The Grand Canyon has always been on my list.  I assumed it would get checked off when I was younger or on a family vacation with my own daughters/ husband.  Nope!

When the opportunity presented itself on a trip to Sedona, AZ this fall, my husband and I went for it.  There are a few ways to get to the Grand Canyon from Sedona and we chose to enter the park through the less populated East Gate and drive across the rim, exiting at the South Gate.  This route takes you up through Flagstaff and the gorgeous Painted Desert before you enter the park.  The round trip drive to the Canyon is about five and a half hours from Sedona.

Once you enter the East Gate, there are some wonderful spots to pull over and take in the vista.  Start with the historic Desert View Watchtower (below).

  
Continue down scenic Desert View Drive and pull over at Navajo Point, Lipan Point, Moran Point and Yavapai Point.  By now, you are next to Grand Canyon Village and can grab lunch at the historic El Tovar Hotel.  We left the park here at the South Gate and drove down highway 64 back to Sedona.

Map of East Entrance

Here is a look at our day!

We lucked out with absolutely gorgeous weather.

Tim

After seeing the Grand Canyon, it is hard to describe just how vast and amazing it is.  I hope my pictures did it justice!

the wry home