We arrived at Grand Canyon around 9am, when the chilly canyon wind was still blowing. After paying the $20 entrance fee, we arrived at our first stop, the Desert View Tower near the east entrance of the park. One year ago, we had visited the very same place. But at the time, it was close to dusk, so we didn't have the luxury to truly appreciate the canyon. However, this time, we climbed up the Desert View Tower and viewed the canyon from the top floor, then down and out to the balcony on the second floor, where we were instantly awestruck by the panoramic view this balcony offered. It was a clear, sunny day, and we could see for miles all around us. We looked west, towards the heart of the canyon, and saw endless canyons stretching out towards the horizon. Totally amazing. We stayed on that balcony for a rather extended time before we decided to come down to the gift shop on the first floor, where we bought a souvenir for our second visit there.

Then we drove along the park road and stopped at every view point along the way, appreciating the subtle difference each view point offered us. I forgot which stop it was, but one of the stops even had an indoor observation deck built on top of a cliff. I wanted to see how high up the canyon I really was, so I gazed down from the secure observation deck towards the bottom of the canyon and literally felt my heart pounding. At the edge of the deck, I was literally just one step away from a 2,000-foot drop to the bottom of the canyon!

But the best part of the visit was definitely visiting the Grand Canyon Village, a busy small town filled with tourists from all over the world. There were several lodges built right along the cliff, as well as a number of restaurants/shops that cater to the tourists of every budget. And after we ate lunch, the air in the canyon had started to warm up, so we took off our jackets and enjoyed a moderated walk on the pedestrian walkway built right alongside the cliff for the rest of the afternoon, going in and out of gift shops, craft stores, and everything there is. As we gazed out towards north, we learned that we could actually see the North Rim Lodge 10 miles away. And, looking down towards the bottom, we also saw the Phantom Ranch next to the bank of the Colorado River.

Since it was only a 1-day visit, we didn't have time to embark on some (or most) of the trails. But the next time I visit, I will be sure to work in extra time to visit those areas that are off the beaten path.

The Grand Canyon is awesome. As you drive up to the rim, you are surrounded by woodland. You can't actually see the canyon until there it is, in all it's glory. The colors are amazing. There is red, orange, and white, with green grass weaved in between. Just the enormity of it all is just amazing. We also enjoyed watching the animals in their space; chipmunks and ravens are fun to watch. After about an hour, we traveled to another point of the canyon for further exploration.

The bus driver/tour conductor was very nice. He had a very dry sense of humor, but kept it fun. On the way to and from the canyon, he played two movies and the radio. I was exhausted by the time we returned to the hotel, but it was well worth it.

Red Rock Canyon is a short drive and is beautiful (rock colors, formations). Easy drive or walk through the park.

Zion National Park is also within a drive of LV. Again, probably worth an overnight stay at the lodge there (beautiful!)... but the rock formations and colors were something I've never seen (and incredible!).