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Visit the Grand Canyon – YavaPai Point Podcast Show Notes
Why Visit the Grand Canyon
While the Grand Canyon is not the deepest or widest canyon in the world, it is one of the best canyons in the world, with views that will please your eyes and mind, for an experience you will never forget.
Why Check Out Yavapai POint in the Grand Canyon?
I interviewed Ty Karlovetz, a park ranger at the Grand Canyon, who I met at Yavapai Point on visiting the Grand Canyon. Listen to the episode above to hear the full experience.
Why visit Yavapai Point? Yavapai Point is one of the many areas overlooking the Grand Canyon that is known for its stunning views. It also is home to the Geology Museum, where you can really find out how the Grand Canyon was formed.
To the east, you can see 30 miles and to the west, you can see 90 miles. At Yavapai point, you can see so much including the Colorado River, horizontal Paleozoic layers, basement rocks and more.
How Old is the Grand Canyon?
The youngest layer of rock is 265 million years old. These rocks are 30 million years older than the oldest known dinosaurs.
How was the Grand Canyon Formed?
Simply put, the grand canyon was formed when the base made of metamorphic and igneous rock was preserved when the oceanic plate hit the plates of North America, giving way to the base for the Colorado River to carve such an amazing canyon.
What’s the Easiest Way to Check Out the Grand Canyon View Points?
Park at the Grand Canyon Visitor’s Center. You will pay for a pass for your car as you enter the gates, at least $35 that is good for about 8 days. After you park, you can use the Grand Canyon’s bus system for free. There are multiple lines including the blue line, red line, and orange line. The orange line only takes about 1.5 – 2 hours to see and is very scenic. The red line is also very popular for its stunning views, but this route does require more time, at least half a day. The buses run about every 10 minutes, so you can get out at various stops, take photos, then wait for another bus.
Is the Grand Canyon Accessible?
If you have limited mobility or are in a wheelchair, you can experience the Grand Canyon and soak up its awe-inspiring views from the rim. The visitor centers are accessible and there are many views with handicap parking as well.
When is the Best Time of Year for Sunsets over the Grand Canyon?
The Summer months during the monsoon season will give you stunning sunset views. July, August, and the first part of September are the best months to catch a summer storm and sunset here. Many times it will rain in the morning and the clouds will stick around for incredible sunsets.
Can You HIke the Grand Canyon?
Absolutely, but you must remember it’s optional to start your hike into the canyon, but the trip out is not optional. If you do want to hike it, it’s highly recommended that you spend at least one night at camp (that you will need a permit for).
How Long Does it Take to Hike the Grand Canyon?
Hiking down to the bottom will take generally for 4-6 hours. It will take 8-12 hours+ hours on the way back up.
When is the Best Time to Hike the Grand Canyon?
October or November are the best months to hike as you are out of monsoon season, nor in the snowy, winter season.
Top Things to Bring When Visiting the Grand Canyon
- Layers, as the temperature swings from the morning, to afternoon to night
- Camera, enough said.
- Water. Bring plenty of water, especially if hiking, as most rescues happen because people are dehydrated. There are many water bottle filling stations around the rim, so bring your own water bottle from home!
- Plenty of snacks, keep your energy up!
- Sunscreen