The Grand Canyon, South Rim
It’s approximately 40,000 steps to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back up to the top. Add in a quick side trip up Cathedral Rock in Sedona Arizona, and you have yourself the ultimate adventure vacation!
Have you ever been to the Grand Canyon before???
Oh, and throw in a little snow, and now you’re really on to something fun!
The Grand Canyon, South Kaibab Trail, covered in snow.
I’m excited to share my Grand Canyon/Sedona adventure trip with you, because it was just so fun, and also because I really want you to take a trip there one day too.
Really~I do!
Need more convincing???
Just check out the details of my adventure below, then let me know when you’re planning to go! I may just jump in to your backpack and tag along 🙂
The Ultimate Grand Canyon/Sedona Adventure
Day 1: San Diego to Sedona
Ready to hit the road with my friend & neighbor Vinita. Just like Thelma & Louise!
After a 7 1/2 hour drive we checked in to our over night digs at the Sedona Rouge Spa & Hotel {which we snagged for a great last minute price through Priceline}, then headed straight for dinner at Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen, where I definitely hit the gluten-free jacketpot. V and I shared a Kale Caesar Salad and a veggie loaded gluten-free pizza. Absolutely delish!
Day 2: Sedona to The Grand Canyon {South Rim}
The next morning started off with a short, but steep, hike up Cathedral Rock, where the views were incredible and we met a couple of the Sedona locals. Great way to start the day!
Our new friends, Werner {left} and Buddy {right}. What an inspiration to meet Werner, a transplant from LA to Sedona, who I guessed to be in his early 70’s. He led us to the top of Cathedral Rock {which he hikes every morning!} for some views only known to the locals. On the way back down he introduced us to his buddy, Buddy 🙂 We spent the rest of the late morning/early afternoon shopping in downtown Sedona where everyone was super friendly. Must get back here soon, for more hiking, shopping, and to hit the spa!!
After a 3 hour drive, we arrived at the south rim of The Grand Canyon, and got our first peek in to one of The Seven Natural Wonders of The World. Neither words, nor photos can not do me justice here. Just trust me-if you’ve never been to The Grand Canyon, you must go.
After our first viewing, we spent a little time at the South Rim visitor center, then checked in to the Masiwik Lodge for the evening, where we met up with the rest of our friends {9 of us in total}. Then, we ventured over to the historic El Tovar hotel for a delicious pre-hike dinner and wine~the perfect way to end the evening!
Day 3: Top of The Grand Canyon to the bottom of The Grand Canyon {Phantom Lodge}
The next morning we were greeted by snow~lots of snow!!
After breakfast at Masiwik Lodge {where I picked up some Udi’s gluten-free goodies for the hike down}, we took a shuttle bus to the South Kaibab trailhead to begin our descent down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
Smile Friends!!!
As we hiked further down in to the Grand Canyon, the snow started disappearing, and turned in to mud!
Oh, and it got really windy! Check out the trash bag cover for my backpack blowing in the wind. At one point, I seriously thought I was going to blow over the side to the bottom of The Grand Canyon!!
This view seriously made up for all the wind, rain, mud, and snow!
And, then we made it to the bottom!!!
Just another ~1/5 miles to our overnight lodgings at Phantom Ranch…
It felt great to take off my hiking boots and change in to some sexy footwear!
We ended the day writing postcards {to be carried out by mule}, and eating a well-deserved dinner at the lodge. My steak dinner {guten-free} really hit the spot, plus there were beef chili and vegetarian chili options as well, although those are not gluten-free.
Day 4: Bottom of The Grand Canyon to the top of The Grand Canyon, and all the way back to San Diego.
The next morning, after a 5:30 am breakfast, we were ready to hit the Bright Angel Trail for our journey back to the top, in the dark!
Baby, it’s cold {and wet and muddy} outside!!
The chilly rain was totally worth it for these views of the golden hued cottonwood trees in bloom. Spectacular!
As we got up towards the top again, the snow returned, and the switchbacks appeared!
We made it to the top. Blue Skies. And, inside The Bright Angel Lodge,a roaring fire was waiting for us!
Then, the perfect ending to a perfect trip with 8 amazing ladies…I feasted on a big plate of french fries and a mug of hot cocoa at The Masiwik Lodge, before hopping in the car with V. and another friend for the 9 hour drive back home from The Grand Canyon to San Diego. You might imagine my own bed felt really good when I rolled in to it at midnight, but no such luck, as Big Tex was sleeping in bed with his Papa, so I ended my Grand Canyon Adventure back home on the couch 🙂
Interested in your own Grand Canyon adventure? Here are some resources to help you plan…
Trip details, resources and links for planning your own Grand Canyon/Sedona Adventure
Sedona
- Great Sedona Hikes Guide to Hiking in Sedona, including the Cathedral Rock hike V. and I did.
- Sedona Rouge Hotel and Spa
- Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen Delicious food, and an extensive gluten-free menu.
- The Grand Canyon National Park’s Foundation Guide
- The Grand Canyon National Park Service
- Grand Canyon Lodging and Dining includes links to Masiwik Lodge, Phantom Lodge, El Tovar, and other lodging and dining options.
- South Kaibab Trail, Grand Canyon Includes trail description, water availability, elevation changes, and distances for day hikes and to the bottom {note that it is 7 miles to the bottom of The Grand Canyon on the South Kaibab Trail, and another ~ 1 1/2 miles from The Bright Angel Campground to Phantom Ranch}.
- Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon Includes trail description, water availability, elevation changes, and distances for day hikes and to Phantom Ranch which is ~ 10 miles one way.
