It's like trying to describe what you feel when you're standing on the rim of the Grand Canyon or remembering your first love or the birth of your child. You have to be there to really know what it's like. - Jack Schmitt
I love traveling and you know it!... And that too if its a solo trip then I cant tell you the levels of my ecstasy! Last year in the month of September, I planned a trip to the US.
Anyway, so I thought to write a post on one special part of my trip - visiting the Grand Canyon - South Rim! First of all, it is one of the most majestic and stunning things my eyes have ever witnessed. Trust me, it's beautiful and definitely worth a visit.
Anyway, let me directly jump to how I planned my trip
So I planned my trip from New York. From New York, I took a flight to Phoenix with American Airlines and from Phoenix to Flagstaff.
From Flagstaff airport, you need to book a cab (please pre-book it). I booked mine at Arizona Shuttle ( https://www.arizonashuttle.com/)
I wanted to stay a night in Flagstaff as I really wanted to experience the small town feel in US. So, I booked my room at La Quinta Inn & Suites Flagstaff through bookings.com and the place was so serene and beautiful that I cannot tell you.
Next day at around 11 AM, I checked out and took a bus. There are frequent buses from this place to Grand Canyon - you need to take a pass for $25. I should also mention here that My credit card did not work at the swiping machine - just next to the hotel there was a place where there were machines to get the pass. I went to a shop nearby and asked them for help. They had the passes and gave me one in exchange for cash. They charged a fee of $10, which seems ok to me - given the conditions.
Oh, I forgot to mention, I planned to visit the south rim because they say its the most beautiful one.
So, in Grand Canyon, I booked a hotel called Xanterra Grand Canyon South Rim ( https://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/who-we-are/about-xanterra/)I called them and booked it directly (well in advance). The price was $100 per night which I think is brilliant!
It's a very nice and a safe place to stay. Beautiful rooms they have which is like so close to nature that you would just want to spend all your life there.Inside the canyon, they have free buses to travel inside, Just grab a map and it will lead you to wherever you would want to travel.
First day, I just wanted to see the space around - the forest etc. I explored that.
Second day, I trekked a bit, I just went some 9-12 Kms down, enough to have a glimpse of Colorado river. Also because I was wearing my regular shoes and not trekking shoes. Few things to take care of:
If you are planning to go down, till the bottom, please carry a good amount of water bottles. I carried 4 and trust me they were finished half way! Wear trekking shoes, it helps If you are not planning to go down, then I will suggest do not go beyond 10 Kms as trust me, going down is very very easy but coming back becomes really difficult, it happened with me!
Most importantly, enjoy every view while trekking. Do not rush. Trust me, every frame from every inch of your walk is different and beautiful! Third day, I just wanted to soak in the beauty of Canyon so I woke up at 5, grabbed a book and went and sat on a very beautiful peak, where I could see the whole of the canyon. It was serene! It was a MOMENT of life
While coming back, I booked a bus to Las Vegas via Grand Canyon Tour Company. Please carry your passport throughout.
That was my grand moments in the Canyon!!! And I am surely going to visit that place again ????
Hope this post helps you in planning your trip and yes, do not forget to comment if you are planning a trip there
