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Facts & Tidbits

Grand Canyon
Facts & Tidbits
Within the Grand Canyon, the type and abundance of organisms is directly related to the presence or absence of water. The Colorado River and its tributaries, as well as springs, seeps, stock tanks and ephemeral pools provide oases to flora and fauna in this semi-arid southwest desert area.

Grand Canyon
Facts & Tidbits
Within the Grand Canyon, the rugged, V-shaped Inner Gorge rises darkly from the Colorado River. The broad shelf above it is the Tonto Platform, which spreads like a green blanket across both sides of the canyon. the Inner Gorge achieves a depth of over 1200 feet (366m)

Grand Canyon
Facts & Tidbits
Each year, thousands of hikers enter the Grand Canyon on the Bright Angel Trail. They follow a route established by prehistoric people for two key reasons: water and access. Water emerges from springs at Indian Garden, and a fault creates a break in the cliffs, providing access to the springs.

Grand Canyon
Facts & Tidbits
The Desert View Park Information Center, located at Desert View Point near Grand Canyon National Park's east entrance, offers a Passport Stamp cancellation station, an excellent selection of books, publications and park information. Open daily

Grand Canyon
Facts & Tidbits
Grand Canyon's Visitor Center and bookstore at Canyon View Information Plaza is reachable only by free shuttle bus, a one-mile (1.6-km) walk or bicycle ride from Market Plaza on the Greenway Trail, or a short walk from Mather Point. The Visitor Center is open daily 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Grand Canyon
Facts & Tidbits
In November of 1934, the Grand Canyon Civilian Conservation Corps began working on a trans-canyon telephone line. Starting at Indian Garden, they progressed downward to the Colorado River. It was necessary to complete this portion of the line first before the onset of extreme summer heat.

Grand Canyon
Facts & Tidbits
Building a structure that provides the widest possible view of the Grand Canyon yet harmonizes with its setting was architect Mary Colter's goal when the Santa Fe Railroad hired her in 1930 to design a gift shop and rest area at Desert View Point. The Watchtower opened in May of 1933.

Grand Canyon
Facts & Tidbits
John Hance, early Grand Canyon guide and storyteller, said of the Canyon, "It was hard work, took a long time, but I dug it myself, with a pick and a shovel. If you want to know what I done with the dirt, just look south through a clearin' in the trees at what they call the San Francisco Peaks."

Grand Canyon
Facts & Tidbits
The elk found within Grand Canyon National Park weigh as much as 1,000 pounds (450 kg), and have been known to injure people who approach them. Never approach wild animals. It is dangerous, and illegal, to feed the wild animals in a national park. Violators will be fined.

Grand Canyon
Facts & Tidbits
The more recent Kaibab limestone caprock, on the rims of the Grand Canyon, formed 270 million years ago. In contrast, the oldest rocks within the Inner Gorge at the bottom of Grand Canyon date to 1.84 billion years ago. Geologists currently set the age of Earth at 4.5 billion years.

Grand Canyon
Facts & Tidbits
The Cambrian seas of the Grand Canyon were home to several kinds of trilobite, whose closest living relative is the modern horsehoe crab. They left their fossil record in the mud of the Bright Angel Shale over 500 million years ago.

Grand Canyon
Facts & Tidbits
Grand Canyon's Yavapai Observation Station (1928) located one mile (1.6 km) east of Market Plaza, features exceptional canyon views. New geology exhibits allow park visitors to see and understand the complicated geologic story in ways that all can understand. Exhibits and bookstore open daily.

Grand Canyon
Facts & Tidbits
For more than 30 years Grand Canyon National Park has provided a free shuttle bus system on the South Rim. Visitors and residents have made 75,000,000 boardings. Riding the shuttles makes your stay more enjoyable, while reducing pollution and decreasing traffic congestion.

Grand Canyon
Facts & Tidbits
Pres. Teddy Roosevelt said of the Grand Canyon, "Leave it as it is. The ages have been at work on it, and man can only mar it. What you can do is to keep it for your children, your children's children, and for all who come after you, as one of the great sights which every American should see."

Grand Canyon
Facts & Tidbits
There are approximately 1,737 known species of vascular plants, 167 species of fungi, 64 species of moss and 195 species of lichen found in Grand Canyon National Park. This variety is largely due to the 8,000 foot elevation change from the river up to the highest point on the North Rim.

Grand Canyon
Facts & Tidbits
Kolb Studio was once the home and business of the Kolb brothers, pioneering photographers at Grand Canyon. Today you can visit free art exhibits in the auditorium and shop in the bookstore. The studio is located in the Village Historic District, at the Bright Angel Trailhead. Open daily.

Grand Canyon
Facts & Tidbits
In Grand Canyon, the broad, sandy expanse on the north bank of the Colorado River is Unkar Delta, composed of rock debris carried from the North Rim by Unkar Creek. Prehistoric Pueblo people occupied numerous sites on Unkar Delta and along Unkar Creek for about 350 years (A.D. 850 to A.D. 1200)

Grand Canyon
Facts & Tidbits
There are 3 different river trip opportunities through Grand Canyon National Park, including professionally guided raft trips, available to the public and often reserved a year or two in advance; and self-guided, or "private" river trips, made available to the public through a weighted lottery.

Grand Canyon
Facts & Tidbits
The Grand Canyon is considered one of the natural wonders of the world largely because of its natural features. The exposed geologic strata, layer upon layer, rise over a mile above the river, representing one of the most complete records of geological history that can be seen anywhere in the world.

Grand Canyon
Facts & Tidbits
California condors, being curious, are attracted to human activity. If you see a condor, do not approach it or offer it food. As you enjoy your next Grand Canyon viewpoint, look for these massive scavengers soaring on their nine-foot (3m) wings over the canyon.

Grand Canyon
Facts & Tidbits
Camping on the rim within Grand Canyon National Park is permitted in designated campsites only and violators are subject to citation and/ or fine. There are vehicle accessible campgrounds in Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim, at Desert View and on the North Rim.

"The El Tovar Hotel"

Photos Courtesy of Xanterra Parks & Resorts
And the National Park Service

"See Below for a Full Picture Slideshow of Beautiful Grand Canyon National Park"

"El Tovar Hotel"

Nested on the very edge of the Grand Canyon's South Rim
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona.

The El Tovar Hotel is an architectural wonder that seems to have sprung up out of the very rock it resides on. Opened in 1905, this sprawling multiple-level building follows the natural steps and contours of the canyon's edge.

The historic building is built of native stone, rubble masonry and large Douglas fir timbers with a distinctive roof set on several levels. A proud wooden turret juts up out of the upper-level to immediately catch you eye upon arrival. The visible El Tovar coat of arms when you enter further announces that this is no ordinary historical national park lodge

Once called ( The most expensively constructed and appointed Log House in America.) The First floor exterior is covered with log-slab siding that gives the appearance of a huge cabin, while the multiple balconies, terraces, and porches lend more towards a rustic mountain chalet.

The El Tovar Hotel still holds most of its rustic character and charm. That attracted many "noted" guests over the years to view and explore the vast scenic panorama of one of the greatest natural wonders of the world.

Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William H. Taft, along with Bernard Shaw, Albert Einstein, Author Zane Gray, and Gugliemo Marconi to name but a few.

The elegant dining room ( once a favorite haunt of President Roosevelt during his stay ) offers classical and regional choices.

"Click on any of the Slide Photos below"

For larger images of the many spectacular sights you can enjoy while visiting the historic El Tovar Hotel perched on the very edge of the beautiful Grand Canyon National Park.

Open year round this historic hotel has 78 comfortable guest rooms, or suites with a setting room area.

Rooms are available in Standard, Deluxe, or Suite with double, queen and king size bed variations, all have air conditioning, cable television telephone, and full bath amenities.

A stay in this majestic lodge will leave you with a life time of memories and a yearning to return. The spectacular views and glorious sunrise and sunsets were enough for me.

"Reservations" should be made up to a year in advance for best room selections...for reservations call Xanterra Parks & Resorts #888-297-2757 / or Click Xanterra Parks & Resorts.

Click on photos to view larger images.


El Tovar Hotel	Dining Room	Interior Area

El Tovar Wide View

Please check below for more information that may help you plan your visit to the historic El Tovar on the very rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

Grand Canyon Camping
Grand Canyon Maps & Interactive Trail Guides
Grand Canyon Hiking
Canyon Mule rides, tours
Scenic Bus tours
Scenic Grand Canyon Railway, tours
Wild Colorado river rafting, tours
Ranger led walks and tours
Visit noted scenic Historic sites

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Site Map
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National Park Lodge Reservations
A complete list of National Park Lodge Reservations with phone numbers and booking links for the National Park Lodges listed within the National Park Lodge Guide.com

The Ahwahnee Hotel
The Ahwahnee Hotel is the crown jewel of the National Park System, This National Park Lodge is located in the heart of Americas most Beautiful Valley, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite Valley California.

Bryce Canyon Lodge
The Bryce Canyon Lodge rests on a Beautiful Mesa on the rim of Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah. This National Park Lodge is known for its Unique Geologic Features.

Crater Lake Lodge
The Historic Crater Lake Lodge is pearched on the very edge of Americas most beautiful Volcanic Lake, This National Park Lodge is located in Crater Lake National Park, Oregon.

El Tovar Hotel
The El Tovar Hotel sets on the edge overlooling the Majistic Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. This National Park Lodge was once called the most ecpensive Log House in America.

Furnace Creek Inn.
The Furnace Creek Inn. is the only National Park Lodge that Uniquely sets at the base of the Funeral Mountians surrounded by an Oasis in the heart of Death Valley National Park, California.

Glacier Park Lodge
The Grand Glacier Park Lodge also known as The Big Trees Lodge. This National Park Lodge is located at the eastern boundary of Beautiful Glacier National Park, Montana.

Grand Canyon Lodge
The Historic Grand Canyon Lodge is the only National Park Lodge located on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona.

Lake McDonald Lodge
Lake McDonald Lodge is the best example of an Historic Swis Chalet style National Park Lodge in America. This Historic Lodge overlooks Picturesque Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park, Montana.

Many Glacier Hotel
The Mammoth Many Glacier Hotel is Glacier National Parks largest National Park Lodge, and offers guests the best Alpine Views in North America from the shores of Beautiful Swiftcurrent Lake, Montana.

Old Faithful Inn.
The Old Faithful Inn. is the worlds most Historic National Park Lodge, it overlooks the famous Old Faithful Geyser in Historic Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.

Oregon Caves Chateau
The Oregon Caves Chateau Uniquely spans a Granite Gorge in the Beautiful Siskiyou Mountains of Oregon, This National Park Lodge is located at the entrance to the Oregon Caves National Monument.

Paradise Inn.
Paradise Inn. is located high on the slopes of Mount Rainier, This National Park Lodge is world famous as an Historic Ski Resort and overlooks the Paradise Valley of Mount Rainier, Washington.

Timberline Lodge
The Historic Timberline Lodge crowns the slopes of Majestic My. Hood in Oregon. This National Park Lodge was built as a WPA project back douring Americas Great Deprision, this ski resort is in Oregon

Volcano House
The Volcano House is the only National Park Lodge located on the edge of an active Volcanic Crater in Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii. The Historic Volcano House overlooks Kilauea Crater.

Zion Lodge
The Spectacular Zion Lodge set on the floor of Zion National Park, Utah. shaded by Massive Sandstone Cliffs.

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National Park Lodge Guide, Your guide to Americas Historic National Park Lodges
The National Park Lodge Guide is a personal guide to Americas Historic National Park Lodges with information, maps, guides, photos and links to some of this Nations most enduring National Treasures.