{{ Grand Canyon | Southern Rim }} Highlights
{{ We picked up a Jr Ranger book and maps at the NP Visitor Center. Our hiking bags and hydration packs were ready to start our adventures! }}
*Mather Point – this was a very easy hike on a paved trail near the visitor center, so it didn’t challenge us at all…but the lookout and views were gorgeous!
*Yavapai Point – this was another easy hike on a paved trail. It was a little over 1-1/2 miles one way (it ends at the geology museum, which is a really neat place to visit.) There was a little more incline on this trail, but the photo opportunities were endless! We consider it a must see.
*Geology Museum – see above 😉
*Maricopa Point, Powell Point, Hopi Point, Mohave Point, The Abyss, Hermit’s Rest were several of our favorite stops along the southern rim shuttle bus routes. It was very easy (with the maps from the visitor center) to get to the beginning of an area to see one of the points and then walk to the next. If we got tired, or needed a break, we hopped back on the shuttle, but there were often many very close to each other, making the shuttle unnecessary. At first, I assumed it was just the same view, but different overlooks, but it was amazing how different the views were!
*Yaki Point, Desert View Watchtower – We were wrapping up our journey on the southern rim but decided to make a last minute stop at Desert View Watchtower, then drive the extra 30 minutes for the “scenic route”, and, though we were tired, it was probably one of the highlights of our day! I am so glad we chose to take that last adventure to “finish off” seeing the entire Southern Rim! The history the National Park rangers tell about the watchtower is very fascinating, and there are some pretty cool souvenirs to be found, as well. Make sure you take time to see this “less populated” stop…you won’t regret it!
{{ Even seeing the GC in person, my mind cannot fathom the true depth and vastness of the area. It is all beautiful, unique, and can look like an entirely different place by only traveling 1/2 miles! }}
{{ 30-60mph winds ALL DAY LONG is not ideal, but it didn’t stop us from adventuring (we a just stayed a little further from the edges)…but it does provide you with a nice wind burn and a natural sandy face scrub (tallow balm to the rescue!). We experienced crazy winds with added sleet/hail always makes for an interesting adventure, but it just makes you laugh, run, and add to the memories bank. }}
You can continue our journey with us here… next stop… ZION NATIONAL PARK.
Here are some of my favorite National Park items (for souvenirs and for hiking/travel), if you want to check it out – https://www.amazon.com/shop/marsha0727/list/338Y20NRBHI1H?ref_=aipsflist ((as an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn a small percentage of commission from your purchases using my link – at no cost to you! Thanks for supporting our family 🤍)
Straight Outta My Mind 