June 30:  Grand Canyon North Rim


We left the motor home in Virgin overnight and did a quick overnight to see a bit of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Melissa had arranged a rimside cabin at the North Rim, which if a little short on maintenance was a beautiful cabin located next to the Rim trail.

The drive down went past a few neat spots. One of our favorites was Pipe Spring National Monument,a historical monument to a spring that was an important source of water for thousands of years for the Indians, then became a Mormon tithe farm to support the construction of an LDS cathedral in St George, UT. It's probably the least-visited national land in Utah. It's well worth the stop (and besides, there's a geocache there).

Pipe Springs National Monument

Pipe Springs Pipe Springs Pipe Springs
Pipe Springs
The Spring
Pipe Springs Pipe Springs
Pipe Springs
Replica of Paiute Kahn (shelter)
Pipe Springs Pipe Springs


We also stopped by the Kaibab Plateau Visitor's Center on the north side of the road to the North Rim. We had a lovely picnic lunch, saw some awesome displays, and used the restrooms (the woman at the desk was impressed that we did the first two - most people just dash in, use the restroom, and dash right back out without even saying "hi"). So on your way to the Grand Canyon, stop by the Visitor's Center. It's a neat spot.

Then it was on to the Grand Canyon. We tried to check in to our lodge but they weren't ready (it was a couple of hours early). So we checked out Bright Angel Point and the Lodge for a little while until we could check in. The cabin was a very rustic little log cabin, with beds and all of the furniture made of logs.

After checking in, Ray and Nate checked out the local saloon and had a quick beer while Melissa, Darlene, and Mathea checked out the gift ship. Dinner was at the Lodge, which features a large set of windows with a fantastic view of the Canyon, and really good (if expensive) food.

Bright Angel Point and the Lodge

North Rim North Rim North Rim
North Rim North Rim North Rim
North Rim North Rim North Rim
North Rim North Rim North Rim


After dinner, we drove out to Point Imperial for a different view of the Canyon area, then went back to the cabin. As the sun began to set, Nate and Mathea set out for a rim trail adventure that had them out after dark. Then it was time for bed for everyone.

Point Imperial

Point Imperial Point Imperial Point Imperial
Point Imperial Point Imperial Point Imperial


Sunset on the Rim

North Rim Sunset North Rim Sunset North Rim Sunset
North Rim Sunset North Rim Sunset North Rim Sunset



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