Grand canyon winter tours

It was holiday time in Arizona and the weather had turned unseasonably warm in the high country. We had four days off, no guests arriving until New Year’s, and we were determined to use the time to explore Arizona. We thought about a stay at a golf resort in Prescott or traveling to Sedona for a Pink Jeep Tour , but once we found out that there were rooms available at the Grand Canyon South Rim, our minds were made up.  At any time of year, whether you come for a day or the week, you’ll find more than enough to fill your hours. The Grand Canyon is a seasonal wonder offering an abundance of activities for all ages and interests! Spring comes late at the canyon but there’s no mistaking its arrival. Winter, a grand time to see the Grand Canyon.

We climbed out of the white Lincoln Navigator ready to be thrilled. The two-hour ride from the Red Rock country of Sedona was behind us, and the alien grandeur of the Grand Canyon was just yards ahead. It was early December and beyond chilly, but we had prepared for any weather eventuality. Or so we thought. My friend's husband, our two teenage daughters (one of whom was furious that we weren’t in the Caribbean) and I walked toward the South Rim at Yavapai Point, where there’s an indoor observation station with a scale model of the canyon. We passed a couple heading back to the parking lot.

I first saw the Grand Canyon by the light of a winter moon. A handful of the canyon's snow-topped buttes shimmered under its gaze; ethereal and serene, they seemed to float above the darkened canyon floor. Under a blanket of snow, the Grand Canyon lay mysteriously, almost terrifyingly, still. Grand Canyon in winter. Hotels are virtually deserted, trails are empty of hikers and the visitor can see the canyon stripped of tour buses and sightseers. Like explorers of old, one can experience the canyon in a more isolated, and even primitive, state. Grand canyon skiing in winter is amazing.

The months from December through March are an ideal time to visit the canyon and enjoy its solitude and snowbound beauty. But there is a tradeoff: the winter visitor can expect reduced services, limited access and, sometimes, even diminished visibility.

Walk the rim path along with the deer and elk and big horn sheep. Have dinner. Go to sleep. The altitude and fresh air will wear you out. You'll want to wake up early to catch the sunrise. I bet you'll be asleep by 10PM. The grand canyon is amazing world of adventures. Check out...

2015 canada winter games dates

The 2015 Canada Winter Games is fast approaching. In 2015, venues in and around Toronto, Ontario will host the largest ever multi-sport event in Canada when the 2015 Pan American Games take place from July 10 to 26. The Canada Games is a high level multi-sport competition held every two years on an alternating basis between winter and summer.Prince George, B.C. is hosting the 2015 Canada Winter Games, bringing together approximately 3,600 athletes, coaches and managers from the 13 provinces and territories to compete in 20 sports. These Games are considered a stepping stone to international competitions and multi-sport Games such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Pan Am and Commonwealth Games. As well, this event generates economic activity for host communities (the 2007 Canada Winter Games generated over $100 million in economic activity) and provides important legacies such as new and refurbished facilities and equipment as well as sport and community development opportunities.

Kamloops is the proud host of the 2015 Special Olympics BC Winter Games from February 19 - February 21st, 2015 here in Kamloops!  Kamloops last played host to this outstanding and inspirational event in 2003. Kamloops has a long history with the Special Olympics as it was one of the first communities to start offering Speical Olympics programs in 1983. The 2015 SOBC Winter Games will bring over 600 athletes with intellectual disabilities and 200 volunteer coaches to Kamloops to compete in seven winter sports (alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, curling, figure skating, floor hockey, snowshoeing and speed skating) to compete for a chance to advance to the 2016 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Corner Brook, Newfoundland and from there the opportunity to qualify for the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Game to be held in Austria!

Ballantyne, a double gold medallist in swimming at the 1977 Canada Summer Games, heads to Prince George after serving a year as the Chief Operating Officer for the Vancouver Giants Hockey Club. Prior to his stint with the Giants, he served as Project Director for the Molson Canadian Hockey House during the 2010 Winter Olympics, CEO for the 2009 World Police and Fire Games, General Manager for the 2007 Memorial Cup, General Manager for the 2006 World Junior Hockey Championship, and General Manager for the Molson Indy in Vancouver from 1996-2003.

"I am extremely honoured to be selected as CEO for the 2015 Canada Winter Games. This is an event that will touch the lives of so many across Northern B.C., the province, and the country," said Stuart Ballantyne, CEO, 2015 Canada Winter Games. "Prince George is known as a city on the rise with a 'can do' attitude. My family and I are thrilled at this opportunity and are excited to experience the northern spirit and hospitality that Prince George is famous for."

Wildlife Safari Tour in Dartmoor Zoological Park

There are over 200 animals at Dartmoor Zoological Park: from tiny stick insects to Ben our Brown Bear or Solomon our Lion all set in over 30 acres of beautiful parkland. Discover something different, learn something amazing and help us make tomorrow's world rich in animal life.

Dartmoor Zoological Park is a unique family owned zoo with a fantastic collection of animals. These include tigers, lions, jaguar, lynx and cheetah (the largest collection of big cats in the region), bears, wolves, tapir, capybara, racoons, meerkats, monkeys, a fantastic collection of bugs and reptiles and much more.
We work very hard to ensure that the development of the zoo does not have an adverse effect on the beautiful woodland environment which makes it quite unique among zoos.

                   

Popular exhibits include the Elephant Overlook and Lion Camp. The African Outpost is worth the walk-visit the lions along the way and observe a few of the local African flora before winding up at the Cheetah exhibit.You will be astonished by the breathtaking view in the Great Rift Lift Deck! When offers amazing views of huge sections of the park and surrounding terrain.The Cheetah Run is definitely one of the coolest exhibits in the park.

The park’s management took lengths to prevent any effect on the encompassing areas during its expansion, and also the views of their surroundings aren’t to become missed. Picnics are welcome, there are regular daily events including feeding talks, animal encounters and quiz trails to create your day special for smaller visitors, The Wildlife Safari Tour Dartmoor Zoological Park is open throughout the year, aside from Xmas day.

There’s ample free parking next to the main entrance. Disabled parking facilities can be found outside the Jaguar Restaurant at the surface of the drive. Should you wish to utilize disabled parking, please first pay at the main gate before proceeding to the surface of the drive.

You’ll find us easily from the A38. Take the Plympton switch off at Deep Lane Junction. Follow the brown “Wildlife Park” tourist information signs through Langage to the village of Sparkwell. Go through the village and you’ll find us approximately 300 yards outside the village.

Hiking in Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon National Park Hiking GuideHere you will find information on hiking trails for day hikes and backcountry exploration, biking paths, and wilderness areas of interest for hiking.Hiking in Grand Canyon National Park can be a fun and rewarding experience as in other national parks. It is a great way to both see and experience the park.

Grand Canyon National Park Service personnel and an NPS helicopter responded to the scene near Three-Mile Rest House, the statement said. The man's identity is being held until his family is notified.      

   
Native Americans were the first inhabitants of the Hiking in Grand Canyon. In the late 1800’s early Americans began exploring the area and by the early 1900’s the Hiking in Grand Canyon became a tourist destination. The canyon received federal protection in 1893 and was recognized as a U.S. Nation Park in 1919. Today the park receives over 5 million visitors annually.

If you are looking for the perfect hike in the Grand Canyon National Park, this is it. The 2 (or 3) day hike will take you down into the canyon to where few visitors have the privilege of going. Although the Bright Angel trail is not as steep and has more shade cover and water, the views from the South Kaibab trail are unbeatable. It is best to start from the South Kaibab, hike down to the Bright Angel campground, and back up the Bright Angel trail. This way you get a change of scenery and can hike up where there is more available water.

The Hiking in Grand Canyon along a flat path, this is the hike for you. It offers a great introduction to the Grand Canyon, and there are several shuttle stops along the way, allowing you to pick and chose the areas you want to explore. From many of the overlooks, you will have unrestricted views to the other side of the canyon, and sometimes as far as 40 miles along the canyon.

The Hermit Trail offers hikes to Santa Maria Spring, 5 miles (round trip), and Dripping Springs, 7 miles (round trip). Trail conditions are tougher than the Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails. Unmaintained steep trail requires caution. Begins 500 feet west of Hermits Rest. Water from springs must be treated before drinking. For experienced desert hikers. Hiking boots recommended.

Bright Angel Point Trail Set out on foot along a self-guided nature trail to reach Bright Angel Point, just a short walk from Hiking in Grand Canyon Lodge at the North Rim. This easy, self-guided nature trail leads you to a spectacular view of the canyon. Here you can see and hear the Roaring Springs more than 3,000 feet below the Rim. (One-half mile, 30 minutes).

Grand Canyon National Park Adventure Tours

The Grand Canyon National Park is one of the world's top natural attractions. Visit one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World on this exciting rail adventure. Beginning in Chicago, board Amtrak's Southwest Chief bound for Williams Junction, Arizona, the gateway to the Canyon.

Traveling on to Grand Canyon National Park Adventure Tours , we’ll stop at several of the most prominent and breathtaking vistas to experience the vastness and grandeur of the canyon. There will be an opportunity for a brisk hike or ride along the rim to the famous Grand Canyon Village for some shopping and fascinating sightseeing.

West Rim Tours

Explore the Grand Canyon National Park West Rim with the Hualapai Indians! Sit back, relax and let us take you to the Grand Canyon in a comfortable motorcoach. On this Grand Canyon National Park Tour we visit the West Rim which is situated less than three hours from Las Vegas on the Hualapai Indian Reservation. En route to the West Rim you will make a photo stop at the Hoover Dam as well as pass through an ancient Joshua Tree forest. At the Grand Canyon National Park you will visit two different viewpoints where you can marvel at the size of this natural wonder.

South Rim Tours

Most visitors to the Grand Canyon National Park go to the South Rim. With its astounding views, breathtaking precipices, and miles of trails, it is a paradise to travelers, photographers, and adventurers from around the globe! You may take a bus tour to the South Rim, or ride in style in a propeller.

Bus Tour

Grand Canyon South Rim Bus Tour. The South Rim lies in Grand Canyon National Park, one of the most popular national parks in America. This tour allows you to visit this amazing park in a comfortable motorcoach. After leaving Las Vegas you will make a photo stop at the famous Hoover Dam, where you can see the blue waters of Lake Mead, the largest man-made reservoir in the United States.

Helicopter Tour

Express Helicopter Excursion to the Skywalk Depart the famed Las Vegas Strip on your direct helicopter flight to the Grand Canyon Skywalk. On your flight, you will experience a bird’s-eye view of the Grand Canyon, Lake Las Vegas, Lake Mead, Hoover Dam and the Las Vegas Strip. Upon landing, get ready to witness a true engineering marvel, the Grand Canyon Skywalk.

Air Tour

On our Grand Canyon West Rim Air and Ground Tour you see the Grand Canyon from multiple perspectives. Fly like an executive to the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, aboard our elite pressurized airplane. Upon landing, get ready to witness a true engineering marvel, the Grand Canyon Skywalk. The Skywalk suspends more than 4,000 feet above the Colorado River over the edge of the canyon wall and features a glass-bottom walking surface.

Camping in Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon National Park Camping Guide.Here you will find camping and campground information including dates the campgrounds are open and the facilities offered to campers staying in the park.

Camping in Grand Canyon is an adventure into the Northern Arizona wild. As the closest KOA to the Grand Canyon, our campground is a great base camp for all of your Arizona adventures. Open year round, the Grand Canyon/Williams KOA offers RV, tent, deluxe tent and cabin camping within an easy drive to the South Rim. Guests love our modern facilities, relaxing by the pool, specialty coffees at the fireside coffee bar and finding memorable souvenirs at our 2000 sqft gift store. Join us for breakfast and lunch (Memorial Day Labor Day) at the Cowboy Café after busy days of hiking and sightseeing.        

Backcountry Camping To camp in the park in a location other than a developed campground on the rim you must obtain a permit from the Backcountry Information Center, this includes Bright Angel Campground at Phantom Ranch. All campsites in the Inner Canyon require a backcountry permit. Applying well in advance is recommended although a small number of permits are sometimes available for the same day. There is a fee of $10 per permit plus an additional fee of $5 per night per person.

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon Arizona is open all year and is located on the "Arizona" side of the Canyon. The South Rim is closer to Interstate 40 and to the transportation centers of Williams, Flagstaff and Phoenix, Arizona. The South Rim also has a local airport and rail service.Since it is easier to get to, the South Rim is very busy, and during the summer season, campgrounds hustle and bustle and are often filled to capacity. Reservations are strongly recommended.

The North Rim is located on the "Utah" side of the Canyon. The nearest towns to the park's North Rim village are Fredonia, Arizona, and Kanab, Utah. There is no airport or rail service to the park. (that means that the North Rim village may only be reached by road) Because the North Rim has a shorter season, Campground Reservations are strongly Recommended.A 277 mile long (446 km) canyon separates the park into South and North Rims. The Grand Canyon of the Colorado River is a mile-deep, (1.6 km) and creates a barrier that bisects the park. Even though the average distance across the canyon is only 10 miles/ 16 km, be aware that it is a five-hour drive of 215 miles/ 346 km between the park's South Rim Village and the North Rim Village.

Hike Expeditions in Grand Canyon National Park

Hiking in Grand Canyon National Park can be a fun and rewarding experience as in other national parks. It is a great way to both see and experience the park.

Grand Canyon Field Institute is a program of the official nonprofit park partner, the Hike Grand Canyon Park Association, and serves thousands of Grand Canyon visitors each year. We offer fun and informative educational classes and guided hiking tours for everyone, from seasoned backpackers to families with children on their first visit to Grand Canyon.  

         
Grandview Trail. A 6.4-mile roundtrip with 2,500-foot return elevation gain on this unmaintained trail leads takes you to outstanding views from wooded Horseshoe Mesa. Very strenuous Trailhead at Grandview Point, 12 miles east of village on Desert View Drive.

Hermit Trail. This rocky unmaintained trail leads to views into Hermit Grand Canyon Park and a good day option is the hike to the shade and wild grapevines at Santa Maria Spring. It’s a 4.5-mile roundtrip with 1,760-foot return elevation gain. Strenuous Trailhead 500 feet west of Hermits Rest at the end of Hermit Road/West Rim Drive.

Rim Trail. The one truly level trail on the South Rim, it runs for 12 mostly paved miles with outstanding views along the way. Easy Trail access at viewpoints between Hermits Rest and Pipe Creek Vista off Desert View Drive.

South Kaibab Trail. A less crowded alternative to the Bright Angel Trail, its easiest day hike is the 1.8 –mile roundtrip to views at appropriately named Ooh-Aah Point 600 feet below the rim. It's one of two main routes to the canyon floor, and there is a very strenuous trailhead south of Yaki Point on Yaki Point Road. Access by shuttle bus only

Bright Angel Trail. A good though long day option on this classic route into the canyon is the 9.2-mile roundtrip (with a 3,000-foot return climb) to the spring at Indian Garden. Very Strenuous Trailhead next to Kolb Studio in Grand Canyon Village.

Blending forest and canyon scenery, this trail starts at the Widforss Trail parking area, one mile on the dirt Point Sublime Road, one-quarter mile south of Cape Royal Road turnoff. (10 miles, six hours)

The only maintained trail into the canyon from the North Rim gives hikers an appreciation for the beauty and immense size of the canyon. A full day should be allowed for a trip to Roaring Springs and back. This hike is strenuous. (9.4 miles, six to eight hours).