Grand Canyon – The Great American Road Trip

The second leg of the Great American Road Trip was from Yosemite to the Grand Canyon. 

Leaving Yosemite was bittersweet, but we were excited to continue our progress across the continental US with back to back “easy day” drives. Driving south at the edge of the eastern Sierras was beautiful; on the west side you had the majesty of snow covered mountains and green meadows, on the east side was the stark intensity of the desert. It felt like our road was the boundary between the two.

Death Valley, California

By the time we turned due east and started dropping into Death Valley, we felt alone on Mars. It was blazing hot and there was very little vehicle traffic. Even the small towns we passed through seemed abandoned [but maybe they just knew better to come out in the midday, early July heat].

For more info on Death Valley click HERE.

 

Anytime we spend time in the desert we always seem to discuss the way it makes us feel. My boys seem to agree and love the desert for the harshness and wide open spaces. In fact, out of all the places we went on this trip, Death Valley was one of Joseph’s favorites. I agree that it’s beautiful… but I’m also ready to keep moving.

Las Vegas

As a bit of a joke, we made reservations at the Trump hotel in Las Vegas. We aren’t gamblers so the hotel not having a casino was a benefit, as was its location at the extreme northern edge of the strip.

Rolling in at sunset with Viva Las Vegas blaring through the car stereo, we had to stop at a car wash to clean the desert dust from our shiny, black 4 Runner. Our Hawaii license plates and excessive baggage raised lots of eyebrows and discussions with valets, clerks, and bystanders.

We had a tough time deciding what to do for our one night in Vegas. However, at the insistence of my husband, we had to go for a late night stroll on the strip just to say we saw it. And we saw lots of things… Joseph, in his nine-year-old innocence, was aghast. It will be funny to see if his attitude towards “Sin City” changes over time.

Hoover Dam

Joseph was ecstatic to leave Vegas and we joined the masses making their required pit stop at Hoover Dam. Of all the moments and stops on our trip, I don’t think I ever felt more like the Griswalds on their road trip. I can’t say exactly why, but this is definitely a very touristy thing to do [also a must see though].

Williams, Arizona

You may be detecting a pattern that we like to stay a little off the beaten path and, even though we are unapologetic tourists, we try to incorporate a bit more into our trips than the usual tourist stuff.

We selected Williams, Arizona as our stop for Grand Canyon. It’s an AWESOME little town on the old Route 66 and at the southern terminus of the Grand Canyon railroad. Not crowded and about 45 miles away from the park entrance, it was the quiet and perfect way to experience the park.

For more info on Williams, Arizona click HERE.

Grand Canyon

At Grand Canyon, “Mom’s Day” came first and we spent the day driving the park, stopping off at literally every pullout and taking in the view. I know everyone has seen pictures of Grand Canyon and lots of you have experienced it for yourselves, but we were absolutely floored with the grandeur! Pictures and words do not do the Grand Canyon justice. In my opinion, every American should experience this for themselves. All day long, my husband was scheming and researching what hike he was taking us on for “Dad’s Day” activities.

To shop my racerback midi dress click HERE.

According to park literature, around 90% of park visitors don’t leave the rim. While that’s a shame, perhaps the 90% err on the side of caution and make appropriate decisions based on their respective situations.

Hiking at the Grand Canyon

Hiking in Grand Canyon is wild and unlike anything we’ve ever done before. They refer to it as a “reverse mountain” because the crux, walking up and gaining elevation, occurs after the halfway point and typically at the heat of the day.

Walking down, we began before sunrise and around every turn is a new and incredible view. Going down, it’s easy to lose track of how much elevation you are losing and you don’t notice how the heat sneaks up on you. If I remember correctly, it was in the low 50’s when we started at sunrise and we were done well before noon and the temperature was in the mid 90’s.

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My husband, especially when accompanied by our brother in law, has a habit of turning moderate hikes into life or death ordeals. I had to talk him out of taking us to the base at the Colorado River and back in a day [even though park regulations expressly forbid it] and we compromised on turning around at the 3-mile point on Archangel trail.

Turning around at the three-mile point was a great compromise. While Joe could have gone longer, Joseph and I were safe, content, and ready to chow down back at the rim.

For more info on hiking the Grand Canyon click HERE.

Williams, Arizona

Because of the timing of the hike, we never got to ride on the train from Williams to Grand Canyon. Instead, we continued log miles commuting back and forth to the park. Every evening was spent in the quaintness of Williams. On our first night there, they lifted their fireworks ban (supposedly the first time in decades) and had an incredible fireworks display against the backdrop of a crystal clear high desert sky. Restaurants there were incredible [and cheap!], our lodging wasn’t flashy but very comfortable/clean, and the city was charming.

The Historic Brewing Co. was one of our favorite restaurants in town. The food was excellent and we were able to watch some of the 4th of July parade sitting outside on their patio.

If you ever get to eat at this fantastic place, you have to try the pretzels. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

We fell in love with the Arizona High Country and, occasionally on rainy weekend days, I find myself wistfully searching Zillow for that perfect log cabin tucked away in the hills around Williams or Flagstaff…

Our next long stop is in one of our favorite places, Telluride, CO. I hope you continue to follow along on The Great American Road Trip.

If you miss the first leg of The Great American Road Trip, click HERE to catch up!

 

 

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