#FlyWashington Magazine Spring 2017 | Page 37

Many visitors arrive at Arizona ’ s Grand Canyon as part of a wider tour that takes in several Western national parks . Others tack on a canyon visit to a Las Vegas vacation , via a five-hour drive , or by booking a faster jaunt by air . Escorted tours also depart from Phoenix , about four hours south of the canyon .
Whether you have only a day to catch the highlights or have time to explore its depths , a visit to this World Wonder is guaranteed to be memorable .
Of the almost five million visitors who arrive annually at the canyon ’ s South Rim ( site of most visitor services ), only about 10 percent set foot into the canyon . And a mere one percent make the trek to Phantom Ranch , a mile below the rim on the canyon ’ s floor . ( Note that overnight camping and lodgings at the ranch require reservations , and it ’ s wise to make them well in advance .) You don ’ t have to be an avid hiker to experience the grandeur of this miraculous place .
North Rim Grand Canyon Cape Royal

GETTING THERE

Both Dulles International Airport ( IAD ) and Reagan National Airport ( DCA ) offer nonstop service to Las Vegas ( LAS ) and Phoenix ( PHX ) to get your journey started .
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