Visiting the Grand Canyon- An adventure of epic proportion!
We decided to head to the Grand Canyon on the evening of Thanksgiving. I was definitely less busy than it is normally is due to the holiday. Despite warnings of “the storm of the year” coming, it was sunny at the canyon when we arrived and we had a two-wheel drive SUV, what’s the worst that could happen? We were lucky enough to even be able to upgrade to a cabin with a fire place and a view of the south rim! We had just enough time to explore the canyon from Mather Point down desert view drive before heading back to the restaurant to grab a delicious Thanksgiving dinner. Walking back to our cabin from dinner it started to lightly snow. I could ask for a more romantic walk. The weather forecast rain through the night. When we woke, we found that the power had gone out and it was super cold. We open our curtains to find no less than three feet of snow. It was so beautiful! We took a walk to the restaurant to find a sandwich. We found out that the entire village had lost power and we were completely snowed in at the Grand Canyon for at least a day. Although we were going to have to get new plane tickets, we were excited to go explore the canyon covered in snow. We had to shovel our car out of the snow, but we were lucky enough to find the grocery store in the village open. They had no lights, but they had snow pants and wine. So there we were, with our snow gear with a bottle of wine playing in the snow at the Grand Canyon! The next morning we woke to a sunny sky and plowed roads….
Here’s what I learned on our Grand Canyon adventure:
How to get there: There are several options for flights into cities around the Grand Canyon. The two best options for time and price were Las Vegas, NV and Phoenix, AZ. The easiest way to get to the Grand Canyon form either is purchasing a rental car. From Las Vegas, It’s about a four hour drive. From Phoenix, It’s about three. We flew into Las Vegas and checked it out for a day before venturing to the Grand Canyon. There was plenty to do and see. This definitely made for a greater adventure! It all depends on how much time you have and how much time you’d like to spend at the canyon. I’d check the weather and believe when they tell you there’s a winter storm coming. A four- wheel drive could get you around when there is a storm.
Where to stay: There are cabins, lodges, and a hotel at the Grand Canyon Village. The Grand Canyon village is located at the south rim at the canyon and has everything you need for few day trip. The cabins are more secluded, the lodges are a bit cheaper, and the hotel is fancier and has more to accommodate. El Tovar Hotel is up a little higher and has an epic view. We stayed at the Bright Angel Lodge. It was lovely, the south rim was just outside our cabin. I would suggest, if it’s still chilly outside, getting the cabin with the fire place. There is also a town just outside the entrance, Tusayan. This is definitely an option, but if it the time of year where there’s a line to get in, you’ll have to wait in the line each day.
What to eat: There are several restaurants in the village and a grocery store. There can be a pretty hefty wait during the busy time, so I’d bring sancks- as always.
I hope this inspires you to go check out this epic natural wonder!
Until next time
-Dez
