| A perfect day trip from Scottsdale is a tour of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World --- the majestic Grand Canyon. The Canyon was carved out by the Colorado River over the last 6 to 10 million years. Measuring some 15 miles from rim to rim at its widest point, the Canyon averages 4,000 feet deep for its entire 277 miles. The colorful layers of the canyon walls provide an excellent record of three of the four eras of geological time. These layers track the earth's evolution over the last 2 billion years. The South Rim, open 365 days a year, is the most popular destination. There you will find a full-service visitor center, scenic overlooks, the Tusayan Museum and unique gift shops. The more remote North Rim is open from mid-May to mid-October.
For an eagle's view, helicopter and fixed-wing operators offer scenic flights over the canyon. Visitors also can tour the Canyon's rim by bus, hike down its famous trails or put their fate in the hooves of a trusty mule that does the hard work down the precarious slopes the Canyon floor. There's even a train excursion and the ultimate Grand Canyon experience, a multi-day rafting excursion down the powerful Colorado River.
Admission to the park is $20 per single, privately owned, non-commercial vehicle and all of its passengers. Individual admission is $10 per person if entering on foot, by bicycle or on a motorcycle. Individuals 15 and younger are admitted free of charge. Admission fees are good for seven days and include both the North Rim and South Rim locations.
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