Grand Adventures
By Leslie MacPhee
Getting left behind at the Grand Canyon was not something I thought would ever happen to me. I am a traveler who loves to explore, usually makes very little concrete travel plans other than booking the flight and first night in a hotel. Sometimes I don’t even get the hotel room booked. In Santorini I simply got off the plane and said to the cab driver “Can you take me to a clean and safe hotel?” Even though I am laid back in my travel plans I am usually good to pay attention to when my ride is leaving. Let’s just say my travel partner, my 77 year old mother, was not impressed with me on this part of our trip.
When I speak with people about where they want to travel, what they would like to experience the Grand Canyon is on the top of a lot of people's bucket list. The Grand Canyon is considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world. It officially became a national park in 1919. While the Colorado River flows through the park it is entirely in Arizona and borders Nevada and Utah.
So when is the best time to go to see the Grand Canyon? According to U.S. News Travel “The best times to visit the Grand Canyon are March through May and September through November when daytime temperatures are cool and the crowds are thin. If you decide to visit during the summer (the park's peak season), be prepared for hordes of tourists and very limited lodging availability.”
We chose the end of September and first of October. The temperature was perfect. It was warm with a light breeze. I think it rained one afternoon our whole time in Nevada and Arizona. This was also the best time for us when it came to the cost of booking a package to Las Vegas. After the second week into October the prices went up. Being a travel agent I can easily track the prices. You should always spend time exploring a place in the best manner that works for you.
There are a number of ways to travel to the Grand Canyon. Two we looked at were to either rent a car or book a bus tour. Seeing how neither one of us had been to either Nevada or Arizona we chose to book a bus tour. We chose Grey Line South Rim. It included bottle water, lunch, a guided tour and a stop at the Hoover Dam. This was a bonus as I thought I would never book this on its own. It is a day long tour as the Grand Canyon is actually in Arizona.
Our tour guide Thomas was great. He was well traveled himself and had a wealth of knowledge to share. He and our bus driver had done this trip a number of times and had it down pat. They both mentioned a number of times how we would be on a set schedule and they would appreciate it if we could all be back on the bus at the agreed to time. As mentioned it is a full day tour starting at 6am. I was told the bus would return at 7pm. I did not realize the agent wasn’t converting the time. So the time we got back to Las Vegas was 11pm in Nevada. Having both the stop at the Hoover Dam and the 1 hour lunch break and a supper stop was a welcome break. The Hoover Dam was constructed between 1931 and 1936 during the great Depression. We were told how Boulder City came about. This is where the men who worked on the dam lived. There was no gambling or alcohol allowed. This part of the bus tour was a nice addition and something worth the drive.
Not only is the beauty of the Grand Canyon breathtaking, it has an amazing energy. It was a warm day with a light wind which was refreshing. The paths were level and wide so it was manageable to every level of fitness. As well there were a number of people who were in wheelchairs so touring was accessible to everyone. There are five Indian tribes which populate the Grand Canyon. While there are a number of trails ranging in distance and abilities you can choose to simply walk from main look off points. Our bus stopped at both Mather Point and Bright Angel Trail. Once inside the park you can take a helicopter ride, mule rides, guided or self walking tours, shuttles, a train or white river rafting to get a closer look. These options all have varying prices. There are also a number of options if you choose to stay overnight. Everything from camping to six different properties.
On site there is the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, Market Plaza and Kolb Studio Hopi House if you are looking for unique souvenirs. For me while I do love to shop for souvenirs I love to take pictures and usually pick up what I call a memory stone in each of the places I travel. If you remember in the first paragraph I mentioned getting left behind. There are so many opportunities to take amazing pictures. While out looking for some great pictures (Some of which are in this article) and my memory stone I wandered quite far from the group. It had been a long day and after my mom saw what she needed of the Grand Canyon she opted to get back on the bus. Wise move.
I took my time. Even went into bushes, obviously forgetting my fear of spiders and snakes, and other off the beaten paths. It was then I heard our tour guide calling my name. I looked at my watch and still had plenty of time to explore so I ignored him. When he found me Thomas looked at me and yelled “come on Leslie the bus is waiting.. You are late!” I looked at him in shock as I had paid attention to my watch. I didn’t want to be “that” person.
So I didn’t really get left behind. However there have been times when they have had to leave people behind. I have seen the reviews. People blame the tour operators even though they ignored and did not follow the rules and pay attention to time.
Travelling to Nevada and Arizona is worth the time. The tour was really a two for one deal. The Hoover Dam is amazing. It was an unexpected treat. To hear the history of the area and see how huge the dam really is up close was very cool. The other thing is you can feel how important the dam is. Since it is guarded by security there was a quick checkpoint. Nearly 7 million people visit the Hoover Dam each year. The Grand Canyon was worth the wait and I believe it should be on everyone's bucket list! It is a great trip for all ages. It is never too late to explore a place!
Leslie MacPhee
lesliemac@thetravelagentnextdoor.com
www.lesliemacphee.thetravelagentnextdoor.com
