Week 3: Death Valley to Grand Canyon

The drive out of Death Valley took a long time with the dry and brown landscape never-ending.  I was desperate for trees and coolness so decided to push through to northern Arizona.  My route took me on highways 127, 15, 164, 95, 163, 68 and 40!  After 7 hours of driving, I stopped in a small town called Seligman to give my eyes a break and enjoy a triple decker club sandwich.  The sun was setting with a beautiful pink hue giving me a much needed second wind to continue to Williams, AZ.  This town is located on Historic Route 66 and is considered the gateway to the Grand Canyon. 

Williams, AZ "Gateway to the Grand Canyon"
Trooper and I spent Monday, January 13th walking around Williams going to the post office for a package from my dad, looking for a pair of hiking boots (Death Valley did them in!), and hanging out at a local coffee shop that was recommended by several merchants.  Cafe 326 makes a mean mocha and their croissant BLT was heaven!  I chatted with Linda at Western Outfitters for a while and eventually she invited me to her house that night for dinner.  I ended up not going because I met Susan, George and George’s mother who are retirees from southern CA with a gorgeous 42’ diesel pusher and two dogs.  George even spent time troubleshooting my navigation system (which is still not working).  I am very touched by the openness and generosity of “strangers” that I’m meeting along the way.  Williams is a great little town to visit if you’re around the Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon

On Tuesday the 14th, I headed north on 64 to the Grand Canyon South Rim.  When I was in Death Valley, I purchased the National Parks Annual Pass which waives all entrance fees and is a great buy if you’re planning to visit more than 4 National Parks, Forests, Preserves, etc. in a year.  With the pass, I was able to stay in Mather’s Campground for $8/night (no hookups) and what a great place!  Shortly after pulling in, I saw a baby Elk and Mule Deer.  Since the weather has been so remarkable, I forget that it’s off-season, but it has given us very quiet and peaceful accommodations.  

Enjoying a peaceful campsite and beautiful sunset

Baby Elk; Momma's behind the tree

Mule Deer meandering through the camp

The South Rim

The next day Trooper and I walked the South Rim for hours.  There were a few spots that were crowded, but walking 30 yards quickly separated us (apparently people on tour buses don’t walk very far).  Everywhere you walk and look, there is another photo to be taken and views to be enjoyed.  I was surprised by how easily you can walk out to the rim... carefully.  The Grand Canyon is absolutely a place that should be on everyone’s list and now I understand why it is one of the World’s Natural Wonders. It’s hard to describe being in a place that is 6 - 70 million years old (huge geological debate over the age), 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide and over a mile deep! 

T & I enjoying an amazing day

Trooper enjoying a beautiful South Rim Hike

Me taking a picture of my shadow taking a picture

Looking north at Bright Angel Canyon

Bright Angel Canyon closeup

I wonder what lives in that cave

Colorado River on high zoom

Me as close to an edge as I was comfortable with

Mules used for canyon treks... you couldn't get me on one of these going down steep switchbacks with cliffs on both sides!

A tired dog is a GREAT dog!

More Canyon Photos
These are photos of peaks and canyons that I was unable to name, but worthy of being posted... 

Moon Rising

I met Amala and Emily who work for the park service, one at the Grand Canyon and one in the Smokies who I can look up when I’m on the East Coast.  They recommended a hike to watch the sun set and moon rise.  For the first time on this trip, I got on my mountain bike for a fast way to get to the rim location and get back to the RV in the dark.  I’m not sure if it’s the fact that I haven’t ridden in a while or the altitude, but riding was a struggle!  After an hour of waiting, I saw one of the most amazing sights of my life… a full moon rising over the Grand Canyon.  It is a sight forever engrained in my mind.

Me & the Trek... FINALLY!

Sun starting to set 

First sighting of the moon... I was crazy excited to see a full moon!!

Closeup... need I write more?

Me cold and ready to get back to the RV after an amazing experience

Kaibab Trail

Thursday morning, I headed back out on the bike for Kaibab trailhead (another recommendation from Amala).  Kaibab is a Paiute Indian word meaning “mountain lying down".  It is a great trail that drops 2,000' in 3 miles making a great descent but challenging return.  I met several backpackers that were making the 5,000' descent to the Colorado River to camp; something that I would love to do in the future.  I enjoyed being in the canyon instead of on the rim and the climb made for a good night’s sleep!

Trail start; nice switchbacks!  Many people get through the first few then turn back

Nice trail and even nicer view

Cold start

But soon warm enough to remove layers and switch hats

Ooh Aah Point; the first official turnaround spot

Looking out on Plateau Point (you can see the zigzag trail leading to the sandy colored point)

Cedar Ridge; the second official turnaround spot

Cedar Ridge looking back at the 1,200' elevation gain/loss

Grand Canyon Raven (twice the size of common Crows) 

Aloe plant... I think

Satisfying lunch after a steep and long climb back to the rim

Final Thoughts
After 4 days in the Grand Canyon all I can write is that spending time alone in nature's beauty is magical and powerful, and I highly recommend giving yourself that gift.

Enjoy and until next time....