My husband and I decided to take a day trip to the Grand Canyon from
Las Vegas. We were only in Vegas for 4 nights and wanted to make the
most of the area. It was a crazy plan, but we were feeling up for it.
Our vacations always seem to be frenzied. We got up very early and
headed out on the interstate. We drove the 4 1/2 hours to the Canyon,
through the desert. It was a lovely drive in the daylight. The desert
is pretty, but it's a long way. We skipped Route 66, and the caverns,
due to time restraints. However, we now have a good overview on how
to plan our next trip in more detail.

We were surprised that we couldn't see the canyon during our
approach. I'm not sure what we expected, as it is a hole in the
earth, we couldn't see it until we parked the car and walked to
Mather Point-it is awe inspiring.

The Grand Canyon is a great recreation area for families. When we
arrived we had enough time to get our bearings and hop on the Hermits
Rest shuttle bus. This is a free bus system that stops at various
lookout points along the edge of the canyon and into the village.
Cars are not allowed in some areas, so the bus is the only way. We
stopped at most points to Hermits Rest and took the required
pictures. It was beautiful, but soon each lookout resembled the last.

We then drove to Yavapai Observatory, which was closed as they are
re-building it. Too bad for us. We drove to Lipan Point to watch the
sunset. It got VERY cold and we sat in the car for some of the time.
I wanted to get pictures at various times during the sunset,
recording the same view with the changes in color. Great pictures!

After sunset it got really dark as we drove from the East Gate back
to the South Gate. Watch for wildlife!!!

The Grand Canyon needs to be experienced more in depth than what we
did. A mule ride into the canyon, and a white water rafting trip
would be fabulous. Next time!

Paradise Found Tours maintains a website for The
<http://www.paradisefoundtours.com/>Grand Canyon at
http://www.paradisefoundtours.com. The site provides information for
Grand Canyon tours, special news, fees and other pertinent
information.

Other valuable resources:
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