Southwest Fall 2016-2: Grand Canyon North Rim
It's about 170 miles from Bryce Canyon to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, 4-1/2 hours if you don't stop, but for us that's highly unlikely. The two-lane roads travel through the stunning landscape of some of Utah's national parks and forests. The North Rim is at 8,000 feet, about the same as Bryce. At 1,000 feet higher than its popular South Rim counterpart and harder to get to, we found it comfortable, though the campground was full.
After two days of exploring the North Rim, it was time to leave our great campsite and head for Ghost Ranch and the town of Abiquiú, New Mexico. First stop was a grocery store in Tuba City, Arizona, to restock the pantry and get the fixings for the next day’s crockpot meal. We headed east through the vast Navajo Reservation.
A couple of hours later, we entered the Hopi Reservation. The Hopis, a very peaceful nation, are basically encircled by the Navajos. Per the request of the Hopi Nation, we did not take any pictures. Unfortunately we arrived too late to take a tour, but it is #1 on our next Southwest journey.
Next up: Georgia O'Keeffe Country
View from North Rim of Grand Canyon. South Rim opposite & Colorado River at bottom.
We parked near the North Rim Lodge and walked out to Bright Angel Point.
From Bright Angel Point we walked along the rim to the lodge.
From the lodge, we took the short roundtrip trail to Cape Royal, from where we could see "Angels Window," rock formations named by a geologist for temples in Eastern religions, and the Colorado River, far below.
Lucky for us, my kayaking friend Holly had spent a couple of years at the North Rim with her husband, a national forest ranger, and gave us directions to the “best” place to camp. “Six miles off the main road on Forest Road 611,” a rather smooth gravel road, would take us along what is called the East Rim and to dispersed campsites (meaning free but without water).
Before heading there, we decided to make coffee in the parking lot with our Jet Boil. Marilyn had gone back in the van to get something and didn't hear Doug yelling at her—the boiling water had tipped over on his foot. So, before driving out Road 611, we stopped at the fire station, where a paramedic took a look at and wrapped Doug's foot. Then off we went to find a camping spot for the night. (In Santa Fe a few days later we had the foot further treated at an urgent care.)
We drove quite far along Road 611 the first night and camped under the trees. It was already 5:15, so we needed to settle.
Not thrilled with our find, the next morning we drove back toward the main road. Finding what looked to be a more promising spot, we pulled off the road, parked a few feet from the rim, popped the top, got out the chairs, and luxuriated in the beauty and vastness.
Taking it all in.
Rare photo of us together.
From Bright Angel Point we walked along the rim to the lodge.
North Rim Lodge.
Not a bad view out the lodge's windows.
Looking up at lodge chandelier.
From the lodge, we took the short roundtrip trail to Cape Royal, from where we could see "Angels Window," rock formations named by a geologist for temples in Eastern religions, and the Colorado River, far below.
Trail to Cape Royal.
"Angels Window."
Temples.
Temples.
Colorado River winding along the canyon floor.
Lucky for us, my kayaking friend Holly had spent a couple of years at the North Rim with her husband, a national forest ranger, and gave us directions to the “best” place to camp. “Six miles off the main road on Forest Road 611,” a rather smooth gravel road, would take us along what is called the East Rim and to dispersed campsites (meaning free but without water).
Before heading there, we decided to make coffee in the parking lot with our Jet Boil. Marilyn had gone back in the van to get something and didn't hear Doug yelling at her—the boiling water had tipped over on his foot. So, before driving out Road 611, we stopped at the fire station, where a paramedic took a look at and wrapped Doug's foot. Then off we went to find a camping spot for the night. (In Santa Fe a few days later we had the foot further treated at an urgent care.)
Forest Road 611 & aspens along East Rim of Grand Canyon.
We drove quite far along Road 611 the first night and camped under the trees. It was already 5:15, so we needed to settle.
1st night campsite.
Not thrilled with our find, the next morning we drove back toward the main road. Finding what looked to be a more promising spot, we pulled off the road, parked a few feet from the rim, popped the top, got out the chairs, and luxuriated in the beauty and vastness.
2nd campsite on the Road 611.
View from our campsite.
View from Grand Canyon from East Rim.
Early the next morning Marilyn was outside making coffee.
Ahhhh....
After two days of exploring the North Rim, it was time to leave our great campsite and head for Ghost Ranch and the town of Abiquiú, New Mexico. First stop was a grocery store in Tuba City, Arizona, to restock the pantry and get the fixings for the next day’s crockpot meal. We headed east through the vast Navajo Reservation.
A couple of hours later, we entered the Hopi Reservation. The Hopis, a very peaceful nation, are basically encircled by the Navajos. Per the request of the Hopi Nation, we did not take any pictures. Unfortunately we arrived too late to take a tour, but it is #1 on our next Southwest journey.
Next up: Georgia O'Keeffe Country
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