Grand Canyon West

One of the most beautiful creativity of nature, Grand Canyon. I am fortunate that I got a chance to visit there and admire its beauty. Grand Canyon is divided into Four rims- East,North, South and West and also it is divided into different national Parks, Trails and areas. Grand Canyon is rich of various types of trees, birds, animals and a beautiful landscape.Grand Canyon is one of the world's seven natural wonders.

If we talk about Geography of Grand Canyon then it is 446 km long, 29 km wide and around 6,093 feet deep. It reveals geological history of millions of years. This place is known for its huge size and colorful landscape and it is a river valley in the Colorado Plateau and at some places it is surrounded by Colorado River.

I got a chance to visit West Rim of Grand Canyon and its nearby places. Grand Canyon west is owned and managed by a tribe of Native Americans, Hualapai Tribe. Grand Canyon is inhabited by Native Americans for thousands of years.

To enjoy the drive of Grand Canyon fill your car with lots of snacks, a cup of coffee and car's fuel tank because it's very difficult to find all these stuffs on the way. While going through US-93S to skywalk of Grand Canyon you may find small villages and restaurant. These are some pictures of a town Dolan Springs at Arizona.

As I shared earlier west rim of Grand Canyon is owned and managed by Hualapai tribe means 'People of the Tall Pines". In 1883, an executive order established the Hualapai reservation. Reservation encompasses about one million acres along with 108 miles of Grand Canyon and Colorado river. This tribe offers tour package for Grand Canyon west rim which includes a spectacular views of Grand Canyon from the skywalk, Helicopter rides and Boat tours, stay at Hualapai ranch. They also offers river rafting at Colorado river and Zip lining at Hualapai village. We were running short of time, so not able to cover everything but enjoyed the view of canyon from skywalk.

Hualapai Tribe managed this place very beautifully with the touch of their history. When we visited there we were able to know about tribe and their lifestyle and they also created a village, which covers almost everything about their lifestyle, their law and order, entertainment and how they used to live earlier. Their are many shops at the reservation and on the way to Grand Canyon where we can find items which are handcrafted by tribe members. 

Skywalk is a horseshoe shaped bridge with a glass walkway. This place is full of thrill, adventure and little scary for me because I have a kind of phobia from heights as we are around 4,000 feet above the Colorado river and west rim of Grand Canyon it gives a different view of Canyon and Colorado river. But phones, cameras and other personal stuffs are not allowed on the bridge as bridge is made of glass :):).

The package which we bought includes a visit to Hualapai village, Eagle Point with Skywalk and Guano Point. Weather was not on our side on that day, it was too cold and windy and we were not able to visit Guano Point which gives a 360 degree view of Grand Canyon and Colorado river. Better luck Next Time!!!

Ash Fork, Arizona, US Route 66

Recently me and my friends went to Las Vegas and from their we were planing to go to Grand Canyon National Park while going there on I-40E, we experienced very beautiful road with long range of mountains, calm roads, very less traffic, awesome drive for those who loves to drive with few exits and want to enjoy the beauty of nature along the way. 

While going through we went to one small town called Ash Fork in northwestern Arizona in Yavapai County having population of around 500 only, for Fuel and refreshments which is located just one hour before Grand Canyon National Park and lies in proximity of one or two more National Forest. I just fell in love with that place. The most renowned and oldest route U.S. 66 also runs directly through this town. It is said that the Longest original stretch of route U.S. 66 is still in existence of approximately 9.6 miles which passes through this town. This place is also known for it's railroad which was started in 1882 and Museum of Mother road, Route 66.

U.S. Route 66 is also known as "Main street of America" and "Mother Road". This road was established in the year of 1926 and it rans from Chicago to California covering around 3,940 Km. It served as major path for those who migrated to west during dust bowl. This route is no longer in existence but portions of this road is designated as "Historic Route 66" in some states.

Ash Fork also claimed itself as "The flagstone Capital of the world" because of large number of stone quarries and stone yards in and around the town. This town is very old town and inhabited from thousands of years with glorious history of route U.S. 66. 

People of Ash Fork is also very helpful and very kind. In the era of technology when everyone knows about weather and temperature forecast. We met one old man their whose concern for us and his helping nature really touched me. He told us to wear jackets, Cap and Gloves as snowfall forecast is there in midnight and temperature is going to be in negatives. He thought we don't understand english so he tried to explain us in every means possible like gestures, showing his jacket, his cap and giving us an example of Denver, Colorado snow and all and because of his advice for weather, we canceled our plan to Grand Canyon National Park and returned to Las Vegas which helped us from getting stuck on the road.

Me and my friends love that place and people of Ash Fork and want to go their once again if we get a chance. That place is very calm and different from our city life. That place really have essence of life with its glorious history.