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SURROUNDING TOWNS WITH NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY
Grand Canyon National Park is surrounded by Native American reservations and small towns steeped deep in Southwest Indian Culture. While many small roadside shops sell authentic Native American artwork and souvenirs, there are three must-see areas near the Canyon itself. Check out these three destinations located less than a days drive from the South Rim and each featuring their own Native American historical significance.
Havasupai Indian Reservation
Located west of the park's South Rim, the Havasupai Indian Reservation is approximately 185,000-acres large and most commonly known for having the only village below the rim of the Grand Canyon. The reservation is also famous for four spectacular spring-fed waterfalls pouring into deep emerald pools, starkly contrasted against the canyon's red rock. Havasupai, translated, 'people of the blue-green waters' are one of the Grand Canyon's native inhabitants and currently live on the reservation selling traditional art and trinkets to visitors.
To visit the reservation and waterfalls make sure to schedule two days since accessing the waterfalls is available only on foot and they are located 10 miles below the canyon's rim. There are two options for staying over night, the Havasu Lodge in Supai – their primary town – and Havasu campground located a quarter-mile beyond Havasu Falls. Make sure to reserve a spot at either location and plan on packing for cold nights since the temperatures can change drastically during summer months. Also plan on taking a camera – this is one of the most commonly photographed areas in the Grand Canyon, and provides a dramatic clash of colors perfect for a photographer's eye.
Hualapai Indian Reservation
Nearly untouched by innovation until only a few years ago, the Hualapai Indian Reservation, otherwise known as the Grand Canyon West, is a special place to experience the canyon without the crowds of the South Rim or the hard-to-access North Rim.
In 2007, the reservation became popular when the Grand Canyon Skywalk was unveiled, enabling visitors to walk 70 feet out over the canyon nearly 4,000 feet above the Colorado River. If you go, be ready to fork over some serious cash – tickets are $29 and a separate $43 legacy pass must also be purchased – but if that doesn't detour you, the experience can be heart stopping.
The Hualapai are also in the processes of building up the reservation to include an Indian village and luxury resort. If you go, don't expect the same depths that you'll experience at the South or North Rim, but don't let that stop you, it's still a spectacular view.
Sedona
A perfect way to wind down after visiting the Grand Canyon, head approximately 115 miles south to Sedona, Arizona. Nestled in Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona is a new age lover's paradise with art galleries, spas, spiritual retreats and a rich Native American history. If you go, make sure to experience Slide Rock State Park and Red Rock State Park, both spectacular places to hike and experience Arizona's impressive red rock desert. If you're an art lover, make sure to check out Sedona Art Center, where classes are offered in various artistic mediums. Turquoise lovers will also want to check out the Turquoise Tortoise gallery featuring Native American and Southwestern artists.
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