Grand Canyon: Last Minute Surprise Visit for Husband

It was late August. We were in Las Vegas for 4 days. My husband had to attend a conference in Vegas so I gladly joined in. There was one more person who brought his wife along. Whole day we used to roam around on the strip while our husbands were attending conference. We extended the trip to the coming weekend thinking we will stay 1 more day at Las Vegas. Yes, that was a Friday when we were hopping one casino to other that we came across the sightseeing tours of Grand Canyon. We were not even thinking about it as we had only one day and since we had not done any research and didn't consult our husbands regarding the trip it was not happening. Still, we thought let us at least see what the tours are like and what all the fuss about Grand Canyon is anyway. For the first time we went somewhere without spending hours researching about it on the internet, rather we were asking the tour guides or reading their flyers. The more we read, the more interested we became. It was a big decision taken in less than half an hour, but somehow we jumped into it. Both of us took the ticket for the sight-seeing tour of Great Canyon covering Hoovers Dam, North rim and South Rim. Believe me it was a major decision considering we extended the stay so that our Husbands can enjoy Las Vegas at day time too. But the pictures of Grand Canyon and the literature explain the majesty of Great Grand Canyon was very tempting. It meant getting up very early in the morning about 3am and take the bus about 2 blocks away from our hotel and then coming late at night and take flight back early in the morning. Surprisingly, our hubbies were very supportive. Seemed they wanted to go out of Vegas as they kind of wanted to go somewhere more natural. So that way it was in our favor. First time visiting a natural wonder made it even more exciting. I was telling all the history about Grand Canyon to make it more appealing to my fellow friends. The twisting 277 miles of Grand Canyon in the state Arizona, with a view of up to 7000 ft below your feet at the Earth's heart sounds vast but still can't feel it till we see it. While there is plenty of information available on internet about the facts of Grand Canyon and there are various sight-seeing tours, points not to miss etc. Believe me, each and every where you look, it is magnificent.

I was totally spell bounded by the beauty of Grand Canyon, be it South rim or north rim. The Bright Angel point was as beautiful as the Mather's Point. Mather's point is the most popular and busiest point. You can really spend hours together just quietly looking at the splendor of natural beauty. The same pint in Great Grand Canyon looks different in morning and then noon and then at sunset. Every minute spent admiring this amazing example of millions of years back in history brings you closer to Nature. Most of the pictures sold of Grand Canyon are of Mather's Point. Some people go to West rim too where the Sky Walk is built. When we went it was not there. But this is where you are closer to the canyon floor.

My suggestions if you are going to a last minute trip to the Great Grand Canyon, do the following:
1. Go to Bright Angel Point and Mather's Point.
2. Stay for sunset if possible. Usually if you drive yourself it might be possible or if you decided to stay back. Same day bus tours try to move out as it becomes very dark after sunset.
3.Keep your camera batteries charged. Believe me you will take numerous pictures.Here are some that we took.
4. Go to the local shops and buy something as a reminder of your visit to one of the most beautiful creations of Nature. Red Indian potterY, some refrigerator magnets and some postcards were my purchases.
5.Take the tour which stops at the National Geography visitor cent.er for the GCNP.
6.Make sure you watch the 34 minute IMAX video.

You will experience something you can never experience just looking at the Grand Canyon. Even a helicopter ride, which is actually very expensive ranging from $250 to $1000 per person, will not be able to make you experience what you will in the movie. A must watch movie.

While this short last minute visit was amazing and was well worth it. We will definitely go to Grand Canyon again someday with lots of planning and multiple days to spend there. Research helps in saving those precious dollars. May be do some hiking, meet the villagers, go to the waterfall etc. However, if not then this experience was soothing to cherish for a lifetime too. For more adventure you can try white river rafting and extreme hikes too. Have fun.

Resources:

Mostly personal experience.

http://www.explorethecanyon.com/

http://www.grandcanyonskywalk.com/