Grand Canyon - South Rim

[SMS]

Planning a National Lampoon style family trip to the Grand Canyon. My preference is the quiet and secluded North Rim, but the rest of my family isn't down for that. We'll be doing the full blown, gaudy, South Rim experience.

Who's been? Best places to stay, day trips/hikes in the area? Side trips? Stay down in Williams-Flagstaff or get closer?

 

[SDarkRage]

Need to find out if the south rim construction has been completed. The main park of the south rim had been under work for awhile.

 

[SMS]

I believe that's been completed for awhile...

 

[Mr.Glock]

We stayed last time we went at The Grand Hotel 149 State Route 64, PO Box 3319, Tusayan, AZ 86023. First time we stayed close enough by that we went back to view the Canyon at sundown. It was worth it. I recommend you see it at sundown as well. Enjoy your trip.

 

[swoklagunner]

We stayed at the Grand Canyon Hotel in Williams, AZ. and took the train to the south rim. It limits your time there, but it's quite an experience. We had train robbers on the way back to the hotel.

 

[71buickfreak]

Definitely make sure you do the Meteor Crater, painted desert/petrified forest. The forest is about an hour outside of the Grand canyon I believe. Completely amazing, unlike anything you could imagine. They close early, so plan ahead.

A couple of years ago, we got caught in a sudden blizzard heading home. Went from 100 degrees to 30 in about 10 miles. Of course the there was a 7,000 foot elevation change as well....

 

[Old Fart]

Something everyyone should see in thier life.

 

[71buickfreak]

I've been twice. First time was cool, spent about half a day there with my parents and sisters on the way to vegas.

Second time was a couple of years ago with my kids. COMPLETELY different experience. One- they didn't have the fences when I went the first time. Second- despite the fences, I was scared shipless with my then 6 year old jumping around. I couldn't enjoy it. You would have to know this kid to understand. He was defeating every child-proofing method known to mankind at 2, picking locks at 3, scaling porch columns at 4, etc. Other than that, good times.

 

[SMS]

Our 8 year old is the same way...I'm not convinced he won't try to find a way to parachute to the bottom with a bed sheet.

 

[Infowar Rebel]

Secret bases there:

http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread329899/pg1