A trip to northern Arizona is not complete without a stop to the Grand Canyon. It has been on my “bucket list” for longer than I can remember. The last full day of my trip was set aside for the Grand Canyon. The trip started with a drive from Flagstaff, through the San Francisco Mountains, and then to the east entrance of the Grand Canyon. That drive was amazing all by itself, I stopped on a plateau to photograph the cloud-covered peaks, the elevation was just over 9,000 feet. One of the photos is in the slideshow which accompanies this post.
Before I left for Arizona, I had booked a helicopter tour of the canyon (again, thanks to a tip from a friend of mine). So, I knew I had to be at Grand Canyon airport at a set time. But, I was able to stop and get my first look at the canyon. What can I say about it that hasn’t already been said? I had seen so many photos, so many films, and thought I was prepared for it. I wasn’t. It’s cliche’, but I literally did have to catch my breath when I saw it for the first time. It’s magnificent, I can understand why the Native Americans consider it holy ground. I was able to get some initial photos, and then had to leave to catch the helicopter.
One of the photos in the slideshow is from the helicopter. That is really the best way to see it. I took one of the longer tours offered by Papillon/Grand Canyon Tours. I wanted to take in as much as I could. There just aren’t words for the experience, it was a blast. I cannot recommend booking a tour with them enough!
Once we landed, I returned to the canyon and hiked around the rim some more. I found some great vantage points just off the trail where I could just sit and look at the expanse. I took a lot of infrared photos (the black and white photos are infrared), as well as regular photos. I could have used up several 128 GB memory cards just in the time I was there. After several hours in the afternoon, I sadly had to leave, to get ready for the return home. I packed a lot into the three days I was there. I plan on going back, I need to explore Sedona and the Grand Canyon much more.