Attractions and Advice

EXPLORING THE AREA
The paved South Rim Trail is just steps from the hotel and leads visitors to dynamic views of the Grand Canyon. A one-mile walk east leads to the visitor center where you can learn about the park, talk to rangers and pick up children's books. Families should try to take it easy while hiking--just like the views, the 7,000-foot elevation can take your breath away and summers can be very hot.

A short walk west takes you to the start of the steep Bright Angel Trail where intrepid hikers and surefooted mules wind their way down into the canyon. While mule-riding families should be physically fit, leaders put a premium on safety and treat kids as "precious cargo." Try to reserve these outings up to a year in advance (call 303-297-2757). Prices start at about $132.88 per person for a day-trip. Children must be at least 4 feet 7 inches tall and all guests must weigh less than 200 pounds.

JUST DROPPING BY?
For families on a budget, consider staying at the nearby motel-like Kachina Lodge, or the rustic Bright Angel Lodge, a historic facility with cabins and an attractive rim location. The bigger and more modern Maswik Lodge is just a few minutes' walk from the rim. For a family of four, prices in summer start at $123 nightly for the Kachina Lodge, $55 at the Bright Angel and $77 at the Maswik. For reservations at any of these properties, call 303-297-2757 or visit the Xanterra Parks & Resorts Web site.

Even if you're not staying there, head on over to El Tovar for breakfast, to shop or to enjoy snacks in the lounge. An outdoor terrace off the lounge opens in warm weather. Also check out the Hopi House, an adobe pueblo built in 1905, and the 100-year-old Verkamp's Curios, the canyon's oldest curio shop.

GENERAL TIPS
•El Tovar is open year-round, but if you can visit at an off-peak time, do so.

•If you have to have a canyon view, be sure to request a view suite. Call at least a year in advance and expect to pay a premium price.

•To beat the crowds, head for the restaurant early, especially since dinner is reservation-only. You may want to make dinner reservations when you reserve your room (call 928-638-2631). Without a reservation during peak season you'll probably end up stuck on a waiting list with late-night seating. Nearby Grand Canyon Village offers several less expensive dining options, however.



Clark Norton is a frequent contributor to FAMILYFUN.

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated August 2005.