Specific Grand Canyon Questions
 

I'm looking for suggestions on specific things to do during a 1 day visit to the Grand Canyon next June. We'll stay in Flagstaff the night before, so probably arrive between 9-10 AM. We have reservations for Bright Angel Lodge that night. Will be departing the next day and heading to Bryce where we plan to horseback ride in the canyon, so we'll probably stay on the rim at Grand Canyon. I assume we'd want to take the shuttle bus to west; any specific suggestions on hiking between certain points? Are any of the ranger programs good? What about the evening program? We have 2 kids ages 9 and 10. Thanks!

One day is a little short for your Grand Canyon visit, but my suggestion is to take the shuttle bus along the West Rim drive. Last summer the outward bus stopped at every developed view point. <BR>So you can walk between view points and reboard the bus. We walked a considerable distance along the rim because the views were so good. If you get away from the developed viewpoints, you have fewer people to contend with. <BR>Coming back the shuttle stopped only two or three times until it got to the initial boarding point. <BR>There is no way to judge whether you will like the ranger programs next summer or not. They change from year to year and the rangers change, too. <BR>The programs are generally based on the expertise and interests of the summer staff. My guess is that there will be programs of great interest, but saying whether or not you would like them is like trying to predict whether or not you would like a given dress or restaurant meal. The program might not be right for you. <BR> <BR>We went out at night on a star gazing trip that took us well away from the lodge. (To get away from light pollution.) I found it very interesting. <BR> <BR>There is a good chance that this summer at least one ranger will put together a program on the origins of the canyon. <BR>Geologists still are not sure exactly how the canyon was carved. True, the Colorado River played a major role in the erosion that led to the present land form, but just when and how is still up for discussion. There was a major symposium held on that subject in the fall of 2000 and quite a few challenging technical papers were presented. <BR> <BR>Of course, if you don't care the canyon got there, that type of program would be of no interest. So you can understand why I say that the attractiveness of the program is in part dependent on who is hearing it. <BR> <BR>The same is true at Bryce Canyon. I found the ranger programs there interesting. One ranger did a presentation on fighting forest fires, and he was very dramatic. He brought in various examples of forest fire fighting tools and equipment which he passed out to members in the audience. He then explained how each was used and asked the holder of the tool or piece of equipment if he or she would like to try it out in a real circumstance. If the same program is on the schedule next summer, take it in.

I'm with Bob, one day is kind of short, but at least you'll get to see the canyon and appreciate it's beauty. <BR>You can take the shuttle bus along the west rim, getting off and hiking between viewpoints that the bus stops at at your whim (and it's a spectacular hike at any point!). However, since you have fairly young kids, you should be aware that, with the exception of the first mile or so from Grand Canyon Village westward, where the trail is paved and has guardrails, most of the trail has no rails, and often goes very close to the edge of the canyon with a straight drop down and not much width. If your kids are rambuctious and incautious, you may be very nervous on this trail. When we hiked part of it, my poor husband, who suffers from acrophobia, was a bit of a wreck, and although our kids are teenagers and fairly responsible, he had a hard time watching them race along while he cautiously crept past the narrow spots. He opted to take the bus farther along and meet up with us later. The hike is not streneous, and we loved it, but I would be very cautious with young kids. <BR>There is an omnimax theater in Tusayan (a few miles fom the rim) with a great film about the canyon, giving the history, info about geology, etc., which I recommend. Also, a meal at the El Tovar is wonderful, but make your reservations early (I think they'll take them up to a month ahead of time).

Been there with 2 12 yr olds, in Sept. <BR>You picked a hot crowded time but. If I had it to do over I would not waste time again in the tourist stuff like the tower (it is a replica) I would skip the vistors center, you need to experience the place. Water bottle fanny packs and some snaks, go down the Bright Angel about 1 or 2- if you are tough-miles, take time back up. Stop and look hard we saw Bighorns in a distance on a cliff fighting. Very camouflaged. The scenery wraps it up in a nutshell for a one dayer. The trail is really cool, same trail used years ago and by indians. Mules go down this. Great fun to see them, a few poopies on trail but not bad. If you look down you see the mules on the trail- look like ants moving, you are so high. Squirrels and birds of prey were seen too. After I would try to catch a sunset tour on the bus west or east. Ask but do it. For food I can only rec The EL TOVAR! Other eats seemed to be a rip off to us. El Tovar is expensive but not for the amount of food and the Royalty treatment. Our waiter even snuck us a free sample or two. Worth it as we tip well. Food was incredibly fresh, home made, gourmet, and plentiful, my husband is a voracious diner. Make Reservations before you leave. My favorite was Bfast because early in the am deer were everywhere. That about does it. You really cant afford to waste time at the tourist traps stuff it even bored my kids. Have fun. I would love to go again in the spring.

I forgot to mention something. After the sunset tour, you can walk around and star gaze at night. We did Bryce too. Such beautiful colors, blue sky, sandcastle hoodoos. Kids will love it too. Bryce lodge Restaurant couldnt hold a candle to El Tovar. Rude waiter and food so so/ just a warning.

My honest opinion would be that one day is just fine. <BR> <BR>It rather put me in mind of Stonehenge - there's only so long and so many angles you can look at it before you begin to look for something else to do. <BR> <BR>Note: avoid Yavapai lodge and eatery.

I agree - one day is sufficient. Unless you're a geologist. I'd rather spend more time seeing other things like Bryce, Zion and Monument Valley. JMO.

The typical visitor holds onto the rail, looks up, down, right, and left, and says "How nice. Let's go." <BR> <BR>The best things to do is hike below the rim (only 2% of visitors do.) It is a different perspective. Also, take a ranger tour, walk along the rim or take the bus. Evening programs are good for kids. El Tovar for dinner is the best choice, but it is best to make a reservation well in advance. Also for the horseback ride in Bryce. <BR> <BR>