The Grand Canyon has its dangers, too. Many areas along the rim lack safety barriers. Children especially need to be supervised, and even adults — especially in winter — need to watch their footing. The Hermit Road area runs particularly close to the canyon rim.

The South Rim's high altitude, at 6,860 feet above sea level, also can present breathing problems for visitors not used to it.

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is about 532 driving miles from Salt Lake City. It is open year-round and receives about 4 million visitors a year. Visitation was up almost 4 percent in 2007. Grand Canyon admission is $25 per vehicle.

Lodging: Advance reservations for staying at one of the six lodges inside Grand Canyon Village are strongly advised. Accommodations are also available in nearby Tusayan, in Williams, 59 miles away; or Flagstaff, 79 miles distant.

Sources: Personal visits on Sept. 16 and 20, 2007; park rangers, park brochures. Also, "Along the Rim," by Michael F. Anderson; and "Grand Canyon Place Names," by Gregory McNamee.

For more information: Call 1-928-638-7888 or go to: www.nps.gov/grca.

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