02_770612 ftoc.qxp 1/11/06 9:36 AM Page iii 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.