After our night adventure, it was so great to wake up and finally see the roads at the lodges. We made our way to Maswik Lodge for breakfast where we both had the Grand Canyon breakfast pictured below. I had mine with chicken fried steak which was super tasty.
We then headed out to Bright Angel Trailhead, but it started to snow shower right at that moment so we pivoted and got on the shuttle right in front of us. The Red route takes you along the Rim and up to Hermit's Rest with a bunch of viewing spots. Here's one at Powell Point:
By the time we got off the bus, the sun had started to peak through and there were lots of clouds which resulted in a darker canyon, but the pictures could never really do this justice. Here's Yoonjoo out on the point, pointing at the Grand Canyon (so meta):
The colors and various levels were really breathtaking:
Here's a chart explaining the layers:
After stopping at Powell Point, Mojave Point, the Abyss, Monument Creek Vista, and Pima Point, we made it to Hermit's Rest which still had awesome views. Also enjoyable was the banter and humor of all the shuttle drivers - must be an awesome gig, driving around such a beautiful place. Here's a picture from one of the last points on the route:
At Hermit's Rest, there's a shop and snack bar. There were some ravens who were showing off and flying in front of us. Here are 3 sitting in the tree:
In the shop, there's a giant fireplace where I ate a southwestern chicken wrap and had hot chocolate. We also met a lovely German couple who actually had taken a photo of us sitting at Powell Point. Also coincidentally, the gentleman was wearing a Hoya hat, but didn't know what it was - he just kept saying he liked Bulldogs and bought it in Germany. We've met many friendly tourists who are always wondering where you're from - we met the Germans, Arizonans, Nevadans, and etc. I thinking hiking and site seeing something like the Grand Canyon makes everyone super friendly. A collage of our Hermit's Rest experience:
After our rest, we made it back on the shuttle that brings you back down to the Village and instead of trying the Bright Angel trail again, we decided to just walk the Rim Trail. The weather was just too fickle. Here's a few photos from our walk:
We're so glad we decided to stay on the Rim as it started to snow shower again.
The Rim walk was also nice and leisurely and we hopped into the various historical structures like the Hopi House, and took photos. After walking in the snow for a bit, we took refuge in Yavapai Point and Geology Museum. A Ranger was giving a great talk about the Grand Canyon's geological history and how it was carved up by rivers, flash floods, and etc. In the middle of the talk, he just started shouting "rainbow, rainbow" and we all rushed to see it. We got to see so many rainbows, but it's hard for them to show up on the camera with the fog and clouds, but here's one:
After the many rainbows, we walked down to Mather Point where there were a ton of people - many of them ill-prepared in sandals and shorts. Here are a few photos from the overlook:
A bit tired from the walking and cold, we got on the Orange route shuttle and to the main visitor center. After recharging for a bit, we got on a shuttle to Yaki Point and on the way we saw elk and the mules that bring you down the canyon. At Yaki Point, we enjoyed watching this elk:
We were hoping to see the sunset from Yaki Point, but decided to take the Orange shuttle back, transferred to the Blue shuttle at the Visitor Center and got off at El Tovar hotel. Here we ran to the Rim and took a few photos of the sunset.
After dinner, we headed down to the shuttle where we didn't wait very long. We enjoyed star gazing at the clear sky - if I could have taken a picture, I would. It was really unbelievable and the hotel clerk from last night was right that I would appreciate it, despite the lack of street lights that led to our driving adventure coming into the Canyon.
We went to bed early after showering as we have plans to wake up early to watch the sunrise!
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