The Grand Canyon

In Arizona, the mighty Colorado river pumps like an artery through the heart of the Grand Canyon. With 161 rapids, those who have run the river say it’s the trip of a lifetime; it’s no wonder the waiting list for independent whitewater trips extends for years. If you have the time and money, best to hire a private guide service (www.oars.com/grandcanyon). But you don’t have to take out a life-insurance policy to check out the sublime canyon views. Just head for the deck of El Tovar Hotel on the South Rim, located within the Grand Canyon National Park (www.nps.gov/grca). Founded in 1909, the park is great for camping and hiking,offering a geological wonderland to explore. On the neighbouring Hualapai Indian Reservation,the Grand Canyon Skywalk (www.grandcanyonskywalk.com), a $31 million, glass-bottomed bridge that extends over the canyon, opened in 2007.