is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Grand Canyon. About eHalal Travel Group: eHalal Travel Group Grand Canyon is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values. For Halal business inquiries in Grand Canyon, please contact: eHalal Travel Group Grand Canyon Media: info@ehalal.io Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Grand Canyon eHalal Group Grand Canyon is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Grand Canyon. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Grand Canyon. At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Grand Canyon ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property. For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Grand Canyon. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living. If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Grand Canyon, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values. For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Grand Canyon are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io Muslim Friendly Hotels There are a variety of hotels, lodges, and campgrounds inside and outside of the park on the North and South Rims. As lodging at the Canyon fills early and is fairly expensive, many visitors base themselves just outside of the South Rim in Tusayan. For those willing to stay further from the park the cities of Williams (Arizona) | Williams or Flagstaff offer additional options. Lodging South Rim The following lodges are inside Grand Canyon National Park. Reservations can be made by contacting Xanterra for the first five lodges, and Delaware North for Yavapai. Bright Angel Lodge - 9 North Village Loop Dr 36.057056, -112.140958 ☎ +1 928 638-2631 $97-$110 for a standard room, $140-$217 for a cabin, $213-$469 for a suite (2017 rates) Bright Angel Lodge - Bright Angel Lodge Grand Canyon Village 09 2017 5336 Open year round. Built in 1935 only feet from the canyon rim, this lodge is made up of cabins and lodge rooms generally rustic in nature. Some rooms have a shared bathroom, all are non-smoking, and only cabins have televisions. Two restaurants offer family-style dining (breakfast, lunch and dinner) or Southwestern cuisine (lunch and dinner only). There is a nice fire place near the Bright Angel front desk. El Tovar Hotel - 36.0575, -112.136944 $174-$268 for a standard room, $321-426 for a suite (2010 rates) El Tovar Hotel - El Tovar Hotel in early 1900s Open year round. A national historic landmark, this full service hotel opened in 1905 and was renovated in 2005. El Tovar is the finest lodgings available on the South Rim, offering a dining room, cable television, full-bath, and room service (limited hours). There are 78 rooms and suites which must be reserved well in advance. All rooms are non-smoking, and many offer a canyon view. Kachina Lodge - $170-$180 for a standard room (2010 rates) Open year round. Built in the 1960s, this lodge offers muslim-friendly rooms with in-room Coffee, refrigerator, safe, television, telephone, and full bath. Half of the rooms offer partial canyon views. Check-in is at the El Tovar Lodge. Maswik Lodge - 36.053435, -112.14405 $90 for cabins and South rooms, $170 for North rooms (2010 rates) Maswik Lodge North section renovated winter 2006. Larger rooms are great for families. About a quarter mile from the rim in a wooded area. Both North and South sections are open year round, and cabin rooms open in the summer. All rooms offer full bath. Thunderbird Lodge - 36.056745, -112.139356 $170-$180 for a standard room (2010 rates) A very similar lodge to the Kachina Lodge, with the only major difference being that check-in is at the Bright Angel Lodge. Yavapai Lodge - 11 Yavapai Lodge Road, Grand Canyon Village 36.054261, -112.119625 $107 for a West room, $153 for an East room (2010 rates) East section offers 198 air-conditioned rooms while the 160 west rooms do not offer air-conditioning. About a mile away from the rim in a wooded area, both East and West sections are good for families. North Rim Grand Canyon Lodge 2 - Grand Canyon Lodge Grand Canyon Lodge - Highway 67, North Rim 36.199167, -112.051944 +1 877-386-4383 Check-in: 4PM / Check-out: 11AM $113/standard room, $115-$182/cabin (2010 rates) Grand Canyon Lodge - Grand Canyon Lodge, North Rim The only lodging within the park on the North Rim, this lodge is a mixture of cabins and motel style lodgings. The main lodge was built in 1928 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is open only from May 15 to Oct 15. Motel rooms are within walking distance of the canyon rim, while some of the cabins are along the rim. All lodging comes with a private bathroom, although some cabins have only 3/4 bath (shower, no bathtub). The hotel also offers complimentary shuttle service to the Kaibab trailhead twice daily, which should be booked a day before. It is recommended to make reservations as far in advance as feasible; reservations can be made up to a year ahead. Inner Canyon Phantom Ranch - 36.105, -112.095 $41.63 per person for a dorm bed (2010 rate) Phantom Ranch Phantom Ranch is on the Colorado River and is accessible by foot, mule, or raft. Made up of cabins and dormitories (segregated by gender) with a dining hall. All Phantom Ranch lodgings and meals require advance reservations. There is no cooking allowed in the cabins or dorms, and guests without a meal reservation are not allowed in the dining hall at mealtimes. It is recommended that you reserve meals at the same time you reserve your bunk or cabin. Guests should check in at the Bright Angel Lodge Transportation desk before hiking down to Phantom Ranch, and can do so a day in advance of their hike. Camping Places There are campgrounds at the North and South Rims. Reservations are highly recommended, especially at the busier South Rim. Outside of the park, Kaibab National Forest has numerous undeveloped campsites and "at large" camping is allowed for up to 14 days. Due to extreme drought conditions, check for closures and camp fire restrictions. South Rim Desert View Campground | (May-Oct). 26 mi east of Grand Canyon Village, this campground offers tent and RV sites (no hookups). Costs are $10/night. All sites are first-come, first-served. Mather Campground | (year-round). In Grand Canyon Village, this campground offers sites suitable for camping and RVs (no hookups). Facilities include water and flush toilets. Costs are $18/night from April - Nov, $12/night from December - March. Reservations can be made online or by calling +1-800-365-2267, outside the U.S. call +1 301 722-1257. Trailer Village (year-round). Adjacent to Mather Campground, this campground offers RV sites with hookups and toilets (no showers). Costs are $36/night for two people, and $3,5 for each additional person. Reservations can be made by calling +1-888-297-2757 (outside of the U.S. call +1 303-297-2757). North Rim Jacob Lake Campground - kId=75417 Forest Road 579 36.71588, -112.21447 $12/night Jacob Lake Campground - Open mid-May to mid-October. Outside of the park, 45 miles (72.4 km) north of the North Rim, this campground is operated by the forest service, and has 51 single-unit sites and one group site with water and vault toilets. All sites are first-come, first-served. North Rim Campground | 36.2102, -112.0609 ☎ +1 928 638-7888 (information), +1 928-638-7814 (late arrivals) +1 877-444-6777 (reservations) $18-25/night Grand Canyon North Rim Campground Registration Office 0097 - Mid-May through October; for the last two weeks of October services are minimal and there may be no running water. Along the North Rim, this campground offers sites suitable for camping and RVs (no hookups). Facilities include water and flush toilets. Reservations are required and can be made online]; it is advisable to reserve as early beforehand as feasible. Backcountry Any camping below the rim in Grand Canyon requires a backcountry permit. Permits must be obtained through the Backcountry Country Office (BCO) at Grand Canyon National Park. Permits are not available online or via telephone. They are only available in person, by fax or by mail. There is limited water available within the canyon, so backpackers should plan on carrying sufficient water with them. All backcountry users are asked to follow "Leave-no-trace camping|Leave no Trace" principles. Permits are limited to protect the canyon, and become available on the 1st day of the month, four months prior to the start month. Thus, a backcountry permit for any start date in May becomes available on 1 Jan. Space for the most popular areas, such as the Bright Angel Campground adjacent to Phantom Ranch, generally fill up by the requests received on first date they are opened to reservations. There are a limited number permits reserved for walk-in requests available on a first come, first served basis. There are a number of outfitters that provide fully guided backpacking trips (including permits and gear) at Grand Canyon. Stay Safe Hiking at the Grand Canyon often surprises people who attempt Inner Canyon trips. It can be hotter than you'd expect, colder than you'd expect, drier or wetter. A prepared hiker is better able to survive the extremes of the canyon. Even for short walks into the canyon keep in mind that it is a seducer: it seems easy hiking down into it but when you come back up you find that you have over-extended yourself. It's the opposite of climbing up a tall mountain, where you can stop and turn back when you get tired, knowing that the descent will be much easier. In particular, do not attempt to hike to the bottom of the canyon and back in one day. Hundreds of hikers each year have to be rescued from the Inner Canyon due to exhaustion and dehydration. While the temperature on the canyon rim is cool due to its elevation, below the rim it can be very hot. The vertical distance from the bottom back up to the rim is nearly a mile straight up (1.5 km), in addition to the distance you travel horizontally. If you plan to go to the bottom of the canyon, spend the night (permit required), and take enough food, water, shelter, and other backcountry camping equipment to keep yourself safe and sound. If you don't have the equipment, don't go. For an eye-opening look at the dangers of hiking in and around the canyon unprepared, Over the Edge: Death in Grand Canyon by Thomas M. Myers (long time resident doctor at the South Rim), and Michael P. Ghiglieri (biologist and river guide), describes the various ways in which visitors have lost their lives at the canyon. ({{ISBN|097009731X). Telecommunications in Grand Canyon Grand Canyon Community Library - 11 Navajo St, Grand Canyon Village 36.0549, -112.1350 ☎ +1 928 638-2718 Opening from Monday to Saturday 10:30AM Monday - 5PM A small branch of the Flagstaff-Coconino County Public Library, housed in a historic log schoolhouse. It has public access terminals, Wi-Fi, and print, copy, scan, and Fax. Grand Canyon Research Library | 20 S. Entrance Rd. Park Headquarters Building ☎ +1 928 638-7768 Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday, and every other Friday, 8AM Monday - 4:30PM Two public internet PCs, and free WiFi in the library and surrounding courtyard. News & References Grand Canyon Travel Next The Grand Canyon is part of the Grand Circle, which includes the Monument Valley, Mesa Verde National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Natural Bridges National Monument, Hovenweep National Monument, Arches National Park and many other attractions. While literally getting out of the chasm may be the most difficult part of your visit, getting out of the national park is relatively easy. Popular attractions near the North Rim include Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park|Zion National Parks. The closest airport is in Las Vegas. Travelers to the South Rim often head toward Flagstaff or Sedona. Phoenix and Las Vegas are the closest airports; however and there is a small commercial airport in Flagstaff as well. Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd. To Advertise or sponsor this Travel Guide, please visit our Media Kit and Advertising Rates.