Grand Canyon, Arizona

There are not many moments in life where I have been rendered speechless or completely overwhelmed with emotion by the wonders of our world, but the Grand Canyon had that effect on me.

We entered the North Rim which is over 8,000 feet in elevation and visited by only 10% of Grand Canyon visitors. The Lodge is a National Historic Landmark and has been in operation since 1936 after being completely rebuilt. The original lodge was open only four years before it was destroyed by fire.   The lodge was built according to strict guidelines, using native stone and timber that matched the environment. The upper verandah of the lodge faces south at the edge of the canyon. The view is spectacular !

Angels Window one of the most well-known features on the North Rim provides the unique experience of walking out over this natural arch. Jutting into the canyon, surrounded by all of it’s color and shapes will bring exclamations of awe or breathless marvel from this vantage point.  The Colorado river is visible through the window.

The Colorado River has carved a mile-deep canyon that bisects the park. The average distance across the park is only 10 miles, but it takes 5 hours to drive the 215 miles between the North and South Rim Villages. We made the drive.

When the El Tovar Hotel opened in the early 1900s it was considered one of the most elegant hotels west of the Mississippi. El Tovar Hotel is a lovely, well maintained welcoming destination.

I could list activities you might enjoy and trails that are wonderful to hike, but the Grand Canyon is an individual experience. It’s vast, massive, opulent beauty should be appreciated by everyone in a way that speaks personally to them. I know why it is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and I encourage you discover it for yourself.