We LOVE our National Parks and are so grateful for them as the National Park Service celebrates its 100th birthday! They are a wonderful asset for all of us to enjoy – and as a senior with that $10 Sr. Pass, we are very appreciative for all they have to offer. Especially our beautiful camping spots at $9 per night —
Is this awesome;-)? ( Magic agreed to dry camp, as there are no hook ups.)
There is no rest for the weary – so as soon as camp was set up, we were off to investigate. First up was the Transcept Trail which connected the campground to the historic Grand Canyon Lodge. There wasn’t a bad view in any direction!
Gary taking it all in.
The views from the lodge were not bad either.
OK – we decided to try a small bit of the North Kaibab Trail, which is THE trail down into the bottom of the Canyon from the North Rim. Remembering that the “straight down” at the beginning was “straight UP” on the return, we didn’t do much more than a mile down;-).
We are off on the North Kaibab Trail.
This mule did NOT like its rider – and got rid of her;-(!
And more great views.
The afternoon took us to the Point Imperial Trail (about 8 miles round trip), which was NOT a favorite. The terrain was the burned out portion of the forest (from 2000 and 2006 fires), which gave an interesting perspective to regrowth. BUT – that new growth was a lot of low bushes with HUGE thorns and LOTS of BUGS. There were a few good look-out points – but, much better views on other hikes.
Off we go
Good views from the overlook before the hike. Should have stopped here!
Interesting formations.
The light colored ridge in the background in the pic above was our destination. We finished just above the saddle in the distant right edge of the picture. But first, we had to hike thru all of this – –
The trail wound its way through burned out areas full of thorns.
We saw this tall rock structure from numerous points and angles along the way.
On to our favorite hike – off to Cape Final (and the end of the road!). This one was only about 5 miles roundtrip through the forest, no thorns and a really nice trail. Of course there were more beautiful views from ledges that stuck out over the Canyon!!
Here we go
Acrophobic Gary had difficulty standing still for this shot. YIKES!!
This one was a little easier as the cliff was a bit further away.
After Cape Final, we did hit the end of the road – literally. Downed our sandwiches and went in search of Cape Royal and Angel’s Window. This was a lovely .8 mile stroll on an accessible trail. See the fencing on top of the Window? That was one of the destinations at this stop –
The Angel’s Window was a real geologic wonder – AND beautiful!
The snow covered peak in the background is 100 miles away in the Flagstaff area.
We were so fortunate during our time at the North Rim, as the weather was absolutely beautiful. This allowed us (Gary) to get the stunning shots seen here and to be able to see the 100 miles to the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff.
It seems that a requirement of the NP’s in the West is a herd of buffalo. The North Rim was no exception. This particular day the ‘studs’ were showing their muscle.
“This is MY turf!”
With these flies – glad we were at a distance
All of a sudden this group came running out of the woods.
Well – this was a wonderful three days. But, there is lots to see in this state so we must move on. We hate to leave our wonderful camping spot and all the beautiful scenery – but, with one last dinner (this one at the Grand Old Lodge) and Magic will be on the road again.
So so view ;-} from our dinner table at the Lodge on our last night in the North Rim.
Next we will be visiting some of the ancient Puebloan sites in the So. Utah area with friends from Park City and then on to more ruins in the Flagstaff area.
We are delighted to be back on the road and happy to have you all back with us;-)
Much Love from the Magic Bus and E & G
Elizabeth & Gary's Magic Bus Tour 