Experience Grand Canyon Fiesta bowl fans

While in Arizona to enjoy the 39Th annual Fiesta Bowl, set your sights on the world's grandest of the Seven wonders. Around The Bend adventures cordially invites you to bring your family and loved ones to Grand Canyon to find out what makes this place the most visited park in the Southwest.
Enjoy a relaxed, and educational day as we explore into ancient geologic history, stories of the old west and tales of past civilizations. You'll enjoy the view as we leave Flagstaff and enter the ancient volcanic fields of Northern Arizona's past, then we'll descend into the Painted Desert towards the Navajo reservation. A quick stop at the Little Colorado river gorge will help to put the Grand Canyon into proper scale. After browsing the traditional style trading booths, we'll enter the park to explore the famous Desert View Watchtower, built in the 1930's by the Fred Harvey company. After lunch canyon side, we then travel to "downtown" Grand Canyon to enjoy the geology museums, and historic buildings, such as El Tovar and the beautiful Hopi House.

We offer hotel pickup, snacks, beverages,delicious lunch served canyon side, and all the information you can squeeze into one day. Our vans are outfitted with high back reclining captain chairs that make the trip comfortable and relaxing.

At $109/ adult and $89/child this adventure is an affordable fun day for the whole family. Call 1-888-769-2269 to inquire about about our group rates and seasonal discounts.

For those with an appetite for adventure below the rim, we offer fully outfitted Grand Canyon day hikes. This trip focuses on getting to the trail head to spend the maximum amount of time in canyon. You never know what you might see as you get a close up of the worlds geologic strata. This is the best way to immerse yourself into the real canyon and take in the incredible views.
We offer the day hike at a price of $149/adult and $109/child, so stretch out and come join us

5 Ways to See the Grand Canyon

When people think of the Grand Canyon, their mind's eye generally brings up a picture from the rim. They think of an enormous, spectacular, gaping hole that is best seen from the edge - an intimidating place best left unexplored by the average citizen. Not so. As a Grand Canyon guide I always try to convey that this is an amazing, three dimensional place that can be seen in many different ways from many different angles. With a little help from some respected vendors - you can experience many ways to see the canyon - at any age or fitness level. All will show you a different perspective of the canyon and help you to understand and respect various aspects of the place. Below is a guide to 6 ways to see this amazing place!

Grand Canyon by Boat:

The mighty Colorado River sits in the heart of the canyon. It cuts 277  miles into the canyon, boasting large rapids, soaring cliffs, impressive wildlife, and specularly beautiful side canyons. It's geological treasures are unmatched anywhere in the world. Trips range from 3 day to 14 day excursions with commercial companies. (available by motor or row boat). You can also get on the park's lottery list to optain a private permit. The canyon requires advanced boating skills and a significant amount of equipment so for most people - it's a less complicated option. The experience of boating the Grand Canyon is one of the most incredible experiences you will ever partake in. It's one of the last vacations where you can truly escape. Without cell phone coverage you will completely sever ties with the outside world outside of a couple of hours at Phantom ranch. You will sleep under the stars and get sand in your shorts - but when it comes to food you will not compromise your standards. Most companies offer gourmet "outdoor" dining through their trips. It's (in my opinion) the best way to see the canyon. Several companies offer river trips and all of them offer options that may fit better into your vacation plans. Start with contacting http://www.raftarizona.com/ - Arizona River Runners is an excellent outfitter and a good place to start your search.

Grand Canyon by Foot:

This is our  favorite way to experience the Grand Canyon. On foot is where you can get up close and personalwith the canyon, see the fossils and rub the ancient soil in your hands. You'll have the most time of actually being at the  Grand Canyon on foot, experiencing  either a Grand Canyon day tour, Grand Canyon day hike, or an over night/ multiday hike into the heart of the chasm.

 If you are traveling through the satellite cities of Flagstaff, Williams, or Tusayan there are quite a few choices in the way of guided Grand Canyon hikes and tours. Of course we believe that we offer one of the most educational, relaxing, all inclusive Grand Canyon tours and or day hikes . But there are other choices, if you happen to call us and we are booked we would like to recomend  Silver Spur tours. They run a beautiful tours as well. Here is a link: www.silverspurtours.com/  .

There is so much to talk about as far as just how magical the Grand Canyon can be by foot, but our advice is to do your research and read through the websites to make your decision.

Grand Canyon by Air:

This is one area that we don't have a lot of experience. Our thoughts have always been that it seems a bit 2D. Here you are at the Grand Canyon, and now you are 100's of feet above it. You may have even seen the same sight through your airplane window on the way to "experience" the canyon. There are a few choices to make once you get to the Grand Canyon air port at Tusayan. Included in these choices are Papillion helicopter tours and Maverick air, both located at the Grand Canto air port.

There is a new service in the area of Northern Az that provides a custom airplane tour that tours other points of interest. Mountain goat air tours is a great choice to see the rest of N. Az . Each tour is a customized flight that caters to a small group of five. To learn more check out their website: www.mountaingoatairtours.com

Grand Canyon by Mule:

 To see the Grand Canyon by mule is by far the most historic activity you and/or your family can participate in. Since the early days at Grand Canyon visitors have been setting foot in stirrup.  To see the canyon this way is not for everyone though, it takes a little bit of mettle and a brave heart. The beast of burden that you just climbed onto has a different way of walking down those steep trails, kinda side to side like ya see. Not to mention  most folks are not used to riding down hill for hours on end, but if your are feeling adventurous  this is your ticket to the past. The mules are a challenging way to experience the canyon and they book fast.

To book you will have to contact Xanterra parks and resorts. 

HAPPY TRAILS!!!

Grand Canyon by Car:

This is the option with the most freedom and is currently the most popular as well. You have two different options where to enter the park .There is the South entrance through the little village of Tusayan, via either Flagstaff or Williams, accessed via Hwy 64. To the east is the lesser known entrance, located about 30 miles away, accessed via Hwy 64 from Hwy 89A. If Staying in Flagstaff we recommend taking the loop drive to see the most of N.Az and the Navajo reservation. Give yourself plenty of time as this will take all day and cover close to 200 miles.

Although cars are the most popular option to see the canyon, they are not preferred. Be prepared for full parking lots and long lines to get in to the popular view points. The National Park Service is currently working on improvements, but construction can take years to finish. If you plan to visit Grand Canyon by vehicle, take into consideration the NPS shuttle that offers pick up in Tusayan, or after entering the park take the NPS shuttle to access all major view points and hiking trails. This we believe is a great way to see the park and has the benefits of being environmentally responsible to reduce your carbon foot print . 

Also coming soon, there will be rental bikes located at the Canyon Visitor Information Plaza. This is a service  that  is not currently available, but slated for completion in 2011. If you are interested  in renting bikes to see the canyon contact us and we would be happy to set up a unique tour that is affordable and fun!

Grand Canyon by Bike:

This is the least experienced way to see the Grand Canyon, but if you want to get away from the crowds bring your bike. The Grand Canyon has devoloped a 7 mile "greenway" that rides from the Grand Canyon village out to the West rim and ends up at Hermit's Rest. This is an incredible ride that you will not soon forget. The greenway to Hermit's Rest is closed to vehicles for the better part of the year, and is only accessed via NPS shuttle. That means that you  will have the Grand Canyon to yourself. This trail is one of the least visited by people on bikes or foot. We recommend this version of transportation, above all others. If you are half way fit you can ride a bike along this relatively flat path. There is one hill at the very beginning, but don't let that stop you, there is no shame in pushing. Once your on top you'll have 6.5 miles of awesome views.

Don't forget to bring water and snacks as there are no amenities until you reach Hermit's rest. During the Monsoon season (late July thru September) bring rain poncho's, there is no real cover if you get caught in a thunderstorm. 

If you would like the option of a guided bike ride contact us, and we will take care of all the details.

Well it's been long and there is lots of information , but we hope this helps to make your Grand Canyon experience a memorable one. If you still have questions that were not answered here feel free to give us a call  1-877-769-2269

Great day for a Grand Canyon day hike

It was just before lunch on a day hike in Grand Canyon. I was sitting on a ledge of ancient limestone with my two hiking companions admiring the view of this incredible landscape. That's when we saw it, a huge California Condor came cruising by . The fact that we were sitting at the edge of a 400 foot cliff allowed us to watch this graceful soarer at eye level. It was an amazing spot to examine a bird that has a 9 foot wingspan. The experience of watching this rarest of all bird species was only enriched by the backdrop of the Grand Canyon.
After the Condor lost interest in us, I left my companions sitting on the ledge as I made my way back up to a previously spotted shade tree. As I was preparing lunch, a few clouds began to pass over the canyon, which only helps to give the place a deeper saturation. Being in the Grand Canyon you can't help but to feel small, and wonder about your place in the universe. In the depths of the canyon you are surronded by the earths history,and the feeling at times is very profound. It was during this time that I couldn't help but to feel blessed to be able to enjoy such a unique wonder of the world. The Grand Canyon has been a place of inspiration for the short time that we humans have experienced it. It has been a muse for painters, poets, writers, and sometimes even trail guides.
We hiked out of the canyon after lunch, huffing and puffing as we gained elevation. I felt humbled once again by vastness.The scene on the rim of the Grand Canyon is much different than the world of ancient stone and rare bird species. It is the world of modern man, with his modern machines, although I am grateful for those as well, I can't help but to be envious of the Condor soaring over the cliff walls. Free as a bird so to speak.

Easy Peasy Microspikes

For many canyon hikers, hiking the Grand Canyon is over when the snow starts to fly in the skies. The snow stacks up high on the North rim and many times the road doesn't re-open until late April early May. At 7000 ft above sea level the South rim of the canyon gets its fair share of snow too. For months the snow on the S. Kaibab and Bright angel trails is packed down by the true beast of burden in the Grand Canyon, the mules. For many hikers just the thought of hiking a canyon trail that is covered with ice and snow is enough to to give them the shakes. After 90 years of watching the mules and the packers who ride them, brave the slippery slopes, did we realize that the mules have a trick up their sleeve. The farriers who shoe the mules have been using Tungsten carbide spikes on their shoes since the canyon became a national park.

In the past hikers have used all different kinds of methods to attempt the trails in that icy time of year. Some use full on mountaineering crampons that weigh to much to justify on the way back up the upside down mountain. Others go the light route using a type of bungee cord with wire wrapped around it in hopes to gain traction.Here at Around the Bend Adventures, we stumbled upon the best invention yet to date, the Kathoola Microspikes.

Kahtoola is a company that is based in our home town of Flagstaff, Az. Started by a local who grew up loving the canyon and the winter outdoors. Microspikes are an incredible tool for every hiker to have in their winter time quiver. The elastomer that stretches over the hiking boot will stretch even as the temp drops to 70 below 0 . The chain link system that unites the 10 --3/8 in spikes, feels like it is a part of your foot. The combonation of microspikes and trekking poles can make any hiker feel confident to tackle the trails this and every winter to come. Whether it is hiking the Grand Canyon or walking around your slick driveway at home, we highly recommend this great invention.

Kahtoola makes other equally great products, to find out more visit their website at www.kahtoola.com.

Get out this winter (what is left of it) and enjoy!

ReBoot!!! The Most Important Item to Think About on a Hike is Your Shoes

Sure... it seems like common sense that anyone with their wits about them would consider proper footwear when planning a big hike. As a guide however, I have seen uneducated choices in the shoe department literally ruin a hikers day. Though you may have put some miles on those old running shoes, they may not be entirely appropriate for the Grand Canyon. For one, the gradient pitch you are hiking at is probably steeper than most of the paths you have been walking on at home. For two, most people aren't used to going down first, and up last. Grand Canyon is also a place of extremes. In summer you deal with scorching heat and wet socks as you desperately attempt to cool down in creeks. In winter with sometimes bitter cold and wind, you deal with snow and ice. Considering all these factors I advise my clients to consider the following rules when choosing a pair of shoes to wear on my canyon day hikes:

1. NEVER break a pair of shoes in on a hike. You will blister and blister bad. Make sure you've worn the shoes you're going to hike in for atleast 2 weeks every day prior to a hike.
2. Choose shoes with ankle support - a twisted ankle is not the most heroic excuse to be flown out of the canyon. The trails are fairly well maintained but the ruggedness is part of the canyons charm and every rock or crevise is an opportunity for your foot to fold if your feet aren't well supported.
   
3. Consult the rep at the shoe store about your fit. Shoes that are slightly too big or too small will chafe (ouch!)
4. Buy expensive socks. You know... the techy ones that you swore you'd never spend your hard earned money on..? Yeah those... they are worth every dime. Oh yes... and DOUBLE UP! If your socks get wet you will run the risk of (you guessed it) blistering!
   
5. If you're prone to blistering, put bandaids and/or mole skin on ahead of time and bring plenty of extras so that you can switch
6. Buy a pair of inserts. They'll help your back, your legs and your feet. If you've been medically prescribed an insert - it's especially important that you wear these
7. If you're wearing a good old pair of worn in shoes, make sure that you still have decent tread. And if you're purchasing new shoes... take a gander at the soles - you want somewhere in the medium range.
8. Clip those toenails... it's not a real tip on choosing footwear but it'll compliment the subject. Walking downhill for hours means constant forward impact on your big toe nail. This can create ingrown toenails or you may even loose the thing entirely if it's not clipped short.
   
9. Last but not least, it's not the worst idea in the world to pack a pair of flipflops in your backpack to give your feet a break when you're at your destination.... the Grand Canyon can create some Grand foot pains! BUT PLEASE... don't make flip flops your ONLY pair of shoes.

Now that I've taken all the fun out of choosing your "tennies"... I will add if you're looking to buy a pair here is a great site for comparing brands http://www.consumersearch.com/hiking-boots. Merrills are an excellent choice... but really you'd have to go into a local store and try them on for yourself. No two (pairs of) feet are alike, so only you can decide what feels best.

Ofcourse this is all good ol' anecdotal advice. I've seen a lot of people walk these trails in good and bad shoes. 99% of people agreed that the canyon was spectacular... some just enjoyed the experience a little more comfortably!

We look forward to spending the day hiking or touring with you at Around the Bend Adventures