Our Side Trip to the Grand Canyon

A June 2006 trip to Phoenix by dvance73

Gorgeous Rock Oblisk along the way from the canyonMore Photos

On a business trip out to Phoenix, I got the chance to witness one of this country's great national treasures!!

  • 2 reviews
  • 4 photos

Recently, or at least as recently as last year, I had an opportunity to take my mom and dad along with me on a business trip to visit one of the great national wonders of America. I had 10 days to spend in Phoenix for a conference at the local convention center. And bringing my parents along made it a trip worth more than words or pictures.

After getting out and catching a lot of the natural views of the local geographical formations, I find that Arizona is one of the more picture-perfect landscapes this country has to offer. Coming from the South, I was a little biased because I'm used to lush green fields and rows of corn greeting me around every turn, and I was sceptical to think simple dirt and rock would be much of a wonder after living in one of America's heartlands. But through aerial helicopter rides, van tours, and just cruising down the scenic byways, I found myself wishing I had more time. Not only was it great for myself, but it fulfilled a long-time dream of my parents of seeing the Grand Canyon.

Quick Tips:

Okay, you go to Vegas for luxury hotels and the glitz and New York for bright lights and big city, and now you're in Phoenix, the main focus being on natural wonders. The city has plenty of economical, comfortable, and somewhat budget hotels for your stay. Not to dissuade you from going all out, but I'd rather spend my money on activities as long as I have a comfy place to sleep. I stayed at the Holiday Inn, and it met my family's needs.

Okay, there are a few things you just can't miss, one being a heli-tour of the Grand Canyon. We flew on Grand Canyon Helicopters and went on the Majestic Tour. Its the shorter of the two, but we wished to view a lot of the canyon from their many scenic overviews. Another "can't miss" is one of their guided van tours. Leaving from Phoenix, they hit all the hot spots and local attractions on the way, plus we got a lot of information about important formations on the way that we might have otherwise past right by. So, again, activities are well worth the expense, and most are a nominal charge. Whether or not you decide to take flight, the views will be spectacular from any point.

Best Way To Get Around:

Okay, you go to Vegas for luxury hotels and the glitz and New York for bright lights and big city, and now you're in Phoenix, the main focus being on natural wonders. The city has plenty of economical, comfortable, and somewhat budget hotels for your stay. Not to dissuade you from going all out, but I'd rather spend my money on activities as long as I have a comfy place to sleep. I stayed at the Holiday Inn, and it met my family's needs.

Okay, there are a few things you just can't miss, one being a heli-tour of the Grand Canyon. We flew on Grand Canyon Helicopters and went on the Majestic Tour. Its the shorter of the two, but we wished to view a lot of the canyon from their many scenic overviews. Another "can't miss" is one of their guided van tours. Leaving from Phoenix, they hit all the hot spots and local attractions on the way, plus we got a lot of information about important formations on the way that we might have otherwise past right by. So, again, activities are well worth the expense, and most are a nominal charge. Whether or not you decide to take flight, the views will be spectacular from any point.

Open Road ToursBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Beautiful view of the Canyon from a overlook
We took the flight/van tour package, and it was awesome. It was around $200 but well worth it. They include a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon, along with stopping on the way to or from the canyon and showing you many of the natural rock formations. I saw spectacular views from the helicopter, and then I saw the roadside overlooks, which were gorgeous. I'm not a professional photographer, but I was even amazed at some of the photos I took on the trip. The staff members were funny, pleasant, and very knowledgeable about everything we saw on the way. If you visit the Phoenix area, give these guys a try; they know their stuff.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by dvance73 on January 27, 2006

Open Road Tours
522 E. Dunlap Ave. Phoenix 85020
(602) 997-6474

About the Writer

dvance73
dvance73
Salisbury, North Carolina

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