Winter is the perfect time to visit the Grand Canyon’s South Rim as you don’t have to fight the crowds. Plus the Hermit Road is open to personal vehicle traffic while during summer it’s shuttle bus only or a special permit.
You can also walk the rim trail west from the hotels and gift shops for 8 miles to Hermits Rest. But I only had two hours between Sunday’s speakers from the History Symposium and a field trip to see some of Grand Canyon’s historic boat collection.
I did not stay at the El Tovar but have enjoyed a few drinks on the porch overlooking the canyon. My accommodations at Yavapai West provided comfortable amenities and no canyon view, but was within walking distance of shuttle bus stops and the Shrine of Ages where the symposium was held.
I drove out the Hermit Road to look longingly across canyon at the North Rim, my summer home. Looking down into Bright Angel Canyon I heard the trail call my name.
Interpretive signs help put the view into perspective, or at least provide names for what you’re looking at.
Sometimes I get disoriented looking at the North Rim from the South Rim. Like Wotons Throne (in center), I typically see from the plateau’s point to the left at Cape Royal. I look forward to returning there in the spring.
To tour more of the world go to Our World Tuesday by clicking here.
