RV Rambling the USA

Arizona is well named the "Grand Canyon State", for there is no question the canyon is one of the wonders of the world! There are other words used by visitors to describe Grand Canyon National Park, including "spectacular", "marvelous", "fantastic", "stupendous", "superlative", "extraordinary" and many others which would be appropriate - probably in today's vernacular, "awesome" is most appropriate! There may be more favorite places in the minds of some of our readers, but I suspect all would agree that, if one hasn't seen the Grand Canyon, it's paramount at some point in the future!

The canyon, carved over millions of years by the Colorado River, is over 275 miles in length, 10 miles wide and over a mile deep. The North Rim, which is open only from mid-May to mid-October (or the first snow fall) is over a thousand feet higher than the South Rim, which is open year round. Despite the relative closeness of the two rims, one must traverse over 200 miles of road to travel from one to the other. The Tuweep section of the park, in the north east sector, is accessible over a 50 mile dirt road, impassable in wet weather, and not to be attempted without the counsel of park officials and careful planning, for there are no services and no lodging or camping in the area.

Camping and overnight lodge accommodations must be arranged for far in advance, and only the Grand Canyon Trailer Village, operated by a concessionaire, has full hookups. There are RV parks along the highways leading to the park, but considerable travel time is avoided if one can stay within the National Park in order to enjoy all of its activities. The Visitor Center features a museum, slide show and displays, as well as being staffed by well informed rangers. An effort should be made to take in the ranger programs in the Mather Amphitheater each evening, for these are well done, informative, and many questions may be answered. Other "fee" events, operated both within the park and outside, are available, but not necessary for enjoyment of the natural beauty. A minimum of two full days just to visit the various overlooks and tour the park facilities is recommended, excluding hiking, mule trips, plane and helicopter rides, and other activities .

Should hiking or back packing be the goal, there are many precautions to take, which should be discussed with the rangers. Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point, as an example, is a very strenuous 12.2 mile, 8 to 12 hour round trip with a change in elevation of 3,200 feet (if you descend, you must ascend!), and only for the physically fit. The canyon floor is cold in winter and torrid in summer, and under no circumstance should a hiker embark without at least 2-4 quarts of water. If overnight camping is intended, a free permit must be obtained as far in advance as possible, for numbers are limited.

The East Rim Drive, a drive of some 23 miles, includes five overlooks as well as the Tusayan Ruins and Museum. Each overlook is different from the last, and the visitor should experience each at different times of the day, but especially as sunset approaches. Desert View, the Easternmost overlook, features the "Watchtower" on the highest point of land on the South Rim, and affords a spectacular view.

Although the West Rim Drive may be driven from Fall to Spring, it is closed to vehicular traffic (except the handicapped with a permit) during the summer months, but shuttle buses run regularly stopping at all seven overlooks including the John Wesley Powell Memorial. Here, again, the visitor should attempt to return at various times and under a variety of weather and lighting conditions.

Any attempt to describe the Grand Canyon National Park in detail, in the space available, would be doing a complete injustice to this spectacle.

If you have visited Grand Canyon National Park, repeat the experience. If you haven't been there, make sure you do-----it's "awesome" !