Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim), Arizona
May 25-27, 2010
Wow, The Grand Canyon National Park! It's been talked about, written about, photographed, and put into films. In 1979 it was named a Unesco World Heritage Site. The park's main feature is the Grand Canyon itself, a gorge of the Colorado River and is often considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The canyon is over 6 million years old and with all of this greatness, we couldn't wait to experience it!
Our Accommodations - Ten-X Campground
There is a campground inside the Grand Canyon Park but it was full when we arrived. Luckily, there was a great alternative only two miles from the park entrance named Ten-X Campground and run by the U.S. Forest Service.
Lots of trees and large sites.
The Grand Canyon Experience
On our first day inside the park, we took the free bus shuttle to all the lookout points along the rim. Our very first stop was at Yavapai Point. We got off the bus, walked towards the rim of the canyon and saw it for the first time: We were immediately awed by the sight. It's so magnificent and large, there are truly no words for it...You just have to experience it.
Photo's of The Grand Canyon
South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge
The South Kaibab Trail is a steep descent into the Grand Canyon to a fantastic point called
Cedar Ridge. It gives you the experience without having to descend all the way to the river. The hike to this Cedar Ridge is only a 3 mile loop but for every hour you descend into the canyon, you eventually have climb back up!
Desert View Drive - The Watchtower
The Desert View Drive takes you east of the park to look-out points into the Grand Canyon and provided better views the Colorado River. At the far end, is a Watchtower built in 1930 which you can climb up and look out over the canyon. It was a neat way to end our fabulous Grand Canyon experience!
Grand Canyon National Park (North Rim), Arizona
June 3-5, 2010
Since we visited one side of the Grand Canyon (The South Rim), we couldn't leave without visiting the other side so we headed to The Grand Canyon North Rim. Both the North and South Rim of the Grand Canyon are equally stunning and equally different. The South Rim is definately more touristy, more developed and because of that, offers more services. The North Rim is definately less touristy, more rugged and has fewer services. Each offers its own magic and its own breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon. We're so glad that we visited both sides because we feel that our Grand Canyon experience is more complete.
Our Accommodations - De Motte Campground
Once again, when we arrived at the Grand Canyon North Rim, the campground located within the park, was full. Luckily, just down the road from the park was a campground called De Motte Campground and run by the U.S. Forest Service. It was really nice with heavily treed spaces and lots of room.
Fun in the Snow!
What child within could resist the temptation to frolick in the snow? We came across a big open meadow just off the highway with a large patch of snow in the distance. Before we knew it, we were running through the meadow to taboggan on the snow. Though we admit, it seems a little embarassing, it was still great fun!
The Grand Canyon North Rim
We spent the day exploring the fantastic rustic lodge that is located here followed by lunch on the terrace over-looking the Grand Canyon and ended our day with a couple of short hikes to some look-out points.