South Rim Grand Canyon National Park

Saturday 10/25

We drove up through Kayenta to Tuba and Cameron, AZ, then into Grand Canyon National Park from the East Desert View entrance station and arrived early afternoon.  We are camped at Grand Canyon Trailer Village, the one campground that has full hookups. 

The campground is all pull through sites that are typical of RV parks with slightly more space in between sites than some we have been in.  The sites are all paved asphalt with concrete curbs and gravel in between.  There is a shuttle bus stop at the entrance to the campground.  There are three shuttle bus loops depending on where you want to go.  The BLUE route circles most of the main village and lodge locations.  The RED route goes out to Hermit’s Rest and the overlooks along the way (the shuttle bus is the only way to access these overlooks).  The ORANGE route goes to east side locations and is the only way to access South Kaibab Trailhead and Yaki Point.

After setting up we checked out the Market Plaza area with the general store, bank, post office, and of course a gift shop.

Sunday 10/26

The closer we get to home the stronger the urge to get there becomes.  This morning we decided we didn’t need two full days (3 nights) so we cancelled the third night and will leave here on Monday.

We set out to take the RED route shuttle to see the overlooks on the way to Hermit’s Rest.  Thinking we could find a parking place nearby we drove to the shuttle stop and did find one fairly close.  Of course it was fairly early but even then most of the parking lots near the lodges and shopping were already full.

We took so many pictures at the various overlooks that it is hard to identify them by pictures.  They were all great views.  The weather was perfect.

After returning from the overlooks we felt it would be much easier to return to the trailer and take the BLUE route shuttle to the Visitor Center, Lodges, studios, and shops by driving to the Market Plaza with the post office to mail a post card then catch the shuttle there.

Visitor Center

Linda found a kitty to pet.

After we checked out the Visitor Center our first stop was the famous El Tovar Lodge to have lunch, quite good!  Next was the Hopi House to see the Native American Art for sale.  Then down the trail to the Lookout, a gift shop, and on to the Kolb Studio art gallery.   

El Tovar Lodge from Kolb Studio.

Of course there was a madness to our parking at the Market Plaza to catch the shuttle; a gift shop there.

Monday 10/27

We are at the Orange Grove RV Park on the east side of Bakersfield tonight.  It was a long day.  So tomorrow it will be about a 5 hour drive to home.

After we get settled at home we will do a wrap up post.  It has been a great trip and I am already thinking where to go next.  Linda is planning to see the grandchildren next!