11 Tips for Celebrating Grand Canyon National Park’s 100th Birthday
On Feb. 26 in 1919, exactly 100 years ago today, the Grand Canyon was officially designated a national park. The sprawling 277-mile-long canyon is the centerpiece of a breathtaking landscape that has enchanted travelers for much longer than it’s been an officially protected area. In honor of the park’s centennial birthday, we’re highlighting 11 important tips and tricks for having an unforgettable trip to the phenomenal landmark.
Pick the Right Rim
If you want to avoid the crowds, head to the North Rim, which is typically less congested than the easier-to-reach, more developed South Rim. Just be aware that the North Rim closes in the winter (from Dec. 1 to May 15). Visit during peak season, however, and you’ll be rewarded with a far quieter, more private experience. Travelers with their hearts set on the South Rim should plan to get up very early in the morning during the summer, or visit during the off-season (weather permitting).
Take the Mule Ride
TPG’s director of family content, Summer Hull, took the mule ride on the North Rim when she was 12 years old — and can still remember it vividly today. “Mule rides are available for kids as young as 7 to 10, depending on the tour,” Hull said. “But book in advance, as there are very limited slots each day. It is an unforgettable and timeless way to see the Grand Canyon.”
Plan a Side Trip to Havasupai
Havasupai Indian Reservation is just beyond the boundary of Grand Canyon National Park, but is a bit far from the main tourist areas and is accessible only by a strenuous day-long hike. But according to associate editor Brendan Dorsey, you shouldn’t be deterred from visiting what he considers to be, “one of the most beautiful places in the world.” Think: unbelievable turquoise blue falls against a desert red backdrop. Unfortunately, you may have to wait at least another year before visiting. “This spot is so popular that you'll have to reserve your camping spot the day reservations open, which is usually on Feb. 1,” Dorsey said. That means reservations for the entire 2019 season are likely sold out.
Go for a Scenic Ride
“We really enjoyed the Grand Canyon Railway experience,” said Buddy Smith (aka Grandpa Points). “While it is a for-profit, tourist business venture, we think that the public profits because of the outstanding way the operation is run. The multi-hour trip each way was fun, relaxing, nostalgic and interesting. The cars are historically restored, the employees are informed [and] personable … and the train magically transports you back in time 125 years. We recommended this trip to our closest friends and they loved it. And, we recommend it to you.”
Stay in Sedona
“The area immediately surrounding the Grand Canyon isn’t exactly a hotbed of great points hotels,” said reviews editor Nick Ellis. “But if you’re willing to stay a little farther south, in Sedona, your options improve considerably. IHG has the Kimpton Amara Resort and Spa, while Hilton aficionados can rest their heads at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock.” And later this year, L’Auberge de Sedona will become an option for Hyatt loyalists.
Consider a Southwest Flight
Southwest's forgiving no change fee policy allows you to rebook an award flight, and get a partial refund of points if the price drops after booking, making it one of the best options for travelers planning to fly into Sky Harbor International in Phoenix (PHX) or McCarran International in Las Vegas (LAS).
Or Fly Into Flagstaff
Only one commercial airline serves Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG), which is just a 90-minute drive to Grand Canyon Village (versus more than four hours from Las Vegas or just shy of four from Phoenix). And that’s American Airlines. Right now, Flagstaff happens to be on American's Reduced Mileage Award list through March for eligible Citi AAdvantage credit card holders. Last-minute Grand Canyon trip, anyone?
Splurge on the Park Pass
Driving your family to the Grand Canyon? Expect to spend $35 for entry. Even if you’re entering on the Grand Canyon Railway, by a park shuttle bus, on a bicycle or by foot, you’ll have to spend $20 per person. Consider instead the $80 America the Beautiful annual national park pass, which lets you (and everyone in your vehicle) visit more than 2,000 national parks, forests, monuments and more as many times as you’d like in a year.
Get an Adrenaline Rush
OK, so it’s not technically part of Grand Canyon National Park. But last year, the West Rim unveiled the zip line at Grand Canyon West, which features two quad-style zip lines totaling 3,200 feet in length. Enjoy the views while zipping along 1,000 feet above the Grand Canyon. This is also where you’ll find the cantilevered Skywalk, which stretches 70 feet beyond the rim of the Canyon.
Book the Right Seat
You don’t have to plan a trip to Grand Canyon National Park to enjoy the stunning natural wonder. Book a window seat on the left while flying from Phoenix to Salt Lake City, for example, and you’ll enjoy aerial views of one of the nation’s most iconic landmarks. According to editor Jane Frye, coast-to-coast flights to Los Angeles and Las Vegas will also give you a great view of the canyon — so long as you reserve a seat on the right. Of course, if either Las Vegas or Phoenix are on your itinerary, we hope you’ll make time to visit the monument in person, too.
Check the Events Calendar
Events celebrating the Grand Canyon National Park's 100th birthday will continue all throughout 2019. On March 1, for example, Ed Kabotie — a musician and artist from the Hopi and Tewa tribes — will spend an evening sharing the history of the people of the Grand Canyon at the visitor center. And from June 22 to 29, the park will host a free Centennial Summerfest with cultural demonstrations, stargazing parties and more.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.