Goldenbackpacker.com

GRAND CANYON - STAY FOR LESS "$$"

THE GRAND CANYON (GC) in the US State of Arizona is one of the Natural Wonders of the World, its Landscape the “Icon'' of the USA. A National Park from 1919 its vast expanse & awesome depth presents ever changing panoramas of colour from sun rise to sun set - spring - summer - fall & winter. Flagstaff, 80 miles South is ideal for a start base to GC as it's the nearest Greyhound stop & also on the famous Route 66. Highway from “Chicago to LA, nearly 2000 miles all the way''

ACCOMMODATION

NO1 FLAGSTAFF - DU BEAU HOSTEL at 19 West Phoenix Avenue, Flagstaff Arizona 86001 (in the centre of town, a block from the main Railway track - toot toot!) tele toll free 1 800 398 7112 – www.dubeauhostel.com - $18 dorm cabins with tasty breakfast, sheets included. Ideal self-cater kitchens & eating room, front reception/lounge & large rear pool/relax area. Well managed Hostel, which also runs the nearby Grand Canyon Hostel, but this one is best with more room & a good social atmosphere.

NO1 SOUTH RIM GC - BRIGHT ANGEL LODGE in Grand Canyon Village unique Log Buildings (reception in adjacent linked building & looks over the South Rim) run by an organisation called Xanterra - tele for same day or near reservations, toll free 1 888 29 PARKS (297 2757) (GB booked previous day) – www.grandcanyonlodges.com - $53.26 for posh double room with showers/wc down corridor. Great location & well worth money even for one for the mega experience to stay over night on GC. Restaurant facilities are also in this main building & the Fred Harvey Museum with panorama Canyon windows.

RESERVE GC - Mather Campground, to the East of the GC Village (near the Market Plaza) tele 928 638 7888 – www.nps.gov - only $6 per night for “walk on” (i.e. without vehicle) back-packers with adequate tent & overnight equipment a pitch is guaranteed (but ring to make sure) GB inspected the site & selected Pitch 24 as the official GB GC Camp Site (it's near to the warm, shower/wc Building behind) Be warned however, GC nights get pretty cold so go prepared, but the chance to stay overnight is a must & possible!

FOOD in Flagstaff is to be found a pleasant 1 mile walk East along the famous Route 66 Highway to a Shopping Plaza & Albertsons Supermarket with all provisions, fresh & dry. On Canyon South Rim in Market Plaza is a large well provisioned DNC Supermarket with reasonably priced, not 'hiked'', food so you don't need to yourself extra stores before you arrive at GC (also sells & hires camping gear)

TRAVELLING AROUND GC is limited with out “King Car” but available, first to get to Flagstaff road or rail is on offer, road with the idol's or Greyhound from Los Angeles to Las Vegas & on to Flagstaff with a similar route by Train but Greyhound is best with great views of the “Wild West'' from your elevated seat. In Flagslaff open Road Tours provide a daily Mini Bus shuttle service, first to Williams then onto Canyon Village parking up at Maswik Lodge - times out 0830 arr. 1015 - back 1045 arr. 1230 - out 1500 are. 1645 – back 1745 arr. 1930, cost $60 (including $6 Park Entry Fee) On GC South Rim Shuttle Busses visit all the main locations & are FREE so getting around here is no problem, even to/from the Campsite.

FREE SIGHTS TO SEE

1. FLA - Rail Station & l Centre, frontier Station with mega long Amtrak trains “tooting'' by 24 hours a day & Southwest Chief
2. Public Library. Interesting section on local history when on 4 July 1876 some Boston backpackers stripped a pine tree?
3. Gopher Sounds Music store. Record/CD shop with all the old “Rock n Roll” classics, GB gets only Stones “Route 66”
4. GC - South Rim Trail, this great pathway gives amazing views from all the South Rim vantage points, morning, noon & night
5. Trail View Overlook GB No l viewing point looking down on the Bright Angel Trail & back to the South Rim, unique!
6. Mather Point, GB No2 out on a promontory with incredible views of the North Rim, Colorado River & Phantom Ranch
7. Karib trailhead & Yaki Point, GB No3 fantastic views & a great walk between these locations with Shuttle Bus back
8. Mule Corral, to visit around 08.30 when the days “dudes'' are being given instructions by the Mule Boss - hilarious!
9. Canyon View Info Centre, to find out all you need to know about the GC with interesting lectures throughout the day
10. Hopi Point sunset, the place to be & the Grand Finale to the GC day as the Sun goes, its special. splendid & unforgetful
11. Ranger Programs, from guided walks, geology introduction, flora & fauna information to history lessons are never dull!

CHARGE SIGHTS NOT T0 MISS

1. FLA - Lowell Observatory, for astronomic tours. night shows & stars viewings - where Planet Pluto was first spotted
2. GC - Air Tours, Fixed-wing or helicopter flights over the GC art available from GC Airport expensive but ???

* Ralph Cameron - Oscar - Dr Michael. Zack, Eric, Victoria &, Max, Ryan. Tyre (Mercury Monterey)