Inspiring views
Canyon views and lake recreation are what it's all about
The Grand Canyon never disappoints. We drove from Flagstaff through Williams, Arizona to the Grand Canyon Village at the south rim. This place has changed very little since we were last here 14 years ago. Some of the paths have been upgraded and the visitors centre is being renovated.
The grandeur of the canyon has not changed. We viewed it from several vantage points and saw a much different view and an assortment of colours from each different angle. The magnificence and depth of the rock bluffs falling all the way to the canyon floor, some 6,000 feet below, is simply breathtaking. As the sun changed position in the sky we saw a variety of colours and shadows, making the rocks seem to dance and move with each change.
The hiking trails in the valley below looked like small ant trails in the desert. After being completely awestruck by the beauty, we travelled east along the desert view trail. This road goes east from the visitors centre to Cameron at highway 89. From there you can complete a circle back to Flagstaff or head up to Page at Lake Powell. This is an easy day trip for anyone wanting to see some unforgettable scenery. Visit the park website for more info.
Crystal clear waters
Our next stop was at Page, Arizona, right on the Utah border. Page is located just off the shores of Lake Powell. The view of crystal clear deep blue water lapping against the red rock bluffs was spectacular. Everywhere we looked we could see massive red rock bluffs rising out of the water and reflecting back onto the surface.
I had heard of the boating on Lake Powell and by looking at the several marinas along the shore we could see that boating is a great part of the normal lifestyle and recreation in this area. There was everything from small run-abouts to very large houseboats to rent, either by the day, the week or the month. With 1960 miles of beautiful shoreline to explore you better pack a big lunch. The lake is 160 miles long.
We explored the Glen Canyon Dam at the south end of Lake Powell. This dam was completed in March 1963 and the lake was first completely filled in 1980, some 17 years later. The main purpose for the lake is to provide a reliable source of water for the states of Arizona, Nevada and California. They say this lake provides the water that grows the vegetable and salad crops that feed America. The secondary purpose is to provide electricity to the western grid. Incidental to that are the recreation opportunities that millions of locals and tourists take advantage of each year. Go to this website for a tour.
