Working At The Grand Canyon
bri...@paradisefoundtours.com
things I ever did in my life. Living and working in a national park is
absolutely a wonderful experience. You get to see the park in all
seasons, in every light, from sunrise to sunset and moonrise and
beyond. You don't just visit the park, you get to learn about the area,
its people, and its moods. So, if you get the opportunity, run don't
walk, and work at a park!
Now that I've said that, working at a park also teaches you the best
times to visit...when the tourists aren't there! If you like feeling as
if you have the park to yourself, obviously summertime isn't going to
be your first choice for a park vacation. Just as obviously, many
people, especially those with families, can't go at any other time. If
you have to visit in the summer, try for very early (late April, early
May), or very late (late September, early October). Even then, the
crowds will be more than they would be at other times, but you may not
run into as many people as say, the 4th of July. I would avoid
three-day weekends like the plague.
Of course it goes without saying that the most popular points, like
Yavapai, Hermit's Rest, and Desert View are usually also the busiest in
any season. One of my favorite ways to get away, and find some peace
and quiet, even during the summer, was walk the short trail from the El
Tovar Hotel to the Visitor's Center. It's not more than a mile, paved,
and winds right along the rim of the canyon. There are plenty of places
to sit and look out over the canyon, away from the crowds, hustle, and
bustle. One of my favorite memories is sitting there one summer
evening, right after dusk, and watching a big thunderstorm over on the
North Rim. It was magical.
I think the very best time to visit the canyon is in the winter. If the
roads are bad, try taking the train, it's a great trip, and safer than
driving. In the winter, the park takes on a whole different
personality. It's quiet, some of the lodges and restaurants are closed,
and everything takes on a slower, calmer aspect. The employees and park
personnel have more time to talk with you, and you can spend more time
just staring out into the canyon in solitude, if you'd like to. The
busiest times in the winter are over Christmas, and again, three day
weekends. To avoid the crowds, avoid those times.
Winter at the canyon is a magic time. If you get the chance, make sure
you visit this winter!
For More Information
Paradise Found Tours maintains a website for The Grand Canyon at
http://www.paradisefoundtours.com. The site provides information for
Grand Canyon tours, special news, fees and other pertinent information.
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