Grand Canyon Suggestions?

[justlurkingthanks]

I am planning to visit the Grand Canyon. Anybody have any suggestions?

 

[x26]

Originally Posted by justlurkingthanks

I am planning to visit the Grand Canyon. Anybody have any suggestions?

Go in the Off-season; Nov, Dec...Stay in one of the Bright Angel Cabins on the South Rim.--The North rim will be closed for winter.

Try to reserve a Cabin at Phantom Ranch.
Bring warm clothes. Ask lots of questions. Have Fun!

 

[justlurkingthanks]

Thanks! Really good points!

It looks like those cabins take a year or so to reserve. Has that been your experience?

 

[x26]

Originally Posted by justlurkingthanks

Thanks! Really good points!

It looks like those cabins take a year or so to reserve. Has that been your experience?

Yes, Pretty much.
I have been fairly lucky calling consistantly for a spot that was opened by a cancellation.

I've been to most of the National Parks out west and absolutely love to go off-Season.
When one stays in the Park you can really enjoy yourself without the hassle of driving around.

Try to come up with a "Strategy" .

Sometimes the last week or two that a park is open is a good time, eg.,:

Grand Tetons--around Oct 7?? Then off to Yellowstone before they shut down Old Faithful lodge and just have the Sno-lodge open--btw I prefer to stay in the Sno=lodge!

Good luck--all those Nat parks are worth the trouble.

 

[x26]

Originally Posted by justlurkingthanks

Thanks! Really good points!

It looks like those cabins take a year or so to reserve. Has that been your experience?

So, What cha gonna do?? "Enquiring Minds want to Know"...

I wish I were going!!

Yosemete: Week or two before the season really starts up in --2 weeks before Memorial Day. Stay at the Tanaya Lodge--Outdoor heated pool that plays Classical Music Underwater...Only 4 star in the Park!!

I think I'm going to talk myself into a nice trip out west before the insanity of Summer begins.

 

[justlurkingthanks]

I've always wanted to see the Southwest, in particular, Grand Canyon. I flew over the area on the way to LA and it seemed extraordinary, which is of course what you hear from people who have seen it from the ground!

I am thinking of just going in about a month. Just wondered what people recommend there.

Loved Yosemite, btw. Not the campground, but staying at the old hotel (Wawona) and scoping the place out from there. The campground was a zoo.

 

[Piobaire]

Take the time to see the whole area. Within a day's drive you have the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, Sedona, and Meteor Crater just to name a few things. You can also head up to Utah to some great flatrock, there are a ton of Indian ruins in the area (outside Flagstaff are some great cliff dwelling ruins you can walk into), etc. Also, Sedona and Flag have some pretty good high end places to eat and Flag has a great old historic kitchy downtown for chilling and watching the local college kids. NAU college kids are as close to hippies as you're going to find these days.

 

[997CTSurg]

I loved the North Rim.....the south rim not so much.
Avoid those donkeys like the plague.

 

[justlurkingthanks]

Thanks, guys! I appreciate your input. What's the issue with the donkeys?

 

[ter1413]

Originally Posted by justlurkingthanks

Thanks, guys! I appreciate your input. What's the issue with the donkeys?

don't stand in back of 'em...

 

[mm84321]

I just got back from 2 weeks at Big Bend National Park. If you want to experience the beauty of the Grand Canyon, without the pesky tourists and development, I'd say visit Big Bend instead. In three days you can climb up the Chisos mountains, visit Santa Elena Canyon, and hike down by the Rio Grande in the desert; great biodiversity.

I spotted some wild donkeys along one of the trails as well. They **** everywhere, but it helped me stay on the right path.