If you are coming to Memphis, you can't miss a stay at the historic Peabody Memphis.
This is a repost from 2020.
This week we celebrated the life of the great civil rights leader, the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., and Richard and I had the chance to visit the Civil Rights District of Birmingham, Alabama. It’s a six-block area of downtown where several important events in the Civil Rights Movement of the 50’s and 60’s happened.There are several important landmarks all in this one district:
16th Street Baptist Church
According to the informational signs, this church is where students involved in the 1963 Children’s Campaign were trained and left in groups of 50 to march on City Hall. Four young African American girls were killed there and 22 churchgoers were injured in a bombing on September 15, 1963.
Kelly Ingram Park
This is the park where a lot of protests were held, and the Birmingham police often retaliated. I have seen pictures from 1963 of policemen spraying fire hoses on the young protesters and siccing police dogs on them. When the news covered these riots people’s opinions in our country started to change and turn against the segregationist policies. There are several sculptures in the park that depict scenes from these police riots. There is a marked path where marchers walked with signs marking different stations along the way.
Nearby is the Fourth Avenue Business District where many of the black businesses and entertainment areas were located. The Gaston Motel was a meeting place for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Carver Theater is now the home of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is a museum that educates people about the Civil Rights Movement. The building is divided into different galleries: Human Rights Gallery, Movement Gallery, Confrontation Gallery, and the Barriers Gallery. There is a fee to get in, but there is a lot to see.
Maybe you haven’t thought of visiting a historical site from the Civil Rights Era when vacationing, but you might find want to consider it when in Birmingham. In my opinion, this history is important for us to know about, and the Birmingham Civil Rights District is a great place to learn about it. What are your thoughts? I’d love for you to leave your comments below.
If you are looking for a fun stop near Zion National Park you definitely want to check out Silver Reef Museum in Leeds, Utah. You can read about visiting Zion National Park here. Located a short way off the Leeds exit from Highway I-15, the museum is housed in the original 19th century Wells Fargo & Company Express Building, one of a few that are not only still standing but also remain in use. Opened in 1877, the Wells Fargo building is on the National Register of Historic Buildings.
This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own though.
We enjoyed learning how the rarest and richest silver was discovered and mined. Our guide was an older gentleman, a local who wore western clothing (I think he was supposed to look like Sherrif Sam Elliot) and told a lot of interesting stories. Since he was from the area he spoke of his personal experiences. You can see him in the video below. He was very knowledgeable and quite passionate about the history of the area. He showed us examples of tools and machinery that was used and explained some of the challenges the people had to overcome back when the town was thriving.
The quality of life in what used to be called Bonanza Town was once thriving. The land value there was the highest in the country, and they had the richest silver producing mines to date in all of America. The silver was extracted from rare, unbelievable ore. The guide takes you through the mine and explains how the silver was extracted. This is the only place where silver was discovered in sandstone.
Inside the museum you feel like you are stepping into the past. There is an original safe from the 1800’s. There are artifacts and antiques from the true Wild West, showing all aspects of pioneer life in southern Utah. The museum is well-maintained and clean. There is also a great gift shop with cool things like jewelry and artwork – not cheesy tourist junk.
There used to be a real live (staged) shootout on the fourth Friday of the month, but this has been put on hold. There are walking trails outside. You can pick up a pamphlet in the museum and read about the numbered sites along the way. There is a mining machine yard right outside of the museum, and I could just imagine the place when it was full of life back in the day. There is no shade though, so if you plan to walk around a long time you will want to bring sunscreen and some water.
Admission was only $3, and you can easily spend two hours there. It is worth the stop when you are in the area. We enjoyed it!
Here are some resources that will help you plan your trip to Utah or anywhere else. If you click through my links you will be able to access the best and most current prices and deals. These are companies that I trust and I think will be the most helpful to you as you plan.
Book a Flight
If you are not within close driving distance to your destination you will need to book a flight. I don’t know if you have heard of this company yet, but with Skyscanner you can find cheap flights anywhere in the world. The website is super easy to use, and if you use my link above you will be able to compare flights and prices and have a seat booked without all the hassle of multiple website searches. Skyscanner is awesome!
Book a Room
Hotels.com has great deals on National Park lodging. They are very reliable. If you want to see tons of reviews on places to stay, TripAdvisor has over 150 million reviews and opinions of hotels, restaurants, attractions, and more by travelers like you and me.
Book a Car
You could go through individual rental car companies if you want, but if you check out TripAdvisor they have great comparisons. Also, if you book hotel and rental car together it is oftentimes cheaper.
Luggage
If you are needing new luggage for your trip check out some really awesome deals on good quality luggage at Chester Travels.
Travel Insurance
One of the worst things is to be out of town and have something bad happen. Accidents, unexpected mishaps, and other troubles can and do happen. But if you are prepared you can have peace of mind. That’s why getting travel insurance is a great idea. And it does not cost that much. Travel insurance can help you deal with theft, health issues, and other troubles. I recommend World Nomads. The people at World Nomads are passionate travelers themselves, so they know what can happen. The link above will take you to their very best deals.
Most of all, have fun!
Please leave a comment below. Have you been to Utah?
During our trip to the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park this summer we decided to make a quick stop at a quirky little tourist spot called Moqui Cave. Moqui Cave is actually three small rooms made into a natural history museum about life in southern Utah and houses all sorts of interesting things such as Native American artifacts, rocks and fossils, fluorescent minerals and rocks from around the world, and even a large display of dinosaur tracks! Thinking that it might be a cheesy tourist trap, we were surprised to find it quite fascinating.
Ancient Native American Artifacts
Also on display is a surprisingly large collection of pre-Columbian artifacts from Mexico and more than 1,000 arrowheads. The museum houses a collection of Native American artifacts found in Southern Utah and the surrounding areas. These remnants are from the ancient civilizations that inhabited the southwest around 1,200 years ago. There are centuries-old ceremonial pots, jugs, bowls, and working tools that provide some anthropological clues into the early lives of the Anasazi and Navajo Indians. There are Moqui artifacts, wood carvings, neon paintings, and even Steelers memorabilia. Not sure what the Steelers have to do with Indians though.
Dinosaur Tracks
Inside there are over 180 dinosaur tracks, most of which were found within a 10-15 mile radius of Moqui Cave. All have been classified by world-renowned Paleontologist, Jim Jenson.
Flourescent Minerals
200 feet inside the cave there is one of the largest fluorescent mineral displays in the United States. They have the display under an ultraviolet light, which makes the minerals glow in astonishingly bright colors.
History of Moqui Cave
We also learned of more recent history from the collection of records relating to the original United Order and the early day communal system proposed by the leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
The word Moqui is an ancient term, and is now commonly used to refer to the Hopi tribe of Native Americans that inhabited the region which now includes parts of Arizona and Utah.
Originally a Saloon
The late Garth and Laura Chamberlain purchased the cave in 1951 and turned it into Southern Utah’s first dance hall and bar. During the week, patrons could grab a bite to eat and something cool to drink at their fully functional bar, and people enjoyed a live band on Friday and Saturday nights. Evidently, many early western movie stars frequented the establishment, and lots of movies were filmed in and around the place.
A museum was always in the back of their minds, as Garth studied Geology, Archaeology, and Paleontology. The exhibits on display are his personal findings after years of his studies and collecting. Most of the dinosaur tracks and fossils were found in the surrounding area, and their fluorescent mineral displays is one of the largest in the U.S.
Gift Shop
Moqui Cave also has a gift/rock shop where visitors can purchase items such as Native American arts and crafts, rugs, pottery, and turquoise. The rock shop has a wide variety of fossils, rocks, and minerals found locally and throughout the world. Both the museum and the gift shop are open during the summer season from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday – Saturday.
Snack Shop
There was also a cool little eatery at the entrance with good looking food (we didn’t try any of the food, so I can’t tell you what it tasted like). You can sit outside at picnic tables in the shade and enjoy the weather.
Guided Tours
Owned and operated by the Chamberlain family for over 50 years, the late Lex Chamberlain currently served as a tour guide for the cave. He told stories and shared historical accounts designed to familiarize visitors with the experience of the inhabitants of southern Utah. His granddaughter runs it now, and as you can see from my video of her giving the tour she is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic.
Location & Admission Fee
Moqui Cave is located on scenic Highway 89, just 5.5 miles north of Kanab, and less than one mile from Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. There is a large parking area that can easily accommodate RVs or buses. At the time we went (July 2020) the admission fee was $7 per adult.
My husband and I recently visited Zion National Park and had an awesome time. Since I didn’t know much at all about this park before our trip, I thought I’d share some answers to commonly asked questions. Hopefully, this will help you in your planning if you ever decide to visit yourself.
Planning a trip now? Make sure to scroll down to the bottom for some easy steps and recommendations for planning your travel.
Where is Zion National Park?
This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission when you click the links at no additional cost to you. This helps pay for my blog.
Zion National Park is in the southwestern section of Utah on the very edge of the Colorado Plateau. The park is actually a large nature preserve known for Zion Canyon’s steep red cliffs. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive cuts through the park’s main section, leading to lots of winding forest trails along the Virgin River. If you have never been, it is worth adding to your must-see list.
Part of what makes Zion National Park so beautiful is the contrast of the lush, green high country, and the dry desert below. It is a part of the so-called “Grand Circle Tour”, a series of three spectacular national parks: Bryce Canyon National Park, the Grand Canyon, and Zion National Park. The tapestry of vast desert views, tree-covered valleys, and colorful canyons makes viewing this park a very unique experience. Eighty-four percent of Zion’s 124,000 acres of extraordinary landscapes are still preserved as untouched wilderness.
What is so special about Zion National Park?
Zion is Utah’s first national park. This is where you can walk along the same paths as ancient native people and pioneers traveled. The main highlight of Zion National Park is an enormous canyon. It is amazing to look up at massive red and pink sandstone cliffs all around you with a backdrop of a beautiful deep blue sky.
Averaging 2,000 feet deep, Zion Canyon offers lots of opportunities for hiking along its floor. One of the most famous hikes is in the 20 to 30-foot wide area known as The Narrows, where hikers have to walk in the water to pass through the “narrow” opening between two huge cliffs.
The Virgin River flows to what is called the Emerald Pools, which have small waterfalls and a pretty hanging garden. Other beautiful features of Zion include the many natural rock arches.
Filled with a plethora of geological works of art, soaring rock pinnacles, magnificent arches, and beautiful rainbow-colored rocks, Zion National Park is one of the best places in the world for sightseeing. The natural wonders of deep orange and red-colored sandstone formations, crystal-clear streams, and canyons will blow you away. There is even a canyon wall that is called the Weeping Canyon because the constant dripping water makes it look like it is crying.
Zion is known throughout the world as one of the best places for canyoneering, the extreme sport of descending slender canyons. Some of the most famous canyons in Zion include Subway, Zion Narrows, Mystery Canyon, Pine Creek, Orderville Canyon, and Keyhole Canyon. Needless to say, I did not participate in canyoneering. The uphill hikes were extreme enough for me.
Why is Zion Called Zion?
The first Anglo-European settlers, Mormon pioneers, arrived in this southwestern area of Utah in the late 1800s. They named the area Zion, which is ancient Hebrew for sanctuary or refuge. In 1918 Munkutuweap National Monument became Zion National Monument and in 1919 the name changed again to Zion National Park. Now you know.
When is the Best Time to Visit Zion?
We went in July, and it was ridiculously hot. Spring and fall might be better times to visit since the weather is more moderate during these seasons. April and May and September and October are usually warm and sunny with highs between 60 and 90 degrees on average. However, it can also get pretty cool and rainy at times during these months.
Zion National Park is open all year, but the majority of visitors come in summer and early fall. In spring (March-May), the spring thaw creates magnificent seasonal waterfalls in the main canyon, but some of the most popular attractions are closed due to the Virgin River’s spring runoff. From June on, all sections of the park should be open, but due to the summer tourist season, from mid-May to mid-September, you could end up in large crowds. Make sure you check the park website regularly for COVID-19 updates as well.
Many say that the best time to go to Zion National Park is the second half of September. The weather is still hot, the days are typically clear, and the rivers are warm. Also, the leaves begin to change some in September, creating some spectacular views. Early November is not bad either. In October and November, the temperatures are said to be the most pleasant, and if you are particularly lucky, you may even witness the first snow in Zion. That would be cool – literally!
Is it Free to Visit Zion National Park?
There is a fee of $35 per car to enter the park. This will buy you a pass for a week (7 consecutive days). Just keep it in the glove compartment of your car and show it to the person at the gate when you return. Note: parking is very limited, so arriving early is recommended. The park can get crowded.
How Does the Park Shuttle Work?
Driving through Zion National Park can be beautiful, but if it is your first time to visit you will probably get the most out of your trip by taking the free shuttle bus, which is located in the town of Springdale. During the tourist season, large sections of the park are closed off for private vehicles. The shuttle will take you on a Zion scenic drive up the main canyon, accompanied by an audio introduction pointing out what to see in Zion National Park.
There are actually two shuttle lines. In addition to the free shuttle bus outside of the park, the other one is inside the park. You have to purchase a ticket in advance from recreation.gov in order to ride this shuttle (because of COVID-19). It runs from the Visitor Center up the Scenic Drive to places like the Zion Lodge and to different trailheads, including Emerald Pools, Scout’s Lookout, and Temple of Sinawava where hikers depart for the Narrows. The shuttle makes multiple designated stops at trailheads and scenic viewpoints. You can get a Zion National Park Information Sheet from the Visitor Center and take it with you. Then you can get off the bus often to take in the scenery or hike. It is very convenient.
Make sure to check the park website for COVID-19 updates. When we went in July there was limited seating on the shuttles, and the tickets sold out fast. The tickets are for certain time periods only. The first day we did not arrive in time to catch our shuttle at the designated time, so we could only hike outside of the park. The second day we were so glad we had made the smart decision to book a 6:00 am time slot for our ticket. As mentioned earlier it was crazy hot in July, so we were able to beat the crowds and beat the heat. We got all of our hiking in during the cooler morning hours and were so glad we did!
Parking is limited, and you can only park in a designated area. Riding the free shuttle in from town will keep you from having to worry about finding a legal parking place.
Can I Drive Through Zion National Park?
You can only drive through Zion Canyon in your own car a few months out of the year, but you can drive the Mount Carmel Highway at any time. Mount Carmel Highway is a 12-mile highway that connects the south and east entrances of Zion National Park, and driving it is an amazing experience! It eventually meets up with US 89. We came in this way through the east entrance, and it was a beautiful way to introduce us to this unique national park. The road goes through a super long tunnel built right into the cliffs. Pretty cool!
How Far is the Drive to Zion From Las Vegas?
Zion National Park is located 160 miles (2.5-hour-drive) from Las Vegas. Most of the drive to the park is along Interstate 15, which has some interesting sights and attractions along the way. Take your time and enjoy the drive!
How Far is Zion From the Grand Canyon?
Zion National Park is located just two hours north of the Grand Canyon North Rim. The park is 30 miles in length and fifteen miles across at its widest point.
Where Should I Stop Between Zion and Las Vegas?
We did not make it there on our trip, but I suggest Snow Canyon State Park if you have some extra time. The park is about 128 miles from Las Vegas and is filled with beautiful geographical features, interesting plants, and a rich history like petroglyphs, which is a form of rock art.
How Many Days Do You Need in Zion?
It has been suggested that you plan at least 5-7 days for your trip to Zion National Park, but you can still enjoy the highlights in much less time. One day was plenty for us. If you’re an avid hiker, you might want to take your time visiting popular (and strenuous) day hikes such as Angels Landing, Zion Narrows Day Hike, and Observation Point Trail. But make sure to pack plenty of water and snacks before you set out. There is really no convenient place to get food inside the park once you are on the trails.
Best Ways to Spend One Day in Zion National Park
What if you only have one day to visit Zion National Park? That is all that we had. No worries!
Here is a Perfect One Day Itinerary for Zion National Park:
You can start your day off at the Zion National Park Visitor Center to see which attractions are open and safe to explore. Sometimes certain areas are closed or considered too dangerous because of things like rockfalls or flash floods. Unfortunately for us, the visitor center was closed when we were there. Make sure you read all of the COVID-19 updates on the park website before you go.
Another option if you are there super early is to begin with the sunrise at Canyon Overlook.
The Visitor Center has a handy information sheet with a detailed hiking guide describing each hike and letting you know how strenuous each activity is. Once you get all the information you need, it will be easier to decide what to do in Zion National Park. Even though the visitor center was closed for us, park rangers were always available to help.
Next, you can visit the Zion Human History Museum which is one of the first stops on the shuttle route through Zion National Park. It is mainly a cultural museum with exhibits focusing on the history of the American Indians, early settlers and pioneers, as well as initial conservation efforts which led to the establishment of Zion National Park in 1919. This museum used to be the visitor center before the 1990s. You can enjoy breathtaking views of the Bridge Mountain Arch and the Altar of Sacrifice as well.
After visiting the museum, make a short stop at the Court of the Patriarchs Viewpoint, which is a group of three adjacent, similar cliffs named after the biblical patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The path to reach the viewpoint is super short, so you won’t lose a lot of time making this stop and the view is worth it. There is also a path that leads to the Sand Bench Trail across the road, but you might want to save that for a unique Zion horseback riding experience.
You can take a lunch break at Zion Lodge if you want, or you can bring your own lunch in a backpack as we did. Zion Lodge, built in the 1920s, is a rustic, medium-sized hotel. It is a member of Historic Hotels of America, as part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Keep in mind that Zion Lodge is one of the major stops for the shuttle, so there will be lots of people getting on and off.
You can choose one of several on-site restaurants for lunch. You can also visit the gift shop then sit down and rest under the enormous cottonwood tree in the middle of the grand lawn. If you brought your lunch this might be a good picnic spot.
If I ever go back, I’d like to go horseback riding on the trails in Zion. Across the road from Zion Lodge, you will find the horse stables maintained by Canyon Trail Rides for Zion horseback riding on the Sand Bench Trail. This is actually a commercial horse trail, open between March and October.
From what I have read, this trail runs across the middle of an awe-inspiring landslide under The Sentinel peak, one of the most prominent features of Zion National Park. The landslide is actually a huge section of The Sentinel that broke off and slid down thousands of years ago.
I wish I had known about this when we were there because several have said this is one of the best things to do in Zion National Park, this trail is not as popular as some of Zion’s other attractions, so it is less crowded. Instead of practically killing ourselves hiking uphill in unbearable heat, we could have had an unforgettable experience on horseback in the middle of Zion’s most unique scenery. Aren’t you glad I told you about this? You can check out their official website for more information.
After your horseback ride, get back on the shuttle and head for Weeping Rock. This stop brings you to the starting point for several hikes including Deertrap Mountain, Hidden Canyon, Cable Mountain, East Rim Trail, and Observation Point. Weeping Rock is a famous landmark, because the constant springs dripping from above make it look as if the rock is crying. The phenomenon happens because the lower layers of sandstone have eroded away, and the water going down gets pushed out the side after reaching a solid rock layer. A short, but steep hike will get you there in ten minutes or less.
Now for hiking! There is no way to see everything in one day, so you will have to choose one of the three very strenuous hikes. Some of Zion’s most famous attractions take hours of hiking to reach, so if you’re only spending one day there you want to make sure you don’t miss your shuttle back by trying to do too much. You definitely don’t want to get caught there after dark! Also, if you go in July as we did you can flip your day around and do your hiking in the cooler morning hours. Consider your physical fitness and the information in your visitor center packet, and choose the one attraction that is best suited for you.
First Hiking Option: The Narrows
The Zion Narrows is one of the most famous day hikes in the park. We saw parts of it but did not do the hike. The Temple of Sinawava is the last shuttle stop, after which you will notice the walls of the canyon start closing in around the Virgin River. The river water cuts its way through the narrow, deep sandstone labyrinth. We saw the entrance where people were entering the very narrow passageway and saw how the smart ones were wearing water shoes with their hiking shoes tied to their backpacks. The trail actually goes through the river! A walking stick is a good idea to help you stay steady walking through the current. You can even swim in some places!
Second Hiking Option: Observation Point
Observation Point is said to be one of the most famous viewpoints in Zion. However, in order to get to this spectacular view you will have a very challenging 4-mile hike from the Weeping Rock Trailhead. Completing the trail can take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours, but they say that when you finally get to the top, you will be glad you did it.
Third Hiking Option: Angel’s Landing
This is the option we chose, although I think if we had known how difficult it was going to be we might have chickened out. We just naively dove right in, and by the time we realized we might have bitten off more than we could chew we were already halfway there. We figured, “We’ve come this far it would be a shame to turn around now!” We also did a less strenuous hike to the Emerald Pools.
Angel’s Landing is one of the classic landmarks in Zion National Park. Just about any travel guide you read will name a hike to the top as one of the most memorable things to do in the park. Let me tell you, if you are afraid of heights I would not attempt this hike. The path of steep rocky switchbacks is bordered by long drop-offs, and only a steep narrow ridge leads to the summit.
To get to the very top a chain was recently installed for people to hold on to for balance (Since 2004, ten people have died from falling while hiking this trail). However, when we were there that section was closed. The chain was too much of a high touch area, so because of COVID-19 health and safety guidelines, this section was closed.
The view at the top was spectacular, along with the sense of pride and accomplishment (and disbelief) that we felt for dragging our 50-something-year-old bodies up two and a half miles of a 1,500 feet elevation uphill climb all the way. I kept thinking, “This better be making me skinny!”
There are guided hiking tours by experts if you’d prefer not to try to navigate the trails on your own. The Zion Adventure Company is one well-known group that provides several options for tours.
As you’re leaving the park, take the time to stop and explore Springdale, a small tourist town named one of the 20 prettiest towns in the U.S. by Forbes magazine. Originally a Mormon farming community, Springdale is now filled with art galleries, quaint little hotels, coffee shops, and restaurants.
EXTRA TIPS FOR VISITING ZION
Make sure to park legally during your stay in Zion National Park. The parking space is limited and parking is only allowed in designated stalls. If you break the rules, your vehicle may get towed. In case all of the designated stalls in Zion are full, you can park in Springdale and take the free shuttle to Zion National Park.
If you are staying at one of the campgrounds, make sure to make reservations at least three months in advance.
There have been accidents involving casualties in Angels Landing, The Narrows, and The Tunnel. Always be careful and prepared.
Bring a pair of really good shoes. The soles should be hard and grippy. We wished we had hiking boots because our running shoes did not have great support for walking on rocks.
For longer hikes, bring some food and water with you.
Leave no trace. When hiking, you should stay on the trail, and don’t remove anything from the park. Carry out what you carry in. Don’t leave any trash behind!
Are There Dangerous Animals in Zion National Park?
Bears, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes are the most dangerous inhabitants of Zion National Park, but they are rarely seen. There are no bison or wolves roaming around, but there is a large amount of wildlife that calls the landscape home. Common to the park is the ringtail cat, though most park visitors are not familiar with it. I had never even heard of it.
Believe it or not, the most dangerous animal in Utah is the moose. Moose have only inhabited Utah for about 100 years, but they’ve multiplied rapidly. The Shiras moose (also called the Wyoming moose) might look kind of clumsy and goofy, but you shouldn’t underestimate him.
My husband really scolded me for getting so close to the moose in the park, but a car kept trying to drive in the parking lot. I was in the way and could only get out of their way by stepping closer to the moose. So do what I say not what I did. Stay far away from the moose!
Where Should I Stay When Visiting Zion National Park?
Here are some resources that will help you plan your trip. If you click through my links you will be able to access the best and most current prices and deals. These are companies that I trust and I think will be the most helpful to you as you plan.
Book a Flight
If you are not within close driving distance to your destination you will need to book a flight. I don’t know if you have heard of this company yet, but with Skyscanner you can find cheap flights anywhere in the world. The website is super easy to use, and if you use my link above you will be able to compare flights and prices and have a seat booked without all the hassle of multiple website searches. Skyscanner is awesome!
Book a Room
Hotels.com has great deals on National Park lodging. They are very reliable. If you want to see tons of reviews on places to stay, TripAdvisor has over 150 million reviews and opinions of hotels, restaurants, attractions, and more by travelers like you and me.
Book a Car
You could go through individual rental car companies if you want, but if you check out TripAdvisor they have great comparisons. Also, if you book hotel and rental car together it is oftentimes cheaper.
Luggage
If you are needing new luggage for your trip check out some really awesome deals on good quality luggage at Chester Travels.
Travel Insurance
One of the worst things is to be out of town and have something bad happen. Accidents, unexpected mishaps, and other troubles can and do happen. But if you are prepared you can have peace of mind. That’s why getting travel insurance is a great idea. And it does not cost that much. Travel insurance can help you deal with theft, health issues, and other troubles. I recommend World Nomads. The people at World Nomads are passionate travelers themselves, so they know what can happen. The link above will take you to their very best deals.
Most of all, have fun!
Please leave a comment below. What was your favorite National Park to visit?
You may have heard me mention BookVIP before, and you may have even seen some of their ads on Facebook or Instagram. They advertise these incredibly low prices on luxury resorts, and I bet they made you just a little curious. I mean who doesn’t love a great deal on travel? Maybe you even clicked on an ad or two but wondered if the advertised price is too good to be true. You may have asked yourself, “Is BookVIP legit?” What is the catch? Is it a huge scam? Well, hopefully after reading this post you can decide if BookVIP.com is right for you or not. I have read hundreds of reviews, done lots of research, and have used them to book a trip for myself. In fact, we have a second trip booked for this fall.
photo by Unsplash
This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you click on the links at no additional cost to you. However, all opinions are my own.
What is BookVIP?
BookVIP is an American travel agency headquartered in Miami with additional offices in Asia. The company is the leader in discounted vacation promotional packages and is also one of the fastest-growing travel companies in North America serving over 1 million customers per year. BookVIP.com offers 24 hour, 7 day per week service for its clients and is available before, during, and after their trip. BookVIP has a consumer rating of 4.59 stars from over 9,000 reviews and ranks 11th among vacation sites. Customer reviews are mixed, but over 91% are positive (over the past 12 months). They currently have an A rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Just to give you an idea, here are some of their current promotions:
7 Nights at Krystal Cancun Resort – $799 total for 2 people
5-Star Cabo Beach Resort – $499
I want to share with you my own personal experiences as well as what I have learned through research so that you can understand exactly what to expect if you decide to use this company. If you want to check out what they have to offer please click on any links to BookVIP in this post to navigate directly to their site’s current promotions. I will tell you all about my BookVIP purchases, planning, and the trip itself. I want you to know exactly what you are signing up for if you decided to book your own BookVIP vacation package. Hopefully, I will answer all your questions and more.
Is BookVIP legit or is it a scam?
Honestly, it did seem too good to be true when I first heard about it. My greatest fear when booking travel like that is that I will get scammed and end up on some television show talking about how this company took millions of dollars from people then disappeared. But I can tell you that it is totally OK to click the links or go to their site. It is a legitimate company as I’ve described above. BookVIP has provided thousands of people with excellent vacations at discounted rates. They have more positive video customer reviews than any other travel company.
They have deals as low as $99 for 3 nights and $399 total for a 5-night all-inclusive vacation package with airport pickup in Cancun for 2 people! So what is the catch? What else will they make you pay for? There is no trick, and it is not a scam. If you’ve been following me for any time at all you know that I am a planner when it comes to travel. So I did my research. I love discounts, but I do not want to sacrifice quality in order to save money. I also only like to do business with companies that have a good reputation in the travel industry and only recommend to you products and services I use myself or know to be a great company.
So what did I discover reading reviews and articles about this company? The large majority of reviews were positive! With over 9,000 reviews of course there are some negative ones as well. However, it seemed that the majority of negative reviews were because people did not read the fine print and understand the terms and conditions. It is important to know all the details, and I hope to help with that. We loved our stay in Branson, Missouri so much that we have another trip with BookVIP booked in Mexico.
5-Star Cabo San Lucas
5-night all inclusive $599 per couple
How does payment work?
There are usually several options with paying for BookVIP vacations. There is usually a downpayment of around $99 with an option to pay it all upfront and usually options to upgrade to a bigger room, all-inclusive, or a suite. Sometimes in order to respond to the sale or promotion, you will have to pay a downpayment first without securing exact dates. Then you call the number given to you in your confirmation e-mail to secure your vacation dates and finalize your payment. It is better if your dates are flexible, as you will have a lot more options that way. Since I am a teacher I can only travel on school holidays, which limits me.
You will get a detailed email from BookVIP with instructions. You usually have a year (sometimes up to two years) to schedule your dates. I would not pay the whole thing until you have secured specific dates for your trip. Just pay the downpayment only until you call back with dates. However, if you do decide to pay for it all upfront you will be offered gifts and incentives such as a free 3-night stay at one of their domestic locations or vacation credit.
Punta Cana All-Inclusive Luxury Resort $799 per couple
More About Booking Travel Dates
Some of the negative reviews I read were from people who didn’t understand how the dates work. You may not always be able to get the exact dates you want for the resort you want to visit. The more flexible you can be on the dates, the better off you will be. If you try to book on very short notice, you may not get a room. And do not book your airfare until your dates are confirmed. Each resort that partners with BookVIP only leaves a certain amount of rooms open for people booking through BookVIP, and they go quickly.
Mexico All-Inclusive Resort $599 for 2 adults and 2 children
Will I Be Able To Get The Exact Dates I Want?
So I mentioned above that the resorts only leave a few rooms open for BookVIP travelers. That is because BookVIP is a discount travel company that partners with timeshare resorts. The reason their prices are so low is that they are trying to drive customers to these resorts in the hopes that they can sell them a world-wide timeshare program.
The BookVIP company does all of the advertising and marketing and booking for each vacation package purchased. They also vet customers to assure that they qualify for the promotion. Then they pass that information on to the actual resort, and the resort finalizes everything.
So, here’s the bottom line. Plan as far in advance as possible, because each resort only keeps a certain number of rooms available for time-share presentation groups and these rooms go on a first-come-first-served basis. The rest of the rooms are left for full-paying customers or time-share owners. In some of the reviews I read, people were upset that the dates they wanted were not available or that they had to switch resorts in order to travel on the dates they wanted. But if you know all of this upfront and understand why then you can plan accordingly.
So some of the negative reviews I read claimed that BookVIP ripped them off because they would not honor their travel dates. But if the dates you want are not workable for the resort, this does not mean that BookVIP is being dishonest. It just means that others got ahead of you on scheduling those dates for their BookVIP purchased vacation package.
So click through my site to BookVIP and select a destination. Look at the trip packages offered, choose one, and pay the downpayment (usually $99). Then call customer service and make sure the dates you want are available. Answer the qualifying questions and agree to the timeshare presentation. Then plan your trip. If you book too far in advance you will have to call again and confirm with them that you still qualify about a month or two before your trip (still have a job for example). Once everything is confirmed, then you are safe to book your flight.
Orlando $299 Theme Park Deal!
Will I Have To Listen To A Timeshare Sales Presentation?
So what is the catch? What is BookVIP getting out of this? They have fantastic deals available in locations all over the world. How can they afford to advertise prices that are 50% – 80% off regular price vacation packages purchased directly through the resort or other third-party travel companies? Will I have to listen to a timeshare sales presentation? The short answer: no.
Let me explain. You do not have to listen to a timeshare presentation unless you want to get certain promotions. So I guess that’s the “catch.” But this is explained up front. You attend a 90-minute presentation and will be given the opportunity to either directly own a unit at the resort or buy into a world-wide timeshare. Of course, you do not have to purchase anything if you do not want to. After the meeting, you are done and can go back and enjoy your vacation knowing that you just saved tons of money!
We decided to do it. It was a 90-minute commitment our first day there, then we were on our own. In exchange, we got a two-bedroom condo with full kitchen instead of a hotel room with no meals. On our next trip, we are upgrading to the all-inclusive package for less than $400 total for the two of us (normally $1,700) in exchange for listening to a presentation. So you have a choice.
But I want to be clear. If you do decide to upgrade or take the promotion you have an obligation to attend your scheduled time-share discussion with a resort salesperson (usually the morning of your first full day there). If you don’t show up you will get charged the full room price. I noticed some people complained in the reviews that they were never told about this requirement. Well, I am telling you now. It was always clear to me. It was communicated verbally and in writing. It lasts 90 minutes unless you act super interested, then it may last for 2 hours. Don’t take my husband with you, because he asks too many questions. Ha Ha!
So just attend the presentation. If you are not interested in purchasing anything then leave when it is over and go enjoy the rest of your awesome vacation. If you like what you see and time-share ownership into the resort works for you, then go for it. You can’t lose either way.
What BookVIP gets out of it is a large commission if someone purchases a time-share program. What the resort gets out of it is a chance to try and sell their time-shares. They give away free stays and deep discounts in the hopes that their great salespeople will close the deal.
photo by Unsplash
What is the sales presentation like?
Good question. A lot of people really enjoy it and find it interesting. Honestly, I was really nervous about it. I was afraid of being made uncomfortable with a super high-pressure sales pitch and intimidation. But It was not like that for us. A customer service representative met us for a free breakfast and went over the basics of what to expect. He asked about our vacation history and preferences, how much we usually spend on vacations, and what future plans we have for vacations. Then he told us a little about the resort program.
After we ate we hopped on his golf cart and took a guided tour of the property. He explained all of the resort features and answered questions. He showed us a model room that was nicely furnished and had a great view. Then we went back, and he went over the numbers and tried to convince us that we would save money on vacations by purchasing a timeshare. We already knew we were not interested in buying a timeshare (there is no obligation to purchase), so we declined. That is when our guy turned us over to his boss who did not want to take no for an answer. By that time I was impatient to get started on our fun, so I felt a little irritated. I will warn you, these salespeople are good! But when we politely refused again he gave up, and that was that.
Besides our discounted upgrade for listening to the sales pitch, we were also rewarded with two free show tickets of our choice. Nice! If you are interested in purchasing a time-share you can sign write then, but you are also free to politely decline and enjoy your discounted vacation for the rest of your visit.
They will not give up easily. If you say no they will show you another package at a lower price, then an even lower one. So you can decide to do it or stick with your “no” answer and move on. We decided ahead of time what our response would be no matter what, so that made it easier for us. But if you truly are interested, my advice is to remember that their price is negotiable. Keep bargaining with them, and they will cut the cost by a lot until they can offer you something affordable.
If I don’t purchase a time-share will they charge me for other stuff?
We wondered, “well since we didn’t become a member they will probably treat us poorly or charge us for extra stuff.” But they continued to treat us well even after we declined the ownership opportunity. And there were no additional charges except for ones we already knew about. There is a small resort fee or tax that is usually less than $20 and maybe an internet charge for the room.
We enjoyed our stay and never had to pay anything additional. The customer service was great. I kept thinking that it seemed too good to be true that they would no longer ask us to buy anything and let us get away with such a great deal on a condo that would normally have cost 4 times as much. But they kept their word. We did not accept their offer to purchase a time-share membership, and we had a great time.
How Do I Qualify For A BookVIP Vacation Package?
This is another topic I saw in some of the complaint reviews I read. People were offended that they were asked personal questions. But this is not nearly as personal as the questions you answer on a car loan application all the time. When we responded to an ad for a $99 trip we were asked if we wanted to upgrade to an all-inclusive package for a little over $300 in exchange for listening to a time-share presentation. We didn’t really want to listen to the sales pitch, but it is 90 minutes for incredible savings in our vacation expenses. So we said yes and were then asked questions. If you agree to the promotion they will want to see if you are “qualified” first. In other words, the resorts do not want to give away promotions to people who they think cannot afford to make a purchase. So yes, they ask questions about your income.
Typically what they consider as qualified means a married couple or cohabitating couple at least 30 years of age with a valid credit card and who collectively makes over $50,000 annually. (By the way, we were never asked to show any proof of this). For singles, it has to be a woman at least 30 years old who makes at least $50,000 annually or a male at least 35 years old who makes at least $50,000 annually. You also must be working full-time or be fully retired. This can vary some, but you get the idea.
The truth is these resorts are aware that most people who attend the time-share presentations are not going to make a purchase. However, if just a few people out of a hundred do become a member or owner that is more than enough for the resort to make a profit. So there is no obligation to purchase anything, and you can still enjoy a great vacation.
photo by Unsplash
So What Does All This Mean?
The sad thing is that most of the complaints I read were due to people not understanding the information given to them and who had not even taken a trip with the company. So now that you have all of the information it is up to you to decide if BookVIP is the right travel company for you. Remember that there are many BookVIP sales that do not involve a timeshare presentation. But if you are looking for an incredible deal at a 4 or 5-star resort for a great memory-making vacation I encourage you to try out BookVIP.
If you want to know more about BookVIP or what locations and resorts they offer, click here to navigate to their site and check out the latest promotions. You can also purchase a trip through this link and help support Banjo and Layla.
Are You a Travel Blogger?
Are you a travel blogger who wants to get paid for spreading the good new about BookVIP travel? If you want to become an affiliate partner for BookVIP click HERE. It is a great program. I only like to advertise for products and services that I use myself and believe in, so BookVIP is a good fit for me. Check it out!
On our recent trip from Zion National Park back to Las Vegas where we were catching our flight home we decided to explore a ghost town in the small town of Grafton, Utah. As we followed our GPS, and the paved road turned to gravel we started to feel like we were really out in the middle of nowhere. We passed one or two houses on the way and tried to keep our speed slow so as not to kick up dust and make a lot of noise, but it was hard not to on that bumpy road. For about two miles more we saw no houses at all and wondered if we were going in the right direction. It was sort of creepy, and the banjo music from the Robert Duvall movie “Deliverance” kept playing in my head.
This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you click the links at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own.
How to Get There
Grafton is right outside of Zion National Park and is reached from the tiny town of Rockville along Highway 9. Going south on a residential street called Bridge Lane, you cross the Virgin River on an old historic single-track iron bridge (constructed in 1924), and then west, along the base of the rugged low red cliffs of Moenkopi sandstone that stand guard over this beautiful lush green river valley.
After 1 1/2 miles the main road curves back south, goes up into the hills, and becomes the Smithsonian Butte Road, a 9-mile scenic back highway through mesas, canyons, and valleys that eventually meets Highway 59. At the point where Bridge Lane curves south, an unpaved road continues for another two miles to the actual ghost town.
After the two miles of dirt road, we finally came up to a clearing and saw an old graveyard. What made it so eerie was how completely quiet and isolated it was out there in the middle of the Utah cliffs and valleys. It seemed surreal that real people were actually buried there so long ago.
It was perfectly still except for a slight breeze, and there was not a soul in sight. We were completely alone out there … or were we? The silence only made the place seem even more creepy. Someone had placed pinwheels randomly in the ground, and they made an eerie whirring sound when the breeze picked up. We saw that the gate was unlocked so we went in. Isn’t that what Nancy Drew would do? It was incredible reading the epitaphs on the headstones from so long ago.
Grafton Cemetery
The old cemetery contains a few dozen graves from as old as 1860 to 1910. The headstone inscriptions tell a story of a very harsh life long ago. I learned that three Berry brothers and one wife were all killed by Indians on April 2, 1866. The Berry memorial is the largest one. It sits in the very center of the graveyard enclosed by a wooden fence for protection.
What was really sad was reading that the five children of John and Charlotte Ballard all died very young between 1865 and 1877. The oldest was only 9 years old. The Ballard parents are also buried there. There are six babies buried there, all under one year old. They died in 1891 and 1901. Several Native Americans are also buried in the cemetery.
Planning a trip out west? Check out Trip Advisor for hotel deals and reviews. Or try staying in a nice Airbnb.
Grafton Ghost Town
After visiting the graveyard we drove further until we finally reached the town. The town is only a quarter of a mile from the main highway to Zion National Park, but very few people visit since it is on the opposite side of the river, and can only be reached by a 3 1/2-mile road (that is unpaved for the last 2 miles). There are also very few signs.
Settled by Mormon pioneers in 1859, this abandoned frontier town near Rockville, Utah has been the backdrop for several films including “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.”
Five large buildings remain, out of the original total of over 30, and all have been carefully restored by the Grafton Heritage Partnership, who now manage the site. The surrounding farmland and orchards are still used by a nearby ranch, and a few people still live in other houses in the sparse neighborhood.
Some parts of the former village are fenced off, but we could walk into most of the buildings. It did feel like we were in a deserted movie set of an old western. The town is authentic and so empty. It was noticeably quiet except for the occasional sound of running water in a stream. It was really peaceful and beautiful, surrounded by large groves of trees and the colorful high cliffs of the national park we had just left.
The first building is a barn, with an outhouse, then hiding behind several centuries-old large cottonwood trees is the John Wood home built in 1877. The largest building is the combined church/schoolhouse which was built in 1886. It was also used as a church and public meeting place.
The Alonzo Russell home is a two-story house with a fancy veranda on the front. Right opposite is the Louisa Russell home. The farmland adjoining these homes still has several pieces of iron farming equipment and machinery out in the grass with no one left to put them to use. Last occupied in the 1940s, the remnants of this historic Mormon settlement remind us of a different world before cell phones and the internet.
Movies Shot in Grafton
Several American western movies were filmed in Grafton, Utah. According to the Grafton Heritage Partnership Project here is a list of the films all shot in Grafton:
- Old Arizona, 1929 (First talkie movie filmed outdoors) and nominated for five Academy Awards including Best Picture. Starring Warner Baxter (who won the Academy Award for this role as The Cisco Kid), Raoul Walsh, Edmund Lowe, and Dorothy Burgess.
- The Arizona Kid, 1930. Warner Baxter and Carole Lombard.
- Ramrod, 1947. Starring Joel McCrea, Veronica Lake, Preston Foster, Charles Ruggles, Donald Crisp, and Lloyd Bridges.
- Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, 1969. Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Katherine Ross (won four Academy Awards)
- Child Bride of Short Creek, 1981. Diane Lane, Helen Hunt, Christopher Atkins, Conrad Bain.
- The Red Fury, 1984. Wendy Lynne, Calvin Bartlett, Katherine Cannon, Juan Gonzales
History of the Town of Grafton
What was called the Dixie region of Utah was settled by Mormons following the direction of Brigham Young. They originally came to the Utah territory to escape religious persecution from the U.S. In 1859, five Mormon families—the Barney’s, Davies, McFate’s, Platt’s and Shirts—led by Nathan Tenney moved from nearby Virgin to a site one mile downstream of today’s Grafton. The last residents did not leave until 1944.
Cotton, wheat, and alfalfa were grown there originally, but floods, attacks by Indians, and harsh winter weather made farming difficult. In fact, in 1862, the Virgin River flooded and washed away the entire town, but the determined settlers persevered and reestablished Grafton about a mile upstream. Soon cotton production had to take a back seat to food crops.
In 1866, the conflicts with the Black Hawk and others led Brigham Young to instruct the people to combine themselves into bigger towns of at least 150 people. So Grafton was abandoned. However, farmers still came to tend their crops. Eventually, settlers returned and built the adobe schoolhouse (the one pictured above is the original building). Gradually the population shrank again as the young people moved away in search of new farmland.
According the Grafton Heritage Partnership Project, in 1929, the mostly intact and barely inhabited town of Grafton became the setting for the first outdoor talking movie ever filmed. In Old Arizona starred Warner Baxter (who won the Best Actor Academy Award for this role as The Cisco Kid), Raoul Walsh, Edmund Lowe, and Dorothy Burgess.
The remaining buildings in Grafton help preserve the memory of it’s former inhabitants. Towns like this are rare, and becoming even more scarce. Most former pioneer villages were either washed away in floods or have not been preserved. Every year families of former residents of Grafton have a reunion and all gather in the town to remember stories and try to keep the spirit of community alive.
Do you have a ghost town story of your own? Please leave a comment below and enjoy my video!
If you have never visited the Grand Canyon National Park you are truly missing out! It is absolutely astonishing! It is something my husband and I have always wanted to see, so even with the pandemic, we decided to go for it. As a teacher, I can only travel on school holidays, and summer seemed to be the best time for us. We kept up with the ever-changing health concerns and sanitizing protocols and were very careful to wear our masks and use lots of hand sanitizer.
This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission when you click the links at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own.
We flew into Las Vegas on Southwest Airlines and were happy to learn that they limited the number of passengers so that no one had to sit in a middle seat. Masks were required on the plane and in the entire state of Nevada, including the airport. The next day we made the 5-hour drive to the Grand Canyon.
We checked in to Maswick Lodge where we stayed in the park and wondered why we were not seeing the awesome views we expected. After checking in we walked less than 1/4 mile down to the closest overlook and BAM! It was like walking into another world! It reminded me of the World of Avatar ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The pictures and video do not do it justice at all, because of the enormous size of the vistas. We walked to the edge, and it seemed like the earth just falls away into this huge expanse of rocky peaks, green plateaus, and deep gorges as far as the eye can see. It felt like you could just step off of the face of the earth into another universe.
As you hike down below the rim the size seems to grow even more. The Grand Canyon is a mile high, 277-mile long mountain range, where you are surrounded by sheer rock face walls stacked up to the sky. Every turn reveals another spectacular view, and seeing the clear blue-green streams gush out of the desert cliffs and surge down through the many pools is breath-taking. The Colorado River, which carved the gorge over time, lies at the bottom anchoring the mountains in place with its persistent force and flow. For me, I think it points us to our Creator who has freely given us this gift of beauty and powerful force of nature.
Located in the northwest part of Arizona, the Grand Canyon covers 277 miles of the Colorado River and the nearby uplands. The Grand Canyon National Park is home to much of these miles. The canyon is an entire mile deep and up to 18 miles wide with vistas at every turn that are incomparable in the world. Years of geological history are right here in our American backyard!
“In the Grand Canyon, Arizona has a natural wonder which, so far as I know, is in kind absolutely unparalleled throughout the rest of the world.” President Theodore Roosevelt
Last year (2019) the Grand Canyon turned 100 years old. Grand Canyon National Park has millions of visitors every year. It is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, and we heard many different languages spoken while we were there. People were there from all over the world!
The Grand Canyon has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, but it had a long tough road before becoming a national park. There were lots of failed congressional bills in the 1880s until Theodore Roosevelt visited several times and finally declared the Grand Canyon a National Monument in 1908. President Woodrow Wilson signed the bill to grant its park status in 1919.
There are two main public areas of Grand Canyon National Park, the North and the South Rims. The South Rim, at 7,000 feet above sea level, is the most accessible and the most visited. Most of the pictures that you see of the Grand Canyon are taken from the South Rim. While we were there the North Rim was closed due to a forest fire, but as of this writing (July 12, 2020), it is open again. The North Rim is 1,000 feet higher and harder to get to. By car, it is 220 miles from one rim to the other. However, you can hike from rim to rim on foot through the Kaibab Trails, and this route is only 21 miles. Sounds like a very long hike to me though!
The South Rim is open 24 hours a day and is still open now. That is the only side we saw, and we did not feel like we missed out at all. There are numerous places where you can pull over to scenic overlooks and admire the beautiful views. The North Rim is not even open at all in the harsh winter, because the access roads are closed.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Watch the Weather!
The Grand Canyon is open every day of the year, and the best word to describe the weather there is the word “extremes.” We went the weekend of July 4 and expected it to be super hot, but it was actually fairly pleasant at the South Rim. The temperature down below on the canyon floor is much warmer and can easily reach over 100 degrees. We hiked down a little, but we mostly stayed on top. Spring and fall typically have pleasant weather, but unpredictable nonetheless. Each year there are several rescues and sometimes deaths related to the heat, so be careful!
My best advice is to check the national park website before you go and plan accordingly. Dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes with good support. I have had some skin cancers cut off of me, so I wore a long-sleeved swim shirt with 50 SPF built-in that I purchased from Land’s End. I was surprised at how cool it kept me, and it protected my arms and chest from the sun. I also wore a wide-brimmed hat. I may have looked dorky, but I did not get sunburned.
If a summer trip is your only option, or you want to get away from the crowds, you could try visiting the North Rim. This area has an elevation of over 8,000 feet, so it stays about 10 degrees cooler than the South Rim. And it also gets only about 1/10th of the visitors. In fact, it is closed November through April because of winter weather. Since we stayed only on the South Rim I cannot tell you which is better. If it had not been during a global pandemic we would have faced much greater crowds July 4 holiday weekend.
If you are needing a new or better suitcase for your trip (let’s face it, the old ones weren’t always made that well) check out Chester Travels for deals on great quality luggage.
Visiting the Park
To get into the Grand Canyon National Park you must pay an admission fee. This month it is $35 per vehicle and $20 to enter on foot or bicycle. The one-time fee is good for 7 consecutive days. Because of concerns over the coronavirus these fees may now need to be purchased in advance. Please check their website regularly, as it seems to change often.
Camping in the park is normally on a first-come, first-served basis as well as through reservation. However, some sites are closed and some rules have changed due to concerns over COVID-19, so check their website before you go. There are also some commercial campsites available outside of the park.
What to Do in the Park
Don’t be one of those people who just pulls up in your rental car, takes a few photos from the guard rail at one spot, strolls around the gift shop, and leaves. The park estimates that the average visit to Grand Canyon National Park lasts less than four hours. Take advantage of this enormous park, and venture out. The further you get from the Visitor’s Center the smaller the crowds are anywhere.
Biking
Normally, you can rent bikes from Bright Angel Bicycles, but they are currently closed due to coronavirus. The Hermit Road is closed from March through November, making it perfect for cycling. It winds along for seven miles along the rim and has been said to be one of the most scenic cycling paths in the world. Go east from the Visitor’s Center and you can bike to Yaki Point, which is a popular spot to view the beautiful sunsets in the park.
Hiking
Like I mentioned earlier, the park was not as crowded when we were there. Like many newbies, we jumped right on the popular Bright Angel Trail, which goes straight down into the canyon right at Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim. This was the closest to us, and the shuttles were not running. But normally this trail can get really crowded. Another idea is to take the shuttle bus (if it is running) from the village to the South Kaibab Trailhead. You can do the 1.8-mile round-trip hike to the Ooh Aah Point (no really, that is the name of it). If you go all the way to the river it is 7 miles (4,780 feet), and the rangers tell people not to try to do this in one day. The heat and the elevation make it almost impossible even for the most experienced hikers.
On the North Rim you have the Widforss Trail which winds along the rim for five miles then dips into ponderosa pine and aspen groves to Widforss Point. This is where you can see rugged buttes like Wotans Throne, Zoroaster Temple, and the battelements of Transept Canyon.
For backpackers, there is the tough Thunder River Trail. It is a 21-mile, three-day loop from the Bill Hall Trailhead at Monument Point. This trail passes by Thunder River, which is a large creek that pours straight out of a big cave. Other trails include the Deer Creek Narrows or a detour to Deer Creek Falls.
The most ambitious of all Grand Canyon hikes is to walk rim to rim, dropping all the way down the canyon to the river, crossing the bridge at Phantom Ranch, and then climbing up the other side. Many choose to spend the night at Phantom Ranch. If you go for a one-way trip you will need to line up transportation back. There are other blogs that focus on backpacking that can give you more detailed information and tips.
Tours
There are always a variety of tours available. There are Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas, 2-day mule trips that go to the bottom of the canyon and back, whitewater rapid raft rides down the Colorado River, smooth water float trips, guided hikes, helicopter tours, and hot air balloon tours that give visitors perspectives from the bottom in the river all the way to a panoramic aerial view of the entire canyon.
We wanted to do a smooth water raft trip, but it was several hours by bus each way to get to the launching point. We decided we did not want to spend our only full day in the park at the bottom of the canyon. So we will have to do that next time.
The Visitor’s Center and the museum are currently closed, but you can still get a map from the rangers and plan your visit. A day and a half was plenty for us to see the main attractions. We hiked some of the Bright Angel Trail, drove on Desert View Road and pulled over at all the scenic overlooks (currently parts of this are closed), and got up early in the morning to photograph the sunrise at Mather Point near the Visitor Center.
If you are a true outdoorsman, be prepared for some paperwork, no matter the season. Some adventures like camping in the backcountry, running your own rafting trip down the Colorado River, or spending the night at Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon, require permits and there is a lottery system for those. It costs about $25 to apply for a noncommercial river trip permit. If you win the lottery you must immediately pay a $200 – $400 additional deposit.
It is a little easier to obtain overnight backpacking permits, but the reservation system is extremely outdated. Your best chance is to send in a written application over four months in advance during the earliest consideration period, which starts on the 20th of every month and runs through the first of the next month. These applications are entered into a lottery. After that, it is first-come, first-served. For more information on this lottery system check out the park website.
Boating
There are two ways to travel by boat on the Colorado River: by motorized raft or using oars or paddles in a non-motorized raft. There has recently been a phased re-opening of the commercial Colorado River Rafting trips, and I have heard that they are using more rafts now so that people no longer have to sit shoulder to shoulder in the boat. There are trips of different lengths with rapids or smooth water float trips.
Watch out for Wildlife!
Over 500 species of animals live in Grand Canyon National Park. The endangered California Condor is one of the hundreds of different types of bird species found in this park. Mule deer, coyotes, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, elk, and bats all live in the Grand Canyon.
Being from Memphis, I loved that there were no mosquitos and very few flies. However, I have been told that 6 different types of rattlesnakes can be found within the park. Yikes! I’m glad we did not see any of those.
How to Get There
The Grand Canyon is huge, so you will need to plan carefully. It’s a 4 1/2 hour drive from one rim to the other. We flew to Las Vegas and drove to the South Rim (about 5 hours). You could also drive to the North Rim this way. To visit the South Rim you could also drive from Phoenix (about 3 1/2 – 4 hours). Flagstaff, Arizona is only an hour and a half south of Grand Canyon Village, which is where we stayed and is the main hub for exploring the park. However, flights into Flagstaff can be pricey.
No car? There is the Arizona Shuttle (now called Groome Transportation) that runs vans from Flagstaff to the village three times a day from mid-May to mid-October. Check websites though, because concerns over the coronavirus have stopped or altered many shuttle operations.
Where to Stay
Staying on the South Rim
While we were there we went into the lobby of El Tovar, which is just steps away from the canyon rim and has a beautiful log-sided interior lobby and fine dining restaurant. Built in 1905, this landmark is worth going to see, even if you aren’t staying there. Like most National Park Service lodging, the rooms are expensive and hard to come by. You will want to book at least a year in advance.
We were lucky and got a room only a few months in advance, but I think that is because of the pandemic. There are three balcony suites on the canyon side, but you have to call the hotel directly to reserve those. Be prepared to pay double for these rooms with a view though.
There are several other hotels on the South Rim. We stayed in Maswick Lodge, and it was nice. There are also several places to stay in the nearby town of Tusayan, about 6 miles just outside the park. We ate at a few restaurants in the town, and it is super close to Grand Canyon Village.
For camping on the South Rim, try Desert View Campground about 25 miles east of Grand Canyon Village. I have heard that the sunset views there are awesome! Try to catch a site midmorning as campers are leaving, because it is first-come, first-served.
Check with TripAdvisor to compare hotel prices and get reviews.
Staying at the North Rim
Grand Canyon Lodge is a good choice for the North Rim. Try to secure one of the Western Cabins for the best views. I read somewhere that some of the numbers in the 300s have the best views. You can also camp at the North Rim Campground, which is about a mile north of the lodge. Sites #14 and #19 are right on the rim.
Staying on the Floor of the Canyon
As mentioned earlier, there is a lottery system for reservations now. The Phantom Ranch in a grove at the bottom of the canyon requires entries for reservations at least 15 months ahead of time. There is also Bright Angel Campground, which requires a backcountry camping permit. If you stay there, you can still order meals from Phantom Ranch though.
Plan Your Visit!
I hope you get a chance to visit this gorgeous park someday soon. I think you will be glad you made the time to fit this in to your next trip out west.
Planning a vacation soon? I can’t say enough good things about BookVIP. They have so many discounted options for hotels and resorts (lots of them all-inclusive). You can check out their latest deals here.
Leave me a comment below if you have any other tips or ideas!
One Day Itinerary for Exploring Some of the Best Attractions in Atlanta
Travel and tourism attractions are starting to open back up again, but it seems like most folks are staying in country for their travel. Although some of the attractions on this list are still closed due to the coronavirus, you might find this list handy in the future. If you ever find that you have only one day to spend in the city of Atlanta, here is my suggested itinerary.
This post contains some affiliate links, and if you purchase anything through these links I may receive commission at no additional cost to you. I only include products and services that I use or believe in.
Check Hotels.com for some of the best hotel deals in Atlanta.
Morning
Centennial Olympic Park
First, spend about 45 minutes exploring Centennial Olympic Park. Most of the other attractions do not open until 9:00 or 10:00 in the morning, so early morning is a good time to enjoy this free 22-acre green space that was the main gathering site during the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta.
It is right in the middle of Atlanta’s downtown district, so it is a great place to start. You are within walking distance of several major attractions, so you can just leave your car in one spot.
COVID Update: Currently, as I write this in June 2020 the Visitor’s Information Center, Fountain of Rings, and the Playgrounds are closed until further notice due to COVID. However, we visited in the winter and never went in the Visitor Center or fountains anyway. It was still fun!
Georgia Aquarium
Next, head over to the Georgia Aquarium (estimated time 2 – 3 hours). It is a 3-minute walk from Centennial Olympic Park, and you can get there right when it opens.
Atlanta’s aquarium is the largest in the Western hemisphere. It is the home of tens of thousands of water creatures with 500 species from around the world and over 60 different habitats. There are lots of different interesting special exhibits as well.
Their largest exhibit is actually 284 feet long, 126 feet wide, and 30 feet in depth at the maximum depth. It holds 6.3 million gallons of water! My favorite part if where you can walk through a tunnel and look up and see sharks swimming over your head through the glass. It is something you don’t want to miss!
COVID Update: The aquarium is open, but tickets can only be purchased online in advance of your visit. They have established time blocks with limited capacity. Temperatures will be scanned upon entry, and visitors are encouraged to wear masks.
Insider Tip: If you plan on visiting more than one attraction that costs to get in, I suggest that you purchase an Atlanta CityPASS. You can save up to 50% on combined prices for admission to popular attractions. Shop now on CityPASS.com.
Afternoon
World of Coca-Cola
Head to the World of Coca-Cola (estimated time 2 hours) where you will learn everything you ever wanted to know and more about the famous soft drink. There are some really interesting exhibits, retro ads, and a cool replica of the actual bottling process.
There is a really fun short film in the theater there called “Moments of Happiness” that celebrates some of life’s most memorable moments experienced by different people of all ages and cultures.
In the loft you can see a lot of different historical and international artifacts that represent more than 125 years of Coca-Cola memories. Then there is the Vault, where the famous Coca-Cola secret formula is secured. You learn about the origins of this secret formula, which is one of business’s closely guarded and best kept trade secrets ever, how competitors tried to copy their success, how the owners kept the formula secret throughout the years, and how all this secrecy gave birth to tons of myths and legends.
COVID Update: World of Coca Cola is closed at this time but plans are for it to reopen July 15, 2020.
CNN Tour
There are several options for your afternoon after the Coca-Cola museum. One is to take an Inside CNN Atlanta Tour (estimated time 50 minutes). Reservations must be made in advance, but this will make it easier for you to time your day.
The CNN Tour is a 50 minute guided walking tour through the halls of CNN Center where you get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes inside look at how a live broadcast is produced. You get an in-depth look at how the world’s largest news operation operates in the world headquarters of CNN. Even if you usually watch a different news channel it is interesting to see how things work behind-the-scenes.
COVID Update: Currently all tours are temporarily suspended, and the CNN store is temporarily closed.
College Football Hall of Fame
The Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame is another option that is within walking distance from the aquarium and Coca-Cola museum. It celebrates all of the best things about college football. There are three floors with five themed galleries. One wall three floors high is covered with 750 college football helmets. There are over 50 interactive exhibits, including a 47-yard football field!
So if college football is your thing, you will probably want to fit this attraction in to your day in Atlanta for sure.
COVID Update: Reopening July 1 (with precautions).
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
Another option is the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. You will have to drive there, but there is free parking. You could also take a MARTA bus. The Sweet Auburn district of Atlanta is the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the visitor’s center there tells the story of Dr. King and a lot of what happened during the civil rights movement. The restored King birth home is there as well as Ebenezer Baptist Church, where three generations of the King family preached. You can also see Dr. King’s burial site, and there are usually special exhibits going on as well. Estimated time is 1 1/2 hours.
COVID Update: Temporarily closed.
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum
Located next to the Carter Center, the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum has a replica of the Oval Office and President carter’s Nobel Peace Prize. There are often traveling exhibits there as well. Estimated time is about 2 hours. You will also need to drive there, but the parking there is free also. There is also a 1.5 mile pedestrian and bike path between these two attractions called the Carter-King Peace Trail if you want to see both and walk in between.
COVID Update: All in-person public events are canceled for now, but their Facebook page has information about virtual events.
Evening
SunDial Restaurant Bar & View
Have dinner in the SunDial Restaurant atop the Westin Peachtree Plaza, which is the tallest hotel in the western hemisphere, and take in a view of the city. (Estimated time: 2 hours)
COVID Update: Closed until further notice.
Atlanta Braves Game
If you want a more casual evening between April and October, try to catch an Atlanta Braves game in Truist Park (formerly Suntrust Park). You can also take a tour of Truist Park where you can see the broadcast booth, the dugout, the clubhouse (only when the team is out of town), the press box, and even the luxury suites.
If you are a true Braves fan visit the Battery Atlanta before and after the game at Truist Park, where you can taste some of the finest food and wine at various restaurants where some of Atlanta’s best chefs are found.
COVID Update: Games: 2020 regular season will begin at the end of July. Truist Park tours are currently suspended indefinitely.
Other Options:
Atlanta History Center
Fox Theater
Center for Civil and Human Rights
Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Where to Stay in Atlanta
Search here for the best hotel deals on Hotel.com.
Do you have any other to add to the list? If you only have one day to spend in Atlanta pick your top 4 must-see attractions and schedule your fun. Drop a comment below and let me know how you like this list.
1. Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods Park is a registered National Natural Landmark and is definitely on my must-see list in Colorado Springs. You can walk around among 300 foot towering sandstone rock formations against a backdrop of the majestic snow-capped Pikes Peak and some brilliant blue skies. Great photo opportunities!
The Visitor and Nature Center and museum is the most visited attraction in the region and currently has all new interactive exhibits. You can learn how the amazing red rocks got there with the new Geo-Trekker theater experience, which is shown every 20 minutes.
We ate lunch on the terrace overlooking Pikes Peak, and I am told that this is one of Colorado’s most photographed views!
2. Manitou Springs Cliff Dwellings
Another cool thing to see in Colorado Springs is the Manitou Springs Cliff Dwellings, which are made up of Anasazi ruins that date back 800 to 1000 years old!
According to the museum, the 40 room site was originally located in McElmo Canyon, which is in the southwest corner of Colorado near Mesa Verde and Dolores. The process of relocating these cliff dwellings began in 1904 and was completed in 1907 when the preserve was opened to the public.
The buildings reflect the architecture of the Taos Pueblo Indians of New Mexico. These Pueblo Indians are descendants of the Cliff Dwelling Indians belonging to the Anasazi cultural line. The three story pueblo building there was built at the turn of the century and was home to a Native American family of dancers who entertained the tourists for several generations up until the mid 80’s.
Over the years, the pueblo was expanded into museums of pottery and artifacts. There is a pretty cool souvenir shop at the end of the museum that has a lot of native made pottery, jewelry, and artifacts, as well as some Colorado made gifts.
You can walk around inside the buildings, climb in them, touch them, and read the history about each dwelling. It is pretty interesting, even for short-attention span people like me who don’t like to read history. For more information check out their website at https://www.cliffdwellingsmuseum.com/
3. Pikes Peak
I was an outdoor recreation major at The University of Tennessee (yes, it is a real major), and I did a summer internship as a Wilderness Backpacking Guide in Colorado. I have always loved mountains – from the Smokies to the BlueRidge to the Rockies and even the Alps. They seem to put everything in focus and make me feel closer to God. And Pikes Peak is one of my favorites.
Pikes Peak, located in the Rocky Mountains west of Colorado Springs, is one of the most famous — and most attainable — 14ers in the country. There are actually 53 mountains in Colorado that achieve a height of 14,000 feet or more. Pikes Peak is 14,115 feet at the summit. It is one of the top 100 mountains in the United States!
There are several ways to do Pikes Peak. Although I did climb it years ago, this past trip we drove up to see the view. Much easier and by far the most popular way to the summit. Driving gave us the freedom to take things at our own pace and stop to take pictures when we wanted. We brought a picnic and enjoyed the hot chocolate at the gift shop at the top. Some other ways to see Pikes Peak are to ride a bike (this makes me tired just typing that), hike, or take a guided tour. Find out more info. here: https://www.pikes-peak.com/about-pikes-peak/
What’s your favorite thing to do in Colorado Springs?
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