Today I’m continuing to share about desert trip. If you missed the first few posts, check those out too (Day 0, Day 1, Day 2) And by the way, I have shared many of the latitude and longitude coordinates with links directly to that location on Google maps for anyone curious where each photo was taken.
Highlights of this day include:
Grand Canyon – Historic Route 66 – Hoover Dam – Vegas!
Day 3 we woke up early and got showers and packed. We headed over to the market and grabbed some breakfast. This was the quickest way to sustenance so we could see as much of the Grand Canyon before it got later and more crowded. We had decided to drive the South Rim, Desert View Drive, which is a 23 mile section and the only part of the park that you can drive yourself. Lots of pull outs where you can stop.
Kaibab Greenway, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023 (36°2’52.73″ N 112°5’38.76″ W)
36°2’52.81″ N 112°5’38.82″ W
Duck on a rock (36°0’51.54″ N 112°3’56.29″ W)
I couldn’t believe all the snow that was still left. This was in April.
Rob snapped this of me at Thor’s Hammer (35°59’40.69″ N 112°1’37.04″ W )
Grand View Point (35°59’54.53″ N 111°59’15.86″ W)
35°59’54.59″ N 111°59’16.27″ W
Moran Point 36°0’18.88″ N 111°55’27.43″ W
Navajo Point 36°2’18.62″ N 111°50’13.66″ W – Highest vista on the South Rim
Desert View Tower
We were bummed to see this sign when we went inside.
Reflectoscopes
Lipan Point – So very windy at this stop 36°1’57.66″ N 111°51’12.44″ W
You get a great view of the Colorado River here.
36°1’58.782″ N 111°51’12.03″ W
Mather’s Point was quite crowded by the time we made our way back. After thinking about it, since that’s one of the closest view spots to other things we should have gone there first.
From there we walked around Yavapi Geology Museum and got our National Parks Passport stamp. Then, we decided to go ahead and make our way toward Vegas.
We saw mule deer both days in the same spot near the entrance.
We stopped at the Foodie Club at (400 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ 86023) for lunch. I had the Southwest Salad and Rob had the Cheesesteak.
We drove through Williams on I40 and then cut over to Old Historic Route 66 and made a quick stop in Seligman at the Snow Cap. Although, it was closed the day we were there, we still walked around and took pictures of this eclectic collection of ‘decorations’ that surround the drive-in.
There are some other interesting shops on that section of Route 66 as well including Route 66 Road Relics and Angel & Vilma Delgadillo’s Original Route 66 Gift Shop. (35°19’34.51″ N 112°52’24.2″ W)
We took this at the Route 66 Road Relic (35°19’34.44″ N 112°52’23.82″ W) – Our niece had really wanted us to go to a Vegas chapel and renew our vows with Elvis. This was the next best thing. haha!
Angel & Vilma Delgadillo’s Original Route 66 Gift Shop
The landscape continued to change and this area at Lake Meade Scenic View had such dark mountains we had to stop for a picture. Although as will most of these pictures, they don’t do it justice. (35°52’54.6″ N 114°36’54.65″ W)
We entered Nevada, which is right near Hoover Dam. 36°0’51.57″ N 114°44’41.27″ W
Our next stop was Hoover Dam.
We got there right at the end of the work day, but were still able to walk around. Highly recommend walking at least part of the Bridge for great views of the dam.
You can also walked along on the top of the dam.
After maybe an hour or so at Hoover Dam, we continued on.
“Last Stop to Vegas” but not really… (35°43’9.4″ N 114°29’5.56″ W)
We got to Vegas and decided to grab dinner before entering the strip where our hotel was. We had a recommendation ot go to Sickie’s Garage Burgers and Brews.
I got the Peanut Butter and Jalapeno Burger with steamed veggies. Rob got the Flat Tire with Bacon and waffle fries. Service was so bad they ended up giving us a free dessert and I chose the Peanut Butter Cup shake.
We stayed at the Palazzo and it was the nicest room we’ve ever stayed at. So luxurious and BIG!
After getting checked in, we decided to walk down the strip and check it out.
We saw the volcanic eruption in front of the Mirage, the fountain show (twice) in front of the Bellagio, walked through the conservatory in the Bellagio, and just took in all the lights, sights, and sounds of Vegas.
The Mirage
Volcanic eruptions at the Mirage
The ceiling inside the Bellagio is eye catching for sure!
Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Bellagio Fountain shows
So many lights!
One thing we affirmed quickly that friends had warned us about is that walking the strip seems not that long, but when sometime looks like its ‘just right there’, it’s so much further!! You walk and walk and walk while on the strip. Needless to say when we finally got back to our room, we were dead!
Another great day exploring!
More pics from this day>>> Day 3 Desert Trip
Wow, that hotel room was incredible! Y’all packed a lot into this day!
Have so enjoyed this series. Your photos rival any I have ever seen of the Grand Canyon. Absolutely gorgeous. Love that you are color coordinated in rose and green with the colors in the Canyon backdrop. How was the peanut butter and jalapeno burger? Two winning flavors in my book. Sorry the service was so bad. What a hotel room!! You were well pampered.
You photos of the grand canyon are amazing!! We’ve been to Vegas a time or two (and out to the hoover Dam on a tour before) and I agree both with your “you have to walk the Hoover dam bridge to really get the size and scope of it all and yes that optical illusion in Vegas of it’s just right there can be a killer.” The Bellagio with it’s flowers and Chihuly sculptures still remains my favorite; though I do love scoping out all the hotels and their theming.