It's not just a family destination anymore.

You may have driven out to the Grand Canyon as a kid. Maybe you've even taken your family there for a vacation? But have you ever considered the Grand Canyon as a destination for a girlfriend getaway?

Everything looks different when you see it with your friends. You'll be going there for the view, the relaxation and the adventure, which may include a trip deep into the canyon on a pack horse. You won’t be looking for “family” restaurants. You have to worry about a little one stepping too close to the rim. You'll be there to enjoy yourself and the incredibly mesmerizing wonder of this natural beauty.

How to Get There. Where to Stay

Fly into Phoenix or Las Vegas to start the easy four-hour drive up to the Canyon. Both cities offer plenty of fun options before or after your trek into the Canyon. I'd recommend staying at El Tovar, an historic and beautifully rustic inn overlooking the South Rim. However, the Park Service also offers seven lodging choices inside the park run by Xanterra Resorts. Visit grandcanyonlodges.com to see the choices available.

Enjoying the View.

The South Rim offers many options for enjoying the view. Blacktop trails make hiking along the rim easy. Some trails are ADA accessible. You can get as close to the edge as you choose. If your group is a bit more adventurous, hike the trails below the rim. Please note that anyone hiking below the rim must register their itinerary at the park office. Not so much into hiking? Then consider a motorcoach tour or even the Grand Canyon Railway tour.

Down to the Canyon Floor.

If you really want the ultimate Grand Canyon experience, hike (or travel by pack horse) down to the canyon floor. There you can stay at Phantom Ranch along Bright Angel Creek, 5,000 feet below the rim. All accommodations and meals there are also provided by Xanterra. Hiking would take a couple of days, so you'd have to be prepared for backcountry camping along the way.

You'll find a wealth of information about the park, its services, accommodations and sights to see on the Xanterra website. We found the park itself to be very well organized, providing visitors great information and services.

On the Way Home.

After taking in the adventure and awe of the Grand Canyon, you can stop for a night or two in the high desert area of Sedona. Its red rock formations are the basis for the mystical aura of the area. The sacred nature of Sedona has drawn artists, musicians and writers, making it a major arts center. It is also a center for the healing arts and local practitioners, which include psychics, native healers, intuitives, channelers and wellness therapists. Stay in Sedona to experience inspiration, spiritual renewal and a therapeutic cleansing of mind and body - give yourself time to reflect on the awesome natural beauty you've witnessed before heading back to civilization. Go to visitsedona.com to find out more.