Tonight we arrived at the Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim. Our first views of the Grand Canyon were amazing. It is unbelievable how far they go on. We can't wait to get going!!
Yes, Casey, I see it. Did you do this all on your own??
Alex notices the canyon behind her.
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The next morning we get an early start with our first hike. We plan to do the first leg of Bright Angel Trail. That's just a mile and a half down to the first rest area, but it's the mile and a half back up that we're worried about...
The next morning we get an early start with our first hike. We plan to do the first leg of Bright Angel Trail. That's just a mile and a half down to the first rest area, but it's the mile and a half back up that we're worried about...
Through the first archway...And we're off!
Dave and Alex look over the trail. Hmmm...
Another archway on the trail.
Looking up at the top of the canyon, where we used to be...
We're moving at a slow pace, mostly because we want to enjoy the views, but also because some of the trail edges drop straight down. It's a fairly wide trail, though, so no problems as long as you watch where you're going!
The rest station at the bottom. Dave and Alex stop here to sit in the shade and relax. Casey and I press on, just a little further, all the way to the restrooms....
Now, we have to hike back UP!!
The 3 mile round trip took us about 3 1/2 hrs, and it was hot by the time we finished, just after 10am. We were tired, but it was worth it!!
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The Bright Angel Trail went down into the canyon. The Desert View Road goes from Grand Canyon Village to the east entrance of the park. It's a 25 mile driving tour with many points for stopping to view the Grand Canyon along the way. It ends at the Watchtower, a 70 foot building designed by Mary Colter and modeled after towers found at ancient pueblos.
We stopped at several of the viewing sites along the road, and each offered beautiful views of the Grand Canyon. After hiking all morning, the afternoon drive was a perfect way to see more of the canyon.
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Tuesday morning, and we've convinced the girls to take another hiking tour. This time we do a rim trail, which is mostly flat and moves along the rim.
ok, guys, that's a bit close to the edge! Back on the trail, please!!
This is a view of Bright Angel Trail, the hike we took on the first day. You can just make out the rest area near the bottom of the picture.
The rim trail was about 2 1/2 miles, and mostly paved. A great way to spend the morning and have a picnic lunch.^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The Hermit's Rest driving tour takes you west of the village. It's an 8 mile road, and only shuttle buses are allowed to drive it. The buses stop at several points along the way, and 
end at Hermits Rest, another building designed by Mary Colter.
The west end has great views of the Colorado River.
end at Hermits Rest, another building designed by Mary Colter.
The west end has great views of the Colorado River.
It was great to have someone drive us around for a change, but we took our car out at dusk to see if we could find some wildlife. We saw several elk grazing not far off off the main road. The first elk was huge with antlers atleast 6 ft wide. Hard to tell in the branches, but amazing up close.
This smaller one was not at all concerned at how close we were.
Wednesday morning we were back on the road to Vegas. We decided to check out historic Route 66. Dave saw a sign for the Roadkill Cafe, and we just had to eat lunch there. I can highly recommend the High Speed Special (grilled chicken sandwich) and Dave enjoyed the Too Slow Doe (bbq beef sandwich.) The girls had Fender Tenders (chicken tenders, of course)
Wednesday morning we were back on the road to Vegas. We decided to check out historic Route 66. Dave saw a sign for the Roadkill Cafe, and we just had to eat lunch there. I can highly recommend the High Speed Special (grilled chicken sandwich) and Dave enjoyed the Too Slow Doe (bbq beef sandwich.) The girls had Fender Tenders (chicken tenders, of course)
