RE: Grand Canyon II

[Wayfarer]

 
So as not to take away from Turn Key s thread, I ll call this one Grand Canyon II[/b].  We plan to make a trip to Grand Canyon in September or October (best?) in our Rockwood hybrid and need a little help.  I have the tourist package from Arizona but it doesn t really give me much help other than the map.  Their descriptions, or lack thereof, of the state parks tell almost nothing other than the general location.  Most of the info seems to have to do with the commercial stuff in the cities, nightclubs, restaurants, golf courses, etc., and little of help to campers.  From what I can gather from the map the Grand Canyon runs all over the place, but what I can t figure out is exactly where to go to see the really beautiful scenery as in the brochures, etc.  And, where might I expect to find a decent campground, state, national, or otherwise?
 
 Looking at the map I see the place called " North Rim"  which seems to be at the south end of highway 67 and then " Grand Canyon"  at the north end of highway 180.  Are these in the general area of where we need to go for the best views of the canyon?  Since Mickey and I are both 1933 models we ll not likely be doing all that much hiking but mostly looking and just enjoying what s there to see.  Would like a campground somewhere near with W/E/S but will take what we can get to be within no more than 1 to 1-1/2 hours driving distance, less if possible.  From central Texas we ll likely come/go on interstates 10/40 and make brief stops (overnighters) for rest, sightseeing, whatever, along the way.  
 
 Any suggestions, warnings, precautions, etc.
 
 Thanks

[AustinBoston]

 Wayfarer

ORIGINAL:  Wayfarer
 
 So as not to take away from Turn Key s thread, I ll call this one Grand Canyon II[/b].  We plan to make a trip to Grand Canyon in September or October (best?) in our Rockwood hybrid and need a little help.  I have the tourist package from Arizona but it doesn t really give me much help other than the map.  Their descriptions, or lack thereof, of the state parks tell almost nothing other than the general location.  Most of the info seems to have to do with the commercial stuff in the cities, nightclubs, restaurants, golf courses, etc., and little of help to campers.  From what I can gather from the map the Grand Canyon runs all over the place, but what I can t figure out is exactly where to go to see the really beautiful scenery as in the brochures, etc.

 [Link=http://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm]Grand Canyon National Park[/link] is the official National Park Service site for the Grand Canyon.  That will give you a ton of info, and the Maps link will let you download PDF versions of the park map.  During much of the year (check the web site for details), large sections of the south rim are closed to private vehicles.  There is an excellent shuttle bus system (no charge) that will take you to most of the scenic points.  The rest you can drive to.
 
 

And, where might I expect to find a decent campground, state, national, or otherwise?

 Trailer Village is an RV campground with full hookups run by a private consessionare just a few miles from the South Rim.  The only problem with Trailer Village is that it has no showers, so if you re not equpped with a shower, you will have to use the ones at Mather Campground.  If you plan on staying at Trailer Village, make reservations ASAP.
 
 We stayed at a campground in Jacob Lake when we were on the North Rim.  I spent about 20 minutes searching for a web site, but haven t found it.  It s about an hour s drive from the North Rim Vistior s Center, and had W/E hookups.
 
 BTW, I ve seen a lot of National Park signs, and the relief sign at the North Rim Visitor s Center is the most unique and beautiful of any in the NPS.
 
 

Looking at the map I see the place called " North Rim"  which seems to be at the south end of highway 67 and then " Grand Canyon"  at the north end of highway 180.  Are these in the general area of where we need to go for the best views of the canyon?

 Yes, these are the places you want to go.  Be advised, though, it is over 250 miles drive from the South Rim to the North Rim (and vice versa).  I thought it was worth the drive, but more than 90% of the people who visit the canyon don t make the trip.  The fastest route is US 180 east to Cameron and US 89 North.  Take that to US Alt 89 at Bitter Springs.  US Alt 89 crosses the Colorado at Marble Canyon, the first place with a bridge.  Then follow US Alt 89 to Jacob Lake, and from there take Route 67 south to the North Rim.  
 
 Driving north on US 89 from Cameron was interesting.  On the east side are cliffs and on the west side are hills that almost nmake you feel like you are in the canyon.  It is deceptive though, becasue the cliffs are many miles away.  Most of the road is on Apache reservation land and there are occasional Apache trading posts.  We found it very windy along that drive.
 
 Be aware that US Alt 89 approaching Jacob Lake follows some steep terrain with many switchbacks.  You will need a powerful tow vehicle on the way up to Jacob Lake and good brakes on the way back out.  This is true whether you approach Jacob Lake from the east or the west.
 
 

Since Mickey and I are both 1933 models we ll not likely be doing all that much hiking but mostly looking and just enjoying what s there to see.

 Most sites on both the North Rim and South Rim require some walking, but it is usually less than 1/4 mile on relatively flat, paved or packed gravel walkways.  If you are not into strenouous hikes, then don t even start down any of the trails into the canyon.  If you do start down, remember that it will take 3-4 times the effort and 3-4 times as long to come out as going in.
 
 

Would like a campground somewhere near with W/E/S but will take what we can get to be within no more than 1 to 1-1/2 hours driving distance, less if possible.  From central Texas we ll likely come/go on interstates 10/40 and make brief stops (overnighters) for rest, sightseeing, whatever, along the way.  
 
 Any suggestions, warnings, precautions, etc.
 
 Thanks
 

 Have fun, take your time, get up early to watch at least one sunrise.  Be quiet when waiting for the sunrise.  Everyone else will, too.
 
 Austin

[Kelly]

 AustinBoston

 

ORIGINAL:  AustinBoston
 
 We stayed at a campground in Jacob Lake when we were on the North Rim.  I spent about 20 minutes searching for a web site, but haven t found it.  It s about an hour s drive from the North Rim Vistior s Center, and had W/E hookups.

 
 [link=http://www.canyoneers.com/pages/lodging2.html][font=" comic sans ms" ]Kaibab CampeRVillage[/font][/link]   [font=" comic sans ms" ]That s where we are staying when we go to the North Rim in August.  They even have showers!!  (coin-operated, but showers!!)
 
 Chuck ~ I am so glad this trip is coming together for you!  [] [/font]

[Redwolf]

 Wayfarer
If you re staying at Grand Canyon Nat. Park, make your reservations now!  (www.nps.gov).   We ll be at North Rim campground, in one of the  prime  spots with a canyon view, the last weekend in Sept.   (We ll be the ones flying a Texas flag!)
 
 

[AustinBoston]

 Kelly

ORIGINAL:  Kelly
 

ORIGINAL:  AustinBoston
 We stayed at a campground in Jacob Lake when we were on the North Rim.  I spent about 20 minutes searching for a web site, but haven t found it.  It s about an hour s drive from the North Rim Vistior s Center, and had W/E hookups.

 
 [link=http://www.canyoneers.com/pages/lodging2.html][font=" comic sans ms" ]Kaibab CampeRVillage[/font][/link]   [font=" comic sans ms" ]That s where we are staying when we go to the North Rim in August.  They even have showers!!  (coin-operated, but showers!!)
 
 Chuck ~ I am so glad this trip is coming together for you!  [] [/font]
 

 That s it!  They have coin-operated showers, but it s $1.50 for 10 minutes.  The most expensive showers I ve ever seen.  Water up there is very scarce, and they often have to suplement their well by truck.
 
 Austin

[Wayfarer]

 Wayfarer
Thanks for the info, guys.  Will prove very helpful in planning our trip.

[stoichie]

 Redwolf
Most of the time you can get a campground at Mather (s. Rim) about a week before a trip.  However, north rim is a pain to get a site.  Kaibab RV village is okay, The sites are close together and somewhat level.  Oh, the little lake near the park (Jacob Lake) probably be dry.  We haven t had a good snow pack in years and have been really dry.  However, unlike most native arizonians, I have been to the South rim many times and the north rim once (8hrs from Phx.[: (]).  The north rim, however, is the one with the views that I would go back for.
 
 
 Oh, in Oct.  If you take I-10 into the state, we have a great state park on the north side of Tucson (Catalina SP).  It is nestled against the western flank of the Catalinas.  There are w/e sites and dry sites.  Free hot showers (annoying little timer button though).  There is a nice nature trail that is easy to take.  
 
 Much further north, in Cottonwood (about 17 miles W of I-17 on AZ 260) is Dead Horse Ranch SP).   It has a similar set up as Catalina, but without the timers.  The main campground is in a Mesquite Bosque and is lovely.  There is a fishing pond that is kept stocked with trout in the winter and several trails.  (You can take 89A north to Flag and see Sedona & Oak Creek Canyon along the way).
 
 Here is the state park website.http://www.pr.state.az.us/default.html