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This essay and pictures are about West Rim.
There are 3 rims in Grand Canyon: West, South and North.
West Rim is the closest to Las Vegas, but the least attractive amongst all 3.
There are lots of tourists in South Rim. Driving time is about three and a half hours from Las Vegas. Views are spectacular.
North Rim is the most remote: driving time from Vegas is about 8 hours. North Rim is the paradise for camping.
The best route for a self drive tour from Vegas is:
1. Get up early from Vegas. Start before 7.
2. Stop by Hover Dam.
3. Stop by to see Basalt rock - a kind of black deep seated volcanic rock, and the desert landscape.
4. Stop by the town of Williams for an early lunch - cheaper and have a break. Landscape changes from desert to coniferous forest, like that in Canada.
5. Browse the South Rim from west to east, i.e. from the visitors' centre to the Mushroom rock.
6. Drive further east along the Colorado River at sunset. Sun rays will light up the red desert like fire.
7. Before dark, you will reach the main highway. Go south and then west. Stop by Flagstone (?) for dinner.
8. Drive in the dark to return to Vegas. The drive is safe; there is almost no traffic, except yours.
9. Return to Vegas before 10.
Going to North Rim requires over night camping, so it is not for everyone.
Alternative is via Arizona. Stop by the town of Sedona, Arizona to browse the Red Rock Canyon, e.g. Bell Rock and the local native culture. The drive from Sedona to the South Rim is like two and a half hours. |
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