Melissa5

I'm planning our second annual 3-generational bonding trip! Last year we went to Yosemite. This year we are headed to the inspiring Grand Canyon south rim in June.

I'm dreaming of a peaceful cabin under the stars on the rim of the Grand Canyon. Help! I know my dream is colliding with reality here. But if you have stayed at the Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins...please tell me about your experience!

I have reserved 4 historic cabins at "Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins" for our family. These are NOT the view cabins. No view. These are 4 small connecting cabins, with 1 queen bed in each cabin. I reserved on the web, and then followed up with a phone call. They have noted my request for connecting cabins in a quiet location, AWAY from the parking lot. (Rim view cabins were full.)

Do you think I made the best available choice for a bonding trip with 7 adults and 1 toddler? There will be 2 people in each cabin, which is the maximum occupancy for these particular cabins.

QUESTIONS:

HOW SMALL IS THE CABIN??
How small are these cabins? For example...will we be tripping over our luggage? Is there room on the floor for me to do some stretches at bedtime on my yoga mat?

IS JUNE HOT AT NIGHT?
Will these cabins be too hot at night in June? They have a fan, no A/C.

DEALING WITH CROWDS:
Any advice about dealing with crowds? If we eat at the Bright Angel's dining area...can we avoid a wait by eating at early mealtimes? Such as 11:30 for lunch and 5:30 for dinner?

Does anybody prefer Thunderbird lodge over Bright Angel cabins...or vice versa?

This is the first trip to Grand Canyon for some of our group! Exciting! This will be my second trip and I stayed at Yavapai lodge on my first trip...it was ok but I felt it was a little far from the rim and so we spent more time waiting for shuttles or walking to other spots.

I welcome your thoughts, advice, and the benefit of your experience! We can go in June or September, but we chose June because we like warm weather. (I think September can be cool and rainy?)

starrs

Any chance you'd consider the North Rim?

Toucan2

We stayed in the cabins a few years ago. I preferred staying there rather than than lodges that were far away. I could walk out my door and in two seconds be at the rim. As well, the shuttle bus stop for all the other viewpoints on the rim was very close by.

Our room was fine for two people. I don't remember an incredible amount of floor space, but I don't believe we tripped over our luggage. In fact I think our closet was kind of large. The bathroom had recently been remodeled.

We were there at Christmas time so I can't speak to how warm the cabin will be or the overcrowded dining rooms, sorry!

It is so incredibly beautiful, have a wonderful time.

spirobulldog

Hard to predict weather, but the cabin has the potential to be hot and then cool off as the night progresses.

To get the view cabins, you have to book on the morning that they come available. Which, I think is on the first day of the month, 12 months prior to your arrival(I think that's the way Xanterra does it).

I would probably have one meal at El Tovar.

For me, I would probably go in Sept. Not sure that temperature or rain would make that big of a difference though.

To avoid crowds, go to the North Rim.

http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisi...-condition.htm

gail

View cabins are noisier - since people will be walking by your windows on path to see Rim at all hours of the day or night - if you want quiet, the Rim view is not for you.

Size - we had a duplex cabin with connecting door - one side had 2 double beds, the other a queen bed. Storage space was fine for luggage - no tripping - but hardly spacious. Room for beds, to walk around a bit. Significantly smaller than even an inexpensive hotel room.

We stayed 3 nights and only wait for meal was first night for dinner. We had El Tovar reservations the other night. No wait for breakfast or lunch as dining room at Bright Angel Lodge.

You will have a nice trip. But adjust your expectations - you are not in the wilderness alone viewing the Grand Canyon - there will be lots and lots of people. We were there several years ago in July - it cools down considerably at night and if it is really hot during the day you may get a great thunderstorm at night.

And PLEASE - secure your toddler in stroller or by a strong grip on his/her hand. I was terrified to see lots of free range kids so close to the Rim that it made my head explode. Their natural instinct is to run close so see everything - and it is obviously a long way down.

Melissa5

starrs: Well we hadn't even considered the North rim. But since you suggested it, I just looked it up briefly. It is the same driving distance for everybody in our family...whether we drive to the south or north rim would be the same. We would break up the drive in Las Vegas. I am interested in knowing why you suggest the north rim? And what accommodations you would suggest? We have 7 adults and 1 toddler. We have some young people in great shape for hikes, and some lazy dreamers who would rather sit and write inspiring poetry about the scenery. We already have accommodations for the south rim. But I am still interested in info about the north rim.

Toucan2: I sure appreciate your info about your experience in a historic cabin at Bright Angel Lodge. Sounds like a beautiful Christmas for you. For us, it will be a warm June.

spirobulldog: Have you been to the Grand Canyon south rim in both summer and in September? Do you prefer September because of fewer crowds? We will probably keep our June reservations and go in June...especially as my husband and I recently experrienced a cold and rainy September trip to Ireland...we are currently preferring a warm trip to Grand Canyon. But thanks for the info I am always weighing my options.

Melissa5

gail: Thanks for all your viewpoints and info! Don't worry my grandchild will not be allowed to be "free range" at the Grand Canyon! Thanks very much for your suggestion that the Rim view cabins would be noisier...I was thinking that as well but wanted to see what other travelers would say. I'm relieved to hear you didn't have to wait for breakfast or lunch at Bright Angel Lodge... I like the idea of at least 1 dinner reservation at El Tovar.

QUESTION: IS 5 NIGHTS TOO LONG???
We are a 3-generation family group with 7 adults and 1 toddler. For 3 people, it will be their first visit to the Grand Canyon. I am thinking 5 nights in cabins at Bright Angel Lodge is about right. Too long? Not long enough?

CABIN DETAILS FOR BRIGHT ANGEL:
I'd love to hear from everyone who has stayed at Bright Angel Lodge, especially in the historic cabins. Please share your experience, and especially detailed descriptions, and the time of year of your visit. THANK YOU!

starrs

I asked because of your title - Dreaming of a cabin under the stars

I think you'll like the North Rim better than the South Rim for what you are dreaming of. The difference (in summer) is as different as night and day. The views of the canyon are more panoramic at the South Rim - but the North Rim is by far my favorite. It's what I always imagined a national park would look and feel like. #1 - you won't be one of thousands during busy season. We were there in July and there were other people there, but NOTHING like the south rim - which is a VERY good thing IMO. You won't have to worry about shuttle buses - you are a very short walk to the rim. We stayed in a cabin and it was basic but fine. There are other lodging options there. I just the north rim.

I also liked a lot of what we saw on that trip. If you've been before and you and your hubby have time to add on a couple of days, go to Canyon de Chelly. I've been to the area several times over the past 30 years - but love, love, love the north rim...and it would be a better match for the bonding vacation you describe.

Melissa5

spirobulldog: Thanks for the link, which has good info on climate for summer & fall on the north rim and south rim. that was very helpful. I had looked up the weather on a different web-site, but it was summarized more clearly on the link you provided.

Melissa5

starrs: Thanks for the further info on the north rim! I think for this trip we are leaning towards the south rim, where we already have accommodations booked. But you have perked up my interest in the north rim. We are hoping to make this 3-generational trip a yearly bonding experience, so I'm sure this won't be our only trip to the Grand Canyon! I'm going to look up Canyon de Chelly. Do you have a favorite accommodation on the north rim?

christabir

I got stood up by a "friend" at the north rim. It was the best three days! it's exactly what starrs describes. Absolute bliss. I sat on the patio for a full day and watched the landscape change as the sun moved across the sky and chatted with the nicest people while drinking lattes, soft drinks and vodka tonics. I took a few easy walks (hikes to those who think they're different) and made friends with a few rangers. It was just a lovely time. Would have been just as good with loved ones. Well, maybe.

starrs

Melissa, here's a link to my trip report. I created a new title that is searchable (from a previous name)

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...and-sedona.cfm

starrs

christabir, I so agree. I loved sitting out on the patio. You're there with maybe 50 people - not 500 or 5000. I took the ranger led night hike. How amazing to be walking on the trail in the dark, the senses heightened by the loss of sight. Just an amazing experience. I drove to the campground and stopped to watch the deer (with babies) in the clearing. Loved the campground store. Bought souvenirs there - so different than south rim gift shops. Just a completely different experience. A bit like the south rim in March. I'll do the south rim again one day - but not in the summer months. Can't wait to get back to the north rim.

MichelleY

The Bright Angel cabins were fine. We were there in July and did not find it particularly hot. Having you all in one area will work out great and some of the rooms may have connecting doors.

We have also been to the N. rim and enjoyed it very much. Liked each rim for different reasons.

With 5 days, you could split your trip between N & S rims? I think 5 days at one place is way too long.

Just my opinion, but you will have a great time no matter.

Good luck,

MY

isabel

What everyone said about the north rim. When I read your post and what you said you wanted I was sure you were talking about going to the North Rim. The cabins were great, a little rustic but that's the feel you want at a national park. Here's a link to my trip report (also includes Bryce and Zion) and photos: http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...parks-trip.cfm

Photos - http://www.pbase.com/annforcier/arizona

If you are worried that five days is too long you could pretty easily stop in Zion on your way back to Vegas for one or two of those nights.

gail

Five nites at GC is too long - I think you need 2 full days - which for us was 3 nights because of travel/arrival times. Do you feel it important to stay in one place - if not add Bryce or Zion National Parks for a couple of nights.

spirobulldog

Unless you are rafting, or doing some serious hiking, 5 days would be way to long for me. This park is far different than Yosemite, where there is a ton of things to do and see. Here you are really just going to look over the edge at a few viewpoints along the way unless you are committed to some serious rafting, horseback riding, or hiking. 1 or 2 Day at each side would be plenty enough for me. I would definately do a hike along the rim and a short distance down into the canyon. Do see a few of the historical sights along the area too. I have always been in June and the weather has always cooperated. I have a neighbor who has been in Sept/Oct a few times and they say the weather is cooler and less people. I don't think rain would be that big of a problem in Sept.


If you do the North Rim, I would suggest perhaps consider doing Zion National Park for a couple of days and maybe even Bryce.

90% of the people go to the South Rim. The North Rim is more out of the way for most people. So, less crowded. Most people consider the South as "the view".

emalloy

Regarding Bright Angel cabins vs. Thunderbird Lodge: we have stayed in both. Thunderbird is like a chain motel B A is more like what you would find for roadside cabins back in the 50's. The room we had in Thunderbird was a bit larger than the cabin, but the cabin had a bit more charm.

Personally, I like the south rim views better than the north rim, but have not been to the south rim in the summer. For the first time folks, go to the south rim and if you have time, loop up to the north for a couple of days.

As far as view goes, The view from GC is from outside of the lodging as it is a down from the room view, not up, very different if you are used to mountain views. Even in el Tovar, I think the only place you would get a view would be from the top floor suites which look like they have an outside area. I haven't ever stayed in them, but the room we had in el Tovar had no real view. The desk guy did say the suites were great for a family and a better bargain than two rooms. You might check on their availability and if there would be enough beds, privacy, and bathrooms for all of you if you got 2 of them instead of the 4 at BA. If they work out for you, you could cancel your BA reservation with no penalty and book them.

As has been mentioned, unless you are planning on lots of hikes a couple of days in each area will be enough to "see the park", but if you are planning on bonding then not driving around might be ok.

There are several dining choices in the park, right in the rim area there is a place in BA lodge, the Arizona room, on the end the lodge, and the dining room in el Tovar. You can make reservations at el Tovar but I think the others are first come. There are also cafeteria places at Maswick and near Yavapai. We are on eastern time, so early meals are for us and we have not had to wait too long at any of the places.

Have a fantastic trip.

starrs

I guess I'm looking at this a little differently. Melissa says this trip is a "bonding" time among different generations. Lots of families rent a place at the ocean or a cabin in the mountains to do the same thing. If that's the goal, then the Grand Canyon is a spectaular location for such a trip.

If the goal is to "see a lot of stuff" then fewer than 5 days would be enough. But do they really want to drag multi-generations on a road trip? I know I wouldn't.

A French family spent 2 weeks in Glacier NP and I was amazed at the trip report. That family saw stuff that 99.95% visitors never see or do - and it was a return visit for them.

It all depends on the goals. There are so many ranger-led activities and other things to do in national parks that most of us don't take advantage of. I spent a week in Island Park, Idaho in the 80s while the husbands fished from dawn to dusk (with a guide). It was a luxury to wander Yellowstone with no real agenda - other than to join a ranger led hike to standing petrified trees on a ridge. I imagine most people have no idea there are petrified trees you can see and touch in Yellowstone.

Sounds like this trip is a perfect "slow travel" opportunity. Very probably the best memories will be of family members in or near the cabins. For us, it was the mule deer grazing outside of our room at the South Rim - and their venturing up to the window to peer in. It delighted the kids. This was July at the south rim.

WhereAreWe

I think 5 days at the South Rim is too long. I agree with Starrs in that it could be a great family bonding time, but only if the OP decides to stay at the North Rim.

My thinking is this: the South Rim is so busy and crowded during summer that it will be hard to get away from the crowds and enjoy family time. However the North Rim is slower paced, fewer people, and generally has that more natural feel to it, which I think would be conducive to a 5 day family bonding trip. I can envision a family just relaxing outside their cabin, having a picnic at the North Rim. I can envision a family trying to do that at the South Rim and getting distracted and irritated by the hordes of tourists, especially after being there a few days.

And if you find yourself getting restless after a couple days, do a day trip to Page or Kanab or somewhere for a change of pace, then go back to the North Rim and relax.