Being one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, Grand Canyon has been in our bucket list for a long time. Since we were already so close to Arizona, we decided to visit this 227-miles long, up to 18-miles wide and over 1-mile deep canyon. It was awe-inspiring to witness 2 billion years of the Earth's geological history, represented as neat layers of the canyon in this nature park.
There are a couple of choices for visitors - South Rim, West Rim, North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon and Horse Shoe Bend. While my first choice was Horse Shoe Bend, it would require at least 2 days to visit this mesmerizing natural wonder from Las Vegas. Day tours only depart from Flagstaff or Page city (Arizona).
Back in 2014, I didn't have my driving licence either and hated for Mister to be the only one driving on such a long journey, along quite a deserted highway. Thus, we forgone driving and just picked a day tour from Las Vegas. If you want to spend your time sightseeing instead of wasting time on bus, as well as to save money, I think South Rim tour is your best bet.
We booked a day tour for USD $80 each, through www.grandtourslv.com . (I just checked the website again for new rates and the same tour costs USD $89 now. Oops) If price is not an issue, you can consider this 2-day private tour to Antelope Canyon and Horse Shoe Bend.
https://www.bindlestifftours.com/package/antelope-canyon-horseshoe-bend-and-lake-powell/
Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge, located approximately 900 feet above the Colorado River
Tour buses are only allowed to cross the bridge, not stop. Limited parking is available to visitors who join either USD $11 Power Plant Tour or USD $30 Dam Tour.
Although agreed pick-up time was 6:10 am, the mini bus reached our hotel at 6:40 am since ours was the last hotel. We finalized our tour registration and payment at the bus terminal, then boarded our bigger tour bus of the day for 7:30 am departure.
After a 45 min drive, we reached our first stop - Hoover Dam. Constructed between 1931 & 1936, this dam was built to control flooding and provide water during drier months to both the states of Nevada and Arizona. With 17 generators, hydro-electricity produced in this facility was distributed all the way to California even.
Our tour leader mentioned that this was one of the very few projects which was completed ahead of schedule and well under budget. Hoover Dam is the highest concrete dam in the Western Hemisphere, at more than 725 feet above the Colorado River. Given its remote location and harsh working conditions during its construction phase, this historic national landmark is deserving of its distinction as Top 10 Construction Achievements of the 20th Century.
With close-up view of the 30-feet pipe where Colorado River rumbles down, a stop at the observation deck with panoramic views of the Colorado River and the Lake Mead (the country's largest man-made reservoir) and intimate experience of the power plant as well as dam facilities, the tours sure sound interesting. Next time, Hoover Dam, Next time!
Given 30 minutes to explore, it wasn't enough to join the tours but more than sufficient for taking a few photos.
Classic Road Trip
We then continued on our journey with 1 toilet break at Kingman, Arizona. At noon, we stopped for 1 hour lunch break at a buffet restaurant near the national park. Great variety of food with amazing taste. The only issue was that you gotta move fast to the buffet counter as many tour buses stop here for lunch. Clean bathrooms and a small souvenir shop are a bonus.
Old trains of the Grand Canyon Railway, just outside the restaurant
"Since 1901, the Grand Canyon Railway has been taking people on a fabled journey into the heart of one of the seven natural wonders of the world. For those fortunate to have traveled on this iconic train, the Grand Canyon Railway is more than just a mode of transportation: It’s a trip back in time to what many consider the most awe-inspiring place on Earth."
- www.thetrain.com
From 1:10pm to 5:40pm, we were given 4 and a half hours to explore the Grand Canyon National Park. The park was breathtaking and you can see for yourself from below photos. I am not even a professional photographer in any capacity and yet, I love these photos.
We got some Native American souvenirs like dream-catchers from Hopi House, built in 1904.
The sun set beautifully as we reluctantly said goodbye to the Grand Canyon.
With 1 toilet break, we reached back at brightly-lit Las Vegas after 5 hours drive. We tipped 10 bucks each to our driver / tour leader as he was really great, friendly and informative.
At 10:30 pm on a Saturday night, Las Vegas main Strip was a beehive of activity. We stopped to take in the volcano show at the Mirage.
Our next stop was Caesar's
Caesar's was gigantic and we had to walk quite a while before we finally reached our destination - Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill .
You know how I am not a big fan of the Western food? But THIS is an exception. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G food! I finished everything, not just fries. And truffle aioli was simply heavenly. Customer service was absolutely incredible that we left quite a generous tip for the guy.
Look at that thick patty!
Our kind waiter got Scott Commings (winner of Season 12 Hell's Kitchen and currently Head Chef at the Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill) to meet us!!!
With fantastic British pub ambiance, incredible service, and heavenly food, Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill is highly recommended when you are in Las Vegas.
Adios!
xoxo
Miss N
No comments:
Post a Comment