the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen
I’ve been fortunate to have been to a lot of places and seen a lot of gorgeous views. The cathedral mountains of Colorado, the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night, the sunset over open water, the hills of England, waterfalls of the tropical rainforests in the Dominican Republic, and the fjords of Norway. But never have I seen something so beautiful and awe-inspiring as the Grand Canyon of Arizona.
We only had one day to see it all. After our amazing trip in Scottsdale, we planned a road trip back home to Colorado with two nights near the Grand Canyon. We arrived to our rental house late the night before, so we only had one full day to enjoy the beautiful National Park in the morning.
limited time, unlimited views
Our day began early with a big breakfast to fuel us, and we arrived at the park just after 11am. After our very first peeks over the massive canyon, we stopped in the Visitor Center for some refreshments, souvenirs, and information to begin our journey.
The Grand Canyon National Park is a sprawling wonderland of natural beauty, covering more than a million acres of land in northern Arizona. With so much ground to cover, it can be overwhelming to know where to start exploring, especially if you only have limited time.
Luckily, the National Park Service provides a free shuttle bus that operates year-round and covers a few different routes – most notably the Hermit’s Rest route, the Village Route and the Kaibab Rim Route. These shuttle buses are a convenient and stress-free way to get around the South Rim area of the park, and offer spectacular views along the way.
The Village Route picks up passengers near the park’s Visitor Center and makes stops at a variety of popular locations, including the Bright Angel Trailhead, the Shrine of the Ages, and the Yavapai Geology Museum. This route also serves as a connection to the Kaibab Rim Route, which goes to the far reaches of the park’s South Rim, stopping at Yaki Point, Mather Point, and the South Kaibab Trailhead.
The Kaibab Rim Route offers stunning vistas of the canyon, including views of the Colorado River below. The shuttle buses run frequently throughout the day, with service beginning as early as 4:30 am during peak travel season. The buses are fully accessible, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the natural beauty of the park.
Using the free shuttle bus at the Grand Canyon National Park is not only convenient, but also helps to reduce congestion and protect the park’s resources. By leaving your car behind, you’ll not only avoid the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads but also help minimize your environmental impact.
We explored the Orange route by foot for most of the way, but hopped on the shuttle towards the end of the route when our feet began to tire. We also stopped by the Yavapai Geology Museum to learn about how this natural wonder of the world formed, and how it might look another million years from now. I appreciated the chance to learn about the formation of the canyon in-depth with a panoramic view.
Once we had finished comprehending the power of water erosion, we decided to hop back onto the shuttle and make our way to the Blue Route for lunch.
the most scenic route
After we had a delicious lunch at the Yavapai Tavern (which offers vegetarian and vegan options, too!), we continued through the Blue Route without making any stops since we weren’t staying in the park. Eventually, we got off at the Hermit’s Rest Route Transfer, which took us to what our bus driver called “the most scenic route.” Now, after hiking through the Orange route, we really couldn’t believe that it could get more scenic than that, but boy, we were wrong.
The Hermit’s Rest Route is a meandering road that runs along the western rim of the Grand Canyon. Named after a small building that sits at its end, the route offers unmatched and awe-inspiring views of the canyon, stunning rock formations, and a glimpse of the park’s majestic wildlife.
The Hermit’s Rest Route starts at the Grand Canyon Village, a tourist hub that offers visitors amenities such as restaurants, shops, and a visitor center. Visitors can board the free shuttle bus run by the National Park Service that covers the Hermit’s Rest Route, providing a hassle-free way to explore the breathtaking beauty of the South Rim while minimizing congestion and protecting the park’s natural environment.
As the shuttle travels westward along the Hermit’s Rest Route, visitors are treated to a variety of spectacular panoramic views. From Maricopa Point to Mohave Point, each stop offers its unique and awe-inspiring view of the canyon, from exposed rock formations to glimpses of diverse species such as mule deer and California condors.
One of the standout attractions along the Hermit’s Rest Route is the Abyss, a particularly narrow and deep section of the canyon that plunges more than 3,000 feet deep. Visitors can access the Abyss via a hiking trail that takes them down to the canyon floor, allowing them to enjoy a close-up view of this geological wonder.
At the end of the Hermit’s Rest Route sits the Hermit’s Rest structure – a small, cozy building designed by renowned architect Mary Colter that gives visitors a glimpse of the park’s historic architecture and Western heritage. Colter designed the building to look like a miner’s cabin, and it features unique architectural elements such as the vertical logs used in its construction and a large, central fireplace that provides warmth on colder days.
Inside Hermit’s Rest, visitors can relax, enjoy a snack, or purchase souvenirs to take back home. For those interested in more activities, there are plenty of nearby hiking trails and opportunities for exploring the wider area around the Grand Canyon.
By the time we reached Hermit’s Rest, the day was growing old, so we decided it was time to pick our sunset destination. The few recommendations we received were Powell Point, Hopi Point, and Mohave Point. Eventually, we settled on Mohave Point since it wasn’t as crowded as Hopi Point and still offered views of the Colorado River.
mother nature’s dance
We arrived and found front row seats at the edge of Mohave Point and settled in for the most beautiful performance from Mother Earth herself. There’s no better way to experience the true grandeur of the canyon than by standing at one of the viewpoints as the sun dips below the horizon.
As we arrived at Mohave Point, we could feel the excitement building up in our chests. The day was winding down, but the magic of the Grand Canyon was just about to begin. We found the perfect spot on the edge of the cliff, with an unobstructed view of the canyon and the Colorado River.
As the sun began to set, the sky slowly transformed from blue to pink, orange, and red. The canyon walls glowed with the colors of the sunset, and shadows crept over the landscape. The atmosphere was quiet and peaceful, aside from the occasional gasp of amazement from visitors witnessing the stunning view.
As the sun continued to dip lower, the colors of the sky grew more vibrant, and the canyon seemed to come to life. The colors were almost surreal, as if we were standing in a painting. It was hard to believe that this natural wonder was real and right in front of us.
As the last sliver of sun began to peek below the horizon, we sat there in silence, taking in the beauty of the moment. Before heading back, we took a moment to appreciate the beauty of the crowds of people sharing such a wondrous moment together in peace. It really reminded me of what matters most in this world.
Watching the sunset at the Grand Canyon was one of the most awe-inspiring experiences of our lives. It’s something that we’ll never forget, and I highly recommend it for anyone who gets a chance to visit this natural wonder.
I feel a renewed sense of hope and wonder after visiting the Grand Canyon. I only had one day to see the South Rim, but I intend to visit this breathtaking place again someday.
-w.w.
more like this
Leave a Reply