Day 20 - Grand Canyon

Day 20 - Grand Canyon - South Rim

April is a great time to visit the Grand Canyon. I was originally going to come in Mid May but since my travels took me back to Las Vegas, I decided GC was worth the early trip. For my first full day at GC, I decided to arrive at daybreak to the park and walk the 12 mile flat south rim trail from the visitor center to Hermits rest, stopping by each viewpoint on my way.

I arrived at the park at 630 with my down pants and coat and fleece neck and hat on. It was cold! By about 8am I was shedding layers as the weather warmed and my body heated up. I was lucky in my timing. I saw a dozen people (mostly photograph buffs hunting the perfect sunrise pic) on the early walk near the visitor center. Once I got out five miles I had the park and the viewpoints to myself. I turned some Lord Huron (mom will remember them from a concert) as shaw had thankifully given me some extra tunes recommendations. Life seemed too good to be true.

Not until I arrived to the last two miles, a paved bike road to hermits rest, did the crowds start appearing. I took in all the viewpoints on the west part of the park and believe Pima Point is the most beautiful. After arriving to Hermits rest, I rested, after my 12 mile hike from 630am to 12noon. Then I took the shuttle back to my car, had a quick pasta lunch and traveled by car to the east park of the park, stopping at all the vistas. I got to the very east end of the park, a beautiful 1930s era stone watchtower, as the sun was beginning to set. I drove back to my campground just outside of Grand Canyon park and collapsed in bed.

Below are the best shots from the day! Elk!

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