Flagstaff & Grand Canyon

our campsite at the Flagstaff KOA
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We left Santa Fa early Monday morning Oct.29th.   A good drive with stops for gas and rests for Toby and us.  We arrived in Flagstaff mid afternoon.  There is a lot of construction as you get off Hwy 40 and head to the park.  Had dinner and a quiet night, tomorrow we will head to the CANYON.

Got a early start to the Grand Canyon, it was a longer trip than I remembered from our trip in 1994.  We stopped at a lookout with a altitude of 6000 feet,  with a some very impressive views.  There were natives selling their jewelery, should have bought a necklace I saw there, when we go back I hope I will be able to get one then.

the Canyon is breathtaking

first stop on the way to the canyon
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We entered the Canyon at the east end, I do not recall paying to enter the park in 94 but now there is a $25.00 entrance.  At any price it is worth it.  We parked and took a walk to the edge, it was just as awesome as it was the first time we saw it.  The first structure you see at the east end is the Watchtower, you can climb to the top to view the canyon and looking toward the Painted Desert.  There is several lookout points for you to stop for amazing views. It is a 12 mile trip along the rim.  We came upon a car stopped in the road with people pointing then we realized there was a coyote strolling across the road unfazed by all the cars and people.  We got to the Grand Canyon Village were the bulk of the tourists would gather, this is also where you can stay if you are going to take the mule ride to the bottom of the canyon.  There are 3 different  shuttle buses that will take you from one end of the canyon to the other.  One will take you to the east end with several stops where you can get off to view the canyon then get back on at your convenience.  The three buses connect at certain stops so you can go from one to the other to see the rest of the canyon.  The end of the line at the west end has Hermits Rest, there is a huge fireplace in the structure, not working but very impressive none the less.  We stopped to see the mule riders arriving at the Bright Angel Trail head at the top of the canyon,  apparently mules are a cross between horses and donkeys, and they are sterile, and they prefer to walk close to the edge of the path that leads to the bottom and Phantom Ranch.  You can take the mules to the bottom and stay at the Ranch overnight and return the next day.  Apparently there is a Imax Theater in the town 7 miles south of the Grand Canyon Village on SR. 64, we did not see the movie but understand it is a must, we will do that when we return early in new year.

the watch tower
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We returned via Hwy. 64 to Williams then 40 back to Flagstaff.