This Arizona Attraction Was Just Named The Best Travel Spot In The U.S. ...And Here’s Why
By Monica Spencer|Published July 14, 2016
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Monica Spencer
Author
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
Have you heard? There’s a little spot right here in Arizona that was recently named the best place to vacation in the country by U.S. News. It beat out more exotic locales like Maui and culture destinations like New York City. That place is none other than our beloved Grand Canyon. It came in at the top of the publisher’s lists for “Best Adventure Vacation in the USA,” “Best Spring Vacations,” “Best Family Vacations,” and, of course, “Best Place to Visit in the USA.”
For anyone who’s visited the national park, this is nothing new. But for those who have yet to visit: what are you waiting for? Here’s a few of our favorite reasons the Grand Canyon will always be the best destination in our hearts.
1. At the top of the list: the Grand Canyon is naturally beautiful and striking no matter the time of day. No need for Photoshop here.
2. The history here—cultural, geological, architectural—runs deep. The popular story is that the Grand Canyon is 6 million years young but some scientists believe it may have even been carved as early as 70 million years ago. There are also more than 4,800 archaeological sites within and near the canyon.
3. It's a family-friendly place! While you may not want to sit near the ledge with your kids, they can still participate in short hikes, mule rides, and camping.
8. The hiking options here? Seemingly endless! There are dozens of trails in the national park, most of which are unmaintained primitive trails, and visitors tend to frequent a small fraction of the available trails.
9. If heart-racing adventure is what you’re seeking, you can also try out whiteriver rafting after treking down to the canyon’s floor. Talk about a once in a lifetime experience!
10. You can definitely find seclusion here. Despite the crowds the park tends to get during the day on the South Rim (especially in summer), there are still areas where you can sit in solitude. Just you, the river, and the canyon.
