Avoiding The Crowds At The Grand Canyon

Above, a view of the Grand Canyon with the Desert View Watchtower in the distance. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last November, I pulled into Grand Canyon National Park mid-morning from the east after having breakfast in Cameron. I made several stops at lookouts along the way, including Desert View.

There were hardly any people around at that time. At Desert View, there were about 20 of us there.

Later, I drove into Grand Canyon Village area and that's when the crowds began to show up. There was still ample parking, but the crowds were beginning to gather around such places as Mather Point and the visitor center. I decided that it was time for me to hit the road.

Condé Nast Traveler has an article that provides great tips on avoiding the crowds at the Grand Canyon.

They begin with:

The UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most-trafficked national parks—but there is a method to avoiding the masses. 

The Grand Canyon is nearly 300 miles in circumference, but most visitors gather in a few spots. Go off the beaten path, though, and you’ll beat the crowds without sacrificing the experience. Here, the best time to visit the Grand Canyon—and how to avoid the crowds when you do.

To read more, go here.

Cameron Trading Post

Above, the Cameron Trading Post. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Before driving into Grand Canyon National Park last month, I stopped at the Cameron Trading Post for breakfast in Cameron, Arizona.

The Cameron Trading Post has always been one of my favorite stops while heading to or from Durango, Colorado from the Grand Canyon. It has a fine restaurant, a big gift shop, market, Indian art gallery and a motel.

According to Google:

Overlooking the Little Colorado River Gorge, this quaint motel, established in 1916, is a 30-minute drive from the South Rim entrance of Grand Canyon National Park.  

Quaint, basic rooms, decorated with Native American art, have handcrafted furniture, TVs with cable channels, balconies and free Wi-Fi. Suites add living areas and kitchenettes. 

Breakfast is served for a fee in an American-Mexican restaurant with a stone fireplace. There's a convenience store and a souvenir shop selling ethnic art. Other amenities include gardens with sandstone paths and fountains, designed and planted in the 1930s.

The Cameron Trading Post is a great place for a rest stop.

To access their website, go here.

Grand Canyon and "Beautiful Needles By The Sea"

Above, the Grand Canyon with the Colorado River flowing through. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This morning, I left the frigid Monument Valley (I enjoyed it anyway) for the equally frigid Grand Canyon National Park. It was also cold there with winds to go along with it.

I drove in through the east entrance after having breakfast at the Cameron Trading Post. That place has been in operation since 1916. They serve great breakfasts and they have a huge (or is it "yuge" these days?) gift shop with all kinds of Indian merchandise.

Thankfully, my golden age pass got me into the park for free. It saved me over $30.

I essentially drove around and stopped at different viewpoints along the canyon rim. I also stopped at the Visitor Center. I don't remember seeing it before, it must be fairly new. I haven't been to the Grand Canyon since 1992. At least I spent more time looking around the Grand Canyon than did Chevy Chase in National Lampoon's Vacation.

I was debating on whether to spend the night in nearby Williams or press ahead to Kingman. I decided on neither. Instead, I pressed on to "Beautiful Needles By The Sea" (rather, the Colorado River). I am at the KOA there. My KOA bonus points saved me $10, so the night is only costing me $21. Not too shabby! So, after 3 weeks, I am back in California!

Here's some more photos:

Above, the Watchtower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the shadows add a lot to this shot. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, The Beast at a viewpoint. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the "yuge" canyon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the South Rim Visitor Center. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the map in the Visitor Center tells where we're at. Nice to know! Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Watchtower from a viewpoint. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, The Beast at the Needles KOA. Back in California! Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Cameron Trading Post. Photo by Armand Vaquer.