As one of the top ten natural wonders of the world and second-most visited park in the United States, it was only a matter of time before someone created an app specifically for Grand Canyon National Park. The application, created by mobile application developer Chimani, LLC, was made available on March 15.

The application carries content about the park, divided into 22 sections, including: general information, auto tours, shuttle schedules, favorites, interactive map, ranger events, sunset/sunrise times, hiking trails, and safety. It also includes more than 150 photographs — 50 of which were taken by award-winning author and photographer Wayne Ranney.

Ranney, who is the author of eight books and countless photographs, is a geologist and trail guide who has led expeditions to some of the world's most spectacular landscapes, including the Grand Canyon, the Amazon, the North and South Poles, and Patagonia. One of his most recent books, co-written with Dr. Ron Blakey, won two awards.

"I've been a fan of Ranney's work for several years so I was pleasantly surprised that he lent some of his photographs for the application," said James Hoke, president of Tour Guy, LLC. "Along with the photos, the best feature of the application is the interactive map, which includes icons that link to content for about 250 points of interest."

Hoke said he would encourage iPhone and Android owners to download the application before taking any number of guided tours from Las Vegas. However, the application primarily focuses on the South Rim and North Rim of the Grand Canyon and not the increasingly popular West Rim, which is owned by the Hualapai people. Hoke has previously covered all three rims of the Grand Canyon.

"It makes sense because the application is primarily focused on public lands and not the sovereign Hualapai people, who offer a unique perspective that dates back hundreds and thousands of years," said Hoke. "However, there is no denying that the GPS-enabled map can provide visitors a sense of where they are in relation to the grandeur of the park."

How Apps And Guided Tours Work Together.

Still, he is happy to see that the developers have included seasonal information (e.g., the North Rim's May-October schedule) as opposed to the South and West Rims, which are open year round. It also includes South Rim ranger events, which Hoke said could be used to better maximize time spent in the park.

"Our most popular South Rim Grand Canyon tour from Las Vegas is an incredibly full experience, but there is some free time," said Hoke. "I can see how visitors with this application could time ranger events and scheduled events hosted by experienced tour guides. It also can provide additional information about several stops."

One of the stops includes the Yavapai Point, which is one of the most popular overlooks along the South Rim. Located on the northernmost point of the South Rim, the overlook features views of Bright Angel Canyon, the summit of Isis Temple, the flat-topped Cheops Pyramid, and a glimpse of the Colorado River. The tour from Las Vegas was recently voted "The Best Tour in Las Vegas" because it features more stops than any other operator.

According to Chimani, the Grand Canyon National Park app is the latest in a series of park-related apps that include Acadia National Park, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Cape Cod National Seashore apps. It is 99 cents through April 1 ($4.99 after April 1) and there is a "lite" version available.

Although not related to TourGuy.com, Hoke said he could easily see how such richly detailed apps make park visits even more interesting as his company begins it national expansion. Technology and the natural world can work together, he said.

TourGuy.com is the fastest-growing tour operator in Las Vegas. It was founded last year by James Hoke, who has almost 20 years of experience in hospitality management and eco/adventure tourism. All tours from Las Vegas are approved only after careful inspection that operators meet all TourGuy.com safety and environmental standards.