You can experience the magnificence of the Grand Canyon in several exciting ways.
Helicopter flights and white-water rafting are just two examples.
However, not everyone wants those kinds of thrills.
Some people prefer something more relaxing, especially families traveling with youngsters.
I recommend one of the smooth-water, slow-moving float trips down the Colorado River that companies offer between March and November every year.
For one thing, it's much easier to take photos when you're moving slowly.
There's also plenty to see from your vantage point below the rims of the canyon.
Millions of years of river action created colorful striations and caves in the rocky canyon walls.
Plus, your Hualapai river guide will describe the life of his ancestors thousands of years ago.
Keep your eyes open while you're on your Grand Canyon rafting tour.
You could see birds of prey soaring high in the sky above you.
Bighorn sheep are native to the area and they're a common sight in the canyon.
You might also notice hot water flowing out of the hot springs in the cliffs.
You have several choices of tours if you're interested in a float trip down the Colorado.
One option takes you more than ten miles down the river, beginning near Hoover Dam.
If you include a Hoover Dam tour in your package, you'll learn how remarkable this engineering achievement truly is.
You can stop for a picnic lunch on the shores of man-made Lake Mead, or you can have a snack and beverage as you're returning to your hotel.
Children must be at least four years old to come along, but a special children's rate is available.
Group rates, including special rates for corporate outings, are also available.
The Grand Canyon makes the perfect backdrop for an employee party or team-building experience.
If you're a newly-wed bride, you could invite the women in your bridal party to a Colorado River rafting trip to thank them.
Drivers pick up float tour participants at their hotels.
Some people are brought to the launch site by motor coach, while others come by van.
These vans and buses are air conditioned and have comfy seats with plenty of leg room, but the buses also have video screens.
The rafts used for Grand Canyon rafting tours can hold up to 17 people each.
That means you'll be able to make some new friends while you're floating down the river and sharing your experiences with each other.
You can also get to the Canyon by booking a "combination" Grand Canyon tour.
These trips begin with a helicopter flight over Grand Canyon National Park.
Once your chopper lands, you board your raft.
The two types of experiences provide a wonderful contrast - the aerial viewpoint from your helicopter is much different than the view from your raft, thousands of feet below the rim.
Bring the right clothes when you leave for your float tour.
You'll probably get wet while you're rafting - especially if you decide to go for a swim in the Colorado River - so bring a towel and a change of clothing.
And, because you're in the desert, the morning and evening can be chilly but it will be hot during the day.
I suggest you bring sunscreen, a hat and a sweater.