We are pleased to present a new Solo Travel Destination Post from Thomas, a member of the Solo Travel Society on Facebook. Thomas lives in the United States, and submitted the following report about the Grand Canyon. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!
Solo travel rating: 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Languages spoken: English
Ever a hermit in need of some rest.
Reasons to go to the Grand Canyon
I visited the Grand Canyon as the very first stop in a 9-month solo expedition around North America. It was the perfect place to break in my road trip while basking in nature's beauty. Grand Canyon National Park presents the perfect solo excursion for people of all ages and capabilities.
As a 27-year-old with a proclivity for running, hiking, and camping, I embraced the notion of trekking all the way down the Grand Canyon and spending a night at Bright Angel Creek Campground. For just an additional $15 backpacking permit, I experienced the Grand Canyon in ways less than 1% of park visitors do. The campground is first-come, first-serve and centered around a refreshing creek. The neighboring Phantom Ranch is stocked with cabins and a small cafe if you prefer camping with more amenities.
For solo travelers with less stamina than a 16-mile round-trip hike requires, the Grand Canyon also allows plentiful opportunities for explorations along the South Rim. A free transit system is included with park admission, and buses transport visitors to over a dozen diverse vantage points. If you long for the experience of a Grand Canyon hike without going down, the rim trail provides miles of flat terrain with never a bad view and always an accessible trot back to a transit stop.
Whatever your status, the Grand Canyon has something for everyone: the hikers, the campers, the photographers, the writers, and the solo travelers.
Magic around every bend.
A more fitting sign has never existed.
Hike down long enough and you'll find the Colorado River exists!
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 2 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 1 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 1 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)
