Where to even begin…..my first roadtrip with my best friend is one I am going to remember for the rest of my life. I first want to say thank you to The Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce, Buck Wild Hummer Tours, Yavapai Lodge, Rs-Stop for making my first mini-road trip absolutely stellar.
I am so glad I decided to listen to my heart and go on this trip. I got to experience the oh so GRAND CANYON with my soulmate best friend for etereity and really learn some wonderful history about one of the seven wonders of the world.
We also had incredible private tour in an actual army hummer with an amazing tour guide Kelly, who showed us more than just the touristy spots. Scroll down to see my recap video!
She also gave us some of her own personal favorite local spots. Even though we were only there for two days, Lindsay & I crammed as much as we could. Having the lifestyle we have its not always easy to get time off of work. But working without living life is a not a life I want to live anymore. So when I got the opportunity to go to The Grand Canyon, I 100% said yes. I have a ton of photos & videos…I hope you enjoy them. I also really tried to just take in the beauty of this Canyon that is breathtakingly beautiful in every way.
#GoGrand2019
Day 1 – Sunday
We left around 9am from LA/Orange County area it took us about 6.5/7 hrs. and that’s including a few stops along the way. The drive was smooth, easy, and no traffic!
A few things I suggested for your Road Trip:
- Comfy shoes & clothes
- A good music playlist
- Phone chargers
- Snacks & Water
- Sunglasses
- Flashlight
- Blankets
If you’re looking for road trip music suggestions here are a few of my favs:
- Ben Leftwhich
- M83
- Bon Iver
- Sigur Ros
- Lany
- The 1975
- John Mayer
- Joan
We stopped to get Gas & Lunch in Needles, Ca. And then a really quick stop to switch seats and snap a few photos of course.
TUSYAN, ARIZONA – Grand Canyon Village
Our first stop…
If you are headed to The Grand Canyon (South Rim) check out The Hidden Secrets movie in IMAX. We had to get some history first before exploring the great Grand the following day. The theatre is surprisingly big, with a concession stand, they also have a great gift shop where Lindsay & I tried for the first time, Prickly Pear licorice. We loved it, I actually liked the flavor better than regular red vines.
After the movie we decided to check into our lodge, which was located inside of the park! YAVAPAI LODGE was the perfect spot, we got to wake up to the beautiful park and just your casual Mule Deer walking next to you. The lodge is DOG-FRIENDLY!! Inside your room you have a TV, Desk, Fridge, and Hairdryer. The lobby area you do have to drive to from your lodge but its only 3 mins away. The lobby area has a giftshop, Restaurant, and bar area. Wifi is the strongest in the lobby. To get to the village its only a 15 minute drive.
Our final stop for the evening was Maswik Lodge where we ate at their Pizza Pub. Then we headed back to our lodge to rest up for the Grand!
DAY 2 – THE GRAND
BEST TOUR COMPANY GOES TO….. Buck Wild Hummer Tours
A big thank you to our tour guide Kelly for making our trip even that much more amazing. Your knowledge of the canyon and fun facts makes me want to go back again really soon! Check out our photos!
“DUCK ON A ROCK” – FUN SPOT
PIPE CREEK VISTA
MATHER POINT
HOPI HOUSE
RP’S STAGE STOP – Lunch & Coffee (Grand Canyon Village)
DESERT VIEW WATCHTOWER
Take the 35-40 minute drive to the Watchtower. So worth it. They have restrooms, food & drinks. The drive to Desert View I will remember forever. Lindsay & I had so hysterical moments, reminiscing about life, it was just awesome.
We wanted to catch the sunset so we drove back to Hopi Point
Soo worth it…this is with no filter!
That night we had a lovely dinner at El Tovar! I highly recommend this spot if you are looking for a night to dress up and have nice dinner. MAKE RESERVATIONS AHEAD OF TIME!
Made a recap video!! Check it out!
Well there you have it! A spontaneous trip that was soo worth it. I can’t wait go back.
Oh! One last thing! If you love music The Grand Canyon is having their Music Festival https://grandcanyonmusicfest.org/about/history/
2019 Centennial Poster of artist Ed Mell’s stunning new Grand Canyon Painting, “Storm Entering the Canyon”
Grand Canyon Music Festival
Grand Canyon National Park Centennial Celebrations;
On June 22, 2019 the Grand Canyon Music Festival kicks-off Grand Canyon National Park Centennial Celebrations with a sunset performance of Brent Michael Davids’s “Guardians of the Grand Canyon,” performed by the Havasupai Guardians of the Canyon and flutists Brent Michael Davids (on crystal flute), Clare Hoffman (on European flute), traditional Native cedar flute, clay flute, and two percussionists, followed by the annual Star Party with the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association when amateur astronomers from across the country offer free nightly astronomy programs and telescope viewing. Location: South Rim Visitor Center
Grand Canyon Music Festival continues its Grand Canyon National Park Centennial Celebrations during our annual late summer series.
Location: Shrine of the Ages, South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park
August 23 and 24, 2019 with the Catalyst String Quartet at 7:30
http://catalystquartet.com/
August 30 and 31, 2019 with the Bonfiglio Group, Jazz, Blues and More with Joe Deninzon and Steve Benson at 7:30
http://www.robertbonfiglio.com/
https://joedeninzon.com/
September 1, 2019 The Award-Winning Native American Composer Apprentice Project at 5:00
https://grandcanyonmusicfest.org/education-nacap-sor/
https://performancetoday.atavist.com/voices-that-need-to-be-heard
September 6 and 7, 2019 The Manhattan Chamber Players at 7:30
http://manhattanchamberplayers.com/
Let’s all #livelifenow
