SOUTHWESTERN USA
RS ROAD TRIP
August 28, 2017 (Day 21)
Grand Canyon South Rim - I
Miles Today: 22 / Total Trip Miles: 3,161
TODAY'S ROUTE
Today, Mary and I explored the eastern section of Grand Canyon National Park's south rim. The Grand Canyon overwhelms our senses through its immense size. Unique combinations of geologic color and erosional forms decorate a canyon that is 277 river miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and a mile deep. Today's temperatures ranged in the upper 80s Fahrenheit.
PHOTOS
(Click on Photo for a Larger Image)
Mather Point:
The overlook at Mather Point (7,100 ft elevation) affords views of one-quarter of the entire Grand Canyon. Although the other side of the Grand Canyon (North Rim) is only about ten miles as the condor flies, it is over 200 miles via highway. The bottom of the canyon is about a mile deep at this point. Mather Point's viewing platforms allow you to walk to the edge of the plateau for a breathtaking view of the canyon's painted walls. It took 6 million years for the Colorado River to carve the canyon as it flowed 500 miles to reach the Sea of Cortez at the Pacific Ocean.
The overlook at Mather Point (7,100 ft elevation) affords views of one-quarter of the entire Grand Canyon. Although the other side of the Grand Canyon (North Rim) is only about ten miles as the condor flies, it is over 200 miles via highway. The bottom of the canyon is about a mile deep at this point. Mather Point's viewing platforms allow you to walk to the edge of the plateau for a breathtaking view of the canyon's painted walls. It took 6 million years for the Colorado River to carve the canyon as it flowed 500 miles to reach the Sea of Cortez at the Pacific Ocean.
Clouds over the Grand Canyon
Viewed from Mather Point.
Dead Tree & Colorado River Gorge
Viewed from Mather Point.
Viewed from Mather Point.
Yaki Point
Yaki Point (7,300 ft elevation) juts out over the canyon featuring wide panoramic views. The overlook provides unobstructed views of inner-canyon rock, cliffs and the canyon.
Yaki Point (7,300 ft elevation) juts out over the canyon featuring wide panoramic views. The overlook provides unobstructed views of inner-canyon rock, cliffs and the canyon.
Grand Canyon Looking Toward the West
Viewed from Yaki Point.
Viewed from Yaki Point.
South Rim Trail
The South Rim is over a thousand feet lower than the North Rim, allowing for views of the walls of the opposite North Rim (approximate elevation 8,200 ft). The sheer magnitude of the Grand Canyon is much more visible from the South Rim. The South Rim Trail runs from the Grand Canyon Village area (6,900 ft elevation) and continues for nearly 12 miles to its final stop at Hermits Rest (6,700 ft elevation). The beauty of this hike is that it follows the rim along some of the most spectacular viewpoints of the Canyon.
The South Rim is over a thousand feet lower than the North Rim, allowing for views of the walls of the opposite North Rim (approximate elevation 8,200 ft). The sheer magnitude of the Grand Canyon is much more visible from the South Rim. The South Rim Trail runs from the Grand Canyon Village area (6,900 ft elevation) and continues for nearly 12 miles to its final stop at Hermits Rest (6,700 ft elevation). The beauty of this hike is that it follows the rim along some of the most spectacular viewpoints of the Canyon.
Rain & Sunbeam Decorate the Grand Canyon
Viewed from South Rim Trail near Hopi House (6,900 ft elevation).
Viewed from South Rim Trail near Hopi House (6,900 ft elevation).
Viewed from South Rim Trail near Bright Angel Lodge (6,900 ft elevation).
[See photo on flickr]
[See photo on flickr]
The El Tovar Hotel (elevation 6,900 ft) was built as a destination resort providing a high level of comfort and luxury, standing literally on the edge of the wilderness—only 20 feet from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The El Tovar was one of the first hotels built in national parks as part of a trend in which railroads would build large hotels in newly-accessible scenic locations like Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. Architect Charles Whittlesey designed the hotel for Santa Fe Railway. Cost to build was estimated to be $250,000.
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| El Tovar Hotel - circa early 1900s |
When the El Tovar Hotel opened in the early 1900s, it was considered one of the most elegant hotels west of the Mississippi.
Viewed from South Rim Trail near El Tovar Hotel.
[See photo on flickr]
Tusayan
Tusayan (elevation - 6,600 ft / population - 600) is a tiny resort town near the south entrance to Grand Canyon National Park. Tusayan was named after an ancient Puebloan archaeological site located within the Park.
The best sight in Tusayan is this vintage-looking neon sign.
[See photo on flickr]
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TOMORROW
Mary and I will explore the western section of the South Rim Trail.
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COPYRIGHT
These photographs are the property of Leon Jackson, and are protected by copyright laws. Photographs may not to be downloaded or reproduced in any way without the written permission of Leon Jackson. © 2017 Leon Jackson. All Rights Reserved.
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6 comments:
Wonderful monochromes - felt like I was at the Grand Canyon.
Love the black and white photos - good memories of visit there. Hope to get back to North Rim this spring - do appreciate the lessor number of visitors there!
Ansel Adams worthy!
Why not color?
I agree with Muriel! Thanks for sharing these photos and your trip!
Love this whole set, Leon! Excellent work.
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