The Thoughtful Travelers Go West – PART 2

3 Nights @ Grand Canyon National Park

After a quick flight from Salt Lake City to Phoenix and a one night stay-over at a nearby airport hotel, we got up early the next morning to start our 4 hour scenic drive to the Grand Canyon.  We checked into The Best Western Squire Inn which is just outside the South Rim entrance to the Grand Canyon.  You can click here to see pictures of the hotel.  We enjoyed our stay and it is on our list as a potential location for use with a larger group in 2020.  Generally staying outside of a National Park is more economical and often have more availability.

After a quick check in, we immediately drove the short 10 minute drive to South Rim Entrance of the Grand Canyon.  Remember, entrance to any national park is free of charge for anyone with a disability!  Click here for information on obtaining your own!  We showed them my pass, and also received a 4 digit code to access Hermit Road which is restricted to Shuttle buses only, but also for cars/vans for anyone with a disability.  More on this later…

After finding a parking spot, we quickly walked to the paved path that traverses a few miles along the south rim, and has plenty of amazing photo opportunity spots.  See a few below!

 

 

 

You just don’t ever get used to seeing this enormous “whole” in the earth.   On day 2, my mom and sister hiked the Bright Angel trail, which if you do the entire trail to the bottom and back takes roughly 7 hours.  They decided to hike half way down before turning around.  While they were hiking, Steve and I decided to take advantage of Hermit’s Road, where a special access code allowed us to get through the gate where only the Shuttle buses go.  This is a special accommodation that you should take advantage of if you have a disability.  Steve and I drove the entire 7.5 mile road to the end, stopping at multiple view stops along the way.  It is hard to describe just how large and deep and wide the Grand Canyon is.  This drive along the rim really helped me realize just how big this “whole” really is!  Pictures don’t do it justice, but here are a few pics…

 

 

 

As I mentioned, Steve and I took advantage of the Hermit Road accessible pass.  As you will see the road is pretty empty with the exception of a periodic shuttle bus and some cyclists.  It’s amazing how close you can get to the edge in your vehicle!  Hang onto your stomach watching this one!!

 

2 Nights @ Zion National Park – Desert Pearl Inn

After a long 5 hour drive from the Grand Canyon, we finally reached the east entrance to Zion National Park, and were surprised by the incredible beauty of the mountains as we drove through them.  Take a look at this video to see what we mean. You don’t see this on the east coast, that’s for sure!

 

 

We then checked into the Desert Pearl Inn which is a few minutes right outside of the park in Springdale, UT.  The rooms were big, and the room accessibility was good, however, access to the onsite restaurant required us to literally walk out onto a side walk along the road and around to the front entrance.  Others could just cut through the back and walk up several stairs to the restaurant.

 

 

 

The next morning Steve and I boarded an accessible shuttle bus that can take you around the entire park in 90 minutes.  It makes stops at multiple locations along the way.  We got off at the River Walk, and wheeled along the Virgin River, and had to stop after a mile or so because the inclines get to steep.  While Steve and I enjoyed the River Walk, Iz and mom went on a more advance hike and trail.  See pics below!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After returning from such a great “bucket list” trip, we are working hard to see if we can put together a guided ACCESSIBLE group trip so others who have disabilities could also experience what my family and I had the pleasure to do in November.  We will keep you posted as we build different trips and itineraries that accommodate individuals of all abilities!  Stay tuned!!!!