The Grand Canyon’s Splendor & Sedona, Arizona’s Majesty

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Holy Ground: Grand Canyon & Sedona, AZ

“God created the Grand Canyon, but He lives in Sedona”.

This quote is said to originate from the Native American people.

It was the perfect summation of my trip to Arizona.

I visited the Grand Canyon first and I can’t say which one left me the most breathless!

I just know that I was in the midst of greatness times two!

A friend planned a 13^th birthday getaway for her son. I decided to tag along at the last minute.

If you can believe it, Grand Canyon was Plan B.

Plan A was Antelope Canyon. It was closed due to COVID-19.

I’m usually the type to book pick-up/drop off tours.

Driving was the better option in this case. It allowed the freedom to stop where/whenever we wanted.

I highly recommend driving into the Grand Canyon National Park. The views are mind-blowingly picturesque!

The canyon is millions of years old.

The greatest national wonder in America has a depth that is immensely inconceivable.

Its richly colored layers still remain a geologic mystery.

The aboriginal people have left their marks on the timeless stones.

On some, I can see a Native American pattern stamped like a permanent image. Others took on the shape of teepees.

The tour guide had nicknames for some of the formations. Reminded me of the names given to the various limestone formations in a Barbados cave.

*COVID RESTRICTIONS: Beeware of Change

Keep in mind that I was traveling (literally) in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.

All aspects of life came subject to safety and social distancing.

Usually, the canyon has its own ranger’s tour. That option was temporarily suspended.

The free tram was another casualty of the Coronavirus. It allowed walking the canyon’s edge at your own pace.

That was probably the number one reason why I chose to buy a tour. I wanted someone with more experience to lead the way.

Also due to the pandemic, the theater was closed. We received the DVD edition of (Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets).

I wasn’t expecting the narration but it’s a decent preview.

Though it’s been digitally remastered, it was originally released over 20 years ago.

I particularly enjoyed the ‘Behind the Scenes’.

If you can do without the verbal history, (outside of this virus) it would make sense to drive/walk.

The car fee is $35, $30 for motorcyclists, and $20 for pedestrians.

Visit their website and check out the frequently asked questions.

As usual, I did my research before visiting this natural world wonder.

I couldn’t find any negative reviews.

Fees:

In my mind, I tried to imagine the vast greatness and ageless abyss.

From pictures and words I read, I was able to see the canyon’s edge in my mind’s eye.

I didn’t take into account that Grand Canyon is a national park.

Once I arrived, I was surprised to see the roads just outside the edge.

The park is huge and home to many animals such as deer.

They made appearances throughout our tour.

Many camp on the grounds of the national park. There is also the option to hike through the canyon.

Beware of weather alerts (like heat indexes) for safety purposes.

Experienced hikers usually arrive before sunrise or at sunset.

If you’re inexperienced, make sure you have all the supplies that you need. Or use a tour.

Summer is one of the most popular times at the canyon but due to COVID and monsoon season, there were no long lines to enter.

Each time we stopped at an overlook, there were only a handful of people around.

Within 30 minutes into the Grand Canyon, the beautifully sunny Arizona day turned dark and gloomy!

I was hoping the rain would clear.

Jeep: Go Anywhere/Do Anything

Though the Pink Jeep Tour stated rain or shine in their terms and conditions, they were nice enough to offer to reschedule.

It looked like my one day opportunity would be a wet one.

To clear up logistics: Grand Canyon has two visitor centers.

One is outside and one is inside the grounds. The inside one was closed.

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The Pink Jeep Tour is located at the outside center. You’ll see the Pink Jeeps lined up in front (before you get to Grand Canyon).

There are various restaurants and a large gift shop at this visitor center.

If you choose to do the Pink Jeep tour, you can view packages online for various cities. I chose the Grand Entrance tour for $99 (2 hours).

It was so informative and the guide took us to views not included in the package to make up for the weather! I learned so much about trees, forestry, and the canyon.

If you look at my pictures, I would hope that you wont’ let rainy weather deter you from visiting.Most of the showers were brief and the fog over the rocks cleared fast!

I think the rain gave the rocks a cleaner brilliance! I’m so happy to have finally visited!

TIP: Bring tips for guides.

I stayed in Phoenix.

If you’re coming from Vegas, there’s more value-based packages to Arizona from there.

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Reviews

Leaving the Grand Canyon, we stopped at Cruiser’s Cafe 66.

As we were escorted to our table, a diner recommended the sampler.

She boasted about being from Memphis and “knowing her barbecue”.

I don’t know if it was a drunken spiel, the truth, or a  way to make the only Black patrons comfortable.

Anyhoo, the food ended up being bland (for the most part). I really liked the lively atmosphere, outdoor dining option, and retro diner theme.

Lolo’s Chicken and Waffles came highly recommended in one travel group.

I decided on the shrimp and grits (though it was made with cheddar cheese and bacon).

They weren’t too far from the Marriot hotel in Phoenix. Hotel was nothing special (old compared to my Miami taste).

I should have stuck with what they’re famous for since I couldn’t get used to the grit’s consistency.

My friend ordered the chicken and waffles and I appreciated the latter’s cinnamon flavoring.

We could have easily switched plates since we liked each other’s food.

The shrimp mac and cheese is pictured and my friend’s son had no complaints!

The portions were very generous!

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I tried Jack in the Box via drive-thru…nothing to write home about.

Another spot you may consider visiting is Heard Museum.

Though I didn’t get a chance to see the inside, there were many native artifacts that could be photographed outside.

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Despite my trip being short, I wanted to add another excursion to the Grand Canyon.

I considered roaming the streets of Scottsdale.

An employee for Pink Jeep Tours recommended Sedona. She said the red rocks that bordered the city could not be missed!

How could we refuse?

There was no set adress. Once we drove, we would see them!

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Red Country

Upon arrival, my friend and I did not want to leave!

That’s the best way to explain the magnificence of the crimson rocks.

This was the BEST suggestion ever!!!!

Once you drive into Sedona, they bordered the entire landscape.

There’s different entrances/look out points where you can park to hike or take pictures.

Some of the lots were metered.

Dress comfortably and give yourself lots of time to explore!

I know it’s cliché, but the pictures don’t do these two landmarks justice.

The south rim of the canyon is the most visited.

The north rim is 4 hours away at a higher altitude that can have much cooler weather.

The east rim has the unique Horseshoe Bend formation. I would like to see all of the points.

I’m planning on visiting the West Rim soon. I want to experience the glass man-made skywalk that sits over a portion of the canyon.

I can definitely see myself repeating this entire trip on a longer itinerary.

I’d come in the winter and see how snow affects the sceneries and how different my pictures would look.

Have you been to the Grand Canyon or Sedona?

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~Poof…Bee Gone

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