Taking a trip

[Winston77]

Hi Pixies
I'm going to be taking a trip cross country and I'm going to be stopping at the Grand Canyon. I've never been there and I would like to know which side of the canyon would be the best to drive down the west or the east. All input would be greatly appreciated.

[wyndhy]

i have no clue...lol...but have fun! we did a cross-country trip once upon a time, stopped at lots of major parks and attractions...best time ever!

[bare4you]

I've never been there either - any special reason for the trip?

[imaginewithme]

Have a blast!!!!!

[dicksbro]

I've never been there either, but most of the pictures seem to show people on the top side. :)

Hope you have a terrific time and take lots of pictures to share with us. Oh yeah, don't fall of the donkey riding down the trail to the bottom. ;)

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Winston77--

I've been to both the north and south rim of the GC. We went down from Zion National Park in Utah to the north rim. It was mid-June, but, since the north rim is about 1,000 ft. higher in elevation, there was still a trace of snow, believe it or not. The north rim is more wooded-VERY pretty, less touristy--and there are cabins to rent, if you want.

We left there and drove east around the big-hole-in-the-earth to the south rim. It's the "traditional" canyon. Also very cool, in a different sort of way.

PM me if you want more info!

[rockintime]

As IAKG said, the South Rim is more commercial, but I believe has better and easier views of the canyon. Other nearby national parks to the north of Grand Canyon that are very worthwhile are Zion and Bryce...and near Flagstaff (Walnut Creek Natl Monument, Sunset Crater Natl Monument)...and east of Flagstaff (Meteor Crater and Painted Desert)...to the south of Flagstaff is Sedona which is very picturesque. It should be a GREAT trip!

[IAKaraokeGirl]

What he ^^^ said. :)

I only lived in southern CA for about 20 months, but I had the pleasure of seeing the Grand Canyon (twice), Zion (absolutely gorgeous), Bryce (breathtaking), Death Valley (a place I'm *very* glad I visited), and Valley of Fire, near Vegas. Flagstaff itself (at least to me) is a pretty town, especially when the snow caps the mountains, and the small volcanic craters close by are not something you'll see in the northeast, Winston77. Plus, from nearby Williams, AZ, you can take the Grand Canyon train all the way to the south rim. I understand it's quite the experience.

Rockintime also correctly states that the view of the Grand Canyon is better from the south rim, which is obviously why it is more commercial. If you have time, though, seeing both "sides" of the canyon is something I'd highly recommend, if only for comparison purposes.

If you're heading across on Interstate 40, though (old Route 66) or you feel the need to go a bit further east, you can ALWAYS do what I did when I moved from KY to CA in '96. ;)

[Winston77]

Thanks for the words of Grand Canyon wisdom, I've been to California a few times was even stationed there for a bit a few moons ago but I never made it to the canyon. I was distracted by these bright lights that came out of the desert. I did make it to the Boulder/Hoover dam and the London Bridge then, but this trip I'm making sure to see the canyon. Seen tons of pictures and will take a bunch but I have to see it in person.

[Winston77]

Well my last final exam was taken today I hope to be on the road tomorrow

[rockintime]

Drive safely and when you stop, enjoy the views.