Arizona in Winter: Grand Canyon

It was the first day of our visit, as we watched the fog of early morning lift above the canyon revealing a natural landscaped portrait. Along with the hues of browns, reds, grays and purples in the stone layered in the walls, and the pinks and greens revealed in the lower layers of the strata, there are greens and browns in the vegetation which covered the base. The colors climbed toward the very edge of the cliffs, the high walls shielding the Colorado River, a ribbon of blue below. I was left breathless. In January, the South Rim glistens with winter sunlight.

The Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Getting down into the natural crevasse, I was amazed at the beauty, which began at the rim and shimmered deep into its depths. The Colorado River runs through it. As I examined the layers of the walls covered in plants and patchy moss, I felt more alive and appreciative of life.

Expect to see animals and plants. There's also ample hiking, mule rides and souvenir shopping. Visitors can explore the canyon by various tours, enjoy dining and lodging nearby, and visit a History Room. Bring your cameras. Canyon shots are keepers for the photo album.

Helicopter tours offer a unique vantage of the splendor of the canyon, and the flight in one of the aircraft to the bottom of the canyon in less than a half hour.

A more old-fashioned journey down can be taken on the back of a donkey or mule. It takes 3-4 hours to meet up with the park rangers at the bottom. The well-worn trail down the rim to the bottom remains open in winter.

Land, river or train, the guided tours require a fee. Travelers can hike the trail for free; but it's a trip only experienced and properly equipped hikers should attempt.

Day trips around the area created a lovely vacation. Indian tribes live on four reservations near the park.

We did see a group decide to hike down the path. They looked like they came from a cross-country or track-and-field college team. Hiking down is an exciting option, allowing a exploration of the canyon from an unique perspective. In winter particularly though, be aware that walking can be treacherous due to snow and ice building up on the steps and trail. Lower temperatures and the movement of daylight across the canyon left some areas without direct sunlight to melt the slick spots.

Lookout points on the North and South Rim offer spectacular views of the canyon walls, including the wide variety of trees, bushes, moss and other greenery below. However, the North Rim is closed in winter.

Ponderosa and Pinon Pine mix well with Mountain Mahogany along the South Rim. This variety of vegetation created a great backdrop for picture taking.

Plants needing the most abundant water are found on the floor of the canyon, which bakes at 120 degrees Fahrenheit during summer. In winter, the temperatures are milder, in the 40s and are hit with rain. Drought resistant vegetation is found further from the river. Visitors will see tamarack, yucca, agave and numerous species of cacti along the walls and slopes of the canyon. In the winter, with the frost on the plants and snow on the ground, the scene looked quite amazing.

Whether journeying via a guided bus tour or traveling by car, the South Rim's trail scenic points all along the road offer views from various angles. The natural stone formations offered dramatic and unexpected surprises, including caves and ledges that appear to reach out of the walls. However, I was surprised to see a cave in the middle of the canyon's formations. It was worth a picture.

The air is heavy at low altitudes, with an earthy, musty smell.

While our visit happened on a slow day for the park animals, visitors can find numerous opportunities to witness the wildlife that flourish in the canyon environment.

Visitors see a wide variety of animals, including birds of prey such as peregrine falcons, hawks and eagles. It's advisable to keep some distance and simply leave them alone for public safety and for theirs.

Watching in amusement, I encountered an elk while traveling to the South Rim. It came out of the woods and greeted visitors as we waited for it to step off the road. Standing comfortably in full view of other tourists and us, the elk appeared to be in good shape and in fine color. Despite seeing one tourist who flaunted the park rules and exited his car to snap a picture, we stayed in our vehicle and obtained good photos.

I was sad to go head home to a cold, wintry day in Ohio, back to two thin inches of thick snow with the temperature in the 30s. But after the loss of my grandfather in December, I needed this particular trip to help me heal. After a rough patch, this trip help lift my spirits. I found myself smiling, laughing and enjoying time spent with my family. It brought us even closer than before. It's a wonderful place to commune with nature, reflect and witness the glory of nature all around.

Sidebars:

Entry fees: $10 for individuals for up to seven days
Vehicles: $20
Children under five: free
Backcountry camping: $15/night

"Facts about the Grand Canyon":
Grand Canyon National Park established in 1919.
1904 square miles.
2.5 billion years old.
1975 GCNP expanded, inc. Grand Canyon National Recreational Area,
Grand Canyon National Monument and Mojave County National Monument.
8200 feet above sea level.
277 miles distance long, up to 18 miles wide.
600 feet in depth.
The North Rim is 2.5 miles of paved road.
1200 feet higher than South Rim.
Receives 12 inches of annual rain.
The South Rim is 7000 feet.
Receives 15 inches of annual rain.

Contact info:
Grand Canyon National Park,
P.O. Box 129,
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
Website: http://www.nps.gov/grca
Phone number: (918) 638-7888

Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 3007
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
Website: http://www.grandcanyonchamber.org
Email: info@grandcanyonchamber.org
Phone Number: (928) 623-2901

How to:

Local visitor centers: free
Local restaurants: Grand Restaurant in Tusayuan, Blue Angel Lodge Restaurant
Local hotels near the area: Blue Angel Lodge

Places to Visit:

The Blue Angel Lodge offers lodging and warm meals, if you're so inclined. You can even rent a cabin, if you're so inclined. Be sure to check out their History Room to brush up on the region. It was a happy surprise to learn the classic film, "The Harvey Girls" with Judy Garland, was shot there. Memorabilia of the movie, such as the actual script and photos of the actors, are on exhibit, which also includes the history of the real Harvey Girls with the photos that inspired the movie. We made a point of stopping and even signing our names in the guest book. It was worth a visit to learn more about the history of the Grand Canyon while we warmed up before lunch and shopped for souvenirs.

Be sure to visit The Grand Restaurant in Tusayuan, which features American Indian performers in full dress who entertain travelers with tribal songs and dancing. There you sample Western dishes, and other native cuisine that offer a splendid array for the senses.

It was an awesome, delightful evening for my family.

It was an experience all on its own for my palate. I chose an especially spicy dish that I didn't recognize. I thought my mouth had been set on fire. Water and soda helped to soothe and cool my throat. Yet nothing could have cast a cloud on my time there. It was a memory I knew I'd never forget.