The immense scale of the Grand Canyon makes it a very popular vacation spot.
At a mile deep and more than 18 miles wide, the term "grand" may seem an understatement when describing the Grand Canyon. An icon of the Southwest, the Grand Canyon offers a great selection of vacations for families. Active families can opt for rafting down one of the rivers, riding horses or staying in a tipi or pine cabin on a Western cattle ranch. More relaxing vacations include staying in an old-fashioned cabin or an artist-inspired vacation on a dairy farm.
Ranch Vacation
For families looking for an activity filled vacation with a historic theme, the Grand Canyon Ranch is a working 165-acre cattle ranch. This is an affordable family vacation choice, with a wide variety of options. Families can choose to arrive by a 45-minute helicopter flight, drive in in their own vehicle or book a self-drive getaway.
Families can stay in a cabin, a traditional North American Indian tipi and/or go on an overnight camp out. Activities include horseback riding, Western cowboy entertainment, sight seeing--including helicopter tours, a buffalo safari, wagon rides and visiting a natural springs--and Western meals lit by a fire and candles. As of August, 2010 prices started at $99 per person per night, including all meals. Kids stay free.
Grand Canyon Ranch
3750 E. Diamond Bar Ranch Rd.
Meadview, Arizona 86444
800-359-8727
grandcanyonranch.com
Family Cabin Rental
A relaxed, private and affordable Grand Canyon family vacation package is to rent a cabin. Jacob Blake Inn offers a family cabin with an average rate of $134 per night as of August, 2010. As the cabin does not have telephone, internet access or a television, this is an excellent option for families looking to escape from the distractions of everyday city life. There is a landscaped area around the cabins with a stone waterfall and a natural-themed garden.
The two-room cabins have their own shower, heater and deck. One of the rooms--especially ideal for two teenagers or four smaller children--has two queen beds. The other room has one double bed.
A bakery and restaurant are part of the inn--letting parents enjoy a quiet family vacation that includes waking up to fresh bread and pastries. The inn is located near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and is close to many other activities and attractions.
Jacob Blake Inn
HWY 89A & AZ-67
Jacob Lake, AZ 86022
928-643-7232
jacoblake.com
Western Rafting Vacation with Horseback Riding
The four-day Grand Canyon trip offered by Western Rafting is a great choice for families looking for an adventure vacation. It starts with a motorcoach shuttle from Las Vegas and is activity packed from the first day, including horseback riding. First-night accommodation choices are: a covered wagon, camping on the deck or in a bed in the lodge.
On day two, the three days of rafting kick off with a helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon. The rafts are specialized, "J-rig" motor-powered inflatables, developed by the company's founder, and are exclusive to Western Rafting. The J-rigs provide rafters with more comfortable padded seating and a more adventurous ride.
All camping equipment and return transportation to Las Vegas is provided. Meals are cooked by the trip guides and can include freshly caught fish.
As of August, 2010 the minimum age was nine, and trip prices were $1,500 per person. Additional fees include $15 for medical evacuation insurance, $12 national park entrance fee for participants aged 16 and over, and a 1 percent processing fee.
Western River Expeditions
7258 Racquet Club Drive
Salt Lake City, Utah 84121
800-453-7450
westernriver.com
Western Art, Three National Parks and a Dairy Farm
Stunning scenery like this was artist Maynard Dixon's inspiration.
Arrowhead Country Inn & Cabins provides a relaxing family vacation ideal for artists and history buffs of all ages. Located between three national parks: Grand Canyon North Rim, Zion and Bryce Canyon, and across the street from artist Maynard Dixon's studio, there is plenty of inspiration for creating art in any medium. (Dixon was a Western artist in the early 1900s. He is known for his paintings of Western peoples and remote desert landscapes.
The property has orchards, farm animals, a lily-pad pond, gardens and breathtaking sightseeing nearby. A vacation at Arrowhead Country Inn & Cabins includes tours of both Dixon's historic studio and Bingham Gallery. Fresh dairy farm breakfasts begin each day.
For the less active vacationer, there is a large movie library, DVD/VCR in every room and Direct TV in the cabins. If one or more family members prefers being active there are hiking, horseback riding and ATV rentals not far away.
Prices as of August 2010, start at $79 per night per person for a room in the inn, and $129 for a cabin.
Arrowhead Country Inn & Cabins
2155 S. State St.
Mt. Carmel, UT 84755
888-821-1670
Tags: Grand Canyon, August 2010, family vacation, Arrowhead Country, Arrowhead Country Cabins
