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Contents

List of Maps vi

1 Welcome to the Grand Canyon 1 1 The Park Today ...... 5 2 The Best of the Grand Canyon ...... 7

2 Planning Your Trip to Grand Canyon National Park 12 1 Getting Started: Information & Reservations ...... 12 2 When to Go ...... 14 What Things Cost at the Grand Canyon ...... 17 3 Getting There ...... 18 Driving Distances ...... 20 4 Parking & Getting Around ...... 21 5 Learning Vacations & Special Programs ...... 22 6 Tips for Travelers with Special Needs ...... 22 7 Protecting Your Health & Safety ...... 25 8 Recommended Reading ...... 26

3 Exploring the Grand Canyon 28 1 Essentials ...... 28 Exploring the Park Without a Car ...... 29 Fast Facts: The Grand Canyon ...... 32 2 How to See the Park in Several Days ...... 33 How Grand Is the Grand Canyon? ...... 34 3 Driving Tours ...... 35 COPYRIGHTEDHermit Road ...... MATERIAL...... 37 Desert View Drive ...... 41 North Rim: Cape Royal Drive ...... 47 Optional stop ...... 48 Optional stop ...... 48 02_770612 ftoc.qxp 1/11/06 9:36 AM Page iv

4 Ranger Programs & Organized Tours ...... 51 5 Historic & Man-Made Attractions ...... 51

4 Hikes & Other Outdoor Pursuits in the Grand Canyon 56 Recommended Hiking Distances ...... 58 1 Preparing for Your Backcountry Trip ...... 58 Equipment Checklist ...... 60 2 Exploring the Backcountry ...... 62 A Note About Difficulty of Trails ...... 64 3 Trails on the South Rim ...... 64 4 Trails on the North Rim ...... 66 Shooting the Canyon: Tips for Photographers ...... 69 5 South Rim Corridor Trails ...... 72 6 North Rim Corridor Trail ...... 76 7 South Rim Wilderness Trails ...... 79 8 North Rim Wilderness Trail ...... 84 9 Backcountry Campgrounds ...... 85 Camping Etiquette & Special Regulations ...... 86 10 Other Sports & Activities ...... 87 Reserving a Mule Trip ...... 93

5 Camping with a Car in the Grand Canyon Area 99 1 Camping Inside the Park ...... 99 2 Camping Outside the Park ...... 103 Campgrounds in the Grand Canyon Area ...... 104 3 Picnic & Camping Supplies ...... 108

6 Where to Stay & Eat in Grand Canyon National Park 110 1 South Rim Lodging ...... 110 Reserving a Room Inside the Park ...... 112 2 Lodging Inside the Canyon ...... 116 3 Lodging on the North Rim ...... 117 4 Where to Eat on the South Rim ...... 118 02_770612 ftoc.qxp 1/11/06 9:36 AM Page v

5 Where to Eat Inside the Canyon ...... 120 6 Where to Eat on the North Rim ...... 121

7 Gateway Towns 123 1 Flagstaff ...... 123 2 Tusayan ...... 136 3 Williams ...... 141 4 Cameron ...... 149 5 Towns & Outposts near the North Rim ...... 151 6 Kanab, Utah ...... 155 7 Havasu Canyon & Supai ...... 161

8 A Nature Guide to Grand Canyon National Park 167 1 The Landscape ...... 167 2 The Flora ...... 173 3 The Fauna ...... 181 4 The Ecosystem ...... 190 Protecting the Environment ...... 192

Index 196 General Index ...... 196 Accommodations Index ...... 202 Restaurant Index ...... 202 02_770612 ftoc.qxp 1/11/06 9:36 AM Page vi

List of Maps

Grand Canyon Overview 2 North Kaibab Trail (North Arizona 19 Rim) 77 Hermit Road & South Rim Hermit Trail/Dripping Trails 36 Springs/Boucher Trails (South Rim) 81 Desert View Drive 43 Grand Canyon Area Cape Royal Drive & North Campgrounds 101 Rim Area 49 Grand Canyon Village 111 Trails on the North Rim 67 Flagstaff 124 Bright Angel & South Kaibab Trails (South Rim) 73