Travels with Tish Girlfriends’ Getaway Guide

Hiking on the Rim or Below the Rim.
Trails around the South rim are relatively flat and easy to walk. Free shuttles can take you to any point along the trail so you can hike back — or hike out and shuttle back. We hiked both East and West from El Tovar. The West trail (left from El Tovar as you face the canyon) was just a gravel trail, either right along the rim or somewhat away from the edge — how daring are you? The trail East (right from El Tovar as you face the canyon) was blacktopped for easier walking. In our two days, we probably hiked over 15 miles along the top of the rim — and with every step, we saw a different and even more spectacular view.

More Canyon Options.
The more adventurous and sure-footed folks take the trails down into the canyon, but are requested to discuss their
plans with the main trail office. (They want to help visitors avoid getting lost.) Mule tours are also available and those mules looked pretty sturdy. Various tour and guide services are also available. The Park Service maintains 7 resorts there including El Tovar. Here’s a photo of Phantom Lodge at the very bottom the canyon — accessible only by foot or mule.

International Visitors at the Canyon.
Wherever we went, we ran into folks from around the world, almost like you do at Disney World. We truly have an outstanding natural wonder that everyone seems to enjoy.

TIPS:
1) Map of South Rim. Print up this map for a good overview of what you’ll find at the South Rim. There’s also a good trip planner you can print.

2) California Condors. These extremely rare birds are a treat to watch as they fly overhead at the South Rim. Their wingspan is close to 10 feet. They were near extinction and now 60 call Arizona home. They seem to like watching the park visitors as much as we liked watching them. Many were always in view near the El Tovar resort area.

3) History, Culture, Geology. While every view is spectacular, you may also enjoy learning that the Grand Canyon is all about ancient Indian cultures, geologic formations, ancient seas, unique flora and fauna and exceptional archeological finds. Knowing just a bit about these things helps you appreciate the Grand Canyon even more.
5) River Trips. A variety of river rafting trips are also available.
6) Mule Trips and Horseback Rides. Single-day and overnight mule trips can be booked well in advance through Xanterra. Trail rides on horses are available from a private stable.

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You can drive to the Grand Canyon from Phoenix (or Las Vegas) — both are about 4 hours south/southwest of this national treasure. And the view is worth every minute of that drive!

We had flown Midwest Airlines into Phoenix, then drove up to the Grand Canyon. Our destination was the 100+ year-old El Tovar Resort on the South Rim of the canyon. And it truly is a grand resort.

El Tovar Hotel
For those who know the name “Fred Harvey,” you know that this company ran the food service on the railroads and at the major train stations for countless years. Known for quality and excellent restaurant service from their “Harvey Girls,” Fred Harvey was given the food service around the turn of the century for the Park Service hotels and restaurants. The Park Service wanted top-notch quality for its guests. In the late 1960s, Xanterra Corporation bought Fred Harvey and completed El Tovar’s renovation just 2 years ago. And from our experience, Xanterra is carrying on the excellence of the resort’s tradition.

Rustic Lodge and Modern Amenities
Because of its careful renovation, El Tovar retains its rustic and natural charm. As you enter the spacious lobby, you are awed by the historic decor that also welcomed people like Albert Einstein, Teddy Roosevelt and author Zane Grey. Just like the early days, luggage is portered from you car to your room by bellmen, real bellmen. Kind of nice, actually. You’ll appreciate it even more when you realize you have steps to climb to the front porch and more inside if your room is not on the main floor.

The rooms have been modernized — from large windows that easily open to welcome the fresh air to the spacious bathroom that has been totally renovated with period fixtures, flooring and wall tile. (Kohler, of course.) Room decor is plain, very clean and comfortable — after all, you’re there to enjoy the great outdoors.

Dining was excellent. The main dining room overlooks the canyon for a spectacular breakfast, lunch or dinner. The food was top notch as was the service.

Book Well in Advance.
The Grand Canyon lodges fill up quickly — I’ve been told almost a year in advance for prime season. We were lucky enough to get in for a couple of days mid-summer. Our room was about $140/night. Once you get there, just park your car and enjoy the park on foot, by shuttle or even mule.

NEXT: Hiking the Grand Canyon

TIPS:
1) El Tovar Dining Room. This is an excellent restaurant with very good food. Ask for a table near the window to view the canyon during your meal — although many other tables share the view as well. Here’s a link to the El Tovar menu.

2) Arrive Early. Leave Your Bags. We arrived mid-morning, much too early for check-in. But the front desk folks stored our luggage and offered to phone us as soon as a room was ready (they called within an hour or two). In the meantime, we started our exploration of the park.

3) Weather at the Park. While the lower Arizona desert was hot, the temps around the South Rim were quite pleasant and comfortable for hiking.

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