Yes, you will find an occasional snake in the Grand Canyon along with an occasional scorpion, but they are nothing to worry about. Most of the day you are on the river with side hikes when you stop on the shore. Of more concern are the Red Ants. They are like bees in that they will not harm you unless threatened, but if you do find one under foot, they do incur quite a bite. The good thing about the ants is that they sleep at night, so when you are on shore to sleep (usually just on the ground in a sleeping bag although they will provide a tent if you ask), you will not see any of them or have to worry about them. It's all part of nature which makes the trip even more worthwhile. I don't suggest a tent, as one night there was a full moon and I stayed up all night. As the moon moved from one side of the canyon to the other, the canyon walls continually changed character. It was an experience I had no intention of missing by sleeping and it was incredible. The stars are also amazing since there is no other light to destroy the view. Luckily, my Principal was a science teacher who majored in Astronomy so we learned many things about the heavens during the trip.
And while it isn't Vegas related, If you haven't been to Yellowstone, take about a week to 10 days to explore this natural wonder. The year after we did the Colorado trip, I came to Vegas with the same group of teachers. We spent a day here and then rented a mini van and drove up to Glacier National Park then wound our way back through Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Bryce and Zion National Park camping out each night. We were on the road for two weeks. Since then I've returned to Yellowstone twice with my wife. Once we rented an RV and the next time we stayed at a lodge in West Yellowstone. Seeing these natural wonders just humbles you and while you probably wouldn't miss it if it wasn't done in a lifetime, once you experience it, your life does become more fulfilled.
Larry from Las Vegas, NV
