The Little Lens Travel Blog: Grand Canyon

The next day we drove to the South entrance of the Grand Canyon

On the way to the Grand Canyon.

We had heard from other travelers that the North side closed due to a big snow storm. Ready for some warmer weather, we decided to cover the South entrance during this visit.

Arriving late, we entered the park from the East. Since the sun was setting we only had time to visit the First View of the Grand Canyon. It was a spectacular to watch the sun set over the East end of the canyon. The canyon walls turned from green and brown to a brilliant red.

As the sun set we decided to walk through the gift shop to the staircase leading up the watchtower. Although construction covered the outside, the inside of the watchtower was just as beautiful as the canyon.

Somewhere between the 1920’s and 30’s the National Park system decided to create a watchtower in the park. The steel tower had been decorated by brick on the outside and painted in the inside. Hired by the park system, an Indian painter was commissioned to paint only traditional Indian paintings throughout the three story tower.

Windows gave different views of the canyon and surrounding area throughout the three stories. Although the top is closed off, Jason and I were able to walk up to the last small staircase to the roof.

After making our way back to the base before dark we left the park and made our way to the surrounding National Forest. We were able to find a nice primitive site to spend the night at.

During our visit the night before, I had noticed that a section of the South end of the National Park had been closed due to construction. The closure and freezing weather cut our visiting time down to less than a day. Although Jason and I really wanted to do some hikes, possibly to the bottom of the canyon, but not in 40 degree weather. It was just too cold to do anything but stop at all the scenic overlooks and join an indoor Ranger program.

We had finished the park in record time, three hours. The canyon is very beautiful but I unless hiking in cold weather is your forte, I wouldn’t recommend visiting the park in November. Jason and I have already began planning another trip to the park, in the spring or summer.