After a long ride from Phoenix we finally arrived at the Grand Canyon. We found a very rare parking place in the
main visitor's parking area and walked down to Mather Point for our first look at the Grand Canyon. A spectacular
sight - jaw dropping the first time and even after several trips to the Grand Canyon it is breathtaking.
Mather Point is very near the main parking area so it is a very busy place.
Angie and Joe at Mather Point with the Grand Canyon as a backdrop
Cal and Virginia Ann also posing at Mather Point
A small canyon cut into the side of the Grand Canyon reaches far to the north.
After a quick lunch we headed out to the western vista points using the shuttle. Fortunately the crowds were
rather low.
First stop was Maricopa Point.
Next stop was Powell Point
A short bus trip to Mohave Point
We took the shuttle all the way to the end and then back to Hopi Point to settle in for sunset. Virginia Ann was
the smartest - she brought a chair and a book so she could relax while we stood at our cameras.
Hopi
Point has a good series of ridges off to the east which catch the sun as it sets.
Setting sun on a rock ridge on formation called The Battleship
Interior canyons with light and shade
Sun on red rocks
Battleship rock formation
The last light touches the cliffs
The sun hit a spot behind a ridge and illuminates a small bright place as the sun drops below the horizon.
After the sun set we rushed to get in line for the shuttles back to the village area and dinner. We dined at El
Tovar - a grand lodge on the rim of the Grand Canyon. It was fun - but there were no shuttles when we finished so
we had to wait a while for one of the rare taxis.