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By Diane McCalley

Every American (okay, every human for that matter) owes it to him/herself to head to Arizona and visit the Grand Canyon at least once in their lifetimes. It’s truly amazing to see how a little trickle of water eventually turned into the Colorado River, which eventually carved out the Grand Canyon.

You can approach your trip to the Grand Canyon in a couple different ways. One way is to stay within the park at one of the lodges on the South Rim and take time to experience all the different things the park has to offer. The other way is to stay in one of the surrounding Arizona towns and take a day trip to the Grand Canyon for a “hit and run” view of the Canyon. Both have their plusses.

The part of the Grand Canyon The South Rim is the part of the Grand Canyon most people are familiar with. It sits on the Arizona side and can be accessed all year round. The North Rim is closed from mid-October to mid-May, and is not as visited as the South Rim.

The benefit of staying within the park is the ability to take your time to view the magnificent Canyon from different viewing points, which you can access by walking the rim trail or taking a shuttle from point to point. For those of you staying for several days, a trip to the Northern Rim of the Grand Canyon would be a lovely addition, though the drive is about 4 - 5 hours long. For those not wanting to drive, there is a shuttle which provides rim to rim service from mid-May to Mid-October.

For those staying on the South Rim, there are numerous trails down the canyon, as well as a trail along the top of the Canyon called the “Rim Trail.” If you’re staying in one of the lodges and are planning a day hike into the inner Canyon, just be aware that you probably cannot make it down and back in one day. As a matter of fact, each year around 250 people are rescued from the inner Canyon, the majority of whom are able-bodied young men between the ages of 18 to 40 who attempted to hike down and back in one ay. Don’t be one of them. A good day hike would be a couple hours down and then back up. The hike up will take longer than the hike down. Also, be sure to wear good hiking shoes as some trails can be very rocky.

Some people choose to hike down one day and either camp at the bottom or stay in the Phantom Ranch. Be aware, however, that you have to make arrangements well in advance of your trip if you choose to stay at the bottom. Campers require a backcountry permit, and Phantom Ranch is usually booked months ahead. Permits are sometimes available on that day, but why risk it? For reservations at the Phantom Ranch, you can call 888-297-2757.

Some people prefer to stay outside the park and visit the Canyon for a few hours and move on. There are numerous areas in Northern Arizona where one can stay and take a side trip to the Grand Canyon, such as Sedona and Flagstaff. While such locations are still lengthy drives (an hour from Flagstaff, two from Sedona), it’s still close enough for a day trip. Both Sedona and Flagstaff are lovely places to stay, with Sedona being the most ‘touristy” of the two towns. Flagstaff, to me, is the quirkier of the two, perhaps because it is a “university town,” home to Northern Arizona University.

Sedona and Flagstaff are also visually different. Flagstaff is surrounded by a pine forest, while Sedona is in “red rock” country. Sedona abounds with numerous high-end resorts, galleries and expensive eateries. Flagstaff is cheaper all-around, with inexpensive lodging and restaurants. Both are close enough for a day trip to the Grand Canyon.

Of course, you can always opt for an even quicker bus tour, hopping from one tourist stop to the next. But, why not take a cue from that little trickle of water which started it all? Take your time and enjoy the view.

About the Author: Diane McCalley is an avid traveler and creator of http://www.thetravelerscompanion.com and http://familyvacationgetaway.blogspot.com

Source: www.isnare.com

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By Allison Ryan

The return of Lewis and Clark from their trip to the Pacific strengthened the belief that the country beyond the Missouri was not fit for habitation or use. The following year, 1807, one of the expedition’s former members was busy prospecting for beaver and other fur-bearing creatures. This rugged, hard-headed mountain man, John Colter, worked his way into the high plateau country in what is now northwestern Wyoming.

His eyes could hardly believe what they saw there. But he later carefully described the improbable wonders he had discovered, and people promptly began to call the area “Colter’s Hell.” To men looking for more and better farming country, here was further evidence the “West” was well-nigh worthless.

Some years later, another mountain man made a trip into this almost unbelievable section. He was Jim Bridger, equally hard of head, but he had a clever way with words. The stories told about steam jets, mud volcanoes, boiling water springs, and other seemingly impossible objects quickly whetted people’s curiosity and also secured Jim’s reputation as a teller of tall tales. They did not bother filling out a petition or starting a petition or a citizen petition for an official expedition in the area.

However, it was years later, when the railroad had pushed west and more and more people had had a look at this wonderland, that there came the feeling it should be kept unspoiled for all time. So it was that in 1872 it was set apart as our first national park, and its more than 2,000,000 acres make it still our largest. It is roughly a rectangle, about 62 miles from north to south, and averaging 54 miles wide. More than 90% of its area lies in Wyoming, while a very small part is in Montana, and a trace in Idaho.

The central portion of the park is a high plateau, averaging about 8,000 feet. Except to the southwest, this rolling tableland is surrounded by great, snowcapped mountains, which rise an added 2,000 to 4,000 feet. Both flatlands and peaks are volcanic in origin, and the region is now in the final, non-violent stages of volcanic action.

Consequently the chief scenic features of the park are the geysers and the many other thermal, (or hot water) wonders. Many a petition format and petition example is based off of making a petition in favor of preserving similarly exquisite natural wonders.

There are seven principal geyser basins-Norris, Lower, Midway, Upper, West Thumb, Heart Lake, and Shoshone, which lie principally in the west and south-central parts of the park. The many, many geysers in these various sections are quite different in size, type, character, and action. Some few of them, such as Old Faithful, Riverside, and Daisy erupt their columns of steam and hot water at quite regular intervals.

Others are exceedingly irregular. Some shoot upwards to great heights, while many send out tiny streams, or merely bubble, foam, or snort when erupting, similar to a cause without petition signatures to support it. The walls of the cracks or tubes of the geysers are formed of deposits of silica, which makes them strong enough so they may function properly. That is why the geysers are found principally in areas where this stronger rock is present.

Along with them there are marvelously colored hot springs, mud volcanoes, fumaroles, and other very strange formations. Outstanding are the Mammoth Hot Springs at the extreme north of the park, with others near Norris and West Thumb.

These carry immense quantities of a white mineral in solution, and build up high terraces on which are very beautiful encrusted basins big enough in some instances to cover trees about and over which they have formed. Microscopic plants growing in some of the springs color the basins pink, red, or bluish gray, while the water in certain deeper pools is intensely green.

Allison Ryan is a freelance marketing writer from San Diego, CA. She specializes in leadership, motivation, and how to best gather support and petition signatures when starting a petition. For more information, check out http://www.thepetitionsite.com/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Allison_Ryan
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By Eric Morris

As you consider a Grand Canyon tour, a helicopter tour might be a good option. It’s a wonderful and breathtaking way to view the canyon.

The tours are affordable and exciting. In helicopter tours, the shuttles from your hotels take you to the base from which your helicopter tour starts. You sit in a helicopter facing forward with 180 degrees of open view, the little cabin equipped with air-conditioned comfort. Then, tighten your seat belt and get ready for an experience of a lifetime. The pilots of the helicopter experienced, and the helicopters are well-equipped to make your tour a safe one.

The pilot’s local knowledge about the place and the area you going to cover let him explain what you are seeing so you can take the full pleasure of the beautiful scenery. You can get a bird’s-eye view from the top of mountains, valleys, lakes and meadows. The flight covers Lake Mead, the Black Canyon with exotic views of Hoover Dam, and the Black Mountains, which are volcanic in origin. Flying within the canyon rocks, you will notice the splendid colors of the sandstone layers of the Grand Canyon and the rushing waters of the Colorado River below. You can opt for various features in your helicopter tour, including hotel-to-hotel shuttle services, extended flights, low-height views or an exclusive flight for you and your partner, and other attractive features according to your budget. The entire helicopter tour is an experience of a lifetime, for exploring the depths of the Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon Tours provides detailed information on Grand Canyon Tours, Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours, Grand Canyon Adventure Tours, Grand Canyon Jeep Tours and more. Grand Canyon Tours is affiliated with Albuquerque Journals.

Article Source: Eric_Morris
EzineArticles.com: Grand-Canyon-Helicopter-Tours

By Mike Greaves

Welcome to Los Angeles, California, home of the famous Hollywood Bowl and the Kodak Theatre. You will also find Capitol Records building as well as the famous Hollywood sign. Nestled among all of this culture you will find some of the best luxury hotels that California has to offer.

The Beverly Wilshire Beverly Hills is one of the most popular luxury hotels in Los Angeles. Located in the center of Beverly Hills, just seconds away from the famous Rodeo Dr. Shops, this hotel offers you rooms ranging from a modest 385 sq ft all the way up to 5,000 sq ft depending on your taste and your budget. Within your room you will find a CD and DVD player, refrigerated mini bar, and much more.

This luxury hotel in Los Angeles is the ideal location for tourist attractions. You are within minutes of some of the hottest tourist destinations in the area. You are within walking distance of the infamous Beverly Hills Trolley Tour, where you can enjoy a guided tour that gives you all of the details about the homes of all of the stars.

Ten minutes in a different direction and you will find yourself at the Los Angeles Museum of Art. If you re looking for a little more adventure, a scenic 1 hour drive will take you to Disneyland! Enjoy the magic of this enchanted park which is guaranteed to be the most fun imaginable in one place.

After you’ve spent your day sight seeing, return to the Beverly Wilshire Beverly Hills for the highest level of personal service at their luxury spa. Allow the whirlpool to relax you before a professional masseur rubs away your muscle tension of the day.

The Bel Air Hotel is another great Los Angeles luxury hotel. It is an enchanted getaway tucked away amidst 12 acres of beautifully manicured gardens and Spanish style buildings. There are cobble stone paths through out the property and a romantic stone bridge that goes over a serene swan filled lake.

This luxury hotel in Los Angeles is a favorite with the rich and famous. This may be due in part to the ultra private entrances and level of services available.

The guest rooms there offer you Italian linens and Alicante marble through out so that you can enjoy the best nights sleep possible. Wake up and enjoy breakfast on your private terrace or enjoy breakfast in bed while you watch the latest news on the flat panel television.

You will also have the option of using a laptop computer (available on request) while you’re staying there, with high speed wireless internet property wide. Enjoy your days soaking by the pool at this Los Angeles luxury hotel. There is also pool side concierge service so anything you may have forgotten in your room can be fetched by simply asking.

Choosing a luxury hotel in Los Angeles can prove to be a difficult since there are so many top quality ones available. Most of them offer countless amenities and luxury spas. Take the time to look at several before making your decision so you can ensure that you choose the one that is right for you.

Mike Greaves is a self-made entrepreneur, a well known travel consultant and internet marketer. Over the years he has travelled across the world and has numerous writings credited to his name in many renowned publications. His areas of writing include travel experiences including reviews of Los Angeles Luxury Hotels, Ski Resorts and luxury hotels.

Article Source: Mike Greaves
EzineArticles.com: Los-Angeles-Luxury-Hotels—An-Array-of-Luxury-and-Comfort

By: Terje Brooks Ellingsen

When arriving in one of the most exciting cities on the planet, Las Vegas, Nevada, I could not help but think about how interesting my Company’s meetings would be. I knew it was a time for serious decisions and keeping a focused mind, the meetings were a great success and it was now time to relax and enjoy my environment of bright lights and all night Las Vegas entertainment.

My first encounter in my luxurious hotel’s casino was the sound of a woman behind the roulette wheels screaming for joy after hitting a jackpot of 12,225.00 dollars on a slot machine that took quarters and the crowd that had gathered around her seemed to be just as happy for her as she was for herself. That’s entertainment!

Myself, well, I have always liked blackjack gambling as well as poker, roulette and craps and sought out a black jack table where I could try my hand at it. The Vegas hotels are always full of gamblers. Every gambler around me seemed eager to part with their gambling money and their wagering spirits were high and I fell right in with them and placed my bet. Lost my first two hands but as I visioned, after thirty minutes and two dealers into my evening, I left the table 375.00 dollars ahead. That’s entertainment!

A great accomplishment for an amateur casino gambler such as my myself.

Terje Brooks Ellingsen is a writer and internet publisher. He runs the website http://http://www.1000-online-casino.com. Terje gives advice and helps people with online casino issues, see http://www.1000-online-casino.com/casino_reviews.htm like online poker, see http://www.1000-online-casino.com/poker_game.htm and more.

By: Eric Stephenson 

There are literally hundreds of reasons to go camping in New Jersey, but there is one large, and I mean really large, reason: 

Where else in the country can you drive less then 3 hours and go from the mountains, to the shore, to the marshlands, to 3 different major metropolitan areas to several major lakes and everywhere in between? Camping in New Jersey is literally the best of all worlds. There is just about nothing you cannot do while you camp in New Jersey. You have your choice of over 120 campgrounds and State Park facilities to choose from not to mention thousands of acres of public land to explore. 

Just about every one of the privates campgrounds in the state have craft activities, pools, fishing ponds, sports activities and so many other amenities I can’t even count. Most of them are clean, modern and well suited to just about any type of camping. They are all within a decent driving distance of dozens of cultural, sports, historical, recreational and children related attractions. Having said that let me give you the all time Top 10 Reasons to camp in New Jersey: 

1. Atlantic City and its world-famous beach and boardwalk, luxurious casino, non-stop gaming action, the hottest entertainers, the best in dining, and quality sporting events. 

2. Revel in bay heritage along a scenic waterfront in Somers Point or visit the landmark mansion of original harbormaster Richard Somers, the oldest home in all of Atlantic County, it remains a museum today. Marvel at the world’s only 63-foot pachyderm with a visit to Lucy the Margate Elephant. Or have your children experience their favorite nursery rhythm characters in life size at Storybook Land. 

3. There’s the 760,000-gallon open-ocean tank at the New Jersey Academy for Aquatic Sciences At Adventure Aquarium in Camden, just one of the fascinating exhibits depicting sea life from around the state. Or Trenton, the nations second-largest state capital in continuous use and the site of one of George Washington’s greatest Revolutionary victories. Today, you can visit the spot where he crossed the Delaware and tour the Old Barracks, used by soldiers in the French and Indian War. Or, stroll through the New Jersey State Museum and its impressive art galleries. 

4. The Delaware Region is home to most of New Jersey’s Pine Barrens, a million acres of preserved forests and waterways. It is, in fact, the largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi. 

5. Visit Thomas A. Edison’s home and laboratories, where you will see some of his greatest inventions. Stop by a museum solely dedicated to the history of flight. Known as one of the cultural capitals of the United States, the Gateway Region is the home of people from all over the world, whose cultures mingle to produce a rich fabric of life. Here, you’ll find theater, dance and the best in classical music. Included is New Jersey’s state theater, the Paper Mill Playhouse. 

6. Diversity characterizes the many playtime activities you’ll find in the Gateway Region, plus being just minutes away from New York City. It houses the Meadowland Complex with its colorful tapestry of sports and entertainment. Restaurants of all types for all tastes, extensive shopping centers with the best of everything, and activities for children of all ages round out a vivid, exciting region. This is truly a gateway to many vacation alternatives. That’s why when people experience all the Gateway has to offer they keep coming back again and again. 

7. Mention the Shore Region, and certain images immediately pop into your head: over 60 miles of pristine beaches from Sandy Hook to Holgate; surf fishing off Seaside Park; perhaps some bodysurfing off Bay Head; or maybe a moonlit walk in Surf City. 

8. On the northern fringe of the Gateway National Recreation Area at Sandy Hook stands the nation’s oldest operating beacon, the Sandy Hook Lighthouse. Several miles to the south are the Twin Lights of Navesink, the site of Marconi’s first ship-to-shore broadcast. Further south is Barnegat Light; affectionately know locally as “Old Barney,” built by Civil War hero George Gordon Meade in 1857. And now the newly reconstructed Tuckers Island Lighthouse in the Tuckerton Seaport. 

9. Gentle mountains, Skiing, Rock climbing, and Horseback riding. Can you really do all this stuff in New Jersey? Yes you can - and more can be found less than an hour’s drive from New York City. The opportunities of the Skylands Region have always been one of New Jersey Camping’s best-kept secrets. 

10. If its amusement park that make you happy, check out Mountain Creek in Vernon. Somewhat more genteel diversions can be found during the region’s numerous winery festivals or at the Sussex Farm and Horse Show in August. 

11. Walk along 30 miles of wide sandy beaches, experience the warmth of a Victorian inn, take a stroll through history and enjoy the fresh bounty of the sea at a gourmet restaurant. 

12. All along the ocean, the beachfront towns of the Southern Shore Region offer great fishing, boating, beaches and whale-watching cruises, plus fine restaurants and accommodations - not to mention the wonderful campgrounds in the area, to pitch your tent or set up your RV. Cape May County boasts itself as one of the premium camping areas of the country. It all adds up to marvelous fun. 

Okay, so I lied. 

I couldn’t stop at 10 things, I had to give you 12! 

In this article I just barely scratched the surface of what New Jersey has to offer and it can all be done from the back of your RV or the middle of your tent! 

About The Author

Eric Stephenson is an avid camper and publisher of http://www.NJCampingInfo.com. Get all the information you will ever need about camping in New Jersey as well as information about camping and the latest technologies and products related to camping. This article is copyrighted. It may be reproduced only if the hyperlinks here are left intact.