Day 5 of 20 Days WEST; Visiting the Grand Canyon
The Day Begins
Today, marks a special day. I would see a place I’ve always wanted to see.
We woke early before the sunrise to have a moment together before the day began. A herd of deer came up from between the houses, and they were quite surprised to see us sipping coffee on the back stoop.
The kids woke up, and the day began. We piled in the van and headed out to see the Grand Canyon!
The Amazing Grand Canyon
The trip from Flagstaff to the park was beautiful! We traveled up Route 89 observing desert, mountains, dormant volcanos, a prairie dog, brush, and the cloudless sky.
Our way home was a different path down Route 180, driving through both the Kaibab National Forest and the Coconino National Forest.
As we drove North, the road snaked through caverns and forest, winding until we reached the East Entrance Station.
Our Journey Begins
As we entered the park, we saw an Elk lounging in the shade and lizards scampering about.
The View from the Watchtower
Our first glimpse of the Grand Canyon was from the base of the Desert View Watchtower. The view was breathtaking.
Whether observed from the ground or from the fourth floor of the tower, the sight was too grand to believe.
If you looked carefully to the North, deep in the Canyon, you can see the rapids of the Colorado River.
If you turn around and look behind to the South, you can see the snowy tips of Humphreys Peak.
Desert View Drive
From the East Entrance, we drove 23 miles along Desert View Drive stopping at each look-out from the Watchtower to the Visitor’s Center near the Southern Rim. Navajo Point, Lipan Point, Moran Point, Buggelo, and finally, Grandview.
Navajo Point
Lipan Point
Moran Point
The Trail at Buggelo
As we traveled one of the trails at Buggelo, we could smell the deep pine in the air. We had the trail to ourselves.
The end of the trail brought us to the edge of the Grand Canyon; silent, calm, and full of majesty.
Grandview Point
From the Grand Canyon to Flagstaff
Conclusion
I cannot comprehend the complex ecosystems and natural habitats that I saw at the Grand Canyon. Our experience was quiet, serene, and full of colors. Purple mountains and green pine. Shades of red, orange, and brown earth against a stunning blue sky.
Cactus, canyons, tall trees, brush, and the snowy peaks across the plateau; the Grand Canyon encompasses more than I ever imagined.
