12/11/08 – 12/12/08

We arrived at Mather Point in Grand Canyon National Park just in time to see the sunset and all the colors it produced in the sky and the landscape.

The weather was chilly and the temperature was dropping quickly as the sun went down so we quickly chose a campsite in the only open winter loop in Mather Campground.  The nighttime low was 23 degrees with a clear sky and nearly full moon, but the clouds rolled in before sunrise and we woke to a brisk 42 degree morning.  Jessica happened upon a 12 point buck and several other deer resting in the grass on her morning walk as it was fairly quiet around the campground.  This is certainly different than it must be in the summer as this is a very developed park and one of the most visited national parks in the U.S.

The park operates a bit differently in the winter, with some concessions shut down, but this worked in our favor as we were able to drive on Hermit’s Rest Route to Hermit’s Trail, a road normally only open to shuttle busses.  We stopped at several vista points along the way – and I quickly changed into warmer clothing!

After bundling up, we hiked down part of Hermit’s Trail, a steep but rewarding descent and climb back up to the top.

Stopping back at the visitor’s center to get some postcards, we were again stunned at the size of the displays, walkways, restrooms and general development in the park.  We were very glad to be visiting at a time when there were few crowds and traffic!  Not wanting to go back the same way we came, and also not ready to leave the park, we decided to leave via the eastern entrance of the park, along Desert View Drive.  This drive provided the most spectacular views we encountered along the rim, especially at Lipan and Navajo Points, and is not to be missed if you are visiting this enchanting park.