We went to the North Rim yesterday and totally lucked out. We debated going at all, because the weather forecast called for a 50% chance of rain in that area, but we decided to chance it. It rained the entire 1 1/2 hour drive it took us to get to the entrance, but miraculously the last drops fell as we approached the entrance station. It was still cold, but we were keeping our fingers crossed that the rain stayed away.
For anyone interested in how something this beautiful happens, here is some info for you.
The Indians called this the "Mountain Lying Down", and this 1st pic shows that the North Rim is higher than the South Rim, actually 1000 ft higher. That probably plays into the fact that it is routinely 10 degrees colder on this side of the rim. Unlike Arches and Canyonlands Nat'l Parks, where the whole park is at eye level before you as you drive around it, the North Rim is more like Bryce Canyon Nat'l Park, where you drive thru the woods going to overlooks to see the sights. The biggest difference between Bryce and here is that the canyon floor at Bryce is 1555 ft below you, where here it is a mile below...5280 ft that is!!! At most points, you can't even see the floor of the canyon.
The overlooks are spread out over a 33 mile stretch of winding roads. Bright Angel Point, actually named after a mule, was our 1st stop. From Bright Angel Point to the other side of the canyon, "as the raven flies", is 11 miles, but you would have to drive 215 miles around to get there.
Point Imperial is the highest point in the park, on either side, at 8803 ft.
The plaque I started the blog with was posted at this overlook, Roosevelt Point. I think you can see the Navajo Indian Reservation land best in this 1st pic and in the video.
Fluffy is more than ready to go home...she really doesn't like the driving around in the car, but with such a long day we had no choice but to take her. It will take her about 2 days of sleeping at home to recover.
What a day we had yesterday! The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is not visited as often as the South Rim, but we can't imagine the South is any more beautiful. We will be staying in the park, entering from the south, starting on the 22nd of September, so we shall see.
The Indians called this the "Mountain Lying Down", and this 1st pic shows that the North Rim is higher than the South Rim, actually 1000 ft higher. That probably plays into the fact that it is routinely 10 degrees colder on this side of the rim. Unlike Arches and Canyonlands Nat'l Parks, where the whole park is at eye level before you as you drive around it, the North Rim is more like Bryce Canyon Nat'l Park, where you drive thru the woods going to overlooks to see the sights. The biggest difference between Bryce and here is that the canyon floor at Bryce is 1555 ft below you, where here it is a mile below...5280 ft that is!!! At most points, you can't even see the floor of the canyon.
The overlooks are spread out over a 33 mile stretch of winding roads. Bright Angel Point, actually named after a mule, was our 1st stop. From Bright Angel Point to the other side of the canyon, "as the raven flies", is 11 miles, but you would have to drive 215 miles around to get there.
The white rocks on the right are the rocks Cathy is standing on in the pic to the left.
Point Imperial is the highest point in the park, on either side, at 8803 ft.
Called Vista Encantada, these don't even look like pictures, more like paintings, huh?
The plaque I started the blog with was posted at this overlook, Roosevelt Point. I think you can see the Navajo Indian Reservation land best in this 1st pic and in the video.
At Walhalla Overlook they told us a little about the prehistoric people who lived here as far back as 1050 AD. I can't imagine how tough life was then, but at least they had something incredibly beautiful to look at!!!
This overlook is called Angel's Window, and is the 2nd last overlook we went to. The big rock with the hole in it is the "window", and the rest of the shots are while standing on top of that rock looking out.
Cape Royal Point brought an end to our day...Cathy is not happy, and is considering jumping, but I came along to save the day.
Fluffy is more than ready to go home...she really doesn't like the driving around in the car, but with such a long day we had no choice but to take her. It will take her about 2 days of sleeping at home to recover.
Leaving the park, we ran into a lot of fog...this looks cool as it rises from ground level.
What a day we had yesterday! The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is not visited as often as the South Rim, but we can't imagine the South is any more beautiful. We will be staying in the park, entering from the south, starting on the 22nd of September, so we shall see.
What's another word for Spectacular, Awesome, or Gorgeous to describe these pictures? You will see a different Grand Canyon view on the South rim. As usual great pictures. Poor Fluffy.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful!!!! I love to look at them and read about it, but I am pissed I am not there.
ReplyDeleteHey, how did you like my picture of the North Rim of Azarian Court?????haha
Thanks ladies! I thought they were great also! Carol, I can't wait to go to the South Rim, can't wait to see how different the 2 rims are. And we wish you could be here also, Ellen. YOu would really love it!!!!!
ReplyDeletePaula, the pictures at Vista Encantada,(look like a painting) I would love to have a copy of the 1st one on the left, so please save it and when you come home I'll make one. I don't know if you are getting better at picture taking or is this the best place you have been?
ReplyDeletePatti, if you right click on that pic you should be able to copy and paste it to your hard drive. 2ndly, are you insulting my pic-taking??? I thought all my pics looked great!!! haha
ReplyDeleteVery nice. The pictures do look like painting. If u and Cathy weren't in the picture I would have to say theta wer fake. Very beautiful pictures.
ReplyDeleteThese pictures touched me!!! Everything you do is great. HAHA
ReplyDeleteWOW!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite pic is the stitch under the pic of Paula and Fluffy. All the pics with you guys in it add to helping to realize the dimensions. The pics are breathtaking.
I wish I could be there with you.