Monday, 4th October 2010
Today turned out to be quite a day of contrasts. To begin with we headed west from the Information Centre along the Rim Trail, with great views over the Grand Canyon. Taking particular interest in any viewpoints that gave sight of the Bright Angel Trail, we eventually reached the Interchange, where the shuttle buses meet to head off in different directions. Catching the shuttle bus at Powell Point, there was a distinct deterioration in the weather as we headed west to Hermit's Rest. Here a few of us left the bus while others stayed on to make the return journey. By the time we reached the visitor centre any extra clothes we had brought with us were needed, and a 'hot chocolate' went down very well. After some heavy rain and hail, together with a very strong wind, we eventually managed to board a return shuttle. By the time we reached the Interchange the weather had changed again and the views were even better for our walk back to Yavapai Lodge.
In the evening we were treated to a trip to the IMAX cinema, where we travelled through Grand Canyon history to join Major John Wesley Powell as he challenged the unexplored Canyon and raging Colorado River in 1869. This was followed by one of the best meals of the holiday.
Almost 5 million people visit the Grand Canyon National Park
every year but the canyon itself remains beyond the grasp of human imagination.
At more than one mile deep it’s an inconceivable abyss; varying between four and
eighteen miles wide, it’s an endless expanse of bewildering shapes and colours,
glaring desert brightness and impenetrable shadow, stark promontories and
soaring sandstone pinnacles. The overlooks along the rim all offer views that
shift unceasingly from dawn to sunset. The vast majority of visitors come to the
South Rim – it’s much easier to get to, it holds more facilities (mainly at
Grand Canyon Village) and it’s open all year round. There is another lodge at
the North Rim but at one thousand feet higher it is usually closed by snow from
mid-October until May.
‘The South Rim’ refers to the thirty mile stretch that’s served by a paved road,
and most specifically the Grand Canyon Village, sandwiched between the pine
forest and the rim. The canyon can be viewed from within the village, along the
8-mile hermit road to the west and from the 23-mile Desert View Drive to the
east.
Walking along the Rim Trail . . .
the views over the Canyon are constantly changing . . .
including Isis Temple
Zooming in on Kaibab Bridge across the Colorado River
Walking beside the Bright Angel Fault . . .
we get our first view of Bright Angel Trail . . .
which zig-zags down - and down - and down . . .
beyond our view
The Rim Trail is a metalled path
Another section of the Bright Angel Trail - with a diversion to Plateau Point . . .
and the views continue to amaze . . .
this time revealing Indian Gardens - the green winding section
From another viewpoint . . .
we spot a group ascending on mules . . .
a practice which started in the 1890s
As we leave the corral behind . . .
watch out for the insect life . . .
Eyes right - for yet another view . . .
and a closer inspection of our route . . .
this time viewed . . .
from the opposite side . . .
and zooming in on people travelling the trail
A Western Bluebird . . .
and a Rock Squirrel . . .
which is quite tame
At Hermit's Rest the weather turns very cold . . .
but by the time we return to the Interchange . . .
the sun is shining
Another rock squirrel . . .
but this one is only interested . . .
in a healthy diet
The light is too good to miss . . .
so more photos are needed . . .
on our way back . . .
to Yavapai Lodge