One night at Grand Canyon
Apr 14th, 2004, 03:41 PM
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One night at Grand Canyon
We will be spending one evening at the Grand Canyon in early May. First time ever.
Staying at Kachina Lodge and driving up from Scottsdale early in the morning. Assuming we leave between 7 and 8 am I am guessing arrival is somewhere between 11 and 1:30 pm, traffic permitting. We will be traveling with an infant (9 mos). We assume that we will leave to return to Scottsdale sometime in the mid afternoon or so.
We are interested in (a) any suggestions/recommendations given the limited time we will have in the area (with a 9 month old I think mule ride is out. Also curious for any driving recommendations there or back for scenic value and/or a bite to eat etc.
Thanks very much for any pointers!
Staying at Kachina Lodge and driving up from Scottsdale early in the morning. Assuming we leave between 7 and 8 am I am guessing arrival is somewhere between 11 and 1:30 pm, traffic permitting. We will be traveling with an infant (9 mos). We assume that we will leave to return to Scottsdale sometime in the mid afternoon or so.
We are interested in (a) any suggestions/recommendations given the limited time we will have in the area (with a 9 month old I think mule ride is out. Also curious for any driving recommendations there or back for scenic value and/or a bite to eat etc.
Thanks very much for any pointers!
Apr 14th, 2004, 05:23 PM
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If you wanted a mule ride, you should have reserved 18 months ago.
From Scottsdate to the GC, try 6 hours.
Based on your post about finding a fun place to wake up on your way to Bryce, I see no reason to push it until the wee small hours hunting for Shangrila.
I think you have unreasonable expectations.
Find a good motel close to the airport and get some sleep.
Are you a rookie traveler?
When I traveled with a one year old, I stopped early so Mom and Dad could sleep.
From Scottsdate to the GC, try 6 hours.
Based on your post about finding a fun place to wake up on your way to Bryce, I see no reason to push it until the wee small hours hunting for Shangrila.
I think you have unreasonable expectations.
Find a good motel close to the airport and get some sleep.
Are you a rookie traveler?
When I traveled with a one year old, I stopped early so Mom and Dad could sleep.
Apr 14th, 2004, 05:26 PM
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I am assuming that Phoenix traffic will slow you up about 20 minutes or more.
Perhaps 5 and a half hours is closer to reality. I left at 9:30 and made it in 4 hours and 30 minutes. Traffic was still moderate to sluggish.
Perhaps 5 and a half hours is closer to reality. I left at 9:30 and made it in 4 hours and 30 minutes. Traffic was still moderate to sluggish.
Apr 14th, 2004, 06:28 PM
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Def. not a rookie traveler.
A little confused with bob's first post. Bryce? Airport? Not part of the itinerary at all.
Its Scottsdale to GC and then back to Scottsdale at some point next day. Hence comment on "unreasonable expectations" is puzzling (perhaps wasn't clear)
Mule ride comment was just a joke - had no intention of doing it this go round. I am aware of the lag time for reserves.
So still am interested in any suggestions or reccomendations anyone has for an overnight stay in South Rim GC. Thanks much.
A little confused with bob's first post. Bryce? Airport? Not part of the itinerary at all.
Its Scottsdale to GC and then back to Scottsdale at some point next day. Hence comment on "unreasonable expectations" is puzzling (perhaps wasn't clear)
Mule ride comment was just a joke - had no intention of doing it this go round. I am aware of the lag time for reserves.
So still am interested in any suggestions or reccomendations anyone has for an overnight stay in South Rim GC. Thanks much.
Apr 14th, 2004, 08:42 PM
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I would just spend time walking along the rim around the S. Rim Village looking at the wonderful scenery. If your little one is up to it, spend time riding the free shuttle buses to a few of the stops towards Hermits Rest.
If you have a stroller, the S. Rim is stroller friendly at the Village.
Utahtea
If you have a stroller, the S. Rim is stroller friendly at the Village.
Utahtea
Apr 16th, 2004, 07:09 PM
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We also had only one night at the GC. We drove up from Sedona at 2pm right after our Pink Jeep tour, stopped at Junipine resort on 89 for a late lunch and arrived GC at 5pm, checked in and rested an hour, opened bottle of wine we brought w/us, ran outside and watched the sunset, walked through and checked out the other lodges, had late dinner at ElTovar. Got up for sunrise w/our coffee the next morning, had breakfast at El Tovar w/kids, took free shuttle to a couple of the lookout points, checked out and on the road by 11:30am, arrived in Carefree (20 minutes north of Scottsdale) at 3pm. The trail on the rim is very stroller friendly and so were the trails to the shuttle and the lookout points we went to. Traveling on very limited time trying to fit things in can be tiring but being new parents, I'm sure you are used to that routine 
Hopefully, you'll have some R&R scheduled in Scottsdale. ENJOY.
Hopefully, you'll have some R&R scheduled in Scottsdale. ENJOY.
