Recent Stories
The challenge: Hiking Canyon’s best trails
GRAND CANYON VILLAGE, Ariz.— Even for seasoned hikers, venturing below the rim at the Grand Canyon is not easy. “It’s the hardest around, because unlike mountain climbing, here you go down first, which is relatively easy, but puts strain on your legs, then you have to go up again whenRead More…
Horseback riding takes visitors to Kaibab
TUSAYAN, Ariz.— Standing tall in the sunlight, his alluring dark eyes shone brilliantly. His smooth brown and white hair complimented his confident nature and his overall rugged exterior. Given the name Cisco, this valiant steed is one of the many that gallops its riders through the Kaibab National Forest inRead More…
Mule ride to point reveals Canyon beauty
GRAND CANYON VILLAGE, Ariz.— You can feel the sun beaming down on you and every so often you remove another layer of clothing. Your body moves in rhythm with each bump, and there are a lot of bumps. You hold tight to the reins and peer over the steep ledgeRead More…
ATVs offer up-close views of Kaibab Forest
TUSAYAN, Ariz.— Two of the most popular complaints about going on guided tours are that tourists do not get their own seat and that they miss a lot of the sites because the tour guide is talking too fast. But, at the end of an all-terrain vehicle tour with GrandRead More…
Hiking West Rim Trail leads to Hermits Rest
GRAND CANYON VILLAGE, Ariz.—— Loose gravel crunches underfoot and dust swirls into miniature tornadoes. Bright, late-morning sunlight reflects in a thousand directions as a crisp, autumn-like breeze ripples through the air. The narrow path to Hermits Rest twists solemnly among junipers and piñons, as though lost in the surrounding beautyRead More…
Canyon offers a stunning visual experience
The Grand Canyon from the air and after a spring snow storm (Photo by Tiffany Rainey). The Colorado River from the air (Photo by Tiffany Rainey). A sweeping view of the canyon from above (Photo by Tiffany Rainey). The Grand Canyon during a spring snow storm (PhotoRead More…
Grand Canyon Village South Rim map
Grand Canyon National Park South Rim Village (Map courtesy of the National Park Service).
Dry Tortugas offer unique beach campsites
DRY TORTUGAS, Fla.— Despite the temporary closure of the campgrounds at the Dry Tortugas National Park, renovations are under way for their planned re-opening date on Sept. 15, 2003. After its closure on June 2002 due to sewage and drainage problems, the campgrounds will soon have composting toilets available forRead More…
Ferry offers exciting trip to Dry Tortugas
DRY TORTUGAS, Fla. — In one of the most inhospitable places, amidst the ghosts and coral reef, you will find the Dry Tortugas National Park. This park showcases the most peculiar mix of beauty and tragedy, the will of nature and the stubborn ambition of man, and death and rebirth.Read More…
Pristine water offers ideal snorkeling, diving
DRY TORTUGAS, Fla.— The Florida Keys have long been known for offering vacationers a chance to escape the blazing hot sun– often high in a picturesque blue sky– by cooling off in the clear, sparkling water. For snorkelers, South Florida’s ideal climate and natural beauty is a dream come true—Read More…
Ferries offer scenery, fun ride to Tortugas
DRY TORTUGAS, Fla.— One of the questions frequently asked by those who know nothing about Dry Tortugas National Park is: “How long does it take to drive to the park?” But to plan a trip to the Dry Tortugas National Park driving is not an option, unless they have alreadyRead More…
Fort’s history tells stories of hardship
DRY TORTUGAS, Fla.— In the middle of the Gulf of Mexico, the grandest military coastal fortress of the 19th century still remains as it once did 157 years ago. A combination of brick and steel was erected on the island of Garden Key, one of seven islands, making up whatRead More…