Road Trip to Northern Arizona

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Thursday, 26 April 2018 - After a long drive from Phoenix, arrived at the Grand Canyon and walked to Mather Point for our first breathtaking views, explored western rim vista points like Maricopa, Powell, and Mohave via the park shuttle, watched a stunning sunset at Hopi Point with relaxed camera stations and chairs, then capped the evening with dinner at the historic El Tovar lodge on the rim.

northernaz2018 — After a long ride from Phoenix we finally arrived at the Grand Canyon. We found a very rare parking place in the main visitor's parking area and walked down to Mather Point for our first look at the Grand Canyon. A spectacular sight - jaw dropping the first time and even after several trips to the Grand Canyon it is breathtaking.

Mather Point is very near the main parking area so it is a very busy place.

northernaz2018 — Angie and Joe at Mather Point with the Grand Canyon as a backdrop

northernaz2018 — Cal and Virginia Ann also posing at Mather Point

northernaz2018 — A small canyon cut into the side of the Grand Canyon reaches far to the north.

northernaz2018 — After a quick lunch we headed out to the western vista points using the shuttle. Fortunately the crowds were rather low.

First stop was Maricopa Point.

northernaz2018 — Next stop was Powell Point

northernaz2018 — A short bus trip to Mohave Point

northernaz2018 — We took the shuttle all the way to the end and then back to Hopi Point to settle in for sunset. Virginia Ann was the smartest - she brought a chair and a book so she could relax while we stood at our cameras.

Hopi Point has a good series of ridges off to the east which catch the sun as it sets.

northernaz2018 — Setting sun on a rock ridge on formation called The Battleship

northernaz2018 — Interior canyons with light and shade

northernaz2018 — Sun on red rocks

northernaz2018 — Battleship rock formation

northernaz2018 — The last light touches the cliffs

northernaz2018 — The sun hit a spot behind a ridge and illuminates a small bright place as the sun drops below the horizon.

After the sun set we rushed to get in line for the shuttles back to the village area and dinner. We dined at El Tovar - a grand lodge on the rim of the Grand Canyon. It was fun - but there were no shuttles when we finished so we had to wait a while for one of the rare taxis.

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