Grand Canyon Solo Tour: Grand Canyon Village

After the bus tour, I wandered the village from east to west, taking in more of the canyon vistas and seeing some of the historical buildings and landmarks. First I visited the El Tovar Hotel and Hopi House. The latter is a pueblo structure in which authentic Native American arts and crafts are sold. I'll be sure to pay it a visit before I catch the train tomorrow. Walking westward I passed a few more lodges of less interest, before coming to the historic Bright Angel Lodge, and spent some time in its museum section.


Next along the rim walkway I came to Lookout Studio, which is a structure built right on the canyon edge, offering some pretty dramatic views down and across the canyon. I wandered on to Kolb Studio, which used to be a pioneer photography studio, and has a small art gallery and Civil Engineer Corps museum within. Lastly I visited Bright Angel Trailhead, to get a view of what I face later today.


I don't think I'll be hiking all the way to the bottom, or even Indian Garden which is around 9 miles round-trip ;-) Just a mile or two down, since I rather want to return before midnight!

The hotel should let me check in about half an hour from now, so I can gear up for the hike. I already purchased a hiking staff and have been reading all the hiker recommendations in the guidebook, so also need to bring along trail mix or something else salty and high protein to avoid getting sick.

Don't worry, Mom, I'll be fine :-)