The Grand Canyon

We are staying near the South Rim, in Tusayan, just outside of the park. An early start for sunrise at Mather Point. Absolutely stunning!

Interestingly, we overheard someone saying they missed the Tioga pass and that they also could not get into Mammoth Lakes without having snow chains. They could only have been a few days behind us!

We then followed Desert View drive with various view points.

Najavo Point was at the deepest part of the canyon. At the end of the route is Desert View Watchtower.

I was very surprised to be able to see the Colorado River from so many viewpoints.

Lipan Point was my favourite view on Desert View drive.

Yes, there was more than one jumper in the shop, but this is the one we both liked!

The car next to us had some guys that had just finished a 3 day hike. They had beers awaiting in their cool box, but they couldn’t find their bottle opener and asked if we, by any chance, had one. They had asked the right people! Suddenly, this morning’s newly purchased GC magnet bottle opener had a use rather than just heading for the radiator display. This did break protocol, though, as they are “not to be used” and not even by one of us but a total stranger!

Back to Mather point and a hike from here along the South Rim Trail to Hopi Point. All is well paved and easy underfoot. There are various trials that go down into the canyon, though you are talking of a few days to go down to the river and back up, and there is only one “hotel” which you book 18 months in advance. We had considered going down part of a trial, however the South Rim Trail took quite some time, especially with all the photo stops.

A bison burger for lunch, very nice!

Every view is different from the last. Words can not describe how amazing the scenery is, nor do the photos do it justice. You can see through the day as the shadows get longer and the colouring changes.