What images come to mind when you picture the Grand Canyon? Whether it is the South Rim, North Rim, or the Bright Angel Trail, this Arizona National Park is breathtaking. Can’t visit the Grand Canyon right now? Here are some ways to enjoy the more remarkable features virtually.
First, this photo says it all.
There will never be a photograph of the Grand Canyon that can adequately describe its depth, breadth, and true beauty. That’s not plagiarism. It’s honest to god truth. The t-shirt even says so.
The Grand Canyon looks different every time you look at it. From every different vantage point, whether it be on the South Rim, North Rim, or along the Bright Angel Trail on mules. It is different at sunrise than it is at sunset. At different times of the day.
No photo you take will ever look exactly like the next photo, even if it is only a few moments later. Here are a few of our examples.
The brutal reality of today’s travel environment.
Travel is riskier today than ever. People are more health-conscious, during COVID tourists face uncertainty – not knowing if lodging will remain open, restaurant availability for food, and access to fuel and services during road trips.
Safety requirements differ between states. For example, Arizona’s safety requirements were different than Utah’s requirements. These are confusing times.
So how to enjoy Arizona’s Grand Canyon during these uncertain times?
Virtual travel has become vitally important for a variety of reasons. Our desire to remain connected to the world. A reminder that there is life after COVID. Our unending curiosity about nature. Luckily, the National Park Service has created several resources to help satisfy these needs.
Welcome to the Grand Canyon In-Depth Video Series.
The series provides education about conservation efforts in the park, special features of the Grand Canyon including the North Rim, Watchtower, and the canyon’s hidden springs.
Now, I have to be honest. I have visited the Grand Canyon twice. In total, we have spent over a week there. And while we had great experiences and spent a lot of time exploring the canyon, we didn’t get nearly the exposure to these Grand Canyon features as is provided in this video series.
One of the features we enjoyed most was the mule ride to Phantom Ranch.
Not everyone can afford the mule ride down into the canyon. And a visit may not be practical right now, but the Phantom Ranch is featured in the Grand Canyon’s In-Depth Video Series.
Here are a few of our photos from the mule ride on Bright Angel Trail to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, our overnight stay at Phantom Ranch, and the ride back up.
If a mule ride to Phantom Ranch is in your future, I have one piece of advice for you. “Give the mule their head”, meaning just let the mules go. They know the deal and will get you there safely. Trust your mule.
The mules are pretty incredible. And this view? Well, it is hard to beat.
The night at Phantom Ranch at the bottom was just as remarkable. No street lights, just whatever light you carry with you, which for me was my cell phone flashlight. I didn’t turn on early enough and almost walked into a herd of deer right in the middle of the encampment. I don’t have a problem being close to nature, but that was a little extreme.
In a word, if you have the opportunity to experience a mule trip, plan ahead. This has become such a popular activity, participants are now selected through a lottery system. If you are interested, check out the Xanterra website.
Maybe you are up to a road trip.
If you are – I say do it. Be safe. Wear face masks, respect social distancing, and maintain proper hygiene. Our last visit to Grand Canyon was during COVID, and I have to say, I felt safer during our road trip than I did at home. If you want to learn more about our road trip experience, check my road trip feature story here.
Visiting the Grand Canyon is truly a bucket list experience.
Photos don’t do it justice. Most people think about the canyon itself as the “experience”, but there is so much else the Grand Canyon National Park has to offer. We spotted countless elk, friendly squirrels, raptors soaring over the canyon, and lizards darting among the rocks.
Here is one of the elk that was comfortable hanging out around the campground.
Architecture in the park is very distinctive, the Hopi House is one example of the exquisitely designed buildings in the park. Arizona’s southwest architecture is really quite striking.
Many folks dream of hiking the famous Bright Angel Trail. Arizona’s environment is relentless. Be prepared, take plenty of water, and make sure you let others know your plans. And if this is a bucket list item for you, get it done!
Children will enjoy seeing rail cars and the Grand Canyon Railroad Engine. They will also enjoy seeing the mules in the corral situated on one of the park’s main drives near the South Rim.
Whether you visit the South Rim or North Rim, there are a few things to take into consideration.
Beware of wildlife roaming free – true story here. We were lounging in the shade beside our RV in the campground. Listening to music and maybe enjoying a beverage. When I look up and see…
An elk. With its lips barely a foot away from Papa Joe’s head. I don’t know if the elk or Papa Joe jumped more when I screeched.
No lie. This is their land, and they are comfortable roaming it.
Visit the Park’s Visitor’s Center. I think this is always a good idea, for several reasons. You can get maps, updated advisories, Ranger-led tours, and much more. For more general National Park visitor tips, check out my National Park story here.
Here are my final words.
Grand Canyon is worth visiting, but the timing needs to be right for your visit.
If this isn’t the right time for you to take a road trip through Arizona, tap into the national park’s virtual resources. Be safe and responsible if you do venture out. Follow guidelines, take plenty of water on the Bright Angel Trail, and have a blast.
Here is one last photo as an incentive. This was taken at sunset from the South Rim, with a forest fire burning beyond the North Rim. You will never catch exactly this photo on your visit, but yours will be special for an entirely different reason.
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