Jaw-dropping! Awesome! Immense! No words can truly describe the beauty and vastness of this canyon. Did you know it is bigger than Rhode Island! Every viewpoint was just as spectacular as the last.
Lunch Stop on Route 66
On our way to the Canyon, we stopped in Kingman, Arizona. I love the history of Route 66. So whenever our travels take us near some of the remaining historic spots, well, I wanna stop! Unfortunately, being Sunday the visitors center was closed. They had info in the kiosk along with stickers for my latest passport book, Route 66! I was able to snap some fun pics before we had lunch at the famous Mr. D’z, an iconic Route 66 stop since 1929. Wish I could say the food was as cool as the ambiance. Have you ever had to sign a permission slip to have your burger cooked medium well? Craziest thing ever! I do, however, recommend the chocolate milkshakes! 🙂
Dispersed Camping in the Kaibab National Forest
Campendium for the win again! Found 5 star reviews for Forest Road 688 and they were spot on! This easily traveled gravel road had a dozen or more isolated pull through spots surrounded by tall pines. We drove about a mile in before we found an empty spot where we could get ample solar power. Being set up to boondock allows us to stay in some of the most beautiful natural settings ! It is our favorite way to camp! All of the spots on Forest Road 688 were secluded and big rig friendly with fire rings.
Day One in the Canyon
We started our visit with a stop at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center in Tusayan, just outside the south entrance to the National Park. They offer an IMAX movie, Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets. It gave us a broader understanding of the how the Canyon was formed, the Native Americans who lived here and the early explorers who traveled through, from the early Spaniards to Major John Wesley Powell. They also have an extensive gift shop. However, the proceeds do NOT go to the National Park. So, to support our parks, I waited to do my shopping in the Grand Canyon Village.
We traveled on into the National Park and our first stop was Mather Point, named after Stephen Mather, the first director of the National Park Service. We walked the rim to Yavapai Point and the Geology Museum. A cool spot with interesting exhibits that explain the geological history of the canyon.
Decided to spend our first day exploring the Eastern Rim from Kaibab out to Desert View, stopping at several panoramic vistas along the way! That’s where we met the Duck on a Rock! I couldn’t see it at first, but once you see it! 🙂
Moran Point was named after the landscape artist Thomas Moran. The changing light and shadows made this one of his favorite places to paint. I can see why! Moran Point was also where we saw our 1st view of the Colorado River that carved this beautiful canyon. It only took five to six million years. A blink in the eye in geological terms!
The Desert View Watchtower was a highlight of this stop. Built in 1932 and designed by the esteemed architect Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter. She also designed many of the other icon buildings at Grand Canyon.
Sunset in the Canyon
The pictures just don’t do the colors justice! The changing shadows were fun to watch. I think I see Fred Flintstone chasing Wilma who is smoking!! WHAT!!
Day Two in the Canyon
Today was spent exploring the Western rim. We arrived early to catch the “Red Line” shuttle and avoid the crowds. With 9 stops, there’s lots to explore. Here’s some of our favorites…
Trail Overlook is named for the views of the Bright Angel Trail that takes the more adventurous hikers down into the canyon. Didn’t know that the trail actually is on a fault line! The grove of trees in the center of the pic is known as Indian Garden. A natural spring surfaced here when the fault fractured. A small band of Havasupai made their home there until the National Park Service forced them out in the late 1920s.
Maricopa Point was a favorite spot! John ventured out for a better look!! It was all I could do to snap this picture without freaking out! Danger! Danger! Heights are not my thing!!!! 😮
Powell Point commemorates the 1869 and 1871-72 exploratory trips down the Colorado River by Major John Wesley Powell and his expedition crews. The visitor’s center has a very informative video about Powell’s excursion and the history of the Canyon.
Hopi Point was a popular spot. Not only for it’s breathtaking vistas, but it’s the first bathroom stop on this adventure! LOL It’s also where the Colorado River comes into view. Isn’t it amazing that this river carved this canyon? The power of nature!
Hermit’s Rest was our last stop. Besides it’s beautiful scenery there’s a snack bar and gift shop! Built in 1914 Mary Colter designed it to look like an old miner’s cabin. It originally provided a place for visitors to rest when traveling on Fred Harvey Company’s sightseeing tours.
Exploring Grand Canyon Village
There’s more than just natural history at the Grand Canyon. There’s the history of Fred Harvey and his Grand Designer, Mary Colter. Before Grand Canyon became a National Park in 1919 it was already a popular destination. There are many stories of aspiring entrepreneurs, but none so well known as Fred Harvey. When Sante Fe Railroad brought service to the south rim, Fred Harvey brought his Harvey Hotels and Harvey Girls. He hired Mary Colter to be the chief architect and decorator of his visions. She worked with Fred from 1902 until 1948 and designed 6 buildings at the Canyon, taking inspiration from the natural surroundings. She was a strong willed woman with a vision that was way ahead of her time. And she started out as a teacher!
Hopi House is a beautiful rendition of a 1,000 year old pueblo dwelling. Harvey wanted an “Indian Arts Building” as he referred to his souvenir shops and Mary Colter delivered. Built in 1905, the Hopi House still serves as a souvenir shop of authentic Native American arts and crafts. Several Hopi families actually lived in the upper rooms, selling their crafts in the shop below.
My favorite building was the Lookout Studio built in 1914. I loved the way it was built into canyon rim using natural materials. And the views were amazing. I could have sat on the balcony all day. Unfortunately our time in the canyon was coming to an end.
What a magical place! It’s so much more than just rocks and a canyon! It’s a place that needs to stay protected so all can witness its grandeur. I can’t wait to return!
Teddy Roosevelt said it best…Of the Grand Canyon, he said, “Leave it as it is. You cannot improve on it. The ages have been at work on it, and man can only mar it.”
