This was part of an amazing road trip around some of the canyons in the USA in March 2014 setting off from San Diego and finishing in Las Vegas.
Sedona via Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon
Today was a much shorter drive, though very different from yesterday as we were driving through the snow that had fallen overnight. After a lovely breakfast and snapping a few shots of Steller Jays and Dark Eyed Juncos who were breakfasting outside on monkey nuts we were on our way to the Grand Canyon. Would it live up to the hype I wondered? Or would the reality fall flat.
(please click on an image to enlarge)
We continued along 89A through Oak Creek Canyon weaving its way up and around the mountains. At the top we pulled into a viewing place to take a few photos of the canyon and the road on which we had just driven. I am so glad that they clear the roads in this part of the world!
By noon we’d arrived at Tusayan the town just before the south entrance to the park and we stopped to visit the IMAX theatre to watch a film about the Canyon which is well worth doing if you haven’t been there before. Though I must be the only person on earth who suffers travel sickness whilst watching these films! I have to close my eyes to stop myself from feeling dizzy.
The Grand Canyon fills me with awe. It is beyond comparison – beyond description, absolutely unparalleled throughout the wide world. Let this great wonder of nature remain as it is now. Do nothing to mar its grandeur, sublimity and loveliness. You cannot improve on it. But what you can do is keep it for your children, your children’s’ children and all who come after you, as the one great sight which every American should see. Don’t let them skin this wonderful country – as they will try to do” ~ Theodore Roosevelt, May 6, 1903
Now we were in the park and following the one-way system to our hotel – El Tovar – where we had booked for the night. It is a National Historic Landmark and is right on the South Rim with views of the canyon from rooms on the northern wing.
The hotel is made from native stone and Oregon pine and the design is based on European hunting lodges and has a world-renowned restaurant along with canyon views.
After settling in to our room, we went to have our first look at the view and then find the shuttle bus which would take us to Hermits Rest which is closed to private vehicles.
There are no words to describe your first view of the grand Canyon. Photographs do not do it justice, you cannot capture the multiple layers and colours and the sheer scale of the size and form. It overwhelms the senses and all you can do is stand and stare. Take time to pause on the rim and take in Earth’s history.
Don’t rush your visit to the Canyon. I know some people do a half day trip from Las Vegas, but it is worth spending at least one night there. During the afternoon we used the shuttle bus along the 7 miles to Hermits Rest and stopped off at different viewpoints along the way. You can of course walk the trail along the rim, but there are unpaved sections and while we were there it was very icy and snow covered so unless you have adequate walking boots I would advise using the bus.
Visit the Kolb Studio, perched on the edge of the rim, the Victorian home of the Kolb Brothers who created a lasting legacy of adventure, exploration, family love, and amazing Grand Canyon photography or hike down Bright Angel Trail, if only to the first tunnel, if you are brave and it is not covered in snow!
And if time allows the genuine artistry of Native American jewellery deserves a look in the better gift shops at the Hopi House or the Watchtower. Check for a genuine silver hallmark and the quality of stones in the lovely silver and turquoise jewellery. Hopi rugs, pottery and Kachina dolls are also good souvenirs. Finally we returned to the Village just before sunset around 6:30 before heading off into the El Tovar restaurant for a well-deserved steak.
This post is a contribution to Fandango’s Flashback Friday. Have you got a post you wrote in the past on this particular day? The world might be glad to see it – either for the first time – or again if they’re long-time loyal readers.
TRAVEL WORDS 
What a fabulous experience, enhanced by great photos.
It was an amazing trip. Wish we’d had longer. I missed those USA trips, was good to get away in February.
This brings back memories, though we were there at a much warmer time of year. The tarmac on the paths melted and clogged up the soles of our hiking boots! I remember spending a long time trying to chip it out that evening. I agree that you can’t describe the Canyon. I don’t think my brain could even understand what it was seeing.
Great experience Jude. It certainly is a jaw dropping and unforgettable sight. We walked down the Bright Angel Trail as far as the lookout above the Colorado river. A never to be forgotten experience. Your photos brought back all the memories.
It must have been amazing to walk into the canyon, sadly far too icy and deep snow when we were there. But we followed the south rim stopping at several lookouts.
It was tougher than I expected, and the tramp/ climb back up was gruelling, but the views and feeling of achievement worth every aching joint.
I can imagine the trail to be tricky. Not something I could do now, I get a bit queasy with heights now.
Glad I did it30 years aga, certainly couldn’t do it now 😖
One of these days I will make it here
You definitely should. And explore the whole Canyons region. There is nothing like it here.
I will work on MrB!
He may feel like us and not want to do long haul flights. Even short haul is no longer attractive.
Yup that’s exactly my challenge. I think I can get him to east coast, then either hops in a plane or a train trip. Always fancied the southern route
East Coast not too long. Unless Florida! Road trips are great, I loved driving in USA and Canada. Trains are slow, but you can get to the Grand Canyon on one.
Trains are slow but so much fun!