Grand Canyon South

During our trip to Las Vegas I told you about our magnificent trip to the Grand Canyon. That was Grand Canyon West. One request of Jim’s daughter and son-in-law on their visit with us in Arizona this spring was an overnight trip to see the Grand Canyon. Grand Canyon South is much more accessible, especially from Arizona. We put together a plan.

We left by car early enough in the morning to arrive in Sedona at noon hour. It seems like we are often there, or passing through, but there is always a new perspective and this was Anthony’s first trip to Arizona, so we spent a few hours climbing again. This time it was Bell Tower Rock that received our attention, rather than Cathedral Rock. Being early in March we expected the weather to be still cool and we dressed for the occasion—well at least I did. However, the sun was hot that day. The hike was much easier going for the most part, but enough for me to work up a sweat. About three-quarters of the way I had to take a rest on a shady ledge, and the others carried on until the climb became too shear to navigate. I took the time to snap more pictures, of course!

Karen & Anthony, ready to start

On the path

Follow the sign

View from my perch

They’re up there somewhere!

Ah, hah! Found them!

Williams Arizona was our final destination that day. We had rooms booked at the Marriott Hotel. A stop at the Railway Station, where we could have caught a train to the Canyon, revealed a kiosk where admittance tickets to the Grand Canyon National Park could be purchased. These not only would enable us to by-pass the line up at the gate, but were much less expensive. We opted out of taking the train, which might have been fun, because of the limited time allowed at the Canyon before the return. After dinner at the hotel restaurant, we called it an early night.

There wasn’t much in the vicinity of the hotel to explore, so Williams at first seemed unimpressive, but when we drove through the main street on our way out the next morning we thought it might be an interesting place to spend more time.

By mid-morning we were in the hub of the park and looking at maps to decide which way we wanted to hike. We stocked up on sandwiches, water and snacks at the store before taking our path of choice. Before long, we had reached the breath-taking South Canyon Rim. It was an entirely different view than that we’d seen from the West Rim. Needless to say, we were busy closing our dropped-jaws and snapping pictures.

Risky business! Notice the fellow way out on a ledge by himself?

Another brave soul

Sitting on the Edge

Looks like a good place to rest to me…not!

Lunch Break

Breath-taking View

It was well after dark when we arrived back in Mesa and soon crawled into bed, exhausted but happy.