On March 23rd the 6th annual Archaeology Day will be celebrated at the Grand Canyon.  30 years ago, Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month was created to encourage understanding of the many archaeological sites in Arizona.   The Grand Canyon is rich in archaeological sites with 4,300 recorded so far.  The day of celebration is intended to help park visitors learn about the people who lived in the Grand Canyon previously and to understand the importance of the archaeological work that has been and is continually being done.

There will be many activities throughout the day.  There will be opportunities to make clay pinch pots and split-twig figurines, plant some of the staple foods of the Native Americans who lived here, watch basket weaving and Hopi Kachina carving and view some Navajo Hoop Dances.  These are all free and family-friendly activities that visitors can watch or participate in.

There will be a special concluding program in the evening at the Shrine of Ages Auditorium. If you will be visiting on Saturday March 23rd, be sure to join the fun!  This will commence a month of activities related to archaeology and the Grand Canyon.  For more information visit the Park Service Website.

Where there is fire there is (generally) smoke!  Fall is the traditional season for managed burns at the Grand Canyon because of the ideal weather conditions.  At this time of year there is generally very little wind, yet it is beginning to cool dramatically and humidity levels are usually a little higher than normal.  The announced burns are scheduled for the North Rim of the Canyon.  Thus the headline, “Smoky Skies” because even if you are visiting the South Rim you will see the plumes of smoke ascending from the North Rim.

It is sad to me that the last two weeks of services at the North Rim will be spent with smoky skies and smoky conditions.  Especially since this is the time when the trees are still showing their colors.  If you are planning to visit the North Rim understand that viewing conditions may not be ideal.  And if you see a plume of smoke arising from the trees near the Entrance Station or within the Park you don’t need to report a fire.

If you would like more details on the burning plans click here.  Keep in mind if you are hiking in the inner canyon (a very popular activity at this time of year) you may experience some smoky skies and reduced visibility because the smoke will likely settle in the Canyon overnight.  If you are visiting the South Rim you may note some haziness and reduced visibility as well.  For more information and a webcam of the Canyon from the South Rim click here.

Webcam View from Yavapai Point Oct 1, 2012

Morning travelers! Perhaps the “subtitle” of this entry should be an old Chicago tune: “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” At the Grand Canyon, that’s a loaded question!

Time. One simple word that induces much head-scratching at the Grand Canyon. Upon seeing the Grand Canyon, one’s sense of time and its passage certainly changes. It’s hard not to be humbled in the presence of a work of art that took millions of years to sculpt. But in a more practical sense, the question of the Grand Canyon time zone can be something of a pain. I’ll explain: (hey that rhymes!)

At this time of year, lots of prudent folks are setting about planning their spring  vacations. And a popular destination is the Grand Canyon. But here’s the problem: when the rest of the country is “springing forward,” Arizona is staying put! TripAdvisor contributor “travelloverOntario” is just finding out how confounding the concept of Grand Canyon time is:

I feel kind of silly for not being able to figure this out for myself…but I have some questions about time zone areas in mid March. If we leave Bryce and head into Page on March 12, 2013 do we gain/lose any time? What about going from Page to Flagstaff/Sedona the next day: any time gain/loss? Is Page on different time than Antelope Canyon as it’s on Navajo land? Sorry for being so daft. I did try to look it up and got lost.

I attempted to put things into perspective for ‘travelloverOntario’ as follows:

Arizona does NOT observe Daylight Saving Time, with the exception of the Navajo Indian Reservation. Utah DOES observe Daylight Saving Time all round. I checked the calendar and the transition to Daylight Saving Time will occur on Sunday March 10th in 2013, so on the day you’re traveling, you will cross time zones heading into Arizona, in this case, you will “gain” 1 hour. 10 AM in Utah = 9 AM in Arizona.

Page is not technically on the Navajo Indian Reservation (right next door, but not quite there), so it will also be on Standard Time. If you visit Antelope Canyon with one of the tour outfitters out of Page, they will all operate on Mountain Standard Time.

And since so many people have asked this particular Grand Canyon Time Zone question before, I had to add:

And you’re NOT being silly about this at all, it’s totally confusing I know! Good rule of thumb: “when in doubt, check it out.”

Now here’s what’s silly: in my 25 years’ experience as a Grand Canyon travel consultant, I’d never actually questioned why Arizona took a pass on the Daylight Savings Time thing. Not surprisingly, it had a lot to do with weather. ABC15′s Chris Kline explained:

The history of daylight saving is tied to energy conservation. Switching to DST in the summer means more sunlight at night, which in turn means homes don’t have to turn on lights as early.  … In 1973, a permanent federal law was enacted to help with the oil shortages of that time. But Arizona asked for and was eventually granted an exemption. According to an Arizona Republic editorial from 1969, the reason was the state’s extreme heat. If Arizona were to observe Daylight Saving Time, the sun would stay out until 9 p.m. in the summer (instead of 8 p.m., like it does currently). ‘[Data] clearly show that we must wait until about 9 p.m. DST to start any night-time activity such as drive-in movies, moonlight rides, convincing little children it’s bedtime, etc,’ the editorial stated. ‘And it’s still hot as blazes!’

Makes perfect sense! So if Grand Canyon Time makes you nuts, we’re sorry – I guess you can say we’re just a little ‘crazy from the heat.’

By the way, Daylight Saving Time transition dates for 2013 are as follows: “Spring Forward” Day: Sunday March 10th; “Fall Back” Day: Sunday November 3rd.

Speaking of time, it’s time to get back to your questions on the phone and on our chat line. After all, as the Alan Parsons Project once said, “Time keeps flowing like a river to the sea!”

Have you ever gone to a place where you were in total awe of your surroundings?  Did it cause you to feel suspended in time?  I recently read a few articles that suggest when you experience awe, such as when you visit the Grand Canyon for the first time, you feel as if time has slowed down. You also feel “more patient, altruistic, and less materialistic.”

Apparently this is something that has been researched and documented.  Here are links to a few of the articles I read:

http://ti.me/P2I4vq

http://bit.ly/NQyq45

http://bit.ly/OfeYc5

They are worth reading if you have the time but if not, here are the highlights:

• When we experience a jaw-dropping moment it feels as if time stands still or at least slows down
• Because we are so time-starved we don’t usually feel that we have time to volunteer or help other people but after we experience a few of these feelings of awe that completely changes
• Awe causes us to be more satisfied with our lives
• The researchers used a couple of experiments – one group looked at photos of awe-inspiring scenery or wrote of their experience in a place where they felt awe; another group looked at photos of or wrote about things that had caused them happiness in their lives  The awe-inspired group demonstrated more patience in difficult tasks, more satisfaction with their lives and were more willing to self-sacrifice by donating time and money.
• Experiences with awesome scenery could alleviate depression, cause healthier eating habits, or even cause us to engage in more leisure-time activities.

So, if awe is lacking in your life, now is the time to plan your vacation to a place where you can experience it in great abundance.  Hop in your car or head for the airport and come to the Grand Canyon.  You will be able to stare into the awesome depths of the canyon from several view areas that are accessible by car or shuttle.  If you prefer, you can experience it from a helicopter or airplane.

After you visit, be sure to tell us if you found that you were more patient or willing to help others.

Good morning travelers! Like you, I have a certain “routine” I follow when I first get to work. My morning routine consists of looking around the various online travel forums, such as TripAdvisor, Fodors, Frommers, etc. for topics relevant to the Grand Canyon. No surprise I find a lot of them, but I’m always particularly delighted to find accounts of peoples’ Grand Canyon vacations after they’ve traveled, better known as a “Trip Report.”

Today’s Grand Canyon Trip Report (courtesy of TripAdvisor) was short but sweet as traveler ‘QOE’ described seeing a Grand Canyon sunrise from one of the best possible vantage points:

We arrived at Grand Canyon National Park at 4:00 am, having driven all night, and learned that the park opens at that time. We were trying to pick a spot to watch the sunrise and the sky was already beginning to lighten up. We were headed for the Watch Tower but it seemed to be taking forever on the twisty little roads so we opted for Lipan Point to watch the sun come up. It was a great vantage point.

Sunrise over the Grand Canyon was one of the high points of this trip. It was chilly standing on the rim. We watched huge crows (one attacked the grill of my car!) and speedy larks whizzing by like fighter jets as we waited for the sun to peek out. I can’t say enough about how special that time was for us. Who knew a big hole in the ground could be so impressive!

‘QOE’ made their morning even more special by continuing onto other viewpoints such as Grandview Point, a personal favorite of mine and where our Grand Canyon Sunset Jeep Safari goes.

They then capped off their morning in grand style by enjoying breakfast the El Tovar Hotel Dining Room.  Though dinner at this Grand Canyon hotel is widely touted as being a very special experience, I too was always fond of breakfast. No reservations are required, and you can start what will no doubt be a busy day of Grand Canyon sightseeing with a hearty yet creatively prepared repast that will keep you going well into the afternoon if you need it to. That kind of helps ’cause the Grand Canyon Railway drops off hundreds of people every day at 11.30 am, most of whom glom towards the rimside restaurants for lunch. Forget about getting a table once that happens.

As for where ‘QOE’ went next, we don’t know yet – hopefully that’s the subject of another Grand Canyon trip report. But we sure enjoyed reliving the magical moment of a Grand Canyon sunrise with her – “Angry Birds” and all!

’til next time, here’s a video that talks about various dining options at the Grand Canyon, including the El Tovar Hotel.

Make your day as “grand” as you can, friend! We’ll talk to you again soon.

P.S. Hey one more thing: notice ‘QOE’s’ comment that even in June, standing on the rim of the Grand Canyon was “chilly.” That’s why here at GrandCanyon.com we always say bring at least a light jacket even if you’re traveling in summertime. We’re 7,000′ above sea level, so nights and mornings can still be on the cool side, even in June!

I just read a rather interesting article entitled “The Same River Twice – Changes In River Running Over The Last Forty Years” by Vince Welch.  He talks about Grand Canyon river rafting as well as some of the other big rivers in the west.  He makes several points concerning the changes that have taken place over the past forty years and establishes himself as an old, retired river runner. Following are just a few of the points he makes:

1.  The Numbers – back in the early days of Grand Canyon river rafting, there were barely 500 people who took the trip annually – compared to around 20,000+ now.

2.  The Cost – forty years ago a trip with Grand Canyon Dories cost $450 for 19 days; now a 16 day tour runs 5 grand or more.  Most companies charge between $250 and $300 per person per day!  (A side note:  due to the exclusivity of the one-day white water tour, the cost per person is much higher.)

3.  The Gear – forty years ago only the basics were required for a multiple day Grand Canyon river rafting trip; now there is “state of the art” stuff that seems to be a necessity.  From tents and thick sleeping pads to toilet teepees, there seems to be a new mentality for “needing” much more than the basics.

4.  The Regulations – forty years ago the guides were “self’-regulated” and needed to make sure operations were conducted safely and properly. By 2012 government regulations have been in place for several years to ensure safety for the passengers, the environment, etc.

5.  The campfires – gone is the wood and the permission for campfires; the new way is the trusty campstove!

6.  The River Apparel –  Levi cut-offs have been replaced with quick drying river trunks and  flip-flops have been replaced by specialty water sandals.  You might say it has developed a style of its own.

7.  The Food – basics in #10 tin cans have been replaced by multiple-course meals and even gourmet food!

There are a few things about Grand Canyon river rafting that have not changed.  To find out what and to read more you can find the entire article here

This morning on TripAdvisor the “$64,000 question” had to do with congestion in Grand Canyon Park Village at the South Rim. This poster, who was planning on making a Grand Canyon day trip from Flagstaff, had obviously heard and perhaps experienced first-hand some of the horror stories of years past, like hour+ waits at the entrance gate and making multiple circles around the Village Loop drive in order to find a parking space.

I’m pleased to report that several recent developments have ameliorated that particular problem quite nicely. Check out this video from the Grand Canyon National Park Service to see what they’ve done. The biggest and best development was the construction of a very large parking lot adjacent to the Canyon View Information Plaza. If memory serves, it has roughly 900 spaces, and serves as a “hub” for the Grand Canyon Village Shuttle system. So find a space to park there, hop on the shuttles, and voila! You have an easy (and free!) way to get around to the different Grand Canyon hotels, restaurants, gift shops and other visitor services. Those with more time can take the shuttle all the way out to the West Rim Interchange near Bright Angel Trailhead and transfer to the Hermit’s Rest Shuttle, where more awesome Grand Canyon views await.

Another change made in recent years was the addition of several pre-paid entrance lanes at the South and East entrances to Grand Canyon National Park. Those with America the Beautiful Federal Lands Access Passes or other prepaid park entrance fee tickets are welcome to use these lanes to expedite their entry to the park. But these are only to be utilized by America the Beautiful Pass holders or those who have prepaid the Grand Canyon Park entrance fees elsewhere!  Those who have not paid their fees and attempt to enter the park via these prepaid lanes will be required to go to the back of the “regular” line.

Some more suggestions to avoid the congestion that is still invariably present at Grand Canyon South Rim during the summer months:

• Time your visit to avoid the peak visitation hours  between 10 am and 3 PM. That’s when the day-trippers from Las Vegas and Phoenix start to arrive, and that’s when parking can be more difficult to find
• If making a Grand Canyon day trip from Flagstaff, take the “long way in.” As TripAdvisor contributor “MikePinTucson” suggests:

Admission no problem at all if you use the east entrance. We have never encountered more than 2 or 3 cars ahead of us at that entrance.Drive along the east rim drive, stopping at all or most of the viewpoints (do not miss Desert View). Parking can be a problem right around the rim lodges. But if you park nearYavapai Lodge, it shouldn’t be much of a problem. Then you can take the free shuttle to the Village area and the Hermit’s Rest road.

• Then take the “short way” out: via Highway 64 to I-40 and Williams, or the more scenic Highway 180 which can be accessed at Valle Arizona. Here’s a map of what that total drive would look like:

View Larger Map

The typical Grand Canyon Day Trip from Flagstaff entails a 90-minute drive each way via the most direct route. Using the above route, expect to add at least another 90 minutes onto your drive time; and don’t be surprised if it takes a little longer. The Grand Canyon East Rim is one of the most beautiful drives in Northern Arizona, so don’t be surprised to find yourself stopping at one of the over half a dozen named viewpoints along the Grand Canyon Rim.  But you’re on vacation, so hopefully you’re in no hurry!

Grand Canyon tours from Tucson AZ. Frankie Valli described it best: “so close and yet so far!”

I was presented with this particular challenge by a caller the other day. She was staying in Tucson, had one free day and wanted to tour Grand Canyon. But here was the problem: she wouldn’t have access to the family car. If memory serves, her hubby needed it so he could go check out University of Arizona with one of the kids. So the question was, could she still accomplish her goal of touring the Grand Canyon even though she was staying in Tucson?

Turns out that very question was making the rounds on TripAdvisor a couple of weeks back. A young lady who had come all the way from Bangladesh to check out U of A was in a similar situation. She posed the question to the TripAdvisor panel, and we basically all told her she couldn’t, or more appropriately, shouldn’t attempt it, the main reason being that the driving distance from Tucson Arizona to Grand Canyon National Park is about 6 hours, one way. So if a day is all you have to work with, that’s going to mean a LONG day behind the wheel. That’s why there are virtually no Grand Canyon tours whatsoever that depart out of Tucson Arizona. Tours from Phoenix or Scottsdale to the Grand Canyon are readily available, but that still leaves the question of how do you get there from Tucson if you don’t have a car? Which leads to yet another problem (a constant challenge for first-time visitors to the Southwest US): mass transit, or lack thereof.  Busses, trains, etc. are almost non-existent out here. What is available can be hard to use due to awkward arrival/departures times, layovers that are too short or too long, etc.

After a whole lot of nay-saying, prodding and cajoling, this very determined young lady found a way to make her goal of a Grand Canyon tour from Tucson happen! Here’s how she did it:

The plan I did was really a hectic one. But due to time constraint we had no other choice. The plan was as follows:

1. To take Arizona Shuttle Service up to Phoenix (www.arizonashuttle.com) early in the morning 1:30 am or 2:30am which arrives at phoenix airport at around 4:45 or 6:15am respectively.

2.Took public bus to drop off at any of the hotel where you will be picked for the Grand Canyon tour.

3. Then to take the tour bus that departs 7:00 am using Platinum Grand Canyon & Sedona Tour from Phoenix which takes 13 hrs.  So it arrives at around 9 pm to Phoenix.

4. Using the same Arizona Shuttle Service back to University of Arizona at around 1:30 am.

The things to remember are:  you need to book everything in advance. The last and first service that departs Tucson Arizona for Phoenix are 8 pm and 1:30 am respectively, and the last service that leaves Phoenix for Tuscon is 11 pm.

You need to have a credit card to book Grand Canyon Tours which requires a print out in paper format what we found was the most difficult for a conference visitor like myself. I hope this whole plan might help if any young fit student visitor do have a dream of visiting Grand Canyon from Tucson Arizona in a day.

So with a little determination – and probably a lot of coffee – touring Grand Canyon from Tucson can be done. Those with a little – OK a lot – more money to spend might consider an air charter. Tucson Aeroservice Center, based at the Marana Airport just on the outskirts of town, can fly you up to Grand Canyon, let you hang out for the day, then fly you back in an 8-seater turbo-prop aircraft.

For those who wish to stay on solid ground, here is the 411 on the services used by our very determined and energetic friend from Bangladesh to make her Grand Canyon tour happen:

• From Tucson AZ to Phoenix AZ:  Arizona Shuttle Service www.arizonashuttle.com or call 800-888-2749  Phoenix drop off at Sky Harbor Airport
• From Phoenix Sky Harbor to pickup location for Phoenix Grand Canyon Tour: public transit such as Valley Metro, taxi or Super Shuttle.
• Phoenix Grand Canyon Tour: GrandCanyon.com recommends Detours’ Platinum Sedona Grand Canyon Tour, which can also be upgraded with a 30-minute helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon! Duration: about 13 hours. Cost for advance booking (basic package) $155 person, includes lunch.
• From Phoenix AZ back to Tucson: Arizona Shuttle Service

So there you have it! Tiring? Yes? Expensive? Slightly. Unforgettable? You bet! But that’s the Grand Canyon for ya

Reading that last post (The Grand Canyon Train: the “right track” for your Grand Canyon vacation”), I though to myself, “hmm, it’s almost as though you’re trying to talk people out of taking the Grand Canyon Railway.” Nothing could be further from the truth! But after 25+ years in the Grand Canyon tour industry, I’ve always said that I’d rather burst your bubble than wreck your Grand Canyon vacation.

The fact remains that if your goal is to see the most of the Grand Canyon in the shortest amount of time, the Grand Canyon Train won’t do this for you. There are certain Grand Canyon visitors that the Grand Canyon Railway is most appropriate for and they are as follows:

1. You’re in no hurry!  This Grand Canyon vacation is all about relaxation and that includes having someone else do the driving, no matter how long it takes. Perhaps you’ve been to Grand Canyon South Rim before and are now revisiting it with out of town guests. A small taste of what’s there will be enough this time around. If that’s the case, take the Grand Canyon Train.

2. You’re a “ferroequinologist,” or in layman’s terms, a “train buff.” You know full well that these old iron horses don’t break any speed records and that’s A-OK with you! The attraction of the Grand Canyon Train is the train itself, not what goes on outside it. Sound like you? Step right up and get your ticket! Best option yet: ride to the Grand Canyon on the Observation Dome, and back to Williams on the Luxury Parlor Car. If your traveling party is all adults (no kids allowed on these classes of service), this option provides the ultimate viewing and relaxation opportunities.

3. You’ve heard the horror stories about Grand Canyon parking and don’t want to  mess with it. IMO they’re a little exaggerated, and things have improved significantly since the addition of a couple more prepaid entrance lanes. But there’s still a grain of truth in those accounts. By travelling through the Kaibab National Forest, the Grand Canyon Railway bypasses the Grand Canyon South Rim entrance gate. Your park entrance fee is included in the price of your Grand Canyon Train ticket. No lines, no hassle.

4. Your kids want to do it. Kids love big machines and the Grand Canyon Railway definitely has a certain attraction for the little ones.  But Mom and Dad should take the time to clearly explain that this trip is going to take a very long time and you don’t want to hear one single refrain of “are we there yet.” Fortunately the Grand Canyon Train staff does a wonderful job of entertaining passengers on the 4.5 hour round-trip journey. Cowboy poets, old-school country singers, a mock train robbery all add to the Old West Historic atmosphere of the Grand Canyon Railway.

If you’ve already considered the facts and decided the full Grand Canyon Railway experience isn’t for you, but are still a bit fascinated by it, Xanterra Parks & Resorts, the Grand Canyon Train concessionaire has come up with a solution to “meet you half-way:” The Grand Canyon Railroad Express Tour. Board a van or motorcoach early in the morning at one of the Grand Canyon park hotels and ride down to Williams. In Williams, you would watch the Wild West Shootout show at the Grand Canyon Train depot, then board the Railway and ride back to Grand Canyon South Rim. The bus ride to Williams takes 1 hour; the train ride back take the normal 2 hours 15 minutes. Best of both worlds. You get to experience the Grand Canyon Railway, yet it doesn’t eat up your whole day.

If you’ve come to the conclusion that the Grand Canyon Railway was not what you expected yet still want some of the benefits it offers – namely you don’t have to drive! – potential solutions to this particular problem are:

The Williams Grand Canyon Tour: a comprehensive all-day Grand Canyon South Rim van tour where you get to see the best views, and do the best stuff! Tour price includes the IMAX film presentation “Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets,” lunch, park entrance fees and you can even upgrade your tour package to include a 30-minute Grand Canyon helicopter flight! Pickup available in Flagstaff, too. Click here for more information on this tour package ->:  The Williams Grand Canyon Tour

The Grand Canyon Jeep Safari & Rim Walk: If you don’t mind driving up as far as Tusayan/Grand Canyon Village South, about 1 hour North of Williams, consider the Grand Canyon Jeep Safari & Rim Walk. Departing daily in season at 9.30 AM and traveling down an old stagecoach road, you’ll bypass the entrance gate lines and experience seldom seen vistas in the beautiful Kaibab National Forest.  You’ll enjoy an easy guided walking tour through Grand Canyon Village Historic District, including Yavapai Point Museum and the award-winning “Trail of Time.”  Done in just 3 hours. Click here for more information on this and other Grand Canyon Jeep Safari Options ->: Grand Canyon Jeep Tours (rimside)

It’s time for work – I’m off and rolling!

Imagine sitting on a hotel balcony at Grand Canyon South Rim sipping your favorite beverage. Before you in all its glory gapes the one and only Grand Canyon! All this beauty is making you hungry, so you leave behind your lovely Grand Canyon view and adjourn to your room and cook a little something in your room’s kitchen. Quesadillas, some huevos rancheros, maybe warm up the leftovers from that huge Navajo Taco you got at the Cameron Trading Post. Victuals in hand, you return to your seat on your lovely balcony and lose yourself once again in your lovely Grand Canyon view.  And then –  you wake up!!!

Sorry, folks, but this Grand Canyon vacation scene will only happen in your dreams.

Alphonse Karr was a French journalist, novelist and all-around smart alec who lived in the 19th century. Alphonse Karr is also a popular variety of non-invasive clumping bamboo, but I digress. The former Mr. Karr is who I want to bring up: he’s the guy who’s widely credited for saying “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” What does that have to do with the price of eggs, much less the Grand Canyon?  It means that in this day and age of information overload and ultra-connectedness, where there are no secrets or unknowns about pretty much anything, so many misconceptions still abound about the Grand Canyon, especially when it comes to Grand Canyon hotels.

Case in point: the frequency with which folks still ask “how can I get a room with a view of the Grand Canyon – oh and with a kitchen too?” We’re discussing that very thing right now on TripAdvisor. Take a look:

TripAdvisor Grand Canyon Forum: Grand Canyon Lodging Choices 

Now back in the day when we all thought the Georgia Satellites were going to be the next big thing in rock-n-roll,  I actually had the privilege and pleasure of working as a desk clerk of the world famous Grand Canyon hotel, the El Tovar. If I had a dime for every time I was asked “does my room have a view?” I’d be rich. And if I had a quarter for every time I had to say “no,” I’d be even richer. On a quiet snowy day in December, for giggles and grins I added up all the rooms at all the hotels in Grand Canyon South Rim: El Tovar, Kachina, Thunderbird, Bright Angel, Maswik Yavapai. All put together there are just over 900 rooms in the park at Grand Canyon South Rim. And of those 900+ rooms a mere 6% might – not will, but might – have a Grand Canyon view. And of that mere 6% a …. mere-er (no I don’t know whether that’s an actual word)… 4 rooms… yes people, not 4 hotels, 4 rooms are guaranteed to have a Grand Canyon view! That’s it and that’s all!  And yet the traveling public assumed that getting a room with a view wouldn’t be a problem – that was back in the day when we relied on *gads* newspapers, magazines, radio and TV for our information, people!

In fact a post I wrote on this very subject on TripAdvisor a few years back was so well-received it was “promoted” to the list of “Top Questions to Ask About the Grand Canyon.”

TripAdvisor.com: “How can I get a Grand Canyon hotel room with a view?”

Here’s the facts, folks: a room with a view is very hard to come by. Even those rooms that might have a bit of a view aren’t guaranteed of such since one man’s panorama is another man’s postage stamp. Trees, shrubs and other obstructions might block your view slightly too. But here’s the thing: if you’re hanging out in your hotel room during the daylight hours on your Grand Canyon vacation, ‘Houston, we have a problem!’ The whole point of visiting the Grand Canyon – or any National Park for that matter – is to enjoy the treasures that lie outdoors, not the indoors. Your hotel room should just be a place to lay your head after a fulfilling and exciting day of sightseeing. If you happen to be fortunate enough to score rooms at one of the park’s venerated Historic Landmarks, like the El Tovar or Bright Angel, consider yourself lucky, because you are. But if you’re expecting the Four Seasons, here again, you’ve bought into someone else’s myth and not reality.

Oh, almost forgot about kitchens. Grand Canyon South Rim hotels have mini-fridges but no microwaves. Most Tusayan/Grand Canyon Village South hotels have both mini-fridges and microwaves; some will allow you to ‘rent’ these items for a nominal fee. But if it’s a full kitchen/kitchenette you want/need, you’ll have to stay in Flagstaff, which is about 90 minutes South of the park. Seriously, unless you have very strict dietary needs, food allergies, etc. that would make utilizing the on-site dining facilities problematic, having a kitchen should be very low on your priority list. Highest priority: being as close to the Grand Canyon as you can.

Here’s a video that discusses all Grand Canyon South Rim lodging options both in and out of park: