Grand Canyon anyone? About This Page:

[koalamom]

Have any of you been to the Grand Canyon? We are thinking about taking a trip out there but not too sure. I hear it is wonderful but we will be taking my DDad (86) as this is something he has always wanted to do. Trying to decide if it would be better to fly versus drive (from the Memphis, TN area) and what to do while there and how long to stay. Any suggestions, tips, ideas would be appreciated. (BTW the "we" is me, DH, DD18 and DD11 along with DDad). Thanks.

[Huntermom]

I wish I could go to the Grand Canyon and other national parks in the area every year. It is an absolutely stunning place, the views are indescribable, so breath taking they seem surreal. I think everyone should look out over the edge on the canyon at least once in their life.

Out best vacation ever, we flew into Las Vegas and did a loop to the North Rim (which I think is the best but much less developed), Lake Powell, Bryce National Park and ending at Zion, with a day trip to Red Rock Canyon on the way back.

We stayed in the park at the North Rim, but were unable to get reservations in the other parks. If I could, I would definately stay in one of the lodges.

You dad will be fine in most of the parks and there are even several handicapped accessible trails if you want to rent a wheel chair. If your dad has always wanted to see the Grand Canyon, I would do everything I could to get him there.

I love Disney, but I don't think it can compare to Grand Canyon.

Diane

[iamgrumpy]

My aunt lives about 1 hour from the Grand Canyon in a town called Williams AZ. I love it out there. It is quite rural but it is so relaxing. I know i couldn't last too long in the car so I probably fly and make a road trip out of but on a shorter scale.
We love to fly into Las Vegas rent a car One way to Phoenix. We spend like 1 or 2 nights in vegas and then drive down and spend 1 night in Laughlin NV. (miniture Las vegas) this way on the way to laughlin we can spend time visiting the hoover dam and not get overly tired with driving.

Then we drive from Laughlin to Williams to visit family but you could drive 1 more hour and stay at the Grand Canyon and look at the Giant Hole in the ground (as my cousin says) and they have great look out points and shops and there is a great hotel right on the property.

Then take a scenic drive from the Grand Canyon down into Sedona and visit the red rocks and scenic overlooks that you have on the drive. I Sedona would love to live there too someday!

I probably would stay in Sedona 1 night or so and then head onto Phoenix.

Phoenix has Camelback mountain. Hard Rock Cafe great little shopping areas downtown. Then Fly Home from Phoenix.

Probably could do it in a week maybe 10 days if you wanted to spend loads of times at one stop or the other.

Diane had great suggestion too about Lake Powell and Zion and such.

Definitely take your dad out there he will have a great time!

[Straitlover]

Drive from Memphis??? Whew, that's a long way to me! I'd fly into Phoenix and rent a car, personally.

I did an overnight trip during my Las Vegas trip in Oct 04. We stayed at the South Rim at Maswik Lodge. Grand Canyon hotel, lodge, camping vacations. Mule trips and tours. - Welcome to Grand Canyon National Park and the only "in-park" lodging! is the website to book within the Park for South Rim.

I think everyone should see the GC before they die. Pics don;t do it justice.

[Happymommy]

We went when I was 10yo. It's one of those places--- you just never forget how amazing it is. We drove from Philadelphia. It was a month long trip though. We also visited Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park, Mount Rushmore and San Francisco. We camped inside the park--- we stayed there for a few days.

[MM1928]

Go.

I'd fly into Phoenix, rent a car, and then do one of two things...drive to Williams and take the train to Grand Canyon Village, or drive straight to the south rim and the Village. If able, make reservations at El Tovar or one of the other lodges near the rim. Arrange to see a sunrise and a sunset - very different colors and sights. Try to have a breakfast at El Tovar and sit by the huge windows...you will be at the rim. Look for the CA condors...they are amazing to see.

This is not simply a "hole-in-the-ground". It is truly a natural wonder and will blow your socks off. If your dad wants to see it...move heaven and earth to get there. You will never regret it.

[Happymommy]

Just wanted to add---I really think it's something everyone has to see once. Joe and I talk alot about bringing the boys someday. It's sort of like some people say about Disney--- I want to wait until they're old enough to remember it. I second seeing it at Sunset and Sunrise--- we did that as well.

[GoofyMom]

I know most people love the Grand Canyon, but to tell the truth, I wouldn't cross the street to see it again. I know, it's practically blasphemy. However, I much, much preferred the Bryce and Zion Canyons to the Grand Canyon. I was either 15 or 17 when we saw it. We also saw some really cool cliff dwellings on that trip. Montezuma's Castle - which you can't get very close to - and some other smaller ones that you could actually walk through ; maybe Tuzigoot . Your Dad wouldn't be able to do the ones you could climb through, but I think Montezuma's Castle would be doable since you aren't allowed to get very close to it. I wish I could remember where they were for sure, but like I said I was pretty young.

Even though I was fairly underwhelmed by the Grand Canyon, I am glad that I saw it.

[koalamom]

Thanks so very much for the great information everyone, I really appreciate it.

[MM1928]

Just want to add...we have seen huge elk walk through the parking lot in the early morning to get to the grass and trees outside of El Tovar and saw deer leap over the small stone wall into the canyon. Simply amazing.

[chezp]

I've seen the Grand Canyon twice - once with my parents, when we were in a small plane and last year we took a helicopter trip out there from Vegas and touched down in the base of the Canyon. That really was an amazing experience. It's a breathtaking place and definitely somewhere that everyone should see once in their lifetime, if they get the chance.