Tag: Arizona

  • Canyon de Chelly, Chinle, Arizona

    After Monument Valley, I headed for Canyon de Chelly National Monument in Chinle, Arizona. I stayed at the Holiday Inn, which was not far from the Canyon de Chelly Visitor Center.

    At the visitor center, I picked up a route map and headed off along the South Rim Drive. Since I had not been to Canyon de Chelly before, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I drove to Spider Rock, which is at the end of the South Rim Drive, and then stopped at as many overlooks on the way back as time permitted.

    The highlight of the South Rim Drive route is spotting all the dwellings on the face of the canyon walls.

    In the absence of binoculars, I just used the long-end of the zoom lens. To get a closer look, you need to take a guided tour in the canyon floor.

  • Glen Canyon Dam

    If you are visiting Page, Arizona, you must be here to see Antelope Canyon. The Horseshoe Bend would be a second choice, and Glen Canyon Dam would be the filler.

    The Dam is just minutes away from Page. Just cross the bridge…

    and you will find yourself at the Carl Hayden Visitor Center.

    The visitor center has a few exhibits.

    Like this dinosaur.

    Outside, you can get an unobstructed view of the dam.

    Free to visit, and much smaller than Hoover Dam. I wanted to attend a dam tour, but the last tour of the day was canceled.

  • Horseshoe Bend, Page, Arizona

    The Horseshoe Bend is located just outside Page, Arizona.

    As I approached Page (from the south), I saw a sign for the Horseshoe Bend, made a left turn into the parking lot, and started on the trek. Reaching the Horseshoe Bend requires a short march up a hill and then a downward hike to the Horseshoe Bend.

    From the descent, the Horseshoe Bend looks like a hole in the ground. The soil is very fine and soft, much like beach sand. So, take that into account.

    Here is the view from the Horseshoe Bend back to the direction of the entrance. At the peak, you can see a few people as well as a gazebo. The other side of the hill is the parking lot. So, the trek back is uphill on fine sand. Definitely an easier journey on a cool winter day.

    Photography Note: If I had done the research, I would have figured out what time to arrive at the Horseshoe Bend so that the Horseshoe Bend was more evenly lit instead of having to deal with the shadows from the canyon walls.

  • Grand Canyon Hotel and Dining

    The Grand Canyon provides beautiful vistas throughout the year. If you are willing to endure some cold weather, the winter season offers an opportunity to visit explore the canyon when the crowds are few and far between. To book a Grand Canyon hotel or lodge, visit the Grand Canyon Lodges website. Depending on the time of year and the size of your party, you may have a number of lodging options from which to select.

    El Tovar is the main hotel located on the south rim of the Grand Canyon.

    TripAdvisor is a bit confusing because it categorizes El Tovar under hotels, Kachina Lodge under specialty lodging and Thunderbird Lodge as a bed and breakfast. In reality, the differences between these options are not significant.

    From the outside, Kachina Lodge resembles a college dormitory. No charisma. No architectural details worth observing.

    The Kachina Lodge rooms are slightly more attractive inside. But, when you step outside, you are greeted with a view of the Grand Canyon.

    In terms of location, I would consider El Tovar, Kachina Lodge, Thunderbird Lodge and Bright Angel Lodge to be equivalent. There are no advantages to be gained, in terms of geography, to pick one over the other.

    For food, the Arizona Room is well within walking distance for all four lodging options above. The food selections are somewhat limited. After one dinner in the Arizona Room, I opted for all remaining meals at the adjoining Bright Angel Restaurant, Fountain & Bar. The portion size is on the generous side, so if you are health conscious, splitting an entree with a friend would be recommended.