June 5th ~ Grand Canyon to Page, AZ
Tim and Joanne at The Watchtower at the Grand Canyon
We got on the road at a decent time today. Starting to get the hang of things with the RV and becoming more comfortable with what needs to be done, from the setting up upon arrival to disconnecting before departing.
This morning was primarily skimming along the south and east rim of the Grand Canyon. Our views were a bit hazy due to some smoke drifting into the canyon. The local Forest Service team were doing some controlled burns along our route. Good for the forest – bad for visibility.
Controlled burn
We still managed several wonderful stops to take in the grandeur of the canyon, and marvel at her magnificence. Both of us have been here a couple of time in the past, so although we soaked up several vistas, we did not linger.
Grandview Point
Grandview Point
Grandview Point is next to impossible to do justice to in a photo, especially when it is not crystal clear.
Desert View Watchtower
“…one of Mary Colter’s best-known works, was built in 1932. Situated at the far eastern end of the South Rim, 27 miles (43 km) from Grand Canyon Village, the tower stands 70 feet (21 m) tall. The top of the tower is 7,522 feet (2,293 m) above sea level, the highest point on the South Rim. It offers one of the few full views of the bottom of the canyon and the Colorado River. It was designed to mimic Anasazi watchtowers, though, with four levels, it is significantly taller than historical towers.” – Wikipedia
A beautiful work of art inside! We were free to explore to our hearts content, up four flights of narrow stairways. Each level offered up numerous windows where you could soak in the canyon views below.
View from the observation platform of the Colorado River a mile below
Along AZ Route 64, we came upon another scenic viewpoint that was on Navajo land. They do not charge an entrance fee, but do invite visitors to give a donation upon entering. The views from here were well worth the stop and our small donation.
View down into the canyon of the Little Colorado River (all dried up)
They also had a long line of Native American crafts for sale including pottery, jewelry and Christmas ornaments.
Native American pottery by Navajo artist Mitchell Blackhorse
Mitchell Blackhorse is well known for his beautiful, indicate pottery and for decorating the inside of the pot as well as the outside.
More examples of the beautiful pottery
I managed to snag a new pair of earrings as my souvenir. They are sterling silver on the back, and beaded on the front.
My new Navajo crafted earrings
Continuing on toward Page, we took the long way through Tuba City, AZ.
Along the highway toward Page, AZ
Along US Hwy 160, just before reaching Tuba City, there is a sign for Moenkopi Dinosaur Tracks. Blink and you will miss it.
Upon arrival into the large dirt parking area (plenty of room to turn around an RV), we were greeted by a young man who let us know he would show us the dinosaur tracks and guide us through the area.
I’m so glad he did, as we would have been completely lost without a guide. Nothing is marked or labeled. He repeatedly squirted water from a bottle on different tracks along the way, identifying each one for us. We saw in the neighborhood of twenty different sets of tracks along the route.
We probably walked about 1/4 of a mile over easy terrain. It was quite hot, but otherwise pleasant.
Dinosaur tracks preserved in limestone
Petrified grass
Believe it or not – this is petrified dinosaur poop! There is a quite a bit of it here.
He did not charge a set fee, but was very pleased with the tip Tim handed him for making our stop here both interesting and informative.
GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am grateful that our routine is becoming easier and we are getting more comfortable with our set up. I especially enjoyed seeing the many varied rock formations along todays journey. Mother Nature seems to know no boundaries when it comes to putting on a show for us.
We want to give a big welcome to anyone who is new to our blog. Thank you so much for choosing to join us as we continue to explore our magnificent National Parks over the next few months.
A Note From Abroad 
Yes, it takes a few days to get the hang of RV travel, but once you’re there it’s like home.
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Thank you for the encouragement.
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I have not been to the watchtower. I need to make my way back to the Grand Canyon…thank you for the share!
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The watchtower is a beautiful and unique stop along the canyon rim. We almost did not stop since we had been here before but so glad we did. I did not see the interior before and that was the highlight – plus the views of course.
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It does look gorgeous and so glad you posted the photos. I hope to get to Page, AZ area as well, would love to visit Lake Powell too.
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We are in Page at the moment and just finished our visit to Antelope Canyon. Post coming soon. That was AMAZING!
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Oh wow! Enjoy. Yes I’ve seen many pictures of Antelope Canton–breathtaking! I’m looking forward to your post. 😊 Enjoy!
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I am glad you are finally on your way. Are you planning to go coast to coast visiting national parks? I spent years travelling in a motorhome as crew chief of a raceboat, plus enduro motorcycle riding, dune buggy escapades, all gotten to via motorhome. I resisted sending you a host of recommendations about travelling in a motorhome, instead decided you were well able to to decipher the do’s and don’ts of motorhome living as you travelled! It seems well appointed and the space used well. The size you chose is perfect in my opinon. I will offer one bit of advice. If it gets really hot the dash air is not your only option. You can fire up the generator as you travel and engage the roof air. What is a few more gallons of gas through the generator when you are already driving a vehicle that probably gets about 8 miles the gallon!
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Hey John! What a time you must have had back then. We are just doing the western states on this trip and a bit of Canada. We chose a Diesel engine which helps a bit on the mileage, getting 16-17 MPG on the highway with just the RV but it drops to around 12 MPG when towing. So far the dash air is doing the job nicely for us while driving, even in 100 degree heat.
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I love the Grand Canyon. Stayed there a time or two in an RV and tent camping (when I was younger-smile) I’m sure you’ve gone but there was also an amazing cemetery at one of the campgrounds of all the rangers who’ve lived and worked there. It’s been awhile since I was there so I couldn’t tell you which one but it was fascinating. The thing about GC is that each time you go, you will learn something new because there’s just so much.
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I’m sorry that we did not know about the cemetery sooner because it sounds fascinating.
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Perhaps another time.
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You took me back to a place and sites I have long enjoyed and often visited. Thank you.
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Glad we could provide a good memory for you. ❤
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Dinosaur tracks! Very cool 🙂
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A bit different, huh 🙂
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Beautiful photos of the canyon! The watchtower is really amazing. I love the pottery and your earrings are gorgeous.
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Thank you very much. I was pleasantly surprised by how beautiful the inside of the Watchtower was.
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Wonderful details and thank you very much for the photos.
We do not have an RV and I pray that some day we will go. I need to check out the nearby lodgings.
Keep up the great works. I love how you write.
Good Looking couple!
Happy thoughts,
Petrina
NY
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We are loving our RV, even though still in the learning mode. When you are checking out lodgings, if you are OK with bringing along a sleeping bag and pillow, look at some of the RV parks. I have been noticing small cabins for rent in several of them and the prices might be better than hotels. I need to check them out to write more about them at some point in the future.
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The watchtower was my favorite (wo)man made site at the Grand Canyon. It’s really worth seeing the interior!
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I sure agree with you!
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Mary Colter’s Design of the structures in the park are just fantastic. Great photos, keep them coming.
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You may regret asking for more photos from this snapaholic 😃
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I will never regret more photos, I am right there with you. Hard for this snapaholic to pair down the photos for the blog.
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Terry, I too have a very hard time making cuts, but somehow showing a couple hundred photos of the same location just might not keep most peoples attention, lol. Glad to know I’m not the only one with this issue…
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Yes we might upset them. LOL
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I, too, love looking at the local handicrafts when I travel. I may not buy, but I love to look! I do not have a single artistic bone, so I especially appreciate those who do!
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Trish, I seldom buy much these days either as we have significantly downsized, but an occasional piece of jewelry does not take up much space and I get to relive a special memory each time I wear it.
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That pottery is beautiful! What day – fine art to petrified poop. You had it all!
Alison
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Beautiful pictures. The scenery there is like no other in the country. I, too, loved the Watchtower – so pretty inside and what views! The dinosaur tracks and poop are interesting. Do they know which species of dinosaur then have the “present” from?
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There were several different types of dinosaur prints that our guide identified for us, including T. Rex, but sorry I don’t remember which one(s) left all the packages behind.
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This was wonderful…. I love living the camper life and I am “petrified of dinosaur poop” hahhaha ….. I do love reading of the adventures of others in their RV. I also have a site if you are interested though I live in Italy. https://europeancamperadventures.wordpress.com/
CamperLifeRocks!!!
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Glad we gave you a chuckle. I’ll check out your site this evening!
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