When one thinks of the state of Arizona, in the United States of America, the first thought is the magnificent Grand Canyon. This wonder of the world is 277 river miles (446km) long, up to 18 miles (29km) wide, and a mile (1.6km) deep.

Measurements on paper cannot relay the truly awesome scope of this great canyon, nor describe it's beauty. Postcards, photographs, nor a thousand words cannot aptly give one a true perspective of the vast, rugged canyon carved by the Colorado river.

The oldest human artifacts found are nearly 12,000 years old and date to the Paleo-Indian period. Archeological remains of Paleo-Indian, Archaic, Basketmaker, Acestral Puebloan, Cohonina, Cerbat, Pai, Zuni, Hopi, Navajo, and Euro-American cultures groups are found at the Grand Canyon.

As there is no longer an airstrip at the North Rim, one must make the drive from the South Rim. It is 220 miles / 354 km by car from the South Rim.

To see the Inner Canyon, one must hike, take a mule ride, or helicopter. The Phantom Ranch is in the Inner Canyon, as are river rafting trips . The trip to the Inner Canyon are for the more hardy, but well worth the endeavor.

Spring and Fall can bring a variety of weather conditions, so one must be prepared for cold, snow, wind, or rain.

Be sure to take plenty of water, especially in the summer months, as the weather is hot and dry! Dehydration can occur quickly. Daytime highs at the river often exceed 105^oF. Thunderstorms frequently occur during July, August, and early September.

Winter conditions on the South Rim can be extreme. The road into the North Rim is closed from the first heavy snow in November or early December to mid-May.

Many of the facilities at Grand Canyon are historic and built before current accessibility standards were set. The terrain is rugged with narrow, rocky trails and steep cliffs.

As the Canyon is a National Park, one must obtain a parking permit, which may be purchased at the Entrance Gates, Canyon View Information Plaza, or North Rim Visitor Center.

Lodging prices range from $52.00 to over $300.00 per night. Be sure to book reservations as far in advance as is possible, especially during the summer months, as these are usually booked WELL ahead. There is no longer a youth hostel at the Grand Canyon. Reservations are handled by Xanterra Parks & Resorts.

El Tovar Hotel was built in 1905 and is one place you will not want to miss. The decor, ambience and a chance to get out of the hot summer sun will draw you to this attraction.

You will also want to visit Desert View Point to enjoy the view from the beautiful Watchtower overlooking the Canyon, designed by architect Mary Colter in 1933.

Nearly five million people see the 1 mile deep (1.6 km) Grand Canyon each year. If you plan a visit, please remember to take your camera, water, dress appropriately, make your reservations early and enjoy one of the truly great wonders of the world!

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About the Author

After many years as a professional artist, DJ, Production Studio manager, Program Director, Master Control Board Operator at a television station, professional writer, and being what she calls a "Jill of all Trades and Master of Some", Ms. Davis has turned her attention to focus on writing. See more of her work at: eHow: http://www.ehow.com/members/Ceile.html

Arizona Golf Vacations are hugely popular because golfers can play the game through the day and through the year. The climate round the year is pleasant and the hospitality of the locals is historic.

Arizona State has a variety of terrain ranging from canyons, rolling hills, unusually shaped rocks and winding rivers. It is the ideal location for golf courses because each golf course can give the golfer new challenges and makes the golfer overcome different and varying hazards. The choice of golf courses in Arizona is vast. Many golf courses are designed by famous golfers. The views in almost every golf course in Arizona are spectacular.

The handicapper and the hack, the nature lover and the golf addict have a choice of golfing options that is hard to beat. The golf courses in Arizona have different lengths and yardage. There are courses with limited holes and full golf courses. There are old world clubs and modern golf courses, traditional link style courses, desert courses and adobe courses. An interesting way of spending a golf vacation in Arizona is to take lessons. Schools and academies that teach golf for improvement or for basic instruction are plenty and can be booked in advance. Most lessons range from twelve to thirty hours. Lunch is included and the problem areas of an experienced golfer are sharpened. Beginners will find themselves off to a good start as the staff in Arizona's golf academies and schools are trained PGA standard instructors.

Accommodation for golfers and packages for golfers are also available in hotels, resorts, clubs, condos and home rentals. All packages can be customized according to the individual needs of the golfer. The golfer can get a package with up to five rounds in different reputed courses. A golfer can return every year in different seasons of the year and taste the thrilling challenges of five new golf courses. Some Hotels like the Hyatt Gainey Ranch have their own golf courses.

There are different discount rates available for golfing groups. Tee times can be booked 60 -90 days in advance. Cars can be hired in advance so that traveling from course to course is not difficult. There are many after golf activities available .The climate of Arizona makes it the best place for spa treatments and wellness treatments. The mingling of cultures gives the state a festive edge. There are always art shows, cultural festivals and shopping. Arizona boasts of some of the best American cuisine with a distinct flavor of what was once the 'wild west'.

Whether the golfer is a languid , take it easy golfer who looks at the game as a pleasant walk or a highly competitive golfer who looks to improve the game and face challenges, Arizona has so many options that a golfer will realize that one vacation is not enough. The vistas and the challenges are so many that the golfer holidaymaker will make Arizona a permanent golf vacation destination.

About the Author

Chad has been a travel adviser for many years in Arizona. Starting back in 1984 after college, he found the great love for people to travel to Scottsdale Arizona. He recommends using vacation homes by owner in Scottsdale as the most cost effective way to travel http://www.sunbeltvacations.com