Grand Canyon Vacation Tips - 7 Ways to Lessen the Stress on Your Family Vacation  by Searstower Becky 
 

1.  "Park your car as early as possible.

There are about three thousand parking spots in the park. Five thousand cars go through the park gates on a normal day.

Need I say more?

2. Carry a water bottle with you (and refill it with tap water.)

This is not Mexico! It's perfectly safe to drink the water, and it's a very good idea since dehydration is one of the most common visitor ailments.

By the way, much of the bottled water you'll find in the stores in the park is actually tap water from the village. ""But it says 'Spring Water'?!"" you say?

Ah, but it is spring water! The tap water in the Grand Canyon National Park is spring water that is pumped up from Roaring Springs on the North side of the canyon.

3. Keep your eyes open and watch out for animals.

If you are in the park for more than 2 hours, then there is no reason you shouldn't see some wildlife while you are there.

From the ever-present squirrels on the rim to the 'Bambi jams' on the main road caused by deer sightings, to the occasional pack of California Condors overhead, there is plenty to be seen.

4. Walk, even if just for a little bit.

There is so much grandeur and spectacular beauty to the Grand Canyon, and only the tiniest fraction of it can be seen from a road. To get the most out of your trip, leave the car behind and stretch those legs.

If walking is difficult for you, Mohave Point and the Rim Trail in front of the hotels are good options for excellent, wheelchair accessible views.

If you can have no problems walking, then I highly recommend a quick trip below the rim to Ooh Aah Point. (hint: They call it Ooh Aah Point because that is what you'll say when you get there)

5. Try something different.

Any vacation is more memorable if you get to have a memorable first time for something, and if you've already been to the Grand Canyon once, you may want to continue expanding your horizons.

Check out the Navajo reservation to the east and try the Navajo tacos in Cameron. They are made from real Navajo fry bread, a delicious fluffy flat bread whose recipe has been passed down from generation to generation.

The El Tovar Hotel restaurant also makes some very cool southwestern special dishes, and breakfast there is quite affordable.

6. Pick up some souvenirs.

Don't go home empty handed! If you are anything like me, you probably don't want to spend all of your time in gift stores finding the perfect gift.

So since I've browsed those gift shops for years while waiting for family guests, here's my cliff notes version what to get the folks back home.

The young, active child(ren) whose education you care about The science-teaching children's toys at the bookstore are all quite a lot of fun. Especially the animal masks.

The polished adult friend/family member A panoramic poster of the canyon from Yavapai Point, nicely framed and shipped directly to their home.

The pre-teen or teenager that you wish would talk to you A pair of good books, like ""Grand Canyon's Long-Eared Taxi"" and ""Brighty of the Grand Canyon"".

7. Respect the Canyon.

Last but not least, respect the Canyon. I know that for short term visitors, it's difficult to see how fragile the Canyon's ecosystem is, but every year I see the huge difference that a few thousand feet make trampling over the delicate natural grasses and flowers.

If you want your children and your grandchildren to enjoy this gorgeous world wonder as much as you do, then take care of it.

- Stay on marked trails. - Pick up trash. - Don't feed the animals.

And have a wonderful trip!" 
 
 

About the Author

Searstower Becky