Getting the Most Out of 2 Days at the Grand Canyon

Let me start by saying, this was a family trip so we did not get in much hiking and instead tried to get a glimpse of the Grand Canyon from every angle possible.  I recommend staying in Williams, AZ.  The town is adorable and has some nice attractions as well, but feel free to look for lodging in the park as well.  There are some hotels in Williams, but if you prefer a more home-like feel check out some of the VRBO options in the area!

Day 1:
Early AM: Head to Grand Canyon from Williams, AZ (<1 hour drive)

Once you arrive at Mathers Point Visitors Center, take your time to look around and take “first look” of Grand Canyon.

Walk(other options to drive or ride YELLOW shuttle) approx. 1 mile to the Yavapao Geology Museum.

From there, either walk approx. 2 miles to Verkamps Visitors Center and Hopi house or take YELLOW shuttle back to Mathers Point and catch BLUE shuttle to Verkamp and Hopi House.

Walk along Rim Trail from Verkmap to view Bright Angel Lodge, Trailhead, Lookout Studio and on to RED shuttle bus stop.

Lunch on the Rim Trail before heading down Hermits Rest Road (We packed a lunch)

Take RED bus to Trail Overlook(0.7m walk), Maricopa Point (0.7m walk), Powell Point (0.5m Walk) and Hopi Point (0.3m walk)

Continue on RED shuttle to Mohave Point (0.8m walk from Hopi), The Abys (1.1m walk), Monument Creek Vista (0.9m walk), Pima Point(1.7m walk) and ending at Hermits Rest(1.1m walk).

Refill water at Hermits Rest. Then a short hike from Hermits Rest (Also be sure to check out the Ranger Programs!)

Prepare for Sunset viewing at Hopi Point (If crowded, Pima point).               

RED shuttle only stops at Pima, Mohave and Powell Points on the return trip.

                http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/upload/grca_sunrise-sunset.pdf.pdf

Sunset: Be sure to check the time so you arn't late and miss the show!!

Shuttle back to parking area

Day 2:

Head to Yaki Point to view Sunrise.  See Sunrise-Sunset PDF above to check the correct time! Dress warm if visiting in the off-season sun-rise can be COLD!!!

Desert View 25-mile driving tour to Desert View Watchtower

                Stops at Grandview Point, Moran Point, Tusayan Museum and Ruin, Lipan Point, Navajo point, ending at Desert View Watchtower, point and visitors center.

Tour Desert View Visitors Center and Watch Tower.  Lunch then short afternoon hike.

This was a great way for us to get in the Grand Canyon, take in the view and make plans of what we wanted to do on our next trip.  The Grand Canyon is so vast I feel like I need to return over and over again just to make sure I can take it all in.

As always, before you go, check the National Park Website for updates, closures and special events!

All Photos by: https://www.facebook.com/KristinaTeresePhotography?fref=ts
Check out her blog here: http://kristinateresephotography.blogspot.com/

Side Trip: Walnut Canyon NM and the Petrified Forest

If you are visiting the Grand Canyon and staying in or around Williams, AZ a side trip to Walnut Canyon and the Petrified Forest is in order!

We started the day early to get in as much as possible at each stop:

Stop at Walnut Canyon NM(Drive time 1 hour; Tour time 2 hours):

Walking the trail at Walnut Canyon; warning there are a ton of steps!

4 people free with the National Parks pass, others $5 per person http://www.nps.gov/waca/index.htm

Walnut Canyon View

Snack and head for Petrified Forest

Arrive Petrified Forest, Lunch

Tour Petrified Forest and Painted Desert Area

Petrified Forest/Painted Desert (Drive time 2 hours; tour time 45mins – 3 hours) http://www.nps.gov/pefo/planyourvisit/things2do.htm

View around the Petrified Forest of the Painted Desert

All Photos by: https://www.facebook.com/KristinaTeresePhotography?fref=ts
Check out her blog here: http://kristinateresephotography.blogspot.com/

Weekend Wanderer: Devils Backbone Open Space

Hi explorers! Sorry I have been gone so long, life and warmer weekends have gotten in the way of me telling you about awesome adventures and hiking trips to try out.

This weekend, Colorado is foretasted to have some amazing spring weather.  Anyone else with me that this is incredibly welcomed after the cold winter we have had??

This weekend, grab your kids, your bike, or even your dog and head out to the Devils Backbone Open Space in Loveland, CO.

This trail-head tends to get really busy and fill up fast so arrive early, or plan a hike for later in the afternoon.

The trail is pretty flat and an easy stride with a few uphill sections.
Also, you can choose a short hike or a long hike just turn around whenever you want and head back to the trail-head!

Enjoy!

Weekend Wanderer: Snowy Range

Looking to take that last minute ski or snowboarding trip before all the high country snow starts to melt?
Look no further than Snowy Range, WY.

Snowy Range is a low-key resort located just west of Laramie, WY and easily travelable from Northern Colorado for a day or weekend trip.

Things I love about snowy range:
No I-70 traffic
No lines at the lift
Afforable lift tickets, rentals and even a shuttle from NoCo
Its a fantastic place to learn, hone or skills or just escape the big resort feel

There are only a few weekends left but the snowpack is still great! So head on up to Snowy Range for the weekend!

If you choose to spend the weekend, check-in at The Mountain View Historic Hotel in Centennial, WY.  Its a great place to stay, has a lovely breakfast and is just minutes from the ski area!