GRAND CANYON

The Grand Canyon can be explored along the rim, by hiking down from the rim to the bottom on several trails ranging from highways (e.g. Bright Angel, South Kaibab, Havasupai) to rough and primitive (e.g. North Bass, Bill Hall), or by going down the river in a raft or kayak.  What is there to say?  This is one of the most awesome spots on the planet.  My own personal preferences are:

Best time on the top:   October or the Winter Months January thru March.  Fewer people, good light and remarkable color contrasts with the deep canyon  if there is snow on the rim.  Cool temperatures too.  A disadvantage is that all North Rim and some South Rim trails become impassable due to snow.

Best S. Rim sunrise:   Yakai Point - many good trees and rock outcrops.  Second choice, Mather Point.

Best S. Rim sunset:    Yavapai Point - Good wall with trees for foregrounds.

Best Rim-to-River Hike:   Havasu Canyon -  OK it's a zoo, with overcrowding and pooped out campground facilities.   But the waterfalls and glassy turquoise streams, flowers, mellow cottonwood groves surrounded by towering walls, etc., etc.,  make this a must.  Second choice:   N. Rim to Thunder River Spring.

Best Experience:  Rafting the river.  A unique and somewhat adventurous perspective.  Take as many days as you can afford (in terms of time and/or $), because the side-canyon hikes are the best part.  Most commercial trips bomb through the canyon with limited time for serious (i.e. all day) hiking.  Such hikes are often better than the white water, I think.  More technically challenging  rafting, though perhaps not the BIG hydraulics, can be had elsewhere.  From the canyoneer's perspective, if at all possible, visit the Deer Creek Slot, Elves Chasm, and Matkatamiba Canyon, and hike as far in as time allows.   I've only been once, but I'm definitely going back for more!