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Tag Archives: gorge

The Clifton Mill Holiday Lights, Ohio

31 December 202022 September 2024

The Clifton Mill Holiday Lights

Sometimes I find myself lost in the hustle and bustle of the holidays and realize that there is so much more to Christmas than mall shopping for gifts.  I decided to take an evening to escape the madness and planned a visit to Clifton Mill for their spectacular light show.

Each year, the Mill sponsors a legendary holiday event that takes place in Clifton, Ohio.  From the day after Thanksgiving to December 31st, visitors can experience this over-the-top display with more than 3.5 million lights.

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For over 20 years, the mill has been lighting up the holiday season by illuminating the mill, the bridge, the gorge, and the riverbank.  In preparation for the event, it takes six men approximately three months to put up the light display.

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Located just outside of the mill is a miniature village that displays some of Clifton’s local, historic buildings as well as other structures that would be found in town.  For example, there is a drive-in movie theater where a movie is actually playing on its “big screen” as well as the county fair with its moving ferris wheel.  I watched the men working in the  auto mechanics shop and firefighters climbing on a ladder to put out a fire at the village’s log cabin.

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A 1950’s re-creation of Clifton Mill, and the Ohio State band creating its script Ohio as the Goodyear blimp hovers over the field are additional  displays which are absolutely spectacular.  Before Christmas, visitors can see Santa working out of his workshop.  through the frosty glass, I stepped up to the window to see what kinds of toys he was making.

The Santa Claus Museum displays the Satariano family’s private collection of over 3,000 Santas. Some of the items date as far back as 1850 and has taken the family about 40 years to collect.  You will find a wide variety of Santas from over the years that range from interesting, odd and elegant.

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One of my favorite features was the 100 foot “waterfall” of red and white lights along the riverbank.  From here I had a wonderful vantage point to view the synchronized light show that includes the covered bridge and gorge.

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After perusing the fascinating holiday display, I strolled over to the mill where  I had my choice of hot dogs, sandwiches, popcorn, soft drinks, cookies and pies.  I just couldn’t resist a hot chocolate.

Have you made visiting the Clifton Mill’s Legendary Light Display a holiday tradition in your family?  I would love to hear from you, so leave a message about your experience in the Comments section below!  Happy Travels!

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

What to See and What to Do:

Clifton Mill
75 Water Street
Clifton, OH  45316
Telephone: 937 767 5501

The light display begins the day after Thanksgiving and open nightly through December 31st.  Gates open daily at 5PM and the light show starts at 6PM. Gates close at 9PM and the lights are turned off 30 minutes after the gates close.  Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, the gates close at 8PM.

Parking is free and there is an admission of $10 for guests, 7 years and older, while children 6 and under can enter at no charge.

Where to Stay:

Mills Park Hotel
321 Xenia Avenue
Yellow Springs, OH  45387
Telephone:  937 319 0400

Where to Eat:

Clifton Mill
75 Water Street
Clifton, OH  45316
Telephone: 937 767 5501

Clifton Mill is open on New Year’s Eve with a full menu from 5PM to 8PM, and open daily for breakfast and lunch. Breakfast is served all day.

One of my favorite meals at Clifton Mill is the order of pancakes. They are huge!  Their pies are delish as well.

What to Read: 

Not That I Could Tell, by Jessica Strawser

Photo Guide to Yellow Springs: 

  • Clifton Gorge
  • Colorful, Artsy Streets
  • Glen Helen Nature Reserve
  • John Bryan State Park
  • Sunflower Field, located at 4625 US-68, Yellow Springs (The Tecumseh Sunflower Field)
  • Wall Murals
    • Preparation for Life Work by Axel Horn hangs in the Yellow Springs Post Office
    • Village Cyclery is the location of the oldest mural in Yellow Springs
    • “Keith’s Alley” located behind the shops on the east side of Xenia Avenue between Cory and Glen Street showcases several murals
    • Winds Cafe displays one of the largest murals in town
    • Ohio Silver Co. displays a beautiful painting by Maxfield Parrish
    • The patio of Sunrise Cafe
    • The Smoking Octopus displays the works of Sarah Dickens
    • The Xenia Avenue Shops’ painting was created by local Mandy Knaul (Mandy Sue)
    • Corner Cone mural designed by Pierre Nagley
    • Kings Yard murals

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The beautiful Clifton Mill Holiday Light Display

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The County Fair, Auto Mechanics Shop and Firefighters at the Scene

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1950’s style diner

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The Ohio State Football Game

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A re-creation of the Clifton Mill 

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Santa and his reindeer

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Hiking the Blackhand Gorge Trail

1 September 201916 October 2024

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I absolutely love hiking Ohio and the Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve in Columbus is a perfect way to experience nature throughout the year.

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Located off of I-70, west of Columbus, take I-146 West, driving 17 miles until the exit for County Road 273. There will be a sign for Toboso and Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve.  I entered the town of Toboso which led me directly to the park.

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After parking my car, I headed towards the log cabin which was not far from the trailhead.

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Blackhand Gorge was designated as a State Nature Preserve in 1975 by then Governor, James A Rhodes.

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It is easy to find the trailhead with a marker starting at Mile 0.

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Located off of the main trail, there is a Quarry Rim Trail which provides a view of the quarry which was utilized in the 1800s.

I decided to forgo the Quarry Trail and take it on my way back as this trail is an in and out pathway.

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I enjoyed checking out the rocks up close along the gorge to see the protruding tree roots as well as the algae growing within the ridges.

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The name Blackhand comes from an ancient petroglyph, resembling a black hand that was discovered on the “Council Rock”.

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Unfortunately, it was destroyed when workers set the rock to dynamite to create the Ohio-Erie Canal towpath in 1825.

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One of my favorite views includes the narrow passageway where trains would pass through the gorge.

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It is also exciting to see other nature lovers enjoying the path both by bike or on foot.

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Blackhand Gorge State Nature preserve is also considered an interpretive trail, providing an educational overview of the area and its importance to the Native Americans and explorers that once lived here.

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There is a rail system that runs above the gorge that once provided transportation to settlers and hauled rocks away from the gorge.

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I learned from one of the local walkers that the benches are perfectly positioned at the mile markers and help to monitor the distance traveled.

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The pathway is a quiet escape from the fast-paced everyday life and eventually the summertime leaves will block the scenic view of the Licking River.

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The Licking River came into full view.  I learned that there are several large birds that make this area their home, including the magnificent American Bald Eagle.

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About halfway into the trail, I approached a beautiful field with trees overshadowing the backdrop.

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A sign was posted to warn hikers and bikers of a recent washout.  The unpaved trail is a bit rugged but not a challenge for my walk.

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I finally reached mile marker 4 when it began to rain a little.  I was so close to the end of the trail that I was not giving up.  It will be interesting to see if the weather holds for my return trip.

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As I came to the end of the Blackhand Trail, I realized I had completed 4.26 miles.   I will have walked 8 and a half miles total this morning.

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I was happy to capture this shot of this beautiful waterfall on my way back before heading over the Gorge Trail.

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Starting the quarry trail….

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Another set of stairs that took me along the rim of the quarry.

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A beautiful view awaits at the top of the stairs.

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I have finished the both the Blackhand Trail and the Quarry Rim Trail while successfully managing to stay somewhat dry on my hike back.  I noticed some kayakers enjoying the Licking River to my left.  Once I approached the parking lot, I could see them loading their kayaks.

It was a beautiful day to enjoy Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve and I had barely made it to my car escaping the deluge of rain.  I was rewarded with scenic views of the quarry, sandstone outcroppings and even an eagle sighting.  What an amazing way to spend my morning.

Have you visited Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve?  I would love to hear about your hike, so please leave a message in the comments section below!  Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve
2200 Gratiot Road, SE
Newark, OH  43056
Telephone:  1 866 OHIOPARKS

Where to Stay:

Hampton Inn  Heath-Newark
1008 Hebron Road
Heath, OH  43056
Telephone:  740 788 8991

Where to Eat:

The Overlook Restaurant at the Virtues Golf Club
One Long Drive
Nashport, OH  43830
Telephone:  740 763 1100

I couldn’t resist ordering the Ginger Lime Grouper served with wild rice and the vegetable of the day (broccoli).  The ginger lime sauce was full of flavor and added to the tenderness of the salmon.

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A First Impression of Yellowstone National Park

8 September 201816 September 2024

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The sky was a bountiful blue and the air smelled fresh and pure.  The drive from Cody to the entrance of Yellowstone National Park took only about an hour, but there were a couple of stops in between.  The sun was just rising as I passed through tunnels, taking in the hills, trees and streams of the countryside.  It was a perfect day to explore Yellowstone and I was thrilled beyond measure for the adventure ahead.

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As the entrance sign came into view, I couldn’t believe I had finally arrived. I was excited to take my place in line with fellow travelers for my first photograph of America’s First National Park, Yellowstone.  Forging on, I was prepared for my first stop at the  Fishing Bridge, when I noticed the beauty of Sylvan Lake as I  pulled over to the side of the road to map out my day.  Yellowstone Lake was not far in the distance and soon I would be exploring one of the most amazing national parks in the United States.  With its vast geological features and abundant animal sightings, this trip was sure to provide endless memories in the making.

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Known as the “largest high-altitude lake in North America”, Yellowstone Lake measures 136 square miles.  Because the southern road of the park was closed for the season, I had to drive north towards Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon. Just inside LaHardy, I saw my first large bull elk wandering through the brush on the side of the road.

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The pungent scent of rotting eggs, caused by the sulper springs, filled the air, far in advance of my approach to Mud Volcano.  The bubbling mud pots, considered one of the most unstable properties within the park, was proof of the park’s volcanic power.  With names such as Dragon’s Mouth Spring or Sulphur Cauldron, the 2.3 mile boardwalk winds through several active thermal features.   It was a reminder that I was standing on a volcano that could erupt at any moment.

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Looking forward to reaching the park’s most impressive waterfall, I passed through Hayden Valley.  I stopped at several lookouts for wildlife as well as random falls throughout the park when I had finally reached the Falls of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.  It was a breathtaking scene as the cascade, with its 308 foot precipice, could be heard long before reaching the overlook.

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I arrived at a split in the road, with one leading to the North Rim and the other to the South.  I had decided to hike Uncle Tom’s Trail for a closer look at the Upper Falls as well as Crystal Falls, plummeting 129 feet.  Since the late 1800s, visitors to Yellowstone have made this trek with help from Tom Richardson, independent tour guide.  As a part of his full day excursion, the rim of the falls included a “trail of wooden ladders and handrails to the mist of Lower Falls”.  Today a metal staircase with 329 steps has replaced the ladders that once led to the lookout.

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I stood at the overlook for several minutes admiring the mesmerizing beauty of the cascades.  The water violently flowed beneath into the canyon.  While this was the first excursion I had taken within the park, I realized I had not even begun to explore Yellowstone.  This amazing national park offers so many opportunities to see nature in its own habitat, from geysers, waterfalls, wildlife and wonder.

Have you had the opportunity to travel to Yellowstone National Park?  What were some of your favorite sites that you explored?  I would love to hear from you if you will kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading my post about Yellowstone and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Yellowstone National Park
PO Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Telephone:  307 344 7381

  • Admission Fee:   Each entrance fee covers 7 days of park entry.  Private Vehicle: $35; Motorcycle:  $30 and Hiker/Biker: $20  which only applies to visitors 16 years old and older entering the park by foot, bicycle, etc.    An annual Pass for Yellowstone National Park is $70 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. The Yellowstone National Park accepts the America the Beautiful Pass which allows access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites for a cost of $80 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase.  Check out their website for more information:  https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
  • Hours:  Open daily, 24 hours;  Refer to the Yellowstone National Park website for the operating hours of the Visitor Centers.
  • Amenities:  camping, hiking, boating, skiing, biking, bird watching, climbing and mountaineering, fishing, horseback riding and llama packing, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, Visitor’s Centers which provide interpretive exhibits and park information and Ranger programs. Guided tours are also available in the park.
  • Scenic View:  Take in the view of Grand Prismatic Spring from the Overlook off of the Fairy Falls Trailhead.  For the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, you can see this beautiful waterfall from several locations offering different views of the falls:  Brink of Lower Falls, Lookout Point, Uncle Tom’s Trail and Artist Point. Check out the stadium seating at Old Faithful for a front row seat of this geyser that erupts every 35 to 120 minutes.  The park’s Twitter account, @GeyserNPS, the Geyser Activity Page on their website or the Geyser App lists the predicted times for Old Faithful.
  • Length of Visit:  Three days is recommended to see all of the attractions at Yellowstone.
  • Tips for Your Visit:  The park is open year around, but winter time can be a challenging during snow and ice. If you are looking for animals, winter is the time that they hibernate.   Spring is a wonderful time to visit because you can see newborn babies.  When viewing wildlife, you must stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yard from all other animals in the park.  For photographers, you may already know that dawn and dusk are the best times to photograph animals and you will want to bring a telephoto lens for capturing them from far distances. Summer is the busiest time for the park you may find road construction and traffic.

Where to Stay:

I was fortunate enough to stay at one of the lodges at Yellowstone.  I absolutely loved staying at the park and have Melba Coleman to thank for assisting me in my reservation.

Where to Eat:

Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room
Yellowstone Park, WY  82190
Telephone:  307 344 7311

For a light lunch, I ordered the charcuterie plate which included meats, cheeses, olives, walnuts and whole grain crackers.  It was the perfect location to enjoy the park sitting by a large viewing window, mesmerized by the spectacular view.

What to Eat: 

  • Bison Burgers
  • Buffalo Steak
  • Chicken Fried Steak
  • Chuck Wagon-Style Dinners which usually include hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, baked beans and corn bread
  • Cowboy Cookies:  cookies made with brown sugar, cinnamon, oats, chocolate and nuts
  • Elk Steak
  • Fry Bread is similar to puff pastry and is the base for taco salads.
  • Jerky
  • Morels
  • Old Fashioned Soda
  • Pig Candy:  Applewood smoked bacon covered in brown sugar and spices
  • Prime Rib
  • Rocky Mountain Oysters:  deep-fried calf testicles
  • Soda Bread:  Discovered by American Indians, this bread is made from a mixture of flour and soda (naturally found in wood ashes) creating a quick-rising bread
  • Trout
  • Wyomatoes are a type of tomato found in Wyoming. Known for their sweet taste, they are unlike any other varietal
  • Wyoming Whiskey

What to Read: 

  • The Stories of Yellowstone, by Mark M. Miller
  • Mountain Spirit, by Lawrence L. Loendorf
  • Decade of the Wolf, by Douglas Smith
  • Bring Jade Home, by Michelle Caffrey
  • Letters from Yellowstone, by Diane Smith
  • Yellowstone Has Teeth, by Marjane Ambler
  • Dangerous Beauty:  Encounters with Grizzlies and Bison in Yellowstone, by Carolyn Jourdan
  • Death in Yellowstone by Lee H. Whittlesey
  • Empire of Shadows, by George Black

Photo Guide for Yellowstone: 

  • Artist Point
  • Artists Paintpots
  • Black Pool
  • Brink of the Lower Falls
  • Dunanda Falls
  • Dunraven Pass
  • Excelsior Geyser Crater
  • Fairy Falls
  • Firehole Falls
  • Firehole Lake
  • Fountain Paint Pots Trail
  • Grand Prismatic Spring
  • Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook
  • Great Fountain Geyser
  • Hayden Valley
  • Inspiration Point
  • Lamar Valley
  • Lewis Falls
  • Lookout Point
  • Lower Lookout Point
  • Madison River
  • Mammoth Hot Springs
  • Minerva Terrace
  • Morning Glory Pool
  • Norris Geyser Basin
  • Old Faithful
  • Point Sublime
  • Roaring Mountain
  • Roosevelt Arch
  • Snake River Overlook
  • Tower Falls
  • Trout Lake
  • Upper Falls View
  • West Thumb Basin
  • Yelloowstone Entrance Sign
  • Yellowstone Lake

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

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A Bull Elk Near Hardy Falls

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Dragon’s Mouth Spring

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Bison in the Distance at Yellowstone National Park

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The Falls of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

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Crystal Falls at Yellowstone

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Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail

26 February 201614 September 2024

Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve is a part of the Hocking Hills State Park system.

There are two trails within the nature preserve and I began my hiking adventure with the rim trail which is 2.5 miles long and promises some spectacular views.

A set of stairs leads to the start of the trail taking me along the top of the gorge.

Conkle Hollow’s Rim Trail

At the beginning of the trail there is a steep climb so a set of chains have been installed for hikers who may need some assistance to make it up the hill.

Colorful rock formations hide behind the trees.

Looking down into the gorge from the rim trail, it is no surprise that some believe this to be the deepest gorge in the state of Ohio.

Gnarly tree roots occasionally appear along the trail so it is important for hikers to be aware of them so they don’t trip, fall or become injured.

I carefully looked over the cliffside to determine how high I was standing above the gorge below.  The views from here are breathtaking.

There are moments along my hike where I stop to take in the amazing scenery.   I can only imagine this hike and how spectacular it must be in the fall when the leaves are changing.

Stunning Scenery

Cliff-Hanging Scenery

In the distance, frozen water hangs along the cliff of the gorge.

Another view looking down into the gorge

Fir trees stretching up from the gorge below

The challenges of hiking the Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail

The Conkle’s Hollow Rim trail took me about 2.5 hours to complete which left me plenty of time to hike the Gorge trail below, a 1.2 mile loop.  I am looking forward to exploring the gorge after having seen it from above.  This will give me the opportunity to photograph some of the frozen waterfalls along my route.

Have you hiked Conkle’s Hollow State Nature preserve Rim Trail?  I would love to hear if you enjoyed it as much as I did if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!  Many thanks and Happy Trails!

What to See and What to Do:

Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve
24858 Big Pine Road
Rockbridge, OH  43149

  • Admission Fee:  There is no fee for hiking the trail.
  • Hours:  Open daily
  • Length of the Tour:  2 – 3 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Wear comfortable shoes for hiking.  The rim trail can be very dangerous, so check out the trail before bringing children with you.  Stay on the trail.  Visit the nature preserve’s website for a map.

Where to Stay:

Hocking Hills Treehouse Cabins
22784 Purcell Road
South Bloomingville, OH  43152
Telephone:   614 599 1899
Website:  https://www.hockinghillstreehousecabins.com/

Where to Eat:

JimBo’s Burgers and Beer
23356 State Route 52
South Bloomingville, OH  43152
Telephone:  740 332

What to Read: 

  • Hocking Hills, by Doreen McMillian
  • Hocking Hills Day Hikes, by Mary Reed
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Conkle’s Hollow Gorge Trail

19 March 201531 August 2024

There was a dead quiet as I approached the trail head for the Conkle’s Hollow Gorge Trail.  I had just completed the two and a half mile Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail and was ready to tackle the three mile hike through the gorge.  Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve is a part of the Hocking Hills State Park near Athens, Ohio with some of the best hiking in Ohio.

The temperatures had been below freezing for several days.  While the gorge sheltered me from the cold winds from the rim, the wintry conditions within the crevices and caves protected the spectacular frozen waterfall formations.

Looking up from the gorge trail, I noticed the path I had just taken along the rim. As I took a moment in search of a hiker or two along the edge, I became more aware of the tall, still trees and the outcropping of rocks.

Through the trees there were several small crevices that were not reachable from the path.  Escaping the cold, I wondered what animals could be hibernaring inside of them.

I passed a cave-like structure of sandstone to my right and then climbed the stairs to explore the beautiful colors and pitted markings unique to each of the rocks.

Looking up into the rock formations, the porous sandstone seemed to make a great home for insects.

Ice Formations

Several frozen water features seemed to be growing up from the rocks below.

One of the largest frozen waterfalls along the trail.

I enjoyed finding images in the rock formations.

The scenic views of hiking

Exposed root systems

What a spectacular sight

I looked up towards the sky one last time making my way back to the trailhead.  I was reminded of the beauty of winter hikes and the unique features of the gorge.  Considered a favorite of many, I have always made a stop along the gorge and the rim during my visits to Hocking Hills State Park.

The trail took nearly an hour to complete and I was ready to move on to Old Man’s Cave.  What a great start to a beautiful day of hiking.

Have you hiked Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve Gorge Trail?  I would love to hear if you enjoyed it as much as I did if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!  Many thanks and Happy Trails!

What to See and What to Do:

Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve
24858 Big Pine Rd.
Rockbridge, OH 43149
Telephone:    614 265 6561

  • Admission Fee:  Free. All state parks in Ohio are free.
  • Hours:  Open daily and closes at dark.
  • Tips for Your Visit:  While there are no campsites nor lodges, cottages and cabins.  There are several local business that offer these services.  Stay on the trails to ensure you do not become lost.  Wear appropriate hiking shoes/comfortable shoes for hiking. While dog are permitted at the park they are not allowed in the state nature preserves such as Conkle’s Hollow and Rockbridge.

Where to Stay:

Pine Creek Horseman’s Camp
23937 Big Pine Road
South Bloomingville, OH  43152
Telephone:  740 478 2520

While I usually stay with my sister and her family in nearby Athens, I learned about Pine Creek Horseman’s Camp for a local friend.  This property offers gorgeous luxury cabins as well as campsites and is perfect for visitors bringing their horses for trailriding.

Where to Eat:

Cutler’s Restaurant at the Ohio University Inn
331 Richland Avenue
Athens, OH  45701
Telephone:  740 589 3714

If you visit the park on a Saturday, take time to enjoy brunch at the OU Inn.

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

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Five Reasons You Should Visit the Grand Canyon This Summer

18 August 201431 August 2024

2016 is a special year for the United States National Park Service as they celebrate their 100th anniversary.  What better way to commemorate this milestone than to visit one of their amazing parks this year?

Maybe you should consider The Grand Canyon National Park located outside of Flagstaff, Arizona.  This is one of my favorite parks to visit in the US for several reasons, but here are my top five:

Colorado River, 1999

The Winding Colorado River, Grand Canyon

The Scenery and Landscapes
How could I even begin to describe the awe that comes from viewing the Grand Canyon?  It seems unimaginable that the power of one river, the Colorado, could carve out something so beautiful over a long period of time. With a length of 277 miles and stretching 18 miles wide, this geological phenomenon attracts close to 5 million visitors each year.

Amazing View of Grand Canyon, 1999

April Snow on the Grand Canyon

In addition to the enormity of the canyon, the layer upon layer of color is the perfect backdrop to a kaleidoscope landscape.  The park is divided into two sections, the North Rim, reaching heights of about 1,000 feet over the South Rim. This difference in elevation means that the North Rim’s temperature is colder and access to this section of the canyon is limited during the winter season.  During one of our visits in April, there was evidence of a recent snowfall.

Depending on the weather, the South Rim is typically open all year round while the North Rim is generally open mid-May to mid-October.

+000 Grand Canyon, View from Hotel, 1999

The Fabulous View of the Colorado River, Grand Canyon

History
The Grand Canyon has been inhabited for thousands of years with its first settlements erected by the Native Americans.  Known by the Indians as “Ongtupqa”, this was a holy site and pilgrimages were made to this canyon and its many caves.  One of the most interesting sites of Indian habitation is located at Nankoweap Creek where ancestral granaries can be found along the Colorado River.  Fast forward a few hundred years and the area would eventually be visited by the Spanish and later the Americans.  It would one day become a preserve established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906 and then declared as the 17th US National Park in the year 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson.

Famous Tower in Grand Canyon, 1999

Desert View Watchtower

Driving or Tram Tour
Many of the buildings, sites and attractions are located on the South Rim and are easily accessible from Grand Canyon Village.  The park provides a tram on the grounds which is also very convenient, stopping at the major sites.   Here are some of the points of interest on the South Rim.

  • There are several structures on the South Rim that were designed by Mary Colter to include Bright Angel Lodge, Hopi House, Lookout Studio and one of my favorites, Desert View Watchtower.
  • Considered the most luxurious of all of the Grand Canyon hotels is the El Tovar Hotel.  It was designed by Charles Whittlesely and completed in 1905 in the style of “National Park Rustic”.
  • Verkamp’s Curios was a popular place to pick up souvenirs and local arts and crafts. It was reopened in 2010 as a visitor center dedicated to the history of the Grand Canyon Village.
  • Buckey O’Neill Cabin is the “longest continually standing structure”, built in the 1890s. It is currently open as a popular guest house requiring reservations many months in advance.
  • Kolb Studio was built by two brothers in 1904 as a photography studio on site.   The structure became an art gallery after Emery Kolb’s passing in 1976.
  • One of the most interesting buildings that remains in the park is the Grand Canyon Railway Depot which is said to be one of the last log cabin train stations ever built in the US.

You can also choose to drive the route yourself which will allow you ample time to enjoy the attractions at your own pace.

+000 Fog in the Grand Canyon, 1999

Stairs Leading down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, Hiking

Hiking                                                 
Hiking is one of the most popular activities within the Grand Canyon. There are several trails that follow the rim of the canyon as well as take hikers deep down into the gorge, reaching the Colorado River.   In addition to the strenuous activity of hiking, there are other factors to consider before hitting the trail, such as altitude and weather.  Temperatures can reach over 100° F down in the gorge during the summer months and can fall way below freezing in the winter. Hikers must be aware of such effects as sunburn, dehydration and hypothermia.

Plants and Animals
If you are a lover of plants or animals, the Grand Canyon is your paradise.   According to Grand Canyon National Park, there are “approximately 1,737 known species of vascular plants, 167 species of fungi, 64 species of moss and 195 species of lichen found in Grand Canyon National Park”.  I agree that the plant life is a very important part of the Grand Canyon’s ecology, but I have a greater interest in the wildlife and I am overwhelmed by the number of species that make the canyon their home.  Within the park and its environs are an abundance of mammal species.  In addition there are birds, fish, amphibians as well as reptiles.  Here is an abbreviated list of some of the animals that have been found in the canyon:

·        Abert’s squirrels ·        Feral burros ·        Red squirrels
·        Antelope squirrels ·        Gray foxes ·        Ringtails
·        Beavers ·        Mountain lions, rare ·        Rock squirrels
·        Black bears ·        Mule deer ·        Shrews
·        Bobcats ·        Muskrats, rare ·        Spotted skunks
·        Coyotes ·        Pocket mice ·        Tassel-eared Squirrels
·        Desert bighorn sheep ·        Porcupines ·        Weasels
·        Elk ·        Raccoons

It is always appropriate to remain cautious should you encounter one of the wild animals at Grand Canyon.  Do not feed the animals and stay far enough away to ensure your well-being as well as the animal’s safety.

Although the Grand Canyon is not the deepest canyon in the world, it certainly is spectacular.   From hiking to driving, rafting to camping, there are so many other ways to explore this amazing national park.  And just when you think you have exhausted all possibilities of things to do, don’t forget to catch a glimpse of this magnificent gorge by helicopter.  With its colorful landscape and fascinating geology, it is one of the most interesting of all of the National Parks in the United States.

Have you had the opportunity to visit the Grand Canyon?  What is your favorite activity?  I would love to hear about your adventure if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!  Many thanks for reading about my visit to the Grand Canyon and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Grand Canyon National Park
PO Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ  86023
Telephone:  928 638 7888

  • Admission Fee:  $35 per vehicle for seven days; $30 per motorcycle for seven days; $20 per individual (biker, hiker, pedestrian) for seven days; Annual pass for Grand Canyon only:  $70
  • Hours:  The South Rim is 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.   The North Rim is closed during the winter, so check the sites website for the most recent information.
  • Amenities:  Shuttle system, picnicking, hiking, camping, guided tours, ranger programs, river trips, mule trips, backpacking
  • Scenic View:  Sunset and sunrise from most anywhere in the canyon are spectacular, but the website provides a great list of stops for enjoying sunrise and sunset.  ;
  • Length of Visit:  Several days
  • Tips for Your Visit:  The park’s website has a few suggestions such as bring an extra set of keys in the event you lock yourself out because it could be a long wait for a locksmith.  Major car repairs in Flagstaff or Williams, Arizona.  Keep your gas tank full as the closest gas station may be quite a distance.  Finally, carry plenty of water in your car, especially during the summer months.

Where to Stay:

Grand Canyon National Park
PO Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ  86023
Telephone:  928 638 7888

There are several hotels on the South Rim to include Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, Kachina Lodge, Thunderbird Lodge, Maswik Lodge. There is also an RV park, Yavapai Lodge. For reservations, contact 888 297 2757.   If the onsite accommodations are full, there are several hotels surrounding the Grand Canyon.

Phantom Ranch offers dormitories and  cabins who are exploring the Grand Canyon by mule or by hiking.  Reservations are made through Grand Canyon National Park Lodges via an on-line lottery 15 months in advance.

Where to Eat:

Grand Canyon National Park
PO Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ  86023
Telephone:  928 638 7888

For a list of restaurants and groceries at The Grand Canyon, select the following link:  https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/restaurants.htm

What to Eat: 

  • Avocado Fries are sliced avocados dipped in spiced bread crumbs and deep fried.
  • Chiltepin Peppers….very hot!
  • Cholla, a cactus found in the area, that is boiled and the gooey acid is removed to eat directly or added to salsas.
  • Cochinitos are a puffy, doughy cookie usually found in the shape of a pig.  This light dessert is seasoned with molasses and cinnamon.
  • Prickly Pear Cactus which is made into a candy and a sweet syrup
  • Sonoran Hot Dog, popular in Phoenix and Tucson, this Mexican creation is topped with beans, onions, and tomatoes along with mayonnaise and mustard.
  • Tamales!

What to Read: 

  • The Emerald Isle: The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride in History Through the Heart of the Grand Canyon, by Kevin Fedarko
  • Grand Canyon, by Jason Chin
  • The Exploration of the Colorado River and the Canyons, by John Wesley
  • Over the Edge: Death in the Grand Canyon, by Michael P. Ghiglieri and Thomas M. Myers
  • The Monkey Wrench Gang by Edward Abbey
  • I am the Grand Canyon, by Stephen Hirst

Photo Guide for the Grand Canyon: 

  • South Rim Viewpoints:  Yavapai Point
  • Mather Point
  • Desert View Drive
  • Shoshone Point
  • Yaki Point
  • Grandview Point
  • Navaho Point
  • Desert View Watchtower
  • Hermit Road
  • Horseshoe Bend
  • Bright Angel Point
  • Point Imperial
  • Cape Royal
  • Toroweap / Tuweep
  • Havasu Falls
  • Best places to watch the sunset:
    • Lipan Point
    • Navajo Point
    • Yavapai Point
    • Toroweep
    • Point Imperial
    • Cape Royal

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

+000 Grand Canyon 2, 1999

A view of the hotels at the Grand Canyon

000 What an amazing View of , the Grand Canyon, 1999

Morning Fog in the Grand Canyon

000 The Grand Canyon's Immenseness, 1999

The Grand Canyon Travels Far into the Distance

A Stop off on the Grand Canyon Bus Tour, 1999

Scenic overlook from the Tour Bus

Capturing the Depth of the Grand Canyon, 1999

Capturing the Depth of the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon, AZ, 1999

Trees Growing Through the Rocks of the Grand Canyon

The Colorado River in the GC, 1999

The Colorful Grand Canyon

The Vastness fo the Grand Canyon, 1999

The Vastness of the Grand Canyon

Snow at the Grand Canyon, 1999

Snow in the Grand Canyon

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I have had a passion to travel for as long as I can remember and landed my dream job at the age of 19 on a cruise ship. The Suite Life of Travel is about those experiences as well as my future endeavor to explore this amazing world!

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