"We spent four days at the Grand Canyon's South Rim when my kids were ages 4 and 6. It was just the right amount of time. We relaxed, explored several short hikes, and completed the park's free Junior Ranger program. We stayed at the historic El Tovar Hotel at the South Rim to experience the canyon at all times of day. We're not a very athletic family, so we practiced hiking at home -- and once there, we did great. Our favorite hike was to Ooh-Aah Point on the South Kaibab trail. It took us three hours, about an hour longer than the guidebook said, and despite the lack of bathrooms and the steep climb back up, we enjoyed every minute."
Kirsten Reisfield
Smithtown, New York
"The standout of our family's 10-day canyon country adventure, which included houseboating on Lake Powell and hiking in Zion Canyon, was our overnight hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Even though it was hot and the hike came at the end of our trip when we were all tired, 10-year-old Peter and 14-year-old Sara never once complained. The canyon awed us with its beauty and immensity, wildlife (we were greeted by ringtail cats and skunks before the sun came up), and incredible stars. The hike wasn't easy, but park rangers met us on our way into and out of the canyon and checked on us at the campground to make sure we were keeping cool. We slept in tents, but opted to eat in the blissfully air-conditioned Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon. The trip was four years ago, but our kids have not stopped talking about it since. Whenever one of us faces a challenge, we always say, 'Remember when we hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon in August!' "
Ann Alfano
Duryea, Pennsylvania
"I grew up in Arizona, and the Grand Canyon is one of my favorite places in the United States. Here's my best tip: when you get to the park, ask a ranger for the best place to see the California condors. They're some of the largest flying birds, with wingspans of nine to ten feet. When we visited the canyon with my then 6-year-old daughter, Kerrie, we spotted several condors gliding by in perfect view -- it was glorious. Bring binoculars!"
Jeannie Ecker
Cicero, Indiana
