It’s hard to believe I had never seen the Grand Canyon until now. We’ve visited Africa, Antarctica, Japan, most of Europe – even the Galapagos and Iceland; but not Arizona and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. It was an oversight we had to rectify.
So glad we did! The Grand Canyon was – well – Grand!
Not only did we take in the “grandest” canyon, but we were able to visit many of the other iconic canyons, national parks and vistas of the Arizona and Utah landscape. (Go to itinerary.)
From Vegas or Phoenix?
There are several ways to get there. Some people fly into Phoenix and rent a car to trek less than 4 hours to the South Rim. We chose to fly into Vegas from Vancouver – mainly so that I could see The Sphere. Then after a couple of days in Vegas we rented a car and drove to Flagstaff where we met up with a small tour group that came highly recommended by friends.
The Hoover Dam
On the way to Flagstaff, about a 4 hour drive, we stopped in at the Hoover Dam. The Dam is truly an engineering marvel. It was completed in 1935 and has been invaluable in taming and rerouting the Colorado River to prevent flooding, irrigate 1,500,000 acres of land and provide water to more than 16 million people. You can simply drive up to the area and park to have a walk around; however, I highly recommend the 30 minute guided tour where you can learn about the history of the place and find out all the gory details about the building and maintaining of the dam. You do not need to purchase tickets in advance, but be sure to get there fairly early – preferably before 10 am.
A Guided-tour
After an evening in Flagstaff, we joined our “Do the Canyon” tour the next morning. The folks at Grand Canyon Adventures were very helpful right from the start. We had arranged for their 4 day coach tour and were able to park our rented car on their property while we were off galavanting.
Our tour took place in a very comfortable van. There were 6 of us – so lots of room to stretch out. Our guide, Jordan, was a knowledgable 30-something guy who obviously loved nature and the outdoors. He was very flexible and accommodating and went out of his way to make the adventure memorable.
We started off with a tour of the South Rim. There are many look-out points and very few have any security fencing, so beware! If you’re into a good read about all things “Grand Canyon” and the many ways you can meet an untimely demise there, I’d recommend Over the Edge: Death In the Grand Canyon. More than 900 people, about 12 per year, have died in the Canyon since records have been kept. Watch that first step. . . it’s a lulu!
Of course, it’s the mighty Colorado River that has been carving its way through the Canyon for millennia.
There are so many vantage points at the South Rim, and I wasn’t driving so I can’t even tell you where we stopped, but every lookout was breathtaking. Some highlights included visiting Hopi House, a building designed by architect Mary Coulter in 1905. It was apparently modelled after the “1000-year-old pueblo dwellings of the Hopi Village in Old Oraibi.”
Right next door to Hopi House is the El Tovar Hotel, a most elegant 78-room hotel that opened its doors in 1905 to the well-heeled guests of the park. Prior to that time, tourists were required to pitch tents if they wanted to overnight in the Canyon. This charming hotel is made of Oregon pine and limestone and was designed as a cross between a Swiss Chalet and a Norwegian Villa at a time when European culture was considered “the epitome of refinement”. El Tovar offered guests a music room, billiard hall, solarium and roof gardens as well as the usual dining room and gift shop. El Tovar’s grand entranceway is rustic and imposing with heads of moose, elk and deer above the doorways.
Horseshoe Bend
After so many opportunities to see the Canyon, it was just one majestic vista after the other. The next day, we trekked over to the Glen Canyon Recreation area (about 2 hours) for a boat tour down the Colorado River. Later that evening we saw sunset on the same vista – only from the top. This is Horseshoe Bend, one of the most impressive sites we enjoyed during our trip! A short 2.4 km walk as the sun was setting led to the staggering drop – I mean lookout.
Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley
These two destinations are not to be missed. They are Tribal Parks located within the Navajo Nation Reservation and are managed by the Navajo Nations Parks & Recreation. The Navajo offer guided tours of the areas.
Antelope Canyon
Lower Antelope Canyon, situated near Page, Arizona, is a breathtaking slot canyon renowned for its narrow passageways and wavy rock formations. The canyon is famous for the mesmerizing play of light and shadow that occurs, especially during midday when the sunlight filters directly into the canyon. The Navajo guided tours are essential for safety and help protect the delicate environment of the canyon.
Lower Antelope Canyon holds cultural significance for the Navajo people. Tours often include insights into Navajo history and culture, enhancing the overall experience. Our Antelope Canyon guide was very knowledgeable and fun. He even played his Native American wooden flute (in the haunting key of Fm) so that we could appreciate the acoustics in the canyon.
Monument Valley
Monument Valley, spanning both Arizona and Utah, is a renowned and iconic landscape. This stark, red desert scene is frequently featured in movies and advertisements. It is distinguished by towering monolithic red rocks, or “monuments,” which rise dramatically throughout the valley, some exceeding 1,000 ft in height.
The Navajo Nation also gives tours of Monument Valley which include visiting some of the caves and sacred places of their people. Our guide gave us an extensive history of the place and pointed out some interesting rock formations.
Monument Valley has been a popular filming location for numerous movies due to its stunning and iconic landscape. See if you recognize some of the scenery from these films:
- Stagecoach (1939) – This classic John Ford Western played a significant role in popularizing Monument Valley as a filming location.
- The Searchers (1956) – Another John Ford film starring John Wayne, this movie is often considered one of the greatest Westerns ever made.
- Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) – Directed by Sergio Leone, this epic Western prominently features Monument Valley in its expansive vistas.
- Easy Rider (1969) – A counterculture classic, Easy Rider also features scenes shot in Monument Valley.
- 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) – This classic sci-fi movie includes scenes shot in Monument Valley to represent an alien landscape.
- Forrest Gump (1994) – Monument Valley is the backdrop for the famous scene where Forrest Gump decides to stop running after his cross-country marathon.
- Back to the Future Part III (1990) – Monument Valley was the picturesque setting for the Old West scenes.
- The Lone Ranger (2013) – This action-adventure film includes numerous scenes shot in Monument Valley.
- Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014) – This blockbuster showcases action sequences set against the stunning rock formations of Monument Valley.
Wow! Those are just a few examples of how Monument Valley’s unique and striking landscape has captivated filmmakers and audiences alike. It truly is the epitome of the American West in cinema!
To reach Monument Valley, take Highway 163 from Kayenta, Arizona. Within the Navajo Tribal Park, visitors can also see additional mesas and buttes. There is an entry fee of $20/car.
Zion National Park
We journeyed up to Springdale, Utah to visit Zion National Park. Zion is renowned for its breath-taking natural beauty and diverse landscapes. It became a National Park in 1919, and encompasses over 146,000 acres of protected land. The park is famous for its towering sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and scenic vistas. Zion Canyon, carved by the Virgin River, is one of the park’s main attractions and offers visitors stunning views of its red and white cliffs.
Hiking is a popular activity in Zion, with trails ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs. We enjoyed one of the easy jaunts, catching glimpses of birds and other wildlife. Zion has mule deer, bighorn sheep and lots of small mammals. For those who are more adventurous, The Narrows, a hike through the narrowest section of Zion Canyon, and Angels Landing, known for its steep and thrilling ascent, are two of the park’s most famous trails. A little ambitious for us!
Bryce Canyon National Park
Last but absolutely not least, we spent a day at Bryce Canyon National Park. For me, this was the highlight of the entire trip. I am not exaggerating when I say that the vistas in Bryce Canyon are stunning. In fact, Bryce Canyon merited its own blog post. Read about our day trip here.
Suggested Itinerary
- Fly into Vegas (see The Sphere, the Arte Museum and take in a show.)
- Rent a car and head for Flagstaff
- Stop for 90 minutes at the Hoover Dam
- Overnight in Flagstaff (suggestion: Drury Inns & Suites)
- Dinner in Flagstaff at 1899 Restaurant (across the street from the Drury. )
- Make your way over to Grand Canyon Adventures (a 2 minute drive from Drury Inns & Suites)
- Take the 4 day excursion (3 nights) which includes the South Rim of the Canyon, Glen Canyon (Horseshoe Bend), Lower Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley and the towns of Cameron (with its Trading Post) and Page, Arizona. Our tour finished in Sedona with an optional helicopter ride. (Of course, you will arrange this tour a few months in advance. We went in May.)
- If you have another few days, visit Sedona. Stay at the lovely Casa Sedona for its exquisite room and gardens. Be sure to have breakfast outside among all the birds and flowers. Next day take a Pink Jeep tour (we did the Broken Arrow tour – such fun!)
- Make your way up to Zion National Park. Spend a night or two at Flanigan’s Resort and Spa in Springdale. Flanigan’s is located within a 20-minute walk of the entrance to Zion.
- On your last day, drive the very scenic 2.5 hrs to Bryce Canyon National Park and spend a breathtaking day before heading back to Springdale. While in Springdale, be sure to dine at The Whiptail Grill, Oscar’s Cafe or The Spotted Dog. For drinks, dessert and live music (or a casual dinner) check out the Bit & Spur Saloon (about a 20 minute walk the other way from Flanigan’s.)
- Drive the 2.5 hr, non-scenic road back to Vegas. Ditch the rental. Catch a Cirque du Soleil show in Vegas (we saw the amazing Beatles LOVE) and dinner in one of a million excellent restaurants – we recommend Scarpetta for sumptuous Italian!
- Our favourite hotels on the strip are The Bellagio, The Venetian and Aria. Just off the strip and more economical but very funky, try the Virgen Hotels Las Vegas Curio Collection by Hilton.
Finally, if you are looking for a great travel agent, with a special touch and some insider knowledge, we highly recommend David Lyons-Black. David also specializes in accessible travel for the disabled. My Lyons-Black can arrange your flights, hotels, rental cars and even get you show tickets for the best, no-hassle vacation possible. (Contact: David.lyons-black@travelmasters.ca)
OTHER POSTS YOU MAY ENJOY:
DISCOVERING HORSESHOE BEND ARIZONA
DISCOVERING THE PINK SPLENDOUR OF SEDONA ARIZONA
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