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2023-10-25 
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Imagine the Grand Canyon with no people. Just the psychedelic-colored canyon walls, the wind, and the river silent at the bottom of the gorge. That's how it must have looked to the Native Americans who lived in and around the Grand Canyon 12,000 years ago, and to the Spanish explorers who laid eyes on the rift in the 16th century.
Fast forward to today, when more than six million people a year visit Grand Canyon National Park to experience its visitor centers, mule trips, train tour, helicopter rides, and more. There are so many things to do that it might seem impossible to escape the admiring crowds, but we have a few off-the-beaten-path suggestions.
Can't-miss experiences
Cruising the Colorado River in a dory instead of a rubber raft may seem like a stately way to travel, but in reality it's a much wilder ride, not very different from how John Wesley Powell and his team first navigated through the Grand Canyon bottom in 1869. Dories have evolved in design to be nimble and quick to swing around rocks and over rapids, but the boats tend to go through waves rather than over them like a raft would, making for exciting and wet-adventures. Only a few outfitters are licensed to operate dories on the river. Trips range from five to 18 days, including all meals and riverside camping throughout the trip, and many book a year or more in advance.
Stargazing in Grand Canyon is an exceptional experience. The clarity of the night skies was recognized in summer 2019 when the park was officially designated as an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark- Sky Association. In preparing for the recognition, the Park Service converted thousands of lights across the park to dark-sky compliant options. Not only does this afford guests a better view of the heavens above the cliffs, but it benefits wildlife that can be disrupted by artificial light. Every June, visitors can take advantage of star parties, with telescopes set up for free use, plus astronomer talks and photo workshops.
The Shoshone Point turnout doesn't overlook the canyon—most cars whiz past it on their way to the money shot-but the relatively easy 2.2-mile trail from the parking lot to the edge is one of the least crowded along the popular South Rim. The view from the end is wonderful: well worth the moderate hike.
Hiking below the rim appeals to very few visitors to Grand Canyon National Park-less than 5 percent venture away from the top. But there are several spots that lend themselves to a quick dip down into the canyon to experience looking up at the walls, superb examples of the land's reaction to weather over the millennia. One of them is the South Kaibab Trail. For those who don't want to trek the six-plus miles to the canyon floor, ooa-Aah Point about a third of the way down offers spectacular views.
Toroweap Overlook, the North Rim's most remote viewpoint of the canyon, is not for the faint of heart but it pretty much guarantees a unique experience. At the edge of the overlook is nothing but air; 3,000 feet down runs the largest rapid on the Colorado River. Ancient lava flows and black cinder cones invoke a time when volcanic eruptions sculpted the canyon into what we see now. Just getting to the overlook is a challenge; the road is unpaved and studded with rocks that require a high-clearance vehicle to drive. And if you're looking to stay at Tuweep, the campground at the overlook, you'll need a backcountry permit and plenty of preparation to stay in this area with no services.
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