Grand Canyon South Rim

 [Sunday 17 September]

Another cool, crisp, sunny day greeted us this morning. We packed the car and headed off to the Lodge Saloon for morning coffee and one final visit to the North Rim. 

The drive was uneventful and traffic light. Within the first two hours we dropped from over 8000 feet to 4000, passing through scrub desert as we scooted along the base of the Vermillion Cliffs, a wall of rock that stretched for as far as the eye could see.

We passed through the Navajo Reservation and over the Little Colorado River and then crossed the Colorado itself as we made our way to the east entrance of the park’s South Rim. 

Just inside the park was our first genuine glimpse of the south rim at Desert View and what a view!

the Colorado River

The Watchtower

At Desert View we learned of the midair collision of United Flight 782 and TWA Flight 2 in 1956 that sent debris scattering over the canyon on the other side of the Colorado from the Watchtower. While most of the remains along with much of the wreckage were recovered, some debris is still scattered across the lower portions of the canyon near the crash sites.

the crash site marker 

Continuing our journey west toward Grand Canyon Village and the park visitor center we stopped at Lipon Point.

We then moved on to Moran Point and Grandview Point before reaching Grand Canyon Village. 

Grandview Point, and a grand view it is!

Once inside the village we made our way to the Bright Angel Lodge. As we approached the lodge, traffic was stalled because a bull elk was standing the roadway. 

Just off to the right beneath a few trees was a female with her young just hanging out next to one of the nearby hotel buildings.

Traffic finally scooted around the animal and we were soon at Bright Angel Lodge and checked in.

photo courtesy of Audley Travel

rear of the lodge facing the rim

Once in our cabin just 100 feet or so from the rim, we learned that due to a disruption in the water supplies to the South Rim, there was water rationing in place: short showers, minimal flushing for guests, greatly reduced dishwashing for hotels and businesses in general. 

After settling in we explored the neighborhood. Next up was to learn the free canyon shuttle system, a stop at the visitor center and the market, so off we went to the nearest shuttle stop. 

Getting off at the visitor center we were struck by the fact it was closed today due to staffing shortages — we plan to return tomorrow, Monday. 

Back to the shuttle we got off at the market, picked up a few groceries, and then back to the lodge. 

That evening we opted to eat at the Fred Harvey Lounge in the Lodge. Unremarkable food but the wine wasn’t bad and the staff very good.

That evening we stood in awe as the fading light made the canyon truly come alive.