Valentine's Day  Happy Valentine's Day(2008)
From 101lifeStyle.com Valentine's Day Romantic Destinations: Valentine's Day Romantic Regions:  6.Grand Canyon, Arizona: In Arizona, the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Wonders of the World exists among lush desert landscapes, crystal-clear waters and breathtaking mountain peaks The Grand Canyon is a steep-sided gorge carved by the Colorado River in the U.S. state of Arizona. It is largely contained within the Grand Canyon National Park — one of the first national parks in the United States. The canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long, ranges in width from 4 to 18 miles (6.4 to 29 km) and attains a depth of more than a mile (1.6 km). Nearly two billion years of the Earth's history have been exposed as the Colorado River and its tributaries cut their channels through layer after layer of rock while the Colorado Plateau was uplifted. The "canyon started from the west, then another formed from the east, and the two broke through and met as a single majestic rent in the earth some six million years ago. The merger apparently occurred where the river today, coming from the north, bends to the west, in the area known as the Kaibab Arch." Grand Canyon is known for its overwhelming size and its intricate and colorful landscape. Things To Do / See:  A.Explore Grand Canyon Village Southern Rim:
Grand Canyon Village is a census-designated place located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, in Coconino County, Arizona. The village contains numerous landmark buildings and is itself a National Historic Landmark District, designated for its outstanding implementation of town design. Canyon Grand Canyon Village is the center of activity and the transportation hub for the South Rim of the park. The village is the only place where the railroad reaches the rim of the canyon. Free shuttle busses connect the lodges, campground, restaurants, and shops, with the business center (Market Plaza) and Visitor Information Center. (Canyon View Plaza) The shuttles also stop at many canyon overlooks. Ride the shuttle bus on the historic Hermit Rim Road, (West Rim Drive) a 7 mile scenic road that is closed to private vehicles between March and November. Yavapai Observation Station - located one mile east of Market Plaza provides spectacular views of Grand Canyon. Canyon View Information Plaza has a visitor center, a large bookstore, and ample restrooms. Buckey O'Neill Cabin: This cabin is the longest continually standing structure in the South Rim. It is currently used as a guest house; booking is required well in advance. Kolb Studio, Hopi House, Verkamp's Curios, are worth a visit.
 B.East Rim / North Rim:
The Desert View Drive or East Rim Drive (Highway 64) leaves Grand Canyon Village and follows the canyon rim east for 26 miles to Desert View - at the east entrance to the park. The Desert View Watchtower, constructed in 1932 as a replica of a prehistoric Indian tower, commands a magnificent view of the Grand Canyon, the Painted Desert to the east and the San Fransico Peaks to the south. This seventy-foot tower is the highest point on the South Rim. The interior walls of the tower feature murals by Hopi artist Fred Kabotie.
North Rim: A worthwhile trip for those who enjoy the road less traveled, the North Rim, or "other side" of the Grand Canyon is visited by only 10% of all Grand Canyon visitors. There is only one lodge, the Grand Canyon Lodge (now managed by Forever Resorts) and one developed campground on the North Rim. During winter months, the North Rim is closed due to snow. The North Rim Visitor Center, located adjacent to the parking lot on Bright Angel Peninsula provides park and regional information, maps, brochures, exhibits, and a bookstore. Most visitors make a stop at Bright Angel Point, at the southern end of the entrance road. Point Imperial, the highest point on the North Rim at 8,803 feet, overlooks the Painted Desert and the eastern end of Grand Canyon. Cape Royal provides a panorama up, down, and across the canyon.  C.Grand Canyon Tours:
Those with more time for viewing take the shuttle towards the west on the Hermits Rest Route, stopping at overlooks such as Pima Point. Fewer take the five-hour, 215-mile drive to the more remote North Rim on the opposite side of the canyon, which in the winter months is closed because of snow. Perhaps the most heart-stopping view of the canyon is had from the Toroweap Overlook (Tuweep) situated 3000 vertical feet above the Colorado River, about 50 miles downriver from the South Rim and 70 upriver from the Grand Canyon Skywalk.
Some people choose river-rafting trips along the calmer portions of the Colorado River.
Tours such as the “The Grand Discovery” at Grand Canyon Airlines offer breathtaking overviews of the Canyon. The Grand Discovery is a 100-mile air tour around the most famous and beautiful parts of the Grand Canyon. The airline’s signature 19-passenger Vistaliner airplane, with its panoramic windows for unobstructed views, travels along the Canyon’s South Rim up the Zuni Corridor, past the confluence of the Colorado and Little Colorado Rivers and back along the North Rim and down the Dragon’s Corridor, which has an uncanny resemblance to a sleeping dragon.
One of the more romantic ways to experience the canyon is on the back of the trained mules that hike down the canyon slopes to the bottom of the Canyon. The two-day mule rides include an overnight stay at Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the Canyon. The same-day trip stops at Plateau Point on the Bright Angel Trail.  D.Grand Canyon Trails:
Ninety percent of tourists see only the south rim of the Grand Canyon, since it is easily accessible and the main road (AZ 64) parallels the canyon edge for some distance - here there is every conceivable facility, many superb overlooks and a choice of hiking trails. The north rim, 215 miles away by road, is much more remote and high enough in elevation to be closed during the winter months by snow, but fewer people mean more peace and tranquility and the views are just as good. The only other part of the Grand Canyon that may be approached via paved roads is Havasu Canyon, contained within the Havasupai Indian Reservation to the west, although a day's hiking is necessary. Still further west, a few reasonable quality unpaved roads run through land of the Hualapai Indian Reservation including the one down Peach Springs Canyon that leads all the way to the Colorado. On the other side of the Grand Canyon, the particularly remote Tuweep area to the northwest can be reached by several dirt tracks. The two main south rim trails are the Bright Angel and the South Kaibab; this connects with the North Kaibab route which links to the north rim.
In the South Rim: Bright Angel Trail, Dripping Spring Trail, Grandview Trail, South Kaibab Trail, Tanner Trail. North Rim: North Kaibab Trail
The National Park Service provides helpful written guides and there is information online at www.nps.gov/grca.  E.Enjoy Sunrise/ Sunset at the Grand Canyon:
Nearly as striking as the Canyon’s size and shape are the exquisitely varied colors—from pale pinks and creams, to purples, crimsons, sandy yellows and blacks. The sunlight changes their tone and hue, creating the most spectacular display at sunrise and sunset.  F.The Grand Canyon Skywalk:
The Grand Canyon Skywalk is a tourist attraction along the Colorado River on the edge of the Grand Canyon (Grand Canyon West) in the U.S. state of Arizona. The horseshoe-shaped glass walkway, at a 1,200 meter (4,000 ft) height above the floor of the canyon exceeds those of the world's largest skyscrapers. The Skywalk is not directly above the main canyon, Granite Gorge, which contains the Colorado River, but instead extends over a side canyon and affords a view into the main canyon.  G.Grand Canyon National Park Activities:
Activities include but are not limited to backpacking, birding, camping, ferry and raft trips, fishing, hiking, mule rides, photography, ranger led activities, star gazing and wildlife watching.  H.Colorado River Float Trip Tour:
The most popular tour to experience the bottom of the Canyon's South Rim! If you're looking for a great day trip rafting experience, this is the tour for you! Grand Canyon Coaches and Colorado River Discovery have teamed up to offer one of the best all around tours in the whole Grand Canyon! Your trip begins by leaving the South Rim area in a roomy, deluxe Motorcoach or Van. On its way up to the base of magnificent Glen Canyon Dam, the coach will stop at the Desert View Overlook of the Grand Canyon, then make a brief stop at the Cameron Trading Post to give you a taste of fine Southwestern arts and crafts on the Navajo Indian Reservation. You will also navigate thru the Painted Desert area of Arizona.  I.Grand Canyon Sightseeing:
Vermilion Cliffs- Marble Canyon: Part of the recently created Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, these awe-inspiring cliffs rise majestically thousands of feet from the landscape. Stunning red, orange, and purple pigments give credence to the name of the formation, which sits alongside the Paria Plateau, home to Anasazi tribes in the 12th century. Early Spanish and American explorers also made their way through this region in earlier centuries. These days, the area is known as being home to California condors released to the wild for repopulation.
Grand Canyon Rim Drive-If you're looking for a circuit of the best sights and overlooks in the Park – for photography or simply to commit to memory – this is probably your best bet. West and East routes allow for great scenic views, although the East branch is much longer and offers greater sightseeing opportunities. Private vehicles are not allowed in the park, but shuttles offer an easy, affordable alternative. They also allow folks to get off the bus for up-close viewing.
Hermit's Rest-Another architectural beauty designed by Mary E.J. Colter, this stone structure was built to resemble the naive efforts of a local prospector and is a tribute to reclusive 19th-century miner Louis Boucher. A massive stone fireplace, substantial wood furniture, and Native American textiles impart a natural, homey feel to the place, which serves (now as then) as a travelers' rest stop. Inside, you'll find a gift shop, refreshments for sale, and restrooms – all frequently sought after in the Canyon area.  J.Museums:
Tusayan Museum and Ruins- Thanks to detailed exhibits, artifacts, and scale models, this museum instructs visitors about Native Americans who once inhabited the Grand Canyon area. Hopi and Anasazi tribes are provided the most attention, especially given the adjacent Anasazi ruins, which date from the 12th century. They're accessible via an easy trail that winds through a small complex that housed approximately 30 people. The pueblo structure was built using limestone blocks and included spaces for living, storage, and ceremony. Rangers lead tours daily, but most folks opt for self-guided excursions.  K.Visit Grand Canyon Deer Farm:
Begun in 1969, the farm now features dozens of fallow deer that folks can pet and feed, along with all sorts of other creatures, including a buffalo, a pot-bellied pig, peacocks, wallabies, and llamas. Miniature horses, donkeys, goats, and cattle also appeal to pint-sized folks, as do a squirrel monkey, Amazon parrot, and cockatoo. Great fun for kids from urban areas and anyone who loves animals. Gift shop available.  L.Go Camping:
Going camping for your Grand Canyon vacation is cheaper than staying hotels. The least expensive camping for your Grand Canyon vacation is in the Kaibab National Forest, where camping is free (albeit lacking in amenities). If you wish to camp anywhere in the park, other than in developed campgrounds on the North Rim, South Rim, or Tuweep, you must obtain a permit from the Backcountry Information Center. A backcountry permit is not required for overnight camping at Mather Campground, Desert View Campground, North Rim Campground (summer season only), and Tuweep Campground.  M.Nearby City Trips:
Arizona has quite a bit to offer between the South Rim entrance at Grand Canyon National Park to cities like Sedona, Flagstaff and Williams. Each city brings something unique to the table, whether it is resort style accommodations or exciting activities. How To Get To Grand Canyon, Arizona:
 By Air:
When heading to the Grand Canyon's South Rim, you can fly into one of three airports: Phoenix Sky Harbor, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, or Grand Canyon Airport. For best air fairs, fly into Phoenix and rent a car. Is the North Rim your destination? Fly into Las Vegas' McCarran International Airport, and drive from there.
 By Train:
It is possible to arrive at the Grand Canyon's South Rim by train! The Grand Canyon Railway provides train service between Williams, AZ, and Grand Canyon, AZ.
 By Car:
- Phoenix -> Grand Canyon South Rim
- Grand Canyon South Rim -> Phoenix
- Las Vegas -> Grand Canyon North Rim
- Grand Canyon South Rim -> Grand Canyon North Rim.
Grand Canyon, Arizona Hotels:  A.The Grand Hotel at The Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon: Guests of The Grand Hotel enjoy gateway access to Grand Canyon National Park, the entrance to the park is just one mile away, and a variety of recreational activities. The lodge, built in 1998, features classic architecture and decor with rustic timber, western ironwork, and immense log beams. A central lobby with a towering stone fireplace invites good books, lively games of checkers, and inquisitive conversations with travelers from around the world. The nearby grand piano inspires guests to play their favorite tunes and sing along. You might even enjoy a spontaneous guitar and fiddle jam session going on in the lobby. The Canyon Star Restaurant and Saloon is on-site and features Western-style decor with nightly entertainment including Native American Dancers and live music. The Canyon Star serves a wide variety of foods ranging from hearty steaks to southwestern specialties. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There is a an indoor pool with an adjacent spa and small fitness center, and a gift shop specializing in Native American art and jewelry.
B.The Red Feather Lodge: A Grand Canyon tradition since the 1960’s, the Red Feather Lodge is an excellent choice for your Grand Canyon lodging. Located in Tusayan, just minutes from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, the Red Feather Lodge offers original and recently refurbished motor-lodge and hotel accommodations at reasonable prices. Stay in a comfortable room with cable TV and complimentary in-room wireless internet. Non-smoking and smoking rooms are available, and if you’re traveling with a pet, take note: the Red Feather lodge is the only pet-friendly Grand Canyon hotel.
C.Quality Inn Mountain Ranch & Resort: Adjacent To The Kaibab National Forest, The Quality Inn Mountain Ranch & Resort Is 24 Miles From Northern Arizona University While Pulliam Field Airport Is 20 Miles Away. This Family-owned, Seasonal Resort Is Only Open From April Through October. Tennis Players Have Use Of Two On-site Courts And Guests Can Swim In The Outdoor Pool, Traverse Mountainous Landscape By Horseback Or Engage In Fun-filled Hayrides Offered To Groups Of 10 Or More People. Results Tan And Fitness Center Features Workout Equipment And Tanning Spray Mist. Guests Stay In Touch Via Internet Access That Is Available In Public Areas For A Fee.
D.El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon: A registered National Historic Landmark, El Tovar was built in 1905 of Oregon pine logs and native stone. The hotel's proximity to all of the canyon's facilities, its European hunting-lodge atmosphere, and its renowned dining room make it the best place to stay on the South Rim. It's usually booked well in advance (up to 13 months ahead), though it's easier to get a room during winter months. Three suites and several rooms have canyon views (these are booked early), but you can enjoy the view anytime from the cocktail-lounge back porch.
E.Best Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn: Moments away from the South Rim entrance to Grand Canyon National Park, the property offers all the amenities you expect and deserve from a fine hotel. Pamper yourself with deluxe accommodations and a romantic basket including your choice of champagne, wine or sparking cider with sumptuous hand dipped, chocolate covered strawberries for two waiting for you upon your arrival. Enhanced room amenities will complete your romantic retreat. If you are interested in a further upgrade to deluxe or suite accommodations simply note your request or call directly for specific additional charges.
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