The Grand Canyon

Kim gets her kicks on route 66

North from Sedona we headed up to Williams, Arizona and there we drove along the historic "Route 66".  This was one of the first numbered highways in the US and it ran from Chicago to Los Angeles.  It lost its importance when the interstate system was introduced in the 50s and motorists now use I-40.

Route 66 bikers

It was a quick shoot north from Williams to the south entrance of the Grand Canyon National Park.  The South Rim is 7000 feet high.  The canyon is approximately one mile deep and 10 miles across to the North Rim.  The North Rim is closed still due to winter ice and snow conditions.  There was snow on the ground on some trails  on the South Rim where we were.  We pulled in late so we really only had time to set up camp and hit the hay.  We did have mule deer at our campsite.  We woke up early, excited to see the canyon.  Our first eyefull of the canyon make us speechless.  It was awe inspiring.

Get the ball, Sid.

As we hiked along the trail we noticed that, unlike most other US sites, this one didn't have any guardrails or rules.  The trail followed the edge.  Hikers could walk right to the edge.  The only thing to stop you was fear.

Kim avoids the treacherous trail by walking along the edge.

Kim on the snowy edge

Long-horned sheep

After lunch we toured the largest section of the South Rim using a combination of the free shuttle bus and short hikes.  Saw long-horned sheep along the way.

Off to Vegas.