Conveniently located in central Arizona, Scottsdale is the perfect hub for exploring all the natural wonders and unique attractions that Arizona has to offer. And perhaps the most popular day trip from Scottsdale is an excursion to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World - the majestic Grand Canyon.

Located on the Colorado Plateau in northern Arizona, the Grand Canyon has long fascinated visitors with its breathtaking scenic vistas. Carved out by the Colorado River over the last 6 to 10 million years, the Grand Canyon is considered one of the finest examples of arid-land erosion in the world. Measuring some 15 miles from rim to rim at its widest point, the Canyon averages 4,000 feet deep for its entire 277 miles. The colorful strata of the canyon walls offer an excellent record of three of the four eras of geological time, tracking the earth's evolution over the last 2 billion years.

Each year, Grand Canyon National Park welcomes more than 4 million visitors to view the vast expanses that have both inspired and humbled painters, poets, photographers and those who simply come to stand on the Canyon's rim and marvel at nature's artistry. The South Rim, which is open 365 days a year (holidays included), is the most popular destination and offers a full-service visitors center, numerous scenic overlooks, the Tusayan Museum, unique gift shops, and lodging options ranging from the luxurious El Tovar hotel to developed campgrounds. The more remote North Rim, open from mid-May to mid-October, also offers numerous scenic viewpoints, as well as accommodations at the Grand Canyon Lodge and the North Rim Campground.

Once you arrive at the Grand Canyon, your options for exploration are as varied as the landscape itself. Designated viewpoints offer an array of locales from which to admire the Canyon's ragged cliffs and rocky depths. For an eagle's view, helicopter and fixed-wing operators offer scenic flights over the canyon. Visitors also can tour the Canyon's rim by bus, hike down its famous trails or put their fate in the hooves of a trusty mule that does the hard work down the precarious slopes the Grand Canyon floor. There's even a train excursion that departs from nearby Williams, AZ. And, for those looking for the ultimate Grand Canyon experience, nothing can top a multi-day rafting excursion down the powerful Colorado River.