The Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

We joked and joked about going to see the "big hole in the ground". Once there, however, we saw that it was no laughing matter. Actually, I don't think any of us produced a sound for at least a couple of seconds. When we did, it was all "oohs and aahs". It truly was an incredible sight! Yes, it's still a big hole in the ground, but it is a big, big hole that stretches for miles. So many amazing colors and shapes could be found in this natural phenomena. I hope everyone gets a chance to experience it for themselves one day!

We arrived on a March afternoon after traveling from Phoenix via I-17. The trip took over 5 hours, though we stopped at the Montezuma Castle National Monument in Cape Verde, AZ to explore and enjoy a picnic lunch.

Grand Canyon National Park South Entrance

We entered the park easily (I'm assuming it is much more crowded in the morning) and drove immediately to the Visitor's Center parking lot. Here we got out of our vehicles and headed toward the Canyon for our first view. I was surprised by how quickly we were "there". 

We took pictures at Mather Point, which had a fair amount of visitors there. It was an incredibly beautiful vantage point. 

The Wandering Four at Mather Point, Grand Canyon

This area had significant railing and fencing which, while our kids are a bit older now, was helpful for the younger members of our group. We didn't spend much time here as it was time to check in to our lodge. Our accommodations were at the Yavapai Lodge (see full post here) just a short distance from the Visitor's Center. We settled down for the night anticipating an early morning to see the sunrise!

We woke early the next morning and drove down to Yavapai Point next to the Yavapai Geological Museum. It was cold, but worth the wait. The sunrise itself was beautiful, but even more impressive was looking back at the Canyon as the light hit each layer, showcasing the intense reds, tans, grays, and purples that seem to be painted on the Canyon walls.

Sunrise at Yavapai Point in the Grand Canyon National Park, March 2018

Sunrise at Yavapai Point facing West, March 2018

One destination we didn't want to miss during our Grand Canyon trip was the Desert View Watchtower. The tower is located about 25 miles east of the Visitor Center, on Desert View Drive. While the Park's free shuttle buses do not venture this far, it is worth the scenic drive which has many overlooks and pullouts for picture taking as well as interesting wildlife nearby. We saw and had to stop for several elk as they crossed the road.

The Desert View Watchtower was designed by Mary Colter and built in the 1930s. Outside the tower are amazing views of the Canyon as well as a glimpse of the Colorado River below.

Inside the tower, you can climb a series of circular stairs to an outside observation deck, or continue climbing to view Native American artwork on the tower walls and interesting views out various windows.

Looking down from the top of the Desert View Watchtower, March 2018

Native American Hopi artwork on the Watchtower walls, March 2018

Besides the Desert View area, we wanted to visit the Historic District. This area contains the Railroad Depot, Studios, and the original lodges.