Arizona and the Grand Canyon (Frommer's, 2011) by Karl Samson

Author:Karl Samson
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Non-fiction: Travel Guides
ISBN: 9780470607503
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Published: 2010-12-02T10:00:00+00:00

The Abyss is named for its 3,000-foot drop.

The Pima Point overlook, because it is set back from the road, is another good place to get off the bus. From here, the Greenway Trail leads through the forest near the canyon rim, providing good views undisturbed by traffic on Hermit Road. From this overlook, it’s also possible to see the remains of Hermit Camp on the Tonto Plateau. Built by the Santa Fe Railroad, Hermit Camp was a popular tourist destination between 1911 and 1930 and provided cabins and tents.

Leave the Driving to Them

Now, I’m not a big fan of guided tours, but sometimes they just make a lot of sense. The Grand Canyon is one of those places, especially if you are usually the designated driver. Why should you have to keep your eyes on the road when there’s all that gorgeous scenery right outside the window? Why not let someone else do the driving?

If you plan on making your visit to the Grand Canyon a day trip from Flagstaff rather than an overnight stay at the park, consider taking a tour with American Dream Tours (888/203-1212 or 928/527-3369; www.americandreamtours.com). Not only will you get to enjoy the scenery more, but knowledgeable guides will also fill you with fascinating information about the canyon. Tours are $98 for adults and $69 for children 10 and under (lower rates may be available on their website).

The final stop on Hermit Road is at Hermit’s Rest, which was named for Louis Boucher, a prospector who came to the canyon in the 1890s and was known as the Hermit. The log-and-stone Hermit’s Rest building, designed by Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter and built in 1914, is on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the most fascinating structures in the park. With its snack bar, it makes a great place to linger while you soak up a bit of park history. The steep Hermit Trail, which leads down into the canyon, begins just past Hermit’s Rest.

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