The Grand Canyon

North Rim
After all the marvelous sights that we had seen it was only fitting that we add the Grand Canyon to our list. We began our journey by driving the less visited North Rim, (staying in Page, Arizona) and making a day trip of 6 hours round trip. We passed through the Vermilion Cliffs on our way through the Colorado Plateau on a day when monsoonal rains were gathering in the mountains. Up at elevation we had a bit of a blizzard and by the time we reached the North Rim Lodge the entire canyon was foggy and you couldn't see anything. My first view of the Grand Canyon was totally obscured, might as well have been a parking lot I was looking at. Still, it was a lovely day and we had lunch at Lee's Ferry and made a stop at Horseshoe Bend on the way back. And of course, it was crystal clear the next day.

On the way to Page, Arizona
Ship Rock 7178' (New Mexico)

Vermilion Cliffs & the North Rim

Grand Canyon 026

Snow storm at elevation in burned out area.

View from the lodge at the North Rim.

Horseshoe Bend, a meander of the Colorado River a few miles south of Page, AZ

On to the South Rim and our stay in the park. We camped at Trailer Village inside the park about a 1/2 mile from the rim. We found the best way to take in the breathtaking views was by bike as there are good trails throughout and you can see a lot quickly. We also hiked down to Cedar Ridge (3 miles roundtrip) one day and spent a day on the shuttle bus seeing the western portion of the Canyon another day. All the views were stunning and we thoroughly enjoyed our 4 day stay.
Our approach to the south rim took us by Little Colorado River Canyon.

Desert View viewing tower and my first sight of the Grand Canyon.

El Tovar Lodge, great views & food.

Our hike to Cedar Ridge, easy down not so much coming back.

Shuttle ride to see the western portion of the park. There are free shuttles to get around the rim, the western portion does not allow cars.

Goodbye Grand Canyon