We spent an enjoyable few days at the Grand Canyon and made the most of a scenic drive easterly toward Desert View. The east entrance was closed this year as well as the shuttles. The parking lots were virtually empty and, all I can say, is wow — imagine what the crowd would have been like otherwise.
To use our time wisely, we stayed at a full hookup RV Park within the park. We had cable hookup in RV Park, and were able to watch a program detailing the construction and preservation of Desert View Watchtower (closed at this time). That was the highlight of having cable TV. Our primary focus was getting out and enjoying sunset and sunrise.
We must have taken a hundred photos, and reviewing which ones to keep was difficult. Not that the photos, themselves are spectacular, but the experience was bigger than you can capture in pictures. In person, everything is three-dimensional.
There was such a different feel between the warmth of the waning sun each afternoon, as the light illuminated off the canyon walls, and the morning sunrises, where a hazy, almost mystical, feel lingers over the ridge lines.
I tried to photograph the Bright Angel Trail, but it was too far in the distance for my camera. I can say it is a steep trail full of switchbacks, just like it was described in the 1953 childrens’ book ,’Brighty of the Grand Canyon’, by Marguerite Henry (more info on Wikipedia).
At the opposite end, the Grandview Trail drops off the edge, headed downward 2,440 feet to Horseshoe Mesa, where in 1890, copper-rich ore was mined in small quantities at the Last Chance Mine for several years. Each load took several hours to haul by hand and hoof up the three mile trail to the top of the rim. A hotel also stood along the south rim in this area, that once hosted travelers who dares to endure a 14-mile long wagon trip from the east entrance to see the Grand Canyon.
Prior to our stay within Grand Canyon Village, we stayed at Ten-X NFS campground, approximately 10 miles south of the Rim. The park is very convenient and makes a good base to get around. The park has a variety of sites, and our particular pull thru site was large enough to accommodate eight cars. Getting up early to take Ellie out, I was quite surprised to see someone had pulled in behind us, and set up a tent in the night. After realizing it was a mother, grandmother and small child, we said oh well, no harm done, as they quietly packed up n the morning.
We enjoyed our first experience seeing Elk. Several young males wandered the park and not seem bothered by barking dogs, as they searched for water. A park ranger indicated this year has been very dry and all the animals are looking for water. We watched two young males remove signage off the water spigot as they tried to open the valve. Even bees and crows gather around whenever people use the water faucets.
Our trip was just great. Perfect weather, meals prepared in advance to enjoy more time exploring the rim, and magical twilights.