The Grand Canyon

While in Las Vegas we took a day trip and visited the Grand Canyon. The Western rim of the Grand Canyon is about 2 1/2 hours from Vegas and is part of the Hualapai Native American Tribe's reservation. It was an interesting ride out there to say the least, but worth every minute. The Grand Canyon is absolutely amazing!

We stopped for a picture at this scenic overlook on the way to the Grand Canyon.

A breathtaking view along the stretch of road between Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon.

The drive to the Grand Canyon is pretty interesting. The first stretch of the trip is a normal ride along an interstate type highway. Then you get to Dolan Springs, Arizona. That's where the fun begins. I wish I would have taken a few pictures of this town. After seeing it, I will never again complain about Tallassee being a small town with not much to offer. I'll just leave it at that.

On this stretch of road we kept seeing these cactus/palm looking trees. They were everywhere and really odd looking. I kept saying the terrain, plants and rocks really looked like something from another planet. After I got home, I Googled these trees and discovered they are Joshua trees.

The last 29 miles of the journey are by far the most interesting. Their is a 13 mile stretch that is a rough, dirt road. It was a very bumpy and dusty ride!

But then, just when you are asking yourself if this drive is really worth it....

you see this.....

and realize YES, it is very much worth it!!! The first time you see the Grand Canyon it literally takes your breath away. Pictures do not do it justice! It is truly one of the most amazing and beautiful things I have ever experienced.

This is referred to as "Eagle Point" because the rock formations resemble an eagle soaring.

While at the Grand Canyon we made a stop at the famous Skywalk. The Skywalk is a glass bottom bridge that is suspended 4,000 feet above the Colorado River on the very edge of the Grand Canyon.

They do not allow you to take anything (including cameras) on the bridge for fear of harming the glass if something were to fall. You have to wear booties over your shoes to protect the glass as well. I read somewhere that each piece of glass on the Skywalk cost $250,000. So I guess I understand why they are a little protective of it! I did find the picture below on the Internet so you can get an idea of what it looks like on the Skywalk.

I really didn't think I would be scared, but when you are up 4,000 feet above the Grand Canyon looking straight down and walking on a sheet of glass, I was SCARED!

They had Native American dwellings around the park.

Me with a very sweet Hualapai Native American.

And I had to end this post with the following picture. This is the car after we made the trip both to and from the Grand Canyon on the dirt road. The car was so dirty and dusty! This picture is also funny because anyone who knows my parents would get a kick out of this picture just at the thought of them traveling in this car!!!