Grand Canyon

March 14

 

We went to see the Grand Canyon today and quickly discovered that it was an awe inspiring sight.  The canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide and in some places reaches a depth of 6,000 feet (1,800 metres).  There has been some debate as to what forces of nature were at play to form the Grand Canyon but one definite contributing factor was the Colorado River which geologists say has been running through the Canyon for 17 million years.

 

 

You can see the Colorado River way down at the bottom of the canyon.

 

 

 

This was one of the many natural view points in the park.  It was a great place to feel like you were able to step out into the canyon.  It also offered a great place to get a picture.

 

Trail View viewpoint

 

Maricopa Point viewpoint

 

 

There are some great view points within walking distance from the visitor center and there are many free shuttle tours that you can take if you have more time.  Wanda and I chose to take the longer hop on / hop off tour to Hermits Peak.  The minimum time that you could do this tour is three hours.  It stops at  nine different view points.  You are able to hop off and take pictures and either catch the next bus...usually in about 10 minutes or walk the rim trail leading to the next stop.  Wanda and I did both choosing to try the trail as well.

 

Part of the Rim Trail

 

Powell Point

 

Powell Point

Having a rest at Hopi Point

 

The Abyss view point

 

The Abyss

 

Monument Creek view point

 

One last view point at Hermit`s Rest.

 

We hopped back on the shuttle and were taken back to the visitor center.   When we left the visitor center to head back toward Flagstaff we chose highway 64 toward the east entrance.  This route provided us with even more view points as the road goes along the rim of the canyon.

 

Pipe Creek view point

 

 

 

The very last view point before exiting the park was the Desert View Watchtower.

 

 

The Desert View Watchtower

 

Perched on the edge of the canyon the Watchtower was built in 1932.  It stands 70 feet (21 meters) tall and offers a great view of the canyon bottom and the Colorado River.

 

View from the top of the Watchtower.

 

Wanda and David went up to the top and took some pictures.

 

 Inside the Watchtower

 

Some of the great art work inside the Tower.

 

It was a long but terrific day and my advice to anyone visiting Grand Canyon is just drive to the Grand Canyon village visitor center and take advantage of the free shuttles offered.  One day allows you enough time to see many of the  view points but if you want to do hiking then you will need more time.