Some places are so grand, they require two separate locations to access them from. Such is the case with Grand Canyon National Park, with its North and South Rim units. Even then, the canyon extends well beyond the park boundaries into Native American lands for a total of 277 miles in length. In this post, we will detail our visit to the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim unit.
Diana was at the park in her youth, and I flew over it once on our way to Las Vegas. From 32,000 feet, it looks a bit flat. That was not the case this time.
We were awestuck as we walked up to the rim for our first glimpse. The words I was trying to use to describe it would not come out of my mouth. They certainly were not needed, as Diana was feeling every bit the same as I was.
The depth and enormity of what we were seeing was breathtaking. We were not alone in feeling that way. People from all over the world were there to take in the enormous vistas. No matter what language they were speaking, their excitement was being expressed with the same excited tone. 🙂
It is difficult to comprehend that this grandest of canyons was carved by a river.
The clouds moving overhead made for a constantly changing scene, as their shadows moved across the canyon floor.
At the eastern end of the park, Desert View Watchtower marks the beginning of the uplift that the Colorado river had to carve through to create the cataract.
California Condors are known to frequent the area, as are turkey vultures. It was difficult to identify which of the two this bird was, but it was fun to watch it take advantage of the updrafts and soar through the sky.
In all, we walked more than 5 miles along the south rim; sometimes alone and other times with people we had just met. We had never seen so many people from so many cultures who were just really glad to be in a particular place.
No matter the viewpoint, the scenery before us was outstanding!
Some people scrambled beyond the barriers for a closer view. This activity isn’t recommended, and has actually turned deadly on more than one occasion already this year. Hopefully these kids made it back safely. Even behind the railings, we found ourselves staying back a step. That’s a long way down!
At this point, I want to recognize the recent passing of Diana’s Uncle Bob.
Uncle Bob was always a pure joy to be around. Any story that he delivered usually had us in stitches. He was a huge supporter of us being on the road and he loved to hear about our travels, telling us how much he’d liked to have done what we are doing.
Well, this one is for you, Bob. You would love it here. Hop up in the front of my new Ford and enjoy the ride. It is going to be Grand!
Next up: We head on up to Utah to explore the many parks in that state. There is quite a bit that we plan to explore, so be sure to stay tuned. Until then, safe and happy travels to all!
exploRVistas 
Baby brother, love it. So, there is something other than a big hole there. The day we were on the south rim in April, it was snowing to beat the band. Shorts and windbreakers didn’t cut it. So, back on the bucket list! Pics are great.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Judy! I guess we lucked out, as there was snow in a lot of other places near us. I’ll bet it was pretty accented in white!
LikeLike
Beautiful! Did you know that on average there are 12 deaths there annually? The Grand Canyon is on our bucket list, we want to hike down and either raft or take a donkey ride out.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I can believe it, Jim. Two of them last month were between 60 and 70 years old. I know my footing isn’t as good as it was as when I was in my 20’s! The thing is, those few feet past the railing aren’t going to make the photos any better. It’s a reeealllly big canyon.
LikeLike
Fantastic pictures!! We will be there next week for our first visit ever! Staying at Grand Canyon RV park and taking the train in. Do you think a second day to drive in again on our own and do some easy hiking or do the shuttles cover most of that?
Too bad we will miss the north rim since it is still closed for winter until May 15.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The shuttles are very crowded; we preferred hiking the rim. The bonus is, you can hike as far as you want and ride back to your starting point. Get there early, as the parking lots fill up fast. Have a great time, Julie!
LikeLike
Beautiful photos, Jim! What a spectacular place for sure. Utah is my favorite state. One thing for sure, you won’t be alone any more. Our blog posts are loaded with some more unknown trails in all the parks across southern Utah.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll look back at them, Pam. I know there is a goldmine of information there!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, Jim, I must say there is a wealth of info. We visited southern Utah every year because there was so much to do. Which parks are you planning to visit? Maybe I can give you a few ideas of less crowded hikes. Ever since Utah started the campaign to visit the Big Five, it has been way over crowded.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’ll PM you.
LikeLike
You got some amazing photos. Sadly, the park doesn’t stop people from going where they want to in “their” park. Another Junior Ranger badge added to your collection. See you in a few days.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I could see that, Gaelyn. There were times we had to look away. Thanks for the kudos!
LikeLike
Breathtaking, Indescribable, AWESOME!!! This is our second visit and it still amazes. Walking the rim is the way to go!! On one of our walks, a young couple from India stopped us. They were trying to comprehend what they were seeing. They asked in amazement, “How did this happen!!” We told them it all started with the RIVER;o)) It just makes everyone SMILE!!!
See you soon………
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is really cool, Nancy! It was fun to see so many different cultures. 😊
LikeLike
It sure is grand isn’t it?
Great photos but no photos can do it justice can they?
Takes your breath away every time doesn’t it.
I really need to visit it again soon it has been awhile for me. 😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is so true about photos not doing it justice, Rick. A person quite simply has to experience it firsthand.
LikeLike
The Grand Canyon is appropriately named, isn’t it? GRAND! We saw people out on that ledge you have the pic of – thought they were nuts! Glad you guys had good weather! Can’t wait to hear about Utah!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sure is grand, Kelly! The thing that bothers us about those folks is that if they fall, that picture will be seared in the witnesses’ memories forever.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Simply fabulous – awesome – and some wonderful photographs. I simply don’t understand people who put themselves, and others, at risk like that; are they not very bright? Sorry to hear of your loss…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Mike! Not sure on some of those folks’ intelligence, bot good judgment doesn’t seem to be one of their strong points.
LikeLike
You got some great pics of that amazing place! Love the shadows playing across the vista. I definitely stayed back from the edge and tried not to look at those who got way too close. RIP Uncle Bob.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jodee! Yes, edges are scary!
LikeLike
The grandest of them all! One has to really be there to get awestruck. Great Photos even if the sun was overhead.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Without a doubt, MonaLiza. Thanks for the props!
LikeLike