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AZ Trip Report - Grand Canyon
AZ Trip Report - Grand Canyon
First let me say that editing pictures is a major PITA!
I did a lot of research for this trip and the people on the AZ Trip Advisor board were very helpful. I just posted this report over there. Some of it pertains to past conversations we've had over there so it might not make complete sense.
I didn't post pic's over there. I might be half way through JUST the pic's taken at Grand Canyon. I will let you know when I add more. If you get bored just move on
I'm not great at self editing!
Hi .. just wanted to say thanks for all the tips I got here. It really enhanced our first experience of the Grand Canyon and the other areas we visited in Arizona.
Will break up the trip report in sections of where we visited.
My husband and I left NJ on 9/22 and got in to PHX around 6pm local time. We had pricelined an airport hotel (Radisson) as we knew we didn't want to get the car until the next day. There were some less than positive thoughts about Radisson when I mentioned it but I must say for the $45 bid I was more than satisified with it as a place to sleep for the night. If you need to get some where the hotel shuttle will drive you in a 5 mile radius for $5/person aside from airport transport which is included in the rate.
We decided to venture to the Tempe/Mill Ave. area for some dinner. ($12 cab ride each way). We got down there around 7:30pm. Very nice area to walk around and lots of dining options. I had recalled someone recommending My Big Fat Greek Restaurant so we opted to try that as opposed to a PF Chang's or some other chain we can go to at home. It was a lovely, warm night so we opted for outdoor dining.
Really enjoyed this place, so thank you. It's good to start a trip off on the right foot!
We shared the zucchini cakes which were fabulous and then we had souvlaki plates. Mine chicken and shrimp, his pork. Very good and my husband was in love with the lemon potates that it came with. A few draft beers and we were set for the night.
Tried to put sleeping off as long as possible to reset the internal clock but I think we only made it until 10pm (1am for us).
Natrually was up at 5am the next morning. Oh well. Got some things done on the computer in the business center - a few confirmations I forgot to print at home. Looked around for coffee but the only option was the sit down restaurant and we didn't want that. You have to schedule yourself for the shuttle so we asked to get on the 8am shuttle. Our driver, Pete, said he had no other picks up at the airport so he offered to take us right to the rental center. This was a real time saver for us so we tipped him accordingly for his effort. Really nice man who took the time to go in the hotel and collect a bunch of brochures for us to get us on our way.
No problems getting the car. We were on our way in 20 minutes or less. Pete had pointed out the entrance to I-17 on our way in so we zipped right on and were on our way north around 8:45am.
The plan was to stop at the Rock Springs Café for breakfast but when we got there we found a sign on the door that said “be back around 10”. We weren’t going to wait around 30 minutes so we got back in the car to see what else we could find. Not sure how but I ended up back on 1-17 SOUTH – oops! Did the first turn around we could – which was not that close by I might add – and righted ourselves back on the road. Had really no idea what we would encounter along the road but after about 20-30 minutes of travel the golden arches arose along a hillside and that was good enough for us! Still made it for breakfast and coffee. There was a Chevron mini mart in the same area so we stocked up on water, ice, etc. and loaded up the cooler we brought with us.
We took the route suggested here: 17 to 40 to 64 and in to the park. It was really a great drive. So many varied landscapes along the way. The 4 hour drive went by in a flash. 75 MPH doesn’t hurt either!
We arrived at the entrance around 1:15 or so if I recall. We had about a 3-4 car wait, no problem at all. We did exit the East gate and I must say as a first timer I’m glad we went in the gate we did. It’s really beautiful and a nice welcome to the park. Not that the East gate is bad but this just felt more Grand to me, if you will.
We navigated our way toward Bright Angel Lodge. Made the mistake of pulling in to Mather point, which was a zoo. Drove through and just kept going on to the Lodge. If I had one complaint about the GC experience it is that there is little to no information provided about how to proceed if you are a Lodge guest. We drove to the lodge and arriving in the height of the day the small parking area out front was full and there were so many buses it wasn’t even possible to just park for a few minutes to go check in. We ended up going around to Lot D (? Not sure I have that right) and we walked across the railroad and up the stairs so we could cross the street to the Lodge. I heard them telling some folks at the desk that rooms weren’t ready but for whatever reason our cabin was available so we checked right in. We were given a map to show us where to go and were assured there would be parking by the cabin. Back to the car, around the village loop and sure enough we were able to park right in front of our cabin. It would be really helpful to designate a few spots in that lot for check in. Unless they are there and I totally missed it which is possible.
Our cabin was #6160 and when you walked across a small parking lot you were at the rim. It was a fantastic location and I was so glad we decided to stay in the park at that point.
The cabin is very nice. Small for sure but fine for the time we were there. The bathroom is actually quite large with a walk in shower. Very nice.
We settled our stuff in the room and then went out to the rim. I had tried my hardest at Mather not to look around so that my first views would be when I had a little more peace of mind. It was worth the wait! It was a beautifully sunny day and while it was plenty warm in the sun, the shaded areas were cool and there was a lovely breeze. I’m sure I am no more profound than the next guy but to say there is no description to what you experience here is an understatement. And to me it was an experience that took time to soak in to my head and my heart. Yes that first glimpse is breath taking but it is so much more than that.
We strolled along the rim trail back in the direction of the BA Lodge, which is a VERY busy area, and then on up to El Tovar. Stopping, sitting, photo taking all along the way.
Eventually headed back to BA and we popped in the restaurant for something to eat. Really no recollection of what we ate but it was decent and it fueled us to keep going. We went back to the cabin to get jackets and such and eventually we made it to the red line shuttle stop to head out for sunset. We ended up at Hopi for sunset. Yes it is a popular spot and there are many people around but we never felt crowded and had plenty of space to move around. Some folks like to claim their spot and stay there but I prefer to wander around and see things from different perspective as they develop. We enjoyed the sunset together and got the last possible shuttle back to the village. It is funny to watch people RUN for a shuttle the second the sun dips below the horizon. I guess they are afraid they are going to miss the bus .. or dinner!
Oops! Forgot the flash light! It was light when we ventured out so didn’t really think about it. Man is it dark in those parts! We stumbled our way back to the cabin, changed and cleaned up for dinner. We went to the Arizona room for dinner. Got there about 8pm and there was an hour wait. Not a problem, we grabbed a cocktail and sat out on the deck and watched the stars. Wait was less than an hour. We enjoyed the meal here. I think we both had beef – ribeye for me, strip steak for him – I think! Anyway, it was good and we enjoyed the evening but I was soon ready for sleep.
I have been having some knee problems leading up to this trip so after a day of driving and a lot of walking around I was pretty shot but night time. But I set the alarm for 5am for sunrise. Told my husband if I feel OK in the a.m. I will go but if not, not. Turned out I was awake before the alarm – still on Jersey time I think. So off we went. It was cool but not cold and we remembered the flash light this time. As we were making our way down the path I could see some other beams of light at the Red Line shuttle stop. We traded morning pleasantries with the others and someone commented that this seemed like a pretty crazy idea at the moment. To me the sunset crowd is more your “wine and cheese” folks but the sunrise folks are a little more hardy! I’m happy to be a member of both clubs!
We headed back to Hopi but today decided to take a little path way that leads you up toward Powell Point. We were the only 2 up there so we got to enjoy the lovely sunrise away from the crowds. It was wonderful. Sunrise is such peaceful. We just sat there watching the canyon come to light listening to the wind whisper around us. Fantastic was to start the day. We eventually walked over to Powell and then shuttled back to the village. We did not plan to eat dinner at El Tovar so we made a point to get there for breakfast, both days. It was wonderful and whatever meal you choose to have there make sure you visit the El Tovar. While we were enjoying breakfast a group of Elk came by the windows and they were enjoying breakfast as well nearby. Quite a sight to see. They were still around after breakfast so I managed to get some nice shots out on the lawn.
From there we heading out to the General Store to stock up on supplies. On the shuttle on the way over there we encountered some more Elk and the shuttle driver actually pulled the bus over so HE could take some pictures! I thought that was great. You’d think they’d be immune to what they see on a daily basis. After some supply shopping we headed back to the cabin. It was 10am by this time and we’d already been out and about for 5 hours! I loved that time in the morning and this is where staying in the park gives you an advantage. You get to experience things before the craziness of the day gets started. You get to wake up with the park. It’s fantastic. We chose the crazy busy part of the day to return to the cabin and shower and rest and get rejuvenated.
I forget how the rest of the day went but my husband went to a Ranger talk about the Condors which he really enjoyed and I took that time find myself a bench along the rim to read my book and write down some notes (the last time I would do that the entire trip! My intentions are always good!). The Condors are really spectacular and my husband enjoyed the talk very much.
Around 4pm we hopped the shuttle and took it out to Hermits Rest. I think we got off elsewhere but I can’t recall. We had enjoyed the sunset at Hopi so we ended up there – this time we brought the wine too!
I always expected to be overwhelmed with emotion the first time I saw the Grand Canyon but I wasn’t when I arrived. Not sure why, maybe I was a little edgy from travel. But once you have had time to be there and soak it all in it does become emotional and when we boarded that last shuttle bus that night the beauty of the sky overwhelmed me. It really has to be seen to be believed.
That night we went to the cocktail lounge near the BA restaurant and listened to some live music and ate some bar food. The food is decent all around so far as I can tell. I know this isn’t a culinary destination so I set my expectations low and they were exceeded. It was nice to sit and enjoy some tunes and drinks after a long day that got off to an early start.
Friday the 25th of Sept. was our check out day. Set the alarm again for sunrise and drove out to Yavapi point. This was an excellent location and I’m glad we made it there. There were a handful of people there but for some reason people seem to respect the quietness of sunrise. It was very peaceful. Long after the sun was up we headed back to our car and drove over to El Tovar for breakfast. No problem getting parking in the small lot up there at that time of morning.
We were packed up, showered and out of our cabin by about 9:30am. Stopped in the General Store again for supplies for the road and then heading out toward the East Gate. I enjoyed driving out this way. It really gives you an opportunity to understand the massive amount of space this park embodies. We stopped at several view points but some of them are not clearly marked so I didn’t always know where I was! But my absolute favorite point of the entire trip was Lipan Point. I just loved it there, the river views fantastic! We spent a good long while there before moving on to Desert View. This was another great stop but I preferred Lipan over Desert View. Maybe because there were less people. Knee was not cooperating so not Watch Tower for me but my husband did go up and he loved the views and took some great photos.
Going out the East gate took us way longer than we expected so we scraped the plan to go back to Scottsdale via 89A since we knew we’d be back later in the trip. But this was time well spent and we were very glad we squeezed every last minute we could out of the Park.
Fantastic ride once you are out of the East Gate. I did stop at one of the scenic viewpoints but when I saw a sign that said “beware of snakes” I decided to stay on the road. If there’s one thing I fear………..
We made our way down to Flagstaff and then back to I-17 for the trip down to Scottsdale.
Thank you again for the wealth of knowledge you folks possess and share regarding the Grand Canyon and the surrounding area. It was an incredible few days thanks in part to all the good information collected here.
Will report separately on Scottsdale/Sedona.
Pic's here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/89321198@N ... 397948529/
I did a lot of research for this trip and the people on the AZ Trip Advisor board were very helpful. I just posted this report over there. Some of it pertains to past conversations we've had over there so it might not make complete sense.
I didn't post pic's over there. I might be half way through JUST the pic's taken at Grand Canyon. I will let you know when I add more. If you get bored just move on
I'm not great at self editing! Hi .. just wanted to say thanks for all the tips I got here. It really enhanced our first experience of the Grand Canyon and the other areas we visited in Arizona.
Will break up the trip report in sections of where we visited.
My husband and I left NJ on 9/22 and got in to PHX around 6pm local time. We had pricelined an airport hotel (Radisson) as we knew we didn't want to get the car until the next day. There were some less than positive thoughts about Radisson when I mentioned it but I must say for the $45 bid I was more than satisified with it as a place to sleep for the night. If you need to get some where the hotel shuttle will drive you in a 5 mile radius for $5/person aside from airport transport which is included in the rate.
We decided to venture to the Tempe/Mill Ave. area for some dinner. ($12 cab ride each way). We got down there around 7:30pm. Very nice area to walk around and lots of dining options. I had recalled someone recommending My Big Fat Greek Restaurant so we opted to try that as opposed to a PF Chang's or some other chain we can go to at home. It was a lovely, warm night so we opted for outdoor dining.
Really enjoyed this place, so thank you. It's good to start a trip off on the right foot!
We shared the zucchini cakes which were fabulous and then we had souvlaki plates. Mine chicken and shrimp, his pork. Very good and my husband was in love with the lemon potates that it came with. A few draft beers and we were set for the night.
Tried to put sleeping off as long as possible to reset the internal clock but I think we only made it until 10pm (1am for us).
Natrually was up at 5am the next morning. Oh well. Got some things done on the computer in the business center - a few confirmations I forgot to print at home. Looked around for coffee but the only option was the sit down restaurant and we didn't want that. You have to schedule yourself for the shuttle so we asked to get on the 8am shuttle. Our driver, Pete, said he had no other picks up at the airport so he offered to take us right to the rental center. This was a real time saver for us so we tipped him accordingly for his effort. Really nice man who took the time to go in the hotel and collect a bunch of brochures for us to get us on our way.
No problems getting the car. We were on our way in 20 minutes or less. Pete had pointed out the entrance to I-17 on our way in so we zipped right on and were on our way north around 8:45am.
The plan was to stop at the Rock Springs Café for breakfast but when we got there we found a sign on the door that said “be back around 10”. We weren’t going to wait around 30 minutes so we got back in the car to see what else we could find. Not sure how but I ended up back on 1-17 SOUTH – oops! Did the first turn around we could – which was not that close by I might add – and righted ourselves back on the road. Had really no idea what we would encounter along the road but after about 20-30 minutes of travel the golden arches arose along a hillside and that was good enough for us! Still made it for breakfast and coffee. There was a Chevron mini mart in the same area so we stocked up on water, ice, etc. and loaded up the cooler we brought with us.
We took the route suggested here: 17 to 40 to 64 and in to the park. It was really a great drive. So many varied landscapes along the way. The 4 hour drive went by in a flash. 75 MPH doesn’t hurt either!
We arrived at the entrance around 1:15 or so if I recall. We had about a 3-4 car wait, no problem at all. We did exit the East gate and I must say as a first timer I’m glad we went in the gate we did. It’s really beautiful and a nice welcome to the park. Not that the East gate is bad but this just felt more Grand to me, if you will.
We navigated our way toward Bright Angel Lodge. Made the mistake of pulling in to Mather point, which was a zoo. Drove through and just kept going on to the Lodge. If I had one complaint about the GC experience it is that there is little to no information provided about how to proceed if you are a Lodge guest. We drove to the lodge and arriving in the height of the day the small parking area out front was full and there were so many buses it wasn’t even possible to just park for a few minutes to go check in. We ended up going around to Lot D (? Not sure I have that right) and we walked across the railroad and up the stairs so we could cross the street to the Lodge. I heard them telling some folks at the desk that rooms weren’t ready but for whatever reason our cabin was available so we checked right in. We were given a map to show us where to go and were assured there would be parking by the cabin. Back to the car, around the village loop and sure enough we were able to park right in front of our cabin. It would be really helpful to designate a few spots in that lot for check in. Unless they are there and I totally missed it which is possible.
Our cabin was #6160 and when you walked across a small parking lot you were at the rim. It was a fantastic location and I was so glad we decided to stay in the park at that point.
The cabin is very nice. Small for sure but fine for the time we were there. The bathroom is actually quite large with a walk in shower. Very nice.
We settled our stuff in the room and then went out to the rim. I had tried my hardest at Mather not to look around so that my first views would be when I had a little more peace of mind. It was worth the wait! It was a beautifully sunny day and while it was plenty warm in the sun, the shaded areas were cool and there was a lovely breeze. I’m sure I am no more profound than the next guy but to say there is no description to what you experience here is an understatement. And to me it was an experience that took time to soak in to my head and my heart. Yes that first glimpse is breath taking but it is so much more than that.
We strolled along the rim trail back in the direction of the BA Lodge, which is a VERY busy area, and then on up to El Tovar. Stopping, sitting, photo taking all along the way.
Eventually headed back to BA and we popped in the restaurant for something to eat. Really no recollection of what we ate but it was decent and it fueled us to keep going. We went back to the cabin to get jackets and such and eventually we made it to the red line shuttle stop to head out for sunset. We ended up at Hopi for sunset. Yes it is a popular spot and there are many people around but we never felt crowded and had plenty of space to move around. Some folks like to claim their spot and stay there but I prefer to wander around and see things from different perspective as they develop. We enjoyed the sunset together and got the last possible shuttle back to the village. It is funny to watch people RUN for a shuttle the second the sun dips below the horizon. I guess they are afraid they are going to miss the bus .. or dinner!
Oops! Forgot the flash light! It was light when we ventured out so didn’t really think about it. Man is it dark in those parts! We stumbled our way back to the cabin, changed and cleaned up for dinner. We went to the Arizona room for dinner. Got there about 8pm and there was an hour wait. Not a problem, we grabbed a cocktail and sat out on the deck and watched the stars. Wait was less than an hour. We enjoyed the meal here. I think we both had beef – ribeye for me, strip steak for him – I think! Anyway, it was good and we enjoyed the evening but I was soon ready for sleep.
I have been having some knee problems leading up to this trip so after a day of driving and a lot of walking around I was pretty shot but night time. But I set the alarm for 5am for sunrise. Told my husband if I feel OK in the a.m. I will go but if not, not. Turned out I was awake before the alarm – still on Jersey time I think. So off we went. It was cool but not cold and we remembered the flash light this time. As we were making our way down the path I could see some other beams of light at the Red Line shuttle stop. We traded morning pleasantries with the others and someone commented that this seemed like a pretty crazy idea at the moment. To me the sunset crowd is more your “wine and cheese” folks but the sunrise folks are a little more hardy! I’m happy to be a member of both clubs!
We headed back to Hopi but today decided to take a little path way that leads you up toward Powell Point. We were the only 2 up there so we got to enjoy the lovely sunrise away from the crowds. It was wonderful. Sunrise is such peaceful. We just sat there watching the canyon come to light listening to the wind whisper around us. Fantastic was to start the day. We eventually walked over to Powell and then shuttled back to the village. We did not plan to eat dinner at El Tovar so we made a point to get there for breakfast, both days. It was wonderful and whatever meal you choose to have there make sure you visit the El Tovar. While we were enjoying breakfast a group of Elk came by the windows and they were enjoying breakfast as well nearby. Quite a sight to see. They were still around after breakfast so I managed to get some nice shots out on the lawn.
From there we heading out to the General Store to stock up on supplies. On the shuttle on the way over there we encountered some more Elk and the shuttle driver actually pulled the bus over so HE could take some pictures! I thought that was great. You’d think they’d be immune to what they see on a daily basis. After some supply shopping we headed back to the cabin. It was 10am by this time and we’d already been out and about for 5 hours! I loved that time in the morning and this is where staying in the park gives you an advantage. You get to experience things before the craziness of the day gets started. You get to wake up with the park. It’s fantastic. We chose the crazy busy part of the day to return to the cabin and shower and rest and get rejuvenated.
I forget how the rest of the day went but my husband went to a Ranger talk about the Condors which he really enjoyed and I took that time find myself a bench along the rim to read my book and write down some notes (the last time I would do that the entire trip! My intentions are always good!). The Condors are really spectacular and my husband enjoyed the talk very much.
Around 4pm we hopped the shuttle and took it out to Hermits Rest. I think we got off elsewhere but I can’t recall. We had enjoyed the sunset at Hopi so we ended up there – this time we brought the wine too!
I always expected to be overwhelmed with emotion the first time I saw the Grand Canyon but I wasn’t when I arrived. Not sure why, maybe I was a little edgy from travel. But once you have had time to be there and soak it all in it does become emotional and when we boarded that last shuttle bus that night the beauty of the sky overwhelmed me. It really has to be seen to be believed.
That night we went to the cocktail lounge near the BA restaurant and listened to some live music and ate some bar food. The food is decent all around so far as I can tell. I know this isn’t a culinary destination so I set my expectations low and they were exceeded. It was nice to sit and enjoy some tunes and drinks after a long day that got off to an early start.
Friday the 25th of Sept. was our check out day. Set the alarm again for sunrise and drove out to Yavapi point. This was an excellent location and I’m glad we made it there. There were a handful of people there but for some reason people seem to respect the quietness of sunrise. It was very peaceful. Long after the sun was up we headed back to our car and drove over to El Tovar for breakfast. No problem getting parking in the small lot up there at that time of morning.
We were packed up, showered and out of our cabin by about 9:30am. Stopped in the General Store again for supplies for the road and then heading out toward the East Gate. I enjoyed driving out this way. It really gives you an opportunity to understand the massive amount of space this park embodies. We stopped at several view points but some of them are not clearly marked so I didn’t always know where I was! But my absolute favorite point of the entire trip was Lipan Point. I just loved it there, the river views fantastic! We spent a good long while there before moving on to Desert View. This was another great stop but I preferred Lipan over Desert View. Maybe because there were less people. Knee was not cooperating so not Watch Tower for me but my husband did go up and he loved the views and took some great photos.
Going out the East gate took us way longer than we expected so we scraped the plan to go back to Scottsdale via 89A since we knew we’d be back later in the trip. But this was time well spent and we were very glad we squeezed every last minute we could out of the Park.
Fantastic ride once you are out of the East Gate. I did stop at one of the scenic viewpoints but when I saw a sign that said “beware of snakes” I decided to stay on the road. If there’s one thing I fear………..
We made our way down to Flagstaff and then back to I-17 for the trip down to Scottsdale.
Thank you again for the wealth of knowledge you folks possess and share regarding the Grand Canyon and the surrounding area. It was an incredible few days thanks in part to all the good information collected here.
Will report separately on Scottsdale/Sedona.
Pic's here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/89321198@N ... 397948529/
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California Girl
Re: AZ Trip Report - Grand Canyon
Loving your report, Mary Beth. You made me think of this:mbw1024 wrote: I did stop at one of the scenic viewpoints but when I saw a sign that said “beware of snakes” I decided to stay on the road. If there’s one thing I fear...
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