.:A Desert Lifestyle Article:.
Grand Canyon
Adventure, Majesty & Mules
Story & Photos By Kelley Coe
Located in Arizona only six hours from us is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World: The Grand Canyon. The Colorado River snakes through this ancient gorge, forever carving deeper the Canyon’s pitted chasm. Grand Canyon National Park is composed of two rims, the north and the south. I recently traveled with the Evans family from eastern Tennessee to the Grand Canyon’s south rim. I have to admit, it is one of the most majestic sites I have ever seen.
An Authentic Souvenir
We arrived at Grand Canyon National Park on a Saturday morning. Our first adventure began as the clouds rolled in over the Canyon. We found ourselves caught up in the middle of a thunderstorm. By the time we arrived back at the car, we were all soaking wet. The weather didn’t hinder us for long. There was too much to do! We wandered into the park’s mule barn and visited with the saddle makers and blacksmith. The mules are born and bred in eastern Tennessee, a fact that sprung into instant conversation between the Evans family and the blacksmith. As the rain spattered the barn roof, the blacksmith handed us old shoes he had taken off the mules and told us that we now had a real souvenir from the Canyon. Lindsey and I were then recruited to help clean the mule barn. The blacksmith gave each country girl a shovel and a broom and to work we went. Cleaning the mule barn isn’t exactly your typical tourist activity. Most visitors come to the mule barn to see how the mules are cared for and how saddles are made. Mule rides down into the Canyon are available, although there is a year-long waiting list for this excursion.
Adventures in Town
After the rain stopped, we went into town and explored a Native American marketplace where we watched the Supai Indians dance and sing. We topped off the evening with a visit to the Grand Canyon Imax Theatre. “Grand Canyon – The Hidden Secrets,” a 3-D National Geographic film, takes you back in time to uncover many secrets and legends about the Grand Canyon.
Hiking the Canyon
The following day we woke up early and began hiking the south rim. Justin, the competitive country boy, got a bit more ambitious than the rest of us and decided to hike into the canyon. He hiked the Bright Angel trail to Plateau Point and out in less than five hours. The hike typically takes 8 to 12 hours and park officials do not advise doing this in one day. Instead, consider the hike as an overnight camping trip.
Canyon Sites by Shuttle
While Justin was out hiking, the rest of us did a less strenuous activity. We boarded the shuttle bus for the Hermit Road and Rim Trail tour, which is 16 miles round trip. The shuttle route includes eight stops with absolutely breathtaking views. The free tour encompasses plenty of hiking trails from one stop to the next. Feel free to hike until you are tired, then board the shuttle to the next lookout point. A shuttle comes to each stop about every 10 minutes.
Full Family Fun
The Grand Canyon offers sites and tours for everyone. For the more daring, try white water rafting on the Colorado River. If you want a more relaxed activity, take a ride on the Grand Canyon Railway and spend the night in the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. You’ll find plenty of lodging inside and outside Grand Canyon National Park. This is a trip of a lifetime! Plan in advance and take full advantage of all there is to see and do. Be sure to stop by Information Tickets and Tours located inside the Main Exchange for great deals and ideas for your Grand Canyon adventure.
