Grand Canyon to Williams, Arizona
Distance: 77 miles
Campground: Grand Canyon Railway RV Park
Cost per Night: $28 (with Passport America)
Duration: 1
Weather: Sunny and warm
We got a decent start to our day, but didn't hit the road until after 10:00. Our original plan was to stay one more night and drive to Sedona from the Grand Canyon, but we liked the looks of Williams as we passed through on our way to the canyon, so we made reservations at the Grand Canyon Railway RV Park for Monday night. It shaved an hour or so off our travel time to Sedona and gave us a chance to explore Williams (and tackle some laundry!).
So, off we went, but first things first. Several friends recommended a beautiful view of the canyon from Shoshone Point and I didn't want to miss it. There isn't any signage for the point along the road, but I found directions online. It's just west of mile marker 245 or 1.2 miles east of Yaki viewpoint. Hoping for a peaceful and uncrowded experience, I was thankful to see only a couple of cars in the small dirt parking area at the trailhead.
The hike is two miles round trip, but the path is pretty rocky and uneven so it took us longer than anticipated. We really didn't mind, though, since it was such a beautiful day. There are lots of pretty clearings with lots of green grass and the sky was bright blue with just a few clouds. We eventually made it to the point and took in our immediate surroundings. Apparently, you can reserve the grounds for large events such as reunions, birthday celebrations, and weddings (or even a private renewal of vows). There are several covered picnic tables and outdoor grills, as well as clean restroom facilities. And, of course, there's that amazing view!
We walked out to the rocky cliff and took in the 280 degree breathtaking view. And I was right, there were only a half dozen people with us on the viewpoint. Click here for more information about this hidden gem.
The trail leading to Shoshone Point.
Wow.
More spectacular than any other view
we encountered on this trip.
And, we haven't even reached
the point where that tall rock is standing!
Truly incredible!
Best kept secret!
I was too chicken to stand near the edge.
Just taking it all in.
This was such a cool experience. I highly recommend a visit if you're at the Grand Canyon. I would love to come back and see it at sunset. Or sunrise. All I know is that I'll be back.
Last photo in the park then
back on the road to our next destination.
A random tourist trap along the highway.
Flintstones Bedrock City near Williams, Arizona
Downtown Williams, Arizona
We had a delicious lunch at Rod's Steak House.
What a wonderful day. I can't wait to make a return visit to the Grand Canyon. It's been almost six weeks since we were there and I can't stop thinking about all the beautiful views. I'm so glad we decided to make time to see this wonderful national park.
Click on image for larger view.
I had heard so much about GC, and I've seen so much in books and movies about GC, but there is really nothing like being there. Thank you for sharing this secret spot. Part of the trouble I have with wonderful places is the crowds, but going to a spot no one knows about and finding great beauty? Fabulous.
ReplyDeleteDeb, it's truly a remarkable place and the highlight of our great adventure. I was very thankful for that lack of crowds at Shoshone Point, hoping it was still a secret place. Desert View was a little more crowded, but overall I never felt like I couldn't find my own space to admire the views or enjoy the peace and quiet.
DeleteYou didn't tell us that 'Rod' had a 'steak house'! LOL
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures - thanks for sharing all the views of this great natural wonder with us!
Ha! I know! Of course we had to go in and check on the chef. ;) It was great!
DeleteThanks for all your great comments and following along on our great adventure.
Those views are amazing - I wouldn't have stood on the edge either. I'm petrified of heights and have always wondered if seeing the Grand Canyon in person would bother me.
ReplyDeleteWilliams looks like a charming town.
Kathy, I knew I was safe from that vantage point, but I watched others stand even closer to the edge. After reading about the couple falling to their deaths in Yosemite, I'm glad I was a little chicken. So sad for their families.
DeleteWilliams was an ok little town. I wandered along the main street and most of their shops were full of the same touristy stuff as the previous store. I'm eager to return, though, and take the train from Williams up to the Grand Canyon. I'll be the scenery is gorgeous this time of year!
You look pretty close to the edge to me! And, I had never seen that “tall” rock before. You are quite the adventurer, my feet would have given out long ago.
ReplyDeleteMeredith, isn't that "tall" rock wonderful?! Ah, my feet got quite a workout on the front end of our trip. I did a lot of sitting on the return drive. Time to get back on the trails in my neighborhood!
DeleteWow, absolutely breathtaking! I would love to visit the Grand Canyon one day. And, yes, can you imagine a sunrise or sunset there? Just wow! Thank you for sharing these and stories from your journeys.
ReplyDeleteIliana, thanks so much for your enthusiastic comment! :) I hope you can visit this beautiful national park sometime soon.
DeleteLes, I read in the comments section of another blog that your dad was ill and in ICU. I wanted to let you know my thoughts are with you and the family.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Diane. He was moved out of ICU this afternoon and is breathing on his own. We're hopeful that he will be discharged to a care facility in the next few days. I so appreciate your kind words and good thoughts.
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