Travel Blog

This week we had a taste of summer as the Spring Break crowds descended on the Canyon amid the unusually warm temperatures. So the snow has all melted off, the busses are full of tourist trying to see the Canyon in one day, and we have had some questions that remind us that people tend to leave their brains at home when they go on vacation.

By far the most common question we get is, “Where is that glass walkway thing?” This is an honest question because the Skywalk’s marketing materials do make it sound like it is in the National Park. But it is not. If you want to see the Skywalk it is located 250 miles west of the National Park on an Indian reservation closer to Vegas. It costs roughly $80 per person (when you factor in tolls, fees, and tickets) and you get 15 minutes on it with no cell phones or cameras.

Next, we know that when folks come to the Canyon, most people get the itch to go down on one of the trails. But when Rangers and workers warn you that the trails are still covered in ice for the first mile, and mud the rest of the way, don’t expect sympathy when you break your leg going down in flip flops anyway (true story).

But my favorite questions come from what I call the Vegas Visitors. I give these folks props for leaving the craps table to take the drive out here, but it would be nice if more of them realized it IS a five hour drive one way from Vegas to the Canyon. And when they get here we always seem to get a few each day who want to see the entire canyon in the two hours before they start heading back. Don’t plan to see all of it. It can’t be done. Just park your car, get out and walk around or sit along the edge and soak it in.

So as this wave of tourist washes back out we get to take a breath, clean up the mess, and get ready for the real crowds that start in a few weeks when hiking season kicks into gear. Meanwhile here are a few of the pictures Sue promised you from our own Canyon excursions.

Here is a reminder of winter still lurking around.

And the dogs looking cute.