Arizona - The Grand Canyon - © Judith Duk

A mile deep, 277 miles (446km) long and up to 18 miles (29km) wide the breathtaking grandeur of the Grand Canyon is so impressive that pictures or words simply cannot do it justice. One of the great natural wonders of the world, it was formed by the cutting action of the Colorado River over millions of years. Whether by foot or on horseback, from a plane or helicopter, aboard a raft down the mighty Colorado River or by merely gazing in awe from the rim, the canyon’s seemingly infinite depths can be experienced in a variety of ways and is a sight not to be missed, however one chooses to see it.

The Grand Canyon National Park comprises two separate areas: the South Rim and the more remote North Rim. Separated by the 10-mile (16km) width of the canyon, it is a 215-mile (346km) drive from one Visitor Centre to the other. The South Rim is the most accessible and has more facilities, and as a result it attracts the bulk of visitors to its boundaries. The North Rim is higher in elevation, wetter, with thicker surrounding forests, is further to access, and is cut off by snowfall from October to May. Many people however prefer its comparative peacefulness and less-crowded lookouts.

Telephone: Visitor Information Recorded Message (928) 638 7888; Website: www.nps.gov/grca/index.asp

Transport: Shuttle services operate between Phoenix and Flagstaff, and between Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon. Free shuttle buses also operate from Grand Canyon Village to the South Rim. It is a four-hour journey from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon

Opening times: South Rim is open 24 hours daily, all year. The North Rim is open from 10 May to 14 October;

Admission: Entrance to the park is US$20 per vehicle or US$10 for pedestrians and cyclists, valid for seven days on either rim.