Only 1 day at Grand Canyon - 1st time - How would you plan it?
Aug 4th, 2008, 10:54 AM
#22
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 20,491
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think the idea of a picnic makes more sense than a lunch at El Tovar with such a short stay at the Canyon. However, it is definitely worth wandering through the lobbies of El T and Bright Angel Lodges --these are interesting historic buildings.
There is a General Store in the park at "Market Plaza" but groceries are more expensive than outside the park so you might want to buy supplies in Flagstaff. The store has a deli that makes pretty good sandwiches.
Beware the cafeteria food.
The Kolb studio (in GC village) and Tusayan Museum (along the south rim headed out toward the East Entrance) information centers are both very interesting--more so to me than the IMAX show
http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisi...torcenters.htm
There is a General Store in the park at "Market Plaza" but groceries are more expensive than outside the park so you might want to buy supplies in Flagstaff. The store has a deli that makes pretty good sandwiches.
Beware the cafeteria food.
The Kolb studio (in GC village) and Tusayan Museum (along the south rim headed out toward the East Entrance) information centers are both very interesting--more so to me than the IMAX show
http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisi...torcenters.htm
Aug 4th, 2008, 02:54 PM
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,360
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Bill!! You are my HERO!! 
Informative links and all! Shoshone Point for a secluded picnic is perfect for us, whether it's four of us or ten! I may call to see if it's booked.
Vttraveler, thanks for the tip to wander through the lobbies of El T and Bright Angel Lodges. I wouldn't have thought to do that.
Many thanks to everyone!
Informative links and all! Shoshone Point for a secluded picnic is perfect for us, whether it's four of us or ten! I may call to see if it's booked.
Vttraveler, thanks for the tip to wander through the lobbies of El T and Bright Angel Lodges. I wouldn't have thought to do that.
Many thanks to everyone!
Aug 12th, 2008, 02:13 PM
#24
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,360
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
WOW!!! What a wonderful action packed 5 days we had! We're just back today, and wanted to thank all of you again for your input.
I'll write out a report and start a new thread, but wanted to share that we did leave Flagstaff around 8:30am, driving up and taking the Desert View drive, the South Rim via the south entrance. Skipped the IMAX. Parked along the road near Mather Point and walked the rim trail to Yavapai Point.
My first glance nearly knocked me off my feet! Words can't describe the majesty & beauty!
We then drove to the village, walked through the lobbies of the lodges, and walked down for some ice cream. Crowds were huge.
Before leaving Flagstaff, we packed an ubundant picnic with all the left overs from the wedding reception. So our next stop, which I had looked forward to all day, was Shoshone Point. We parked, pulled a wagon full of food, drink and supplies, and everyone (the newlyweds, mom & dad, cousins & kids & grandparents) all trecked the 1 mile hike to the rim.
BREATHTAKING panoramic views!! >
< Bill_H, I owe you BIG!! My cousins were thrilled to have learned of this spot and hope visit there again soon. There were just a handful of people, most of whom left after we arrived. Enjoyed a lovely picnic, relaxed, a few of us hiked out to the Point (YIKES!) and were awestruck by the vastness 360 around us. I'll never forget this.
After a few hours we were on to Grandview and Lipan Point, which did not disappoint and then finally Desert View to climb the Watchtower. Spectacular.
Exiting the East Entrance, it wasn't long before we began to see the impressive landscape of the Painted Desert lit up and glowing irridescent pink & rose cast by the setting sun... before long a brilliant long rainbow landing in the glowing mountain range. Again, a feast for the eyes, it was just spectacular.
We finished the day on the reservaton in Cameron at the Trading Post... arriving back to Flagstaff late, around 9:30pm.
Simply a great day. Thank you all again, for giving us the ideas, making the best of our short time.
Many thanks.
I'll write out a report and start a new thread, but wanted to share that we did leave Flagstaff around 8:30am, driving up and taking the Desert View drive, the South Rim via the south entrance. Skipped the IMAX. Parked along the road near Mather Point and walked the rim trail to Yavapai Point.
My first glance nearly knocked me off my feet!
Words can't describe the majesty & beauty!We then drove to the village, walked through the lobbies of the lodges, and walked down for some ice cream. Crowds were huge.
Before leaving Flagstaff, we packed an ubundant picnic with all the left overs from the wedding reception. So our next stop, which I had looked forward to all day, was Shoshone Point. We parked, pulled a wagon full of food, drink and supplies, and everyone (the newlyweds, mom & dad, cousins & kids & grandparents) all trecked the 1 mile hike to the rim.
BREATHTAKING panoramic views!! >
< Bill_H, I owe you BIG!! My cousins were thrilled to have learned of this spot and hope visit there again soon. There were just a handful of people, most of whom left after we arrived. Enjoyed a lovely picnic, relaxed, a few of us hiked out to the Point (YIKES!) and were awestruck by the vastness 360 around us. I'll never forget this.After a few hours we were on to Grandview and Lipan Point, which did not disappoint and then finally Desert View to climb the Watchtower. Spectacular.
Exiting the East Entrance, it wasn't long before we began to see the impressive landscape of the Painted Desert lit up and glowing irridescent pink & rose cast by the setting sun... before long a brilliant long rainbow landing in the glowing mountain range. Again, a feast for the eyes, it was just spectacular.
We finished the day on the reservaton in Cameron at the Trading Post... arriving back to Flagstaff late, around 9:30pm.
Simply a great day. Thank you all again, for giving us the ideas, making the best of our short time.
Many thanks.
Aug 12th, 2008, 03:06 PM
#25
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,880
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
BREATHTAKING panoramic views!! Bill_H, I owe you BIG!!
Hi makai1,
Glad to help ... sounds like Shoshone was the perfect spot for your group picnic. Now I'm afraid the secret is out though and I'll never find it uncrowded again though
Bill
Hi makai1,
Glad to help ... sounds like Shoshone was the perfect spot for your group picnic. Now I'm afraid the secret is out though and I'll never find it uncrowded again though
Bill
