USA Road Trip | The Grand Canyon and Beyond.

After two fun packed days of feeling as if we were in an old Wild West movie, we metaphorically took off our cowboy boots and dusted ourselves down and headed off for a day of Canyons. The supporting act of Canyons being Antelope Canyon with the main act no other than the Grand Canyon and Grand it every way possible it was. So first rather heavy heartedly we left The View and drove back into Page, just a couple of hours drive away. We booked our tour through Antelope Slot Canyon Tours before we left the UK, which I recommend you do. These things are run with military precision, to the exact time you leave, when you move in the canyon, to even slightly prescribing what pictures to take, of course we just ignored the latter. Our guide was really lovely and very informed but it really was a consistent time check as she had to negotiate the other rather angry slightly self righteous tour guides. I have to say this is the most touristy activity we did in the whole of our trip and it did take the shine off a little, so if you do go just be prepared for it being very school trip! However, not to keep it negative it was really incredible to see, we were also there at the time the sunbeams shot down through the canyon, which was pretty incredible. The swirling colours of pink, red and blue on the smooth sandstone walls all created by the elements over years and years, almost felt more alien and space like than Mother Nature herself. Despite my reservations of the hundreds of tourists (which I’m aware I am one) and the grumpy tour guides, I would still utterly recommend going to Antelope Canyon -awe -inspiring !

Driving South from Page headed to The Grand Canyon the roads and the landscape dramatically changed, from dusty red deserts with rocky points to the trees and shrubs of the green woodland and snow capped mountains. The higher we drove on the winding roads, into the Spruce trees, and spotting the Elks on the side, highlighted the vast, and such diverse landscape of the United States of America. Such a difference in under a three hour drive, with the only familiarity being the jet blue sky….Once again Mother Nature is awe-inspiring!

After hearing people’s opinions on The Grand Canyon as far too touristy, I was a little sceptical, but I didn’t feel this at all. I was blown away by the huge, mystical crater. Yes it was busy, yes it is completely set up for tourism but we took a gorgeous (albeit accidental) nine mile walk about 3pm around the South Rim, and it felt like it was just us and the Canyon for those hours leading up to the sunsetting, walking and talking, almost forgetting where we were until we looked out over the perfect flat lined horizon, and taking in the millions of years of Geological History – mind blowing! Each look was as breathtaking as the first! As the sky turned to pink the light on the canyon warmed the soul. Most were looking back to watch the sunset, but for me the full glory and at that time was a look in opposition, away from the sunsetting, so very special, with the spectacular light bouncing and glistening over the majestic Grand Canyon…..happy, happy memories!