Grand Canyon extreme adrenaline rush

Few places affect visitors the way the Grand Canyon does. This magnificent, natural wonder, situated in northern Arizona, provokes strong reactions in people. Perhaps it’s something to do with the breathtaking scale of the canyon, but just standing on the edge, looking down into it, attempting to take in the sheer scale of it all, can really set the pulse racing.

Being such a heavy hitter on the stage of international tourism, the Grand Canyon attracts many visitors and it may sometimes feel a little crowded. Coach trips and organized tour packages ensure a steady stream of awestruck pilgrims to the most popular hotspots, but anyone with a more independent streak can access the best bits too. Accommodation in the area is plentiful and Grand Canyon Hotels range from five star luxury to more modest hostelries, all offering warm Arizona hospitality.

The Grand Canyon covers a vast area, snaking 277 miles through rock formations over millions of years old. There are three main regions to explore in the wider Grand Canyon zone. The South Rim is where the biggest crowds are found and the views are awesome; definitely worth a visit. For peace and quiet, head for the forested North Rim with its cooler temperatures. Finally, the West Rim, with stunning waterfalls, Native American reservations and campgrounds, attracts nature lovers year round.

Any trip to the Grand Canyon should take in The Grand Canyon Skywalk on the West Rim. This feat of engineering genius enables visitors to step out over the canyon on a glass, horseshoe shaped platform and view the Colorado River below from a unique perspective. Suspended 4,000ft in the air, the counter-intuitive nature of the Skywalk sends adrenaline leaping skywards.

White water rafting is another activity with guaranteed adrenaline junkie appeal. The foaming waters of the majestic Colorado River offer a real challenge to rafting fans. There are trips taking up to a fortnight, which travel along the entire length of the canyon. They give raft lovers a different perspective on the canyon experience. If that sounds like too much time spent being tossed like a cork on the rapids of the mighty Colorado, there are also one and half day excursions widely available. For extreme fun and adrenaline immersion, white water rafting in the Grand Canyon is a must.

Extreme hiking can be enjoyed on routes of varying difficulty, including the Bright Angel Trail, the South Kaibab Trail and the Hermit Trail. Cave lovers will enjoy the tricky hike down the Grandview Trail to Cave of the Domes, the only accessible cave in the area. Rock climbing is also possible, the red limestone formations adding to the challenge with its soft sedimentary make up. Most of the established rock-climbing routes are around Grand Canyon Village; however, less accessible alternatives can be found deeper below the rim for those willing to put in the time.

Helicopter trips hovering over the Grand Canyon expose the beauty of the rock formations and give an idea of the true scale of this natural wonder. The excitement of seeing the canyon from the vantage point of a helicopter is sure to be a highlight of any visit.

For those craving an extreme adrenaline rush, the deep chasms and towering heights of the Grand Canyon really take some beating, it’s the best natural high, ever.