The good, bad and ugly sides of the Grand Canyon
The American landmark has no shortage of breathtaking views – or visitors. Find out how to make the most of the former and dodge the latter
The good
The vast majority of visitors to the Grand Canyon spend 20 minutes gazing from the lookout points, a little longer in the gift shops then hit the road hoping to reach Las Vegas by sunset. While they hurry off to the casinos, lace up your hiking boots and venture into the abyss. You’ll be glad you did.
Autumn and winter are good times to visit. The trails are quieter, temperatures cooler and accommodation is easier to come by. Head for the easily accessible South Rim, which has all the usual tourist facilities and free buses that shuttle to the South Kaibab trailhead every 20 minutes. The route down is strenuous but perfectly manageable for anyone who regularly hikes in Hong Kong.
It takes four to six hours to reach the Colorado River but don’t be tempted to rush. The views from the rim are sublime and, if you’re lucky, there’ll be a dusting of icing sugar-like snow. The scenery inside the canyon is even more brain bending. This is no place for the colour blind. You’ll start shedding layers before you get to Ooh Aah Point, 750 metres down, and by the time you arrive at the canyon floor, temperatures should be pleasantly mild.
