Note: Post was originally written 6-21-10
Hello from the Grand Canyon National Park! It is absolutely gorgeous here! Though we've been in the park for two days, I'm still in shock that I'm actually here. It's always been a goal of mine to visit the Grand Canyon (even made my "30 Things To Do Before 30" list), and I'm so lucky to be here.
Before I get started talking about our time at the canyon, let me provide the route for Day 6:
Day 6: Flagstaff, AZ to Grand Canyon Village, AZ (Southern rim of the Grand Canyon)
We arrived in the park on Sunday a little after lunchtime and couldn't check into the Maswik Lodge until 4pm. To kill the time, we decided to drive out on the Historic Hermit Road. This route is closed to public vehicles UNLESS you have a handicap accessibility permit, which we had. It was so nice. We were able to drive right up to several viewpoints (Mohave Point, The Abyss, Pima Point and Hermit's Point) along the route. Mom was a good sport. She hates steep cliffs (and heights in general) and was having a hard time enjoying our trip. I took so many pictures that I ran out of space on my camera! Not a surprise at this point, huh? Here are a few I hope you enjoy:
Above Left to Right: (1)Colorado River and associated canyon (AKA the Grand Canyon) (2) The Maswik Lodge (3) Our building - the Cliffrose
Above: Pictures of the Grand Canyon from the Hermits Rest Route
After checking into our hotel room, we decided to grab a bite to eat. Mom and I had discussed trying to get a reservation at El Tovar to celebrate Father's Day, but I had given up hope earlier in the day when I read it was recommended to make reservations a month in advance. To my surprise, Mom called and was able to get us a 6:15pm reservation - perfect for sunset dining!! We had a fabulous dinner with a pretty decent view of the canyon. Beyond doubt, we were lucky to spend our first night in the Grand Canyon in such a great environment.
Above: Pictures of El Tovar and our view at dinner!
We caught a little more of the sunset after finishing dinner. Here are some shots:
Above: Sunset at the Grand Canyon
Our second day (Day 7) in the park was quite busy. Mom decided she didn't want to see anymore of the canyon so Dad and I spent the day exploring the park and documenting our adventure together. During the morning, we drove out on Desert View Drive. We stopped at select locations along the route (Grandview Point, Moran Point, Lipan Point) to see the canyon. We also stopped at the Tusayan Ruins. This stop housed a small museum about the Native inhabitants of the area and a nicely exposed Pueblo ruin. After visiting the ruins, we continued to our intended destination - Desert View. There, I marched out to Desert View alone (Dad's knees were killing him) and climbed the Historic Desert View Watchtower. The view from the tower was quite nice but not worth the effort in my opinion:
Above: Pueblo Ruins at Tusayan Point
Below: Desert View and the Historic Desert View Watchtower
Around lunchtime, Dad and I decided to meet Mom at the Maswik Lodge lounge for a meal and a break during the heat of the day. He and I both have a minor cold and needed some rest, but we were determined to see the sunset later in the day. Our plan of attack was to head out to Yavapai Point to visit the Yavapai Geological Museum. We'd catch some of the sunset there and then drive on to Grandview Point catch the rest.
Above: Pedestrian bridge across the Colorado River visible from Yavapai Point
Below: Waiting on the sunset and some amazing pictures from our afternoon trip along the Southern Rim!
As before, the sunset was absolutely breathtaking. I took tons of pictures, and of course, I'll share a few!
Above: Sun setting on the Grand Canyon on our second day
The Grand Canyon really is a majestic place. Words cannot describe the beauty. I'm glad I finally made it out here to take it all in! If you haven't been to the Grand Canyon, please make time to visit. It is so spectacular. We are lucky to have such an awe inspiring natural wonder to enjoy! Make a point to SEE IT! OK?!?!!
Above: Enjoying the Grand Canyon! Note: My mom deserves props for getting that close to the canyon edge!
We'll be leaving the Grand Canyon tomorrow to head to the Hoover Dam and Las Vegas! But not before trying to catch the sunrise on the canyon at 5:15 am in the morning. For that reason, I'm signing off. I need my rest!
More pictures to come...
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