Even in rain, Canyon still Grand place to be
You’ve been planning your trip to Grand Canyon for months.
You make the drive, wait patiently through the line to enter the park and even find a parking spot. Your camera is ready and you’re headed to your favorite view point when you feel the first few drops. It’s raining. You don’t have to let a little precipitation spoil your trip. Here are things to do while you’re waiting it out.
Grand Canyon Visitor Center: This is a good place to chat up a park ranger. You could plan your route, check on conditions or get ideas for other things to see while you’re there. Spend some time with the exhibits that explain what you’ll see when you venture back outdoors. There also are covered kiosks with helpful tips, the schedule for ranger-led talks and other information. The visitor center complex, near Mather Point, also has restrooms and places to buy food while you wait it out until the rain passes.
Check out a movie: OK, it might feel a little silly to visit one of the natural wonders of the world and spend time indoors watching a film. But there are educational films at various venues in the park, including the visitor center, that can help you learn more about the Canyon's environment and history. If you’re willing to venture back out to Tusayan (your pass allows re-entry for seven days), the Grand Canyon IMAX theater has an even more impressive film. “Over the Rim and Beyond, Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets” screens several times throughout the day on a screen that’s six stories high. Details: explorethecanyon.com.
Take in a museum talk or exhibit: Through Sept. 5, Kolb Studio near the Bright Angel Trailhead presents “The Amazing Kolb Brothers: A Grand Life at the Grand Canyon,” an extensive exhibit on Emery and Ellsworth Kolb, brothers who spent decades living in, photographing and filming the Canyon. At the Yavapai Geology Museum, just west of Mather Point, visitors can attend a ranger talk or explore the exhibits on their own. The museum offers spectacular views of the Canyon.
Do a little shopping: Duck into the General Store or check out the Park Store at the visitor-center complex. You can stock up on supplies and snacks. The shop near the visitor center sells all types of Grand Canyon souvenirs. Hopi House and Lookout Studio near Bright Angel Lodge are also good spots for souvenirs. Hopi House offers a selection of Native American arts and crafts while Lookout Studio offers books and photography featuring the Canyon.
Get a bite to eat: Keep in mind that at 7,000 feet of elevation, even activities that don’t seem strenuous can sap your strength. Take advantage of a rain delay to get a meal. Options include snacks and sandwiches as well as sitdown dining. Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, Maswik Lodge and Yavapai Lodge all have restaurants. Bright Angel Bicycles & Café at Mather Point sells food but doesn't have much in the way of shelter.
Just get wet: As long as there's no lightning in the area, just enjoy getting soaked. Valley residents see precious little rain. Besides, eons of water played a large role in making the Grand Canyon the wonder that it is. A little dampness one afternoon isn’t going to hurt you.
Details: www.nps.gov/grca.