Visiting the Grand Canyon is a bucket list item for people from all over the world. The sheer size of it will leave you breathless and in complete awe. A great time to support Grand Canyon National Park is during National Park Week, which this year is from April 18 to 26. Because of recent global events, you may not be able to visit the Grand Canyon physically, but don’t worry! There are still plenty of ways you can support this grandiose and historic park.
Grand Canyon National Park
Established in February 1919, Grand Canyon National Park is a captivating place for people of all ages. Whether you’re planning on renting an RV, hiking on foot, or taking advantage of the park’s free shuttles, you’re sure to witness vistas that seem to go on forever. There are also cultural experiences available, with visitor centers and museums in the park that detail the geological history of the canyon and the native people’s history that goes back thousands of years.
Is Grand Canyon National Park open?
Grand Canyon National Park is currently closed until further notice due to the COVID-19 virus. This closure is in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and includes all visitor facilities, trails, and roads, including Highway 64. The park will continue to monitor the situation and adjust park operations based on the guidance given by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as well as state and local officials.
How to virtually explore Grand Canyon National Park
A great way to virtually explore Grand Canyon National Park is by downloading the Grand Canyon Mobile App from the National Park Service. The app is free and has virtual tours, hiking guides, lodging and camping information, and more. You can familiarize yourself with the landscape and trails and even use the app offline when you are finally able to visit the park in person.
Another fun way you can explore Grand Canyon National Park from home is to take a look at the National Park Service Webcams. There are three webcams located at the Yavapai Museum of Geology on the South Rim, at the Kolb Studio on the South Rim, and at the Grand Canyon National Park South Entrance Station. These webcams offer gorgeous views of the canyon.
How to support Grand Canyon National Park during National Park Week
Although you can’t physically visit Grand Canyon National Park during National Park Week, there are virtual ways you can show your support.
The Grand Canyon National Park Facebook Page is a great resource and a way to support the park’s efforts to keep the public informed and educated. On the park’s Facebook page, visitors will find live videos where you can ask park rangers questions and links to virtual field trips inside the canyon. They also have up to date park closure information and beautiful photos of the Grand Canyon taken at all times of the day to keep you inspired.
Additionally, one of the best ways to support National Park Week is to stay active on social media using the hashtags #NationalParkWeek and #FindYourPark or #EncuentraTuParque. All week long, each day will have a special theme and topic where you can share past experiences and memories. On April 16 at 1 PM EST, you can join the National Park Week Twitter Chat and ask questions, share photos, and chat with other park enthusiasts. Don’t forget to use the hashtags!
Conclusion
Although you may not be able to visit Grand Canyon National Park in person right now, there are ways to explore its landscapes from home. Thanks to today’s technology, you can take virtual tours and even chat with park rangers. During this year’s National Park Week, make sure to give a shout out to Grand Canyon National Park and applaud their efforts to keep everyone safe and virtually engaged from home.
Team Outdoorsy is here to help you along your journey. If you have questions or concerns about your upcoming RV rental, give us a call at 1-877-723-7232, send us an email, or start a chat. And for a continuously updated list of frequently asked COVID-19 questions relating to RV travel, visit our FAQ page.
