North Rim of Grand Canyon

We drove from South Rim of Grand Canyon to Glendale, Utah.   We got a view of the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell.  Once in Utah on 89N,  the drive was a beautiful scenic byway!  We really enjoyed the drive and were very happy we did not miss the views by driving during bad weather!

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is approximately a two hour drive from Glendale, UT.  The North Rim facilities close in mid-October.  We were able to see the Grand Canyon from the North Rim the last day all facilities were open!  We were so happy.  We did not think we would see the Grand Canyon from the North Rim.  Only 1 in 10 visitors to the Grand Canyon see it from the North Rim. 

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is approximately 1000 feet higher than the South Rim.  I think that is why I liked the views from the North Rim better.  The views are slopping and the eye is not so deceived by the shadows.  I also enjoyed the meadows, pines and birch trees surrounding the rim because of the higher elevation and temperature differences.  It helped it was cool and crisp and felt like Fall! 

Cool tree heading on path to Bright Angel Point

View from Roosevelt Overlook

Panoramic from Roosevelt Overlook



Angel's View Overlook (see people on top of natural rock arch)

Nice view of the Colorado River from Cape Royal

Cape Royal View

Panaromic from Point Imperial Overlook

Loved to see some Fall foliage!

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