Grand Canyon South Rim — Local services in Tuba City

I'll preface this review by saying Shame on you NPS. One of the most visited Parks in the country and they have TWO admission lanes open out of 4. Over 1 and 1/2 hour wait just to get into the park. This is purposefully done to manipulate public perception of a low budget and to protest Trump's government waste cuts. They could man the other 2 stations if they wanted to, but they spitefully do not. May the NPS get their just desserts for this nonsense. Once we were in, there was the usual lack of parking like at many national parks, but fortunately this was only around the village. I'd hate to see this place on the weekend. We ate at the Yavapai lodge and there was parking there. Food was pretty good. We figured we'd try to escape the crowds and head east on 64. That turned out to be a good idea as there were plenty of pull-outs and overlooks to enjoy the canyon views. There was always an open parking spot or two and the crowds weren't nearly as bad. Our last stop was the Desert View Tower which was a place I had never heard of. It turned out to be my favorite part of the park and I highly recommend it. Be sure to get there before 5pm so you can go up to the top of the tower. In summary, unlike parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite which have repeat allure, this one is a "one and done". No...

It is super cliché to say that TV & pictures give this place no justice. But suffice to say, this is an understatement yet! When I got up to the open canyon & was able to look below at the canyon, no words could describe its beauty. TV & pictures have an end. And end to the left of the picture; an end to the right; even only a certain amount of depth for distance. When you're there, there is no end. Turn your head to the left & it goes on. Turn your head to the right & it goes on. Look down & your feet are standing on it. Surreal is a great word.

I actually got emotional because it was almost a visual overload. The blue of the sky; the orange of the canyon; deeper browns/reds & purple shades below...the greenery on the bottom also; the river. God is powerful!

The South Rim I've found to be the best view of the canyon. Or any view where you're looking down into the canyon. I've been on the west rim & the emotion isn't the same. Once the canyon walls in front of you are above you, the just resemble another bare mountain. It's much different when youre looking down like you're on top of...

The South Side has been more accessible with more amenities since before the Park opened in 1919. Mather Point is close to the Visitors Center, has it’s own shuttle stop, paved walkways, restrooms nearby, and so on. If accessibility is a concern, you’ll have it here. In fact, I’d say if you’ve been concerned about mobility or accessibility in a Park, this is an excellent one to start with – there are multiple lodges, historic buildings, paved trails, and more all connected by shuttles and parking options.

I watched the sun come up and then decided to hit the trail from Mather Point to Bright Angel and I am so so glad I did. The weather was in the 70’s. The wildlife was out. I had a consistent view of the canyon, an incredibly well curated geological trail to follow, and I hit major historic Park architecture along the way.

If you had one day and hike to do with family and friends who had different needs and expectations of hiking, I’d recommend this one! I’ll also cover why I chose to stay up in elevation and not venture down...