The Grand Canyon

We started our trip to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, we had stayed in the bright loud city for a few nights. We then hired a car and drove to the Canyon. The trip was about 4.5 hours from the city, crossing from Nevada into Arizona. To us 4 English people driving in the US is so different, the roads are so straight, wide and long, and sometimes you don’t see anyone for a while.

The Hoover Dam

So on the way you have to pass the Hoover dam, its only about 40 mins from Vegas, so easy to do on a day trip. Back in 2006 when we went the only way to cross the Colorado river was to actually cross on the dam itself. Nowadays the quickest route is via a bridge over the dam and river. So we stopped at the car park next to the dam and had a look around. The dam is actually huge, its 726ft tall and holds back the water from the man made lake Mead, which by the way is one of the largest man made reservoirs in the US. The Dam’s generators provide enough power for utilities in neighbouring states.

Route 66 and Caverns

So after visiting here we were back on our way to the Grand Canyon. The next stop on our way there was that we got to drive on part of route 66! Only a short way, but it could technically be counted off our bucket list!!? Anyway a short drive down this road led us to the Grand canyon caverns. Back then it was such a small place, its since grown much larger with a hotel on the site.

We pulled into this little lot with a small building and a cafe attached, there was no one else there. So after entering we were shown to this elevator (the only way down into the caverns) The elevator slowly descended 210 ft with us 4 and 1 guide inside, we stepped out into these vast caves. They are apparently one of the largest dry cave systems in the US. We were the only ones down there and this place is massive with lots of paths leading around. The guide at one point told us to put our backs against the wall and stand still, he then turned the lights out! It was so dark, I’ve never experienced anything like it, to be honest i was a little bit scared. I’ve found out that now you can book a room in this cavern for the night. Anyone fancy that?

Anyway back to the main story and back on the road to the canyon. We were headed for the south rim, the north rim is higher in elevation and so there are more trees but is also colder and in the winter its closed because of the bad weather.

The Grand Canyon doesn’t really much explaining, everyone should of heard of it. Well this massive canyon was formed 5-6 million years ago by the Colorado river carving it out over time.

It’s an incredible 280 miles (450Km) long, 18 miles (29Km) wide and over 1 mile (1.6Km) deep!! which if you are from England like I am that’s nearly the length of the country. So huge its hard to comprehend.

Accommodation

We were staying at the south rim for about 4 nights, so checked into Yavapai lodge. This was located in the Grand canyon village, the lodge was a 2 story building with comfortable rooms. This was awhile ago so the area has changed now, but back then there was a cafe, shop and a launderette. Other lodges, campsites and also a hotel. The whole area was serviced by free shuttle buses, these buses also ran along the rim to certain areas.

Now there are so many choices of places to stay. Ranging from campsites up to luxury hotels.

“What a view”

As we had arrived late, we waited until the next day to go see the canyon, and it didn’t disappoint. You have to see it for yourself, words cannot describe the enormity of it. Colours off red, orange and purple layered the canyon and its all you could see for miles. Every turn produced even more spectacular views, i felt like what i was looking at couldn’t be real.

We spent the time jumping on the shuttle buses and getting off at the stops and exploring the area or walk back to the next stop. There are loads of lookout points overlooking this immense canyon, we had 3 whole days here and did loads of walking. We did not venture down into the canyon, i wish we did but i felt we weren’t prepared for this. It’s so dangerous if you don’t have the right equipment and water, it gets really hot!

Further from the village

Hermits rest is approx 7/8 miles west of the village, this is a good spot to witness amazing sunsets over the canyon.

In the opposite direction is Desert view, from here you can see the Colorado river. There’s an old watchtower overlooking the canyon. No buses come here so you have to drive, but there’s plenty of stops along the way. It’s a 40min drive away, so you can easily spend a day going there and back.

So if you have the chance to visit the Grand Canyon it’s a must. Either by staying a few days or 1 night. or even by helicopter from Las Vegas. There’s plenty to see and do.