Grand Canyon....tours? Help!
Sep 3rd, 1998, 08:35 AM
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
First, go to www.kaibab.org for more info on the Canyon than could possibly want.
Good choice going to GC in October; one of the best times to go, both crowd-wise and weather-wise.
However,the GC, being one of the world's most overwhelmingly beautiful sites, never really has a off-season -- only a "less-crowded" one. Thus, if you are planning to stay in or near the Park, you MUST make lodging reservations as soon as you decide about when you plan to go. If at ALL possible, do NOT go to the GC on a weekend; doing so pretty much guarantees crowds and trouble finding a place to stay.
You do NOT need to be part of a tour in order to see the beauty of the GC. Just go to as many viewpoints as you can, during as many times of the day as you can, and look!
*IF* you are in reasonably good shape, I strongly recommend you hike down the Bright Angel Trail (after putting on long, cotton outfits, a hat, and SP-30 sunscreen; and carrying LOTS of water) UNTIL you BEGIN to feel weary, sore, or thirsty. Then turn back RIGHT THEN. The trip back up will be MUCH worse than the walk down, so don't push it.
Enjoy your trip -- you won't forget it!
Good choice going to GC in October; one of the best times to go, both crowd-wise and weather-wise.
However,the GC, being one of the world's most overwhelmingly beautiful sites, never really has a off-season -- only a "less-crowded" one. Thus, if you are planning to stay in or near the Park, you MUST make lodging reservations as soon as you decide about when you plan to go. If at ALL possible, do NOT go to the GC on a weekend; doing so pretty much guarantees crowds and trouble finding a place to stay.
You do NOT need to be part of a tour in order to see the beauty of the GC. Just go to as many viewpoints as you can, during as many times of the day as you can, and look!
*IF* you are in reasonably good shape, I strongly recommend you hike down the Bright Angel Trail (after putting on long, cotton outfits, a hat, and SP-30 sunscreen; and carrying LOTS of water) UNTIL you BEGIN to feel weary, sore, or thirsty. Then turn back RIGHT THEN. The trip back up will be MUCH worse than the walk down, so don't push it.
Enjoy your trip -- you won't forget it!
Sep 4th, 1998, 05:51 PM
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
You can also visit the GC from Sedona which is a beautiful area all on its own. There's a lot to see there as well, in which case you fly to Phoenix, rent car and drive to Sedona. Many very nice hotels. Use Sedona as a base to go up to the GC as many times as you want on day trips. It's more pleasant than fighting the crowds farther north.
Sep 5th, 1998, 07:02 AM
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Kam has that right; phone 1-800-288-7336 and ask the Sedona Visitors' Bureau to send you their 76-page FREE booklet, "Experience Sedona." We are 110 miles from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, or about 2.5 hours' drive. Avoid the crowds, relax, use Sedona as your base to see our wonderful Arizona. PS: my wife was born in Quincy, MA -- and you couldn't tear her away from here.
Sep 6th, 1998, 01:18 PM
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Hi!
We did the mule trip down to the bottom of the Canyon and stayed overnight at the Phantom Ranch. Having driven around and looked like the majority of tourists do, one cannot experience its true greatness unless you go down into it. Hiking was not an option or desire for us, but the mule trip was UNFORGETTABLE! I would tell everyone to do it, but make reservations now- you may already be too late. we also stayed at the Bright angel Lodge.- Beautiful! Happy Trails. Melody
We did the mule trip down to the bottom of the Canyon and stayed overnight at the Phantom Ranch. Having driven around and looked like the majority of tourists do, one cannot experience its true greatness unless you go down into it. Hiking was not an option or desire for us, but the mule trip was UNFORGETTABLE! I would tell everyone to do it, but make reservations now- you may already be too late. we also stayed at the Bright angel Lodge.- Beautiful! Happy Trails. Melody
