Stop, see, and walk
Day Note:
In a day, you'll get the fill flavor of the Grand Canyon. It's hard to believe that you can see and fell so much of the Canyon in just a few miles, but thanks to the park service's dedication to trail-work, Bright Angel trail offers more than you could imagine. Take the trail as far as you are comfortable, but remember how steep the walk back will be. I recommend having a particular turn-around time in mind if you're planning on going far. Have fun, wear...
read more-
1 hide detail
Canyon Village Marketplace & Deli
Contact:
- +1 928 638 2262
Location:
- Market Plaza Road & Village Loop Road
- Grand Canyon Village
- Grand Canyon,AZ86023
-
Map
Description:
When you are planning to spend the day hiking or sightseeing at the Grand Canyon, stop here first for refreshments and other outdoor supplies to take with you. The general store is a full-service supermarket, delicatessen and souvenir stand. It also sells and rents camping and backpacking equipment and supplies. Simple deli meat sandwiches and salads are great for taking along on the hiking trails or for spur-of-the-moment picnics in the Park. Not coincidentally, you may also know the owner's name from national politics: former President Clinton's Interior Secretary, Bruce Babbitt, is a descendent of this venerable Grand Canyon State family.
Author note:
Grab water‚ a sandwich‚ a disposable camera‚ anything you forgot that you want for this trip. As always in the grand Canyon‚ water is important‚ but you will be able to fill up your bottles every mile-and-a-half on this trail.
-
2 hide detail
Bright Angel Trail
Contact:
- 928 638 7888
- visit website
Location:
- Between Bright Angel Lodge and Hermit Rd
- From W Rim Drive to Plateau Point
- Grand Canyon,AZ86023
-
Map
Description:
One of the most popular things to do at Grand Canyon National Park is to hike this popular, highly-trafficked South Rim trail that starts just steps away from the Grand Canyon Lodges, and ends at the bottom of the canyon. Day hikers, guests staying at Phantom Ranch, and mule riders all share this busy, scenic route, making for some interesting people- and animal-watching. Bright Angel Trail offers great views from the inner canyon--so great, in fact, that hikers can easily lose track of how far they've traveled. Although well-traveled and maintained, Bright Angel Trail is quite steep at some points, and hikers should expect to take twice as long to come back up. The 12-mile trail is not recommended for hikers seeking a one-day, round-trip adventure, but there are plenty of popular outlooks and switchbacks for easy turn-around.
Author note:
Take this trail to one of the delicious viewpoints and then take it back. Don't try walking this entire trail to the Colorado and back unless you are an experienced Grand Canyon hiker. If you are fit‚ I recommend taking the trail 4.5 miles to Indian Gardens before turning around. However long you decide to make your hike‚ there is water available every mile-and-a-half along the way and this is one of the only trails in the Canyon where you can actually find shade. Most obviously‚ there are small‚ cool rock shelters made by the water-stops; these tend to be packed with other walkers. More desirable shady spots are areas under rock overhangs and spots by the creek near Indian Gardens. Indian Gardens is flavored with Cottonwood trees‚ planted by the park service for tourist comfort. While they are not native to this canyon‚ they are native to the general vicinity of the Southwest and grow in areas that are saturated with ground water.
-
3 hide detail
El Tovar Dining Room
Contact:
- +1 928 638 2631
- visit website
Location:
- El Tovar Lodge
- P. O. Box 699
- Grand Canyon,AZ86023
-
Map
Description:
You will feel like you are supping at a European hunting lodge at this fine dining venue. But make your dinner reservations early; these are the area's hardest-to-get tables. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily, year-round. Hotel guests may make reservations up to 90 days in advance, non-guests up to 30 days in advance. Full bar service is offered.
Author note:
After your hike‚ I recommend the El Tovar lounge for a drink and a bite. Nice views lie beyond the large panes of window and beer‚ liquor. lemonade‚ and signature drinks as well as large appetizers are available for order. The chips and chili are especially recommended! This lounge runs a little pricier than the others in the park‚ but if you've got it‚ it's worth spending it here.
