A Quick Orientation of the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon has distinct areas which tourists can use to help orient themselves. The area known as the South Rim is on the southern side of the Colorado River and this is where most of the facilities are located. Shops, restaurants, lookout points, Grand Canyon Village and Desert View Drive can be found in this area. The Grand Canyon Railway, Mather Point and El Tovar Hotel are also part of the South Rim.
The North Rim, on the Kaibab Plateau, is much quieter than the South Rim, but the impressive beauty of the canyon is still easily viewed from here. Although the two rims appear to be close to one another, the drive from the South Rim to the North Rim is 200 miles. Due to its higher location, the snow closes the North Rim during the winter months (late October to mid-May).
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Useful Grand Canyon Links
Guide to Grand Canyon - detailed travel guide to the Grand Canyon, Arizona (AZ), USA