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| The Grand Canyon National Park is a HUGE tourist attraction. It receives an average of 5 million visitors a year. Most of the tourists come to the South Rim. The park is crowded most of the year. The heaviest crowds are during spring, summer, and fall months. The least crowded part of the year is November through February. | Most tourists like to photograph the Grand Canyon on their visit. The best light to view or take pictures is early in the morning or late in the day. The sun in mid-day tends to flatten the views and soften the colors. At the Grand Canyon, like most places, the days are short in the winter and long in the summer. To see the Grand Canyon at sunrise or sunset, it is recommended to be on the rim at least an hour before. |
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There are many Indian Reservations located around the Grand Canyon. Three large reservations are the Navajo, Havasupai, and the Hualapai. These reservations make a great day trip for adventurous travelers. Most reservations welcome people who want to learn about their culture and show respect and privacy and property. There is an active trading post that has been around since the 1880's . The different Indian groups make different crafts like Baskets, beadwork, and different types of spiritual dolls. |
| In the Grand Canyon, there are many different places offering mule rides. There are two-day trips going to the Colorado River and back up to the South Rim. Overnight riders stay and eat in the inner canyon. One-day mule rides go part way to the river and back. There are also one, two, and four hour horse trail rides. |
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| For the mule rides there are certain safety restrictions. The riders must not weigh more than 200 lbs. They must be at least 4'7". The mule rider must be fully dressed while riding. They must be able to speak and understand fluent English and be in good physical condition. The rider should not be afraid of heights or large animals. |  |
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Hiking is also something commonly done at the Grand Canyon. There are some things to remember while hiking. First, you always want to stay hydrated. It would be best to avoid hiking in the heat of the day. Eat lots of carbohydrates and salty foods before and while on the hike. It is good to rest often. Most importantly, DO NOT attempt to hike down to the river and back in one day. |
