 | Grand Canyon Rim, South Reviews | Tips 51 - 56 of 56 |  |
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We just got back from a trip that started at the Grand Canyon. There will be many places where you can get unobstructed views of the canyon -- it is HUGE (after all, it IS called the "Grand" Canyon) and there are many well maintained viewing spots and accessible trails which cover long distances.
While most people head straight for the South Entrance of the Grand Canyon, from Flagstaff you can take US 89 to Arizona 64 to reach the EAST entrance of the park. Desert View is the first official "vantage point" and the views are extraordinary. For the next 25 miles, you can drive and stop at several viewing spots such as Navaho Point, and Lipan Point (where you get great views of the Colorado River). You park your car and head down the paths to the vantage points. Having taken advantage of seeing some of these places, continue on this drive until you reach "Grand Canyon Village" where there are multiple parking lots. This is where you'll find some of the crowds - but you can see what the in-the-park lodges are like, and pick up general park information either at the Info Center or in the lobby of Bright Angel or El Tovar Lodges.
If you've packed a picnic lunch, you might want to catch one of the shuttle buses to Maricopa Point or Powell Point if you want a longer trek, and hike the rim trail back to the village, stopping to picnic along the way. (There aren't tables or clearly marked spots, but it's not hard to find some shaded rocks or felled trees just off the path. Obviously you will need to haul your trash out with you to be disposed of in the containers that are easy to spot at each "viewing" area. ) Even if you don't take a lunch, be sure to CARRY WATER, and drink it! You get dehydrated easily at high altitudes!
I'm sure there will be more people there in July than we saw in April, but don't worry. You won't be stuck "in a crowd" at very many places. Leave a Comment
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on July 22, 2008
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