Last Days at South Rim, Grand Canyon

We went to the Grandview Trail in the late afternoon but we did not make it very far on the trail.  We did not like the narrow trail with steep dropoffs (not a maintained trail like mule trails).   The trail did offer some spectacular views.  So adding yet a few more pictures of the Grand Canyon!



I'll stay here!

View from Grandview Trail

Another view from Grandview Trail

Since our time on Grandview Trail was brief, we went to Mather Point area and took some pictures of the sunset.  It was beautiful.

We extended our stay one day to avoid having to drive in storms.  It got very chilly and damp so we hung out doing nothing (love those days too)!  We did take the shuttle to the Arizona Room and had an early dinner.  We got some really cool pictures of the storm over the canyon.

We will miss our friends from Trailer Village!

Grand Canyon - Hermit Rd

Hermit Rd is a shuttle only road through Nov 1st.  Bicycles are allowed.  We rode our bikes to the end of Hermit Rd and then cheated by taking the shuttle back (..lol).   It was about a 10 mile bike ride.  It was a really nice day and the vistas of the canyon included the Colorado River. 

I was also really excited because we saw a California Condor.  We weren't able to get a picture but we did see one!  I had given up hope.

Grand Canyon - Bright Angel Trail

We decided to hike the Bright Angel Trail.  We recognize our limitations and only hiked to the 1.5 mile resthouse (1065 ft elevation change).  The easy part is going down but coming back up is where you recognize your age and lack of gym time/cardio workouts.  It was a nice hike but we could not imagine hiking in the heat of summer!

All the pictures are from the Bright Angel trail except the last two pictures.  They are views of the Bright Angel Trail from Hermit Rd.

Grand Canyon - South Kaibab Trail

We took rode our bikes to South Kaibab Trailhead and hiked to Ohh Ahh Point.  Several of the roads within the park are shuttle bus or bike only. I love the hikes.  This one was short but very enjoyable.   I have to admit I felt bad for the mules hauling people and provisions back from Phantom Ranch. 

South Kaibab Trail

Mr C doing a little Ooh Aah himself

We had intended to do a river tour but we would have to board the dogs.  Since Lila has her health issues we decided against boarding so we won't get to see the canyon from the river.  We will have to come back another time without the dogs.

Grand Canyon - Desert View Drive

We drove to Desert View to see the Desert View Watchtower and get a glimpse of the Colorado River.  Unfortunately, the light really washes out the color in most of the pictures.  Again, pictures can't do it justice!  The design and contruction of Desert View Watchtower is quite incredible  (along with Hopi House, Lookout Studio and the other Mary Colter designs at the park).  

Desert View Watchtower

Desert View Watchtower from lookout point off of Desert View Rd

Day1 Grand Canyon - Rim Trail

We arrived in the Grand Canyon!  We arrived in late afternoon and got to the rim of the canyon to see sunset. 

Our first full day, we walked the Rim Trail from the Grand Canyon Visitors Center towards Bright Angel Lodge.   It was a nice day and beautiful walk.   We checked out the Bright Angel Trail to see how daunting it would be for Steve to hike.

Hopi House - designed by Mary Colter

Lookout Studio - designed by Mary Colter

Final Day - Yosemite

We spent our final day in Groveland playing golf!   Even though it was a rough start in Yosemite I will definitely return to see the falls and do some hiking.  I will even brave the crowds!  I do believe Yosemite has become my favorite!

From Groveland we headed to Fresno and checked out Kings Canyon National Park.  We saw General Grant tree and then headed out the Kings Canyon Scenic Highway.   We opted to drive the Kings Canyon Scenic Highway instead of seeing the General Sherman tree.  We were only there for 1 day and needed to do one or the other.

General Grant

View of Kings Canyon

Another view of canyon

After Fresno we headed towards the Grand Canyon.  We spent one night in Mohave Valley, CA and one night in Needles CA.  It was HOT!  I did not know that Needles, CA is on of the hottest places in the United States.  It was a balmy 107 when we arrived and 87 when we left at 930AM.  UGH. Charles Shultz grew up in Needles, CA.  Now I understand why the Peanut characters were always in shorts!

Lots of wind generators on way to Mohave!