Half a day. That’s how much time we had to explore Grand Canyon National Park. Of course, more time would have been ideal, but in those short few hours were were able to venture down into the canyon on an easy hiking trail as well as see the first light of day spread over the canyon. With minimal time in the park, we started very early to see the sunrise at Mather Point. If you intend to visit the Grand Canyon for sunrise, plan ahead. We arrived 40 minutes before scheduled first light and there was already a crowd forming. We stayed until the sun broke over the horizon and then drove back to our hotel (just 10 minutes away) for breakfast before heading back to the park to do some hiking.
Hike to Ooh, Aah Point at Grand Canyon National Park
Our second trip into the park of the day started with a short ride on the orange shuttle bus to the South Kaibab Trailhead. We hiked the South Kaibab Trail for one mile down into the canyon to Ooh, Aah Point. The trail starts with a series about a half dozen switchbacks. Given that a dusting of snow came through the day before, the trail was a bit icy and wet. After the switchbacks, the trail becomes more level with a gradual decline into the canyon. The views at Ooh, Aah are stunning. Perched on the rocks over-looking the canyon, you get a real sense of the size and depth of the majesty the Colorado River has carved.
Hiking back from Ooh, Aah Point is all uphill. It took a bit longer to hike out than hike in. After our hike, we took the orange shuttle back to the visitor center and then boarded the blue shuttle bus to Bright Angel Lodge. Here we had lunch, explored the gift shop and did some more canyon gawking. Our time at Grand Canyon National Park was ending as we made our way back to the car. Time to start another adventure.
Side Trip: Valley of the Fire State Park, Nevada
After visiting the national park, we made our way to Las Vegas, stopping for a hike break at Valley of the Fire State Park in Nevada. The bright red Aztec sandstone, swirled with the tan and greenish limestone at Fire Wave as absolutely worth the 1.5 mile round trip hike. We opted to do an out and back hike. Hikers can choose to lengthen the trip by continuing on the Seven Wonders Trail. Our pit stop at Valley of the Fire State Park was one of the best decisions of our trip.
If you’re looking for more adventures near Grand Canyon National Park, see our posts on Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon as well as stops in Sedona like Seven Sacred Pools and Cathedral Rock.
Happy Adventuring, Rochelle