Day 14: Las Vegas - The Grand Canyon

We started our day late and began by visiting the Starbucks for breakfast, before hopping in the car to see the rest of the Strip.

We had a very long drive ahead of us again, and began by moving East towards the border with Arizona. We got stuck in a huge traffic jam as we drove to the Hoover Dam, which acts as the border to Arizona and also the Beginning of the Grand Canyon itself. Passing a seemingly very ineffective security check before the bridge (evidently they didn't think we looked like terrorists), we finally were allowed to cross it and thereby enter Arizona. After a quick look back at the dam itself we moved on through the green desert, hearing news of a huge forest fire north of Flagstaff (a place we intended to pass through the following day). As we moved closer to the Grand Canyon we could actually see some of the plumes of smoke coming from the fire itself.

Finally after a long drive we arrived in Valle, a settlement about 30 miles from the Grand Canyon (but with space available in the motels, unlike the closer ones). We quickly checked in before driving down the road towards the Canyon. About 20 miles in we came to the National Geographic Grand Canyon Information center, where the Imax movie of the Canyon was playing. We checked the viewing times, and discovering that they went on quite late (latest 8:30pm) we drove on finally to reach the Canyon.
Strangely there was no-one at the gate to greet us (i.e. take our park fee) so we, like a few others behind us got through for free. We parked the car and visited the visitor centre here for a map before getting round the roadworks to the famed Rim Walk.

Immediately as we reached this path we were astounded by the view hiding behind the trees at our side of the Canyon (again this was a surprise for me: I did not expect there to be trees here at all). We walked in awe down the path by the rim of the Grand Canyon, stopping frequently to take pictures of the countless different views. Yet you would need more than a normal camera to capture the amazing views of this Canyon: about 270 degrees for a start. There is nothing like seeing the Grand Canyon at its very edge.

We eventually reached one of the main viewing areas, to gain a truly unobstructed view both ways down the Canyon. We could just see the Colorado River that carved this wonder in the very depths. You can certainly see why this is one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World
We stayed looking at the Canyon for quite a while before getting hungry and, bidding a couple of Rock Squirrels goodbye, left to the National Geographic Information Center down the road.
Just as we almost reached it we saw something else amazing: Two wild Elk on the side of the road. Many other vehicles had paused to observe these as well.
We soon discovered that we didn't have quite as much time as we had thought, so grabbed a few drinks and popcorn before seating ourselves for the 7:30 showing of the Imax movie of the Grand Canyon.
This 34 minute presentation culminated of stunning images on the huge screen, telling the story of the Grand Canyon's history, exploration and inhabitants.
Finally (after a compulsory look round the Gift-Shop of course) we had dinner and left the building. We discovered the male Elk was still outside near the Carpark, and tried to take a few pictures, but the darkness had fallen and our Camera flashes didn't quite work as they should.
Eventually we retired to our Accommodation down the road at Valle, after an incredible day of Contrasts, heat and wonder.