Today we took a day off from riding to walk around the canyon rim. We got started around 6:30am hoping for good sunlight. Skies were clear with a stiff breeze and temps were in the 40s. We walked about a mile along the canyon rim path taking in the scenery and trying to capture its beauty in photographs before breakfast.
Breakfast was hearty and very delicious at the Lodge restaurant. Afterwards, our plan was to walk down the canyon a bit. Tom and Michele found a nice ledge on the edge of the precipice to take photos.
Every view as we descended was different, with interesting rock formations.
There are a few critters roaming about, squirrels with tufted ears, tiny lizards and chipmunk-like rodents. This squirrel was enjoying the view as we were, albeit he was much more comfortable at the edge. Just after Rob took the squirrel’s picture, the squirrel took off over the edge.
The heat increased dramatically just the few hundred feet we descended. Several hardy hikers were heading down to the canyon, and a few were heading back up. We spoke to one guide who said he did this every week and never got tired of it. They had spent two nights in the canyon. This photo shows the path we took, stopping at the “V”.
We continued along the canyon rim path towards Maricopa Point, about 1.4 miles of paved trail one way. This was really the highlight of our day, seeing new views more interesting than the last.
We’ve heard many languages from visitors here: Italian, Portuguese, French, Dutch. At times, we had the paths all to ourselves. This section of the park being open to only bicyclists, hikers and the shuttle buses. Since it was still morning it was not yet crowded. In fact, Tom had the entire side of the mountain to claim as his own.
The path was undulating and steep in some areas. It was really starting to wear on Tom and Michele. Once we reached the Maricopa Point, they both thought the idea of taking the shuttle back was appealing, but toughed it out. Tom commented on our 1.4mile leg back that he would need a double hip replacement after this vacation!
As we made our way back, we watched a train of mules heading back up on their return trip with their riders. Apparently one of the wranglers has been quoted to say that mules are so much smoother than riding a horse that it’s compared to riding a Cadillac versus a washing machine.
The mules looked tired. This one was already catching a quick nap.
This cute guy yawned heartily and was asleep quickly after his rider dismounted.
We enjoyed a late lunch then walked through the History Room. Michele’s parents will appreciate that Mary Coulter, a lady from St. Paul, Minnesota, was responsible for much of the architecture in the park. After that museum, we went through the Vankemps Visitor Center, operated by the Vankemps family since 1905 or so when they first set up a tent to sell souveneirs.
Michele wanted to walk to the Yavakapi Geological Museum and quickly realized her error in mileage calculation. It was another 1.3 miles away, this after many hours of morning walking already. Needless to say, we took the shuttle back to the hotel after that!
Tonight we enjoy dinner at the historic El Tovar Hotel and will prepare for our trip to Sedona tomorrow.
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