Grand Canyon Suggestions? About This Page:

[Bert & Sully]

We've been toying with the idea of going to the Grand Canyon. DH went when he was a kid. They went via (Sedona)Arizona. A friend recently suggested rather flying into Vegas taking in some of those sites and driving to GC. There are train (among other modes of transport) tours once you're up there. This year is booked for vacations so we were thinking next year say the last week or two in May...

Does anyone have any experience/suggestions/ideas on this?

Thanks,
Elaine

[DebiDebiDebi]

We did the Canyon in 1993. We drove on one of our infamous car trips. We stayed at the campgrounds, which was great! We hiked to the bottom, and believe it or not, there are no elevators in the bottom to get you back to the top! We laught and say it is 6 miles down, and 120 back up. Don't hike it without being prepared, it is VERY DIFFICULT! Hope you enjoy the Canyon!

[Dave Marx]

I did a road trip from Vegas to the Grand Canyon many years ago. The drive itself wasn't too bad - interesting scenery, but not much else. We stayed several days in Flagstaff and took in a variety of nearby sights in addition to the Grand Canyon, including Monument Valley, Sunset Crater and some interesting Native American sites. We missed out on nearby Meteor Crater (who remembers Star Man?), and as we were there in early December, we couldn't visit the North Rim of the Grand Canyon (snow and ice). I've spent as much as three weeks at a stretch driving around that part of the country, and I know I've barely scratched the surface.

I recommend you give yourself plenty of time, and do plenty of research. The Grand Canyon deserves it, and so do the many other wonderous places nearby that are usually dwarfed by the Canyon's reputation.

P.S. On the way back to Vegas we decided to drive along old Route 66 for a stretch. That was a very interesting side trip, although a bit scary at times - no gas, and only one or two other cars for over 60 miles. We drove through one Reservation town where there were dogs sleeping in the middle of the road (and they weren't about to move for us). We stopped at one tourist trap called Grand Canyon Caverns, which has to be one of the inspirations for Chester and Hester's DinoRama at Animal Kingdom. It's one of those places with a huge gift shop, designed to keep folks busy as they wait for the once-per-hour tour of the caverns below. We were literally the only people there. We "missed" the tour by five minutes (there was no tour - no other visitors), and they refused to start the next tour until another 55 minutes had passed. Moral of the story: If you think Disney is bad about gift shops at the exits of attractions, go see Grand Canyon Caverns! The caverns themselves were OK, but not spectacular, by the way.

[Dolores]

We have been to The Grand Canyon at least 5 or 6 times and never tire of standing at the rim and just being awe struck. There is no word better than Magnificent to describe it. You will never forget it once you see it. We always drive from Vegas (I have a phobia about flying - have never done it) as that is where we live. The very first time we drove was in the 1970's when we lived back East. I was almost speechless when I first walked up to the rim(South) and I still feel the same every time we go. We have stayed at El Tovar Lodge (which is right on the rim) and Maswick Lodge. Both are very nice. El Tovar is kind of expensive but you get to see sunrise and sunset from your terrace. We have also stayed outside the park at Best Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn which is right outside the entrance. If you would want to take the train ride, it starts at the town of Williams, Az. They offer packages which include a stay in Williams and a tour at the canyon. The hotel in Williams is Fray Marcos.I hope you get to make the trip. I would love for everybody to see this spectacular wonder.
Dolores

[rescuesk]

Been there once in 1991...would love to go back. Arizona itself was an incredible state, and the Grand Canyon was the icing on the cake!!!

Sue

[michnash]

I, too, have been toying with the idea of a road trip to the Grand Canyon and some tent camping there. I went a few times as a child in the early 70's. (It's been awhile!) I called AAA and ordered a Triptik (is that how it's spelled? [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img] ). In researching the trip on the web, I found an interesting site about a tour. Marvelous Marv's
I've heard that you can't drive around the Canyon anymore unless you are on a tour? Is this true?
Thanks for posting!

[Elliot'sDragon]

I lived in AZ for three years. I drove to every part of that state and loved it. It is a beautiful State. I would recommend calling the William Fray Hotel in Flagstaff. They have great packages. Sedona is one of the most beautiful tons I have visited. I also recommend a trip to the southern part of the state. Going to Tuscon, Bisbee, Tombstone. Don't waste time in Phoenix. Nothing there.
Any questions you have feel free to e-mail me.

[Bert & Sully]

[img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] Moi a camper [img]graemlins/ukid.gif[/img] NOT! City girl through and through!

Dave, your dating yourself with that Star Man comment!! Hee hee (Karen Allen and was it one of the Bridges bros.?)

Thanks Elliot's Dragon I may take you up on the offer to email if I can gather my scattered thoughts together......... [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Michnash thanks for that web address. We'll have to check it out. Right now DH is more interested in getting a PINK jeep to tool around in [img]graemlins/ukid.gif[/img]

[patty c.]

I just returned from Arizona and absolutely loved the Sedona area (2 hrs. from Phoenix). My parents went on up to the rim of the Grand Canyon (4 hrs. from Phoenix) during a separate trip before I arrived. This makes a nice trip from Phoenix. I enjoyed all of Arizona that I saw. There is great shopping in Scottsdale and Tempe and a little place called Carefree. I am anxious to go back. We have also done some trips outside of the Las Vegas area. Valley of Fire is very interesting and beautiful, but I've never driven much further than that.

If I were visiting the Grand Canyon and pondering whether to come from Vegas or Phoenix I would definately choose Phoenix, especially with kids. If you have boys they will enjoy the Bank of American Ballpark (Diamondbacks) in downtown Phoenix and the Rainforrest Cafe in Tempe.

[Bert & Sully]

Bump for TZ! [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

[Bert & Sully]

For disneykoj