Grand Canyon Birdwatching Travel Guide

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Aerial view of sunset over Grand Canyon, Arizona

Grand Canyon, Arizona (John Wang/Photodisc/Getty)

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Grand Canyon Birdwatching Travel Tips

By Kim Lipker

More than 300 species of birds inhabit Grand Canyon National Park. Bald eagles, hawks, falcons, and the spotted owl are some of the many types of birds found in the park.
Near Vermillion Cliffs west from the town of Marble Canyon, you may catch a glimpse of the California condor, an endangered species that was reintroduced to the area in the winter of 1996-1997. Peregrine falcons nest in the canyons along the cliffs as well.
Approximately 250 species of birds can be found in the Colorado River corridor, some are permanent nesting residents while others are temporary residents using this as a stop for migration or winter habitat. Between Lees Ferry and Soap Creek, 19 species of waterfowl have been spotted in the winter at a rate of 130+ ducks per mile.

Wildlife Watching Overview: Grand Canyon National Park

A pair of night-vision glasses would be useful for wildlife watching at Grand Canyon. Because of the hot, dry weather, many animals lay low when the sun is high. Even the lizards and snakes are less active until the temperature along the ground approaches 78 degrees—during summer at least, this too can be nighttime. Although the critters aren't always apparent, the diversity of wildlife makes this a great place for wildlife watching. Because the canyon spans over 6,000 vertical feet of elevation, its species range from 1,000 pound elk on the rims to scorpions on the canyon floor. Although you should never feed or approach any wild animal (including squirrels and ravens), seeing them can be fun. Read More

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3 Questions | 3 Answers

is vegas better to stay &visit the canyon or are their other places in nevada
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Transportation Is there transportation to the S. Rim Grand CAnyon from Las Vegas. We will also b e traveling to Bryce Canyon as well. We are backpacking around the country and dont have a car.
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how far is the grand canyon from los vegas by car
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Grand Canyon Travel: River at Risk

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Hotels

El Tovar

Best Resorts & Lodges

Xanterra South Rim, L.L.C., PO Box 699
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023 Map

Distance: 0.9 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated

Good For Birdwatching

Expert Rated & Recommended

Grand Canyon Lodge

Best Resorts & Lodges

Bright Angel Point
Grand Canyon North Rim, AZ Map

Distance: 10.6 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated

Good For Birdwatching

Expert Rated & Recommended

Bright Angel Lodge

Xanterra South Rim, L.L.C., PO Box 699
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023 Map

Distance: 0.8 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated

Good For Birdwatching

Expert Rated & Recommended

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Attractions

Junior Ranger Program

Good For Birdwatching

Visitor Center: Six miles north of the South Entrance
Grand Canyon, Arizona 86023

Distance: 0.9 mi. (from destination center)

Description: In less than a day kids will learn about nature, help preserve a National Park, and earn their... Read More

Expert Rated & Recommended

Grand Canyon Field Institute

Good For Birdwatching

4 Tonto St.
Grand Canyon, Arizona 86023

Distance: 1.8 mi. (from destination center)

Description: You can always go it alone, but GCFI's knowledgeable instructors leave no fossil unturned, spilling... Read More

Expert Rated & Recommended

Cape Royal Scenic Drive

Good For Birdwatching

Grand Canyon North Rim
Grand Canyon National Park, P.O. Box 129
Grand Canyon, Arizona 86023

Distance: 11.2 mi. (from destination center)

Description: On this drive you'll see some of the North Rim's most spectacular scenery and attain the highest... Read More

Expert Rated & Recommended

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Airports

Major Airports near Grand Canyon

	Distance (mi.)
Las Vegas Mccarran International Airport	170.2 map
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport	181.3 map
Tucson International Airport	280.5 map

Other Smaller Airports near Grand Canyon

	Distance (mi.)
Grand Canyon National Park Airport	7.4 map
Grand Canyon Pulliam Field	68.4 map
Saint George Municipal Airport	108.6 map

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Flight Deals to Grand Canyon

Originating	From
Long Beach (LGB) to Las Vegas (LAS)	$124
San Diego (SAN) to Las Vegas (LAS)	$124
San Francisco (SFO) to Las Vegas (LAS)	$126
Salt Lake City (SLC) to Las Vegas (LAS)	$142
San Jose (SJC) to Las Vegas (LAS)	$146