South Rim Grand Canyon - Wednesday, October 7 2015

South Rim Grand Canyon:
The South Rim is the more well known and heavily visited section of this iconic National Park.  Over
four million visitors from around the world visit the park each year.  The traffic was heavy and there were many people on the trails and overlooks.
Highlights:
The Rim Trail:  The Rim Trail stretches along 13 miles of the canyon.  Much of it is paved and wide with little elevation gain, making it an easy and popular trail.  Best of all, Maddie was allowed to join us for a morning walk through the Grand Canyon Village National Historic Landmark District.  It is home to the grand El Tovar Hotel and the Bright Angel Lodge, both built in the early 1900s.
Bright Angel Trail:  This trail descends 4,500 feet in 7.8 miles to the Colorado River.  It is Grand Canyon's most heavily used trail.  We hiked about 1.5 miles roundtrip - with the downhill portion much more enjoyable than the uphill climb!

View of Canyon & CO River

Desert View Watchtower:             This is one

'Upper tunnel' - Bright Angel Trail

of several structures in the park, including the El Tovar Hotel, that were designed by Mary Colter.  Using native stones to the area, her designs were heavily influenced by American Indian architecture and art.

Desert View Watchtower