Arizona / Utah ABD for Grand Canyon

[DizMagic]

Would those of you who have done the Arizona / Utah ABD trip recommend that trip to someone whose "primary" focus was to see the grand canyon? Or would you recommend a do-it-yourself approach?

 

[Chirple]

Would those of you who have done the Arizona / Utah ABD trip recommend that trip to someone whose "primary" focus was to see the grand canyon? Or would you recommend a do-it-yourself approach?

We did this trip last year. Going into it, my primary focus was to see the Grand Canyon. Then we experienced Monument Valley and Moab, and they all became equal in relevance, maybe even leaning more towards Moab. My husband and I talk about going back to Moab so that we can explore Arches National Park on a greater scale.

 

[quinnc19]

I agree with the previous poster that all of the destinations on the trip are great and I wouldn't have wanted to miss any of them. I personally felt as though I had enough time at the Grand Canyon. However, if you really want to hike down to the bottom or take a long mule ride, there really wouldn't be time for that.

 

[sayhello]

I agree with both of the previous posters. If you really want to hike all the way down into the Canyon or do the mule ride, you won't have time for that. But if you want to see several areas of the canyon, and learn some of it's history, and enjoy some other amazing areas of the American Southwest, then this is your trip! Still one of my favorite ABDs.

Sayhello

 

[DizMagic]

Then I will definitely leave this one on my to-do list. A follow up question, i think it looks like this trip primarily runs during the summer. I am very heat sensitive. How hot did it get in May? - I think that would be my only option to possibly make it.

 

[WishUponAStarryNight]

This might sound crazy, but how easy is it to fall over a cliff at the Grand Canyon? It looks like there are only few guardrails (and I totally understand why), but I have visions of DS or my uncoordinated self meeting our doom far too soon. Can you take in the canyon and keep a safe distance from the edge?

 

[sayhello]

I went like the 2nd week in May, and it snowed while we were at the Grand Canyon. But it was in the 60's and all melted by afternoon. I'm not a fan of heat, but it wasn't really that hot, even in Sedona.

Sayhello

 

[Chirple]

Then I will definitely leave this one on my to-do list. A follow up question, i think it looks like this trip primarily runs during the summer. I am very heat sensitive. How hot did it get in May? - I think that would be my only option to possibly make it.

Although we have no children, we took the family adventure that ran from 5/25 - 6/1 in 2016. Overall, the weather was amazingly comfortable. Monument Valley was warm, but we were dressed for the cooler temperature at the Grand Canyon (jeans).

 

[carpenta]

This might sound crazy, but how easy is it to fall over a cliff at the Grand Canyon? It looks like there are only few guardrails (and I totally understand why), but I have visions of DS or my uncoordinated self meeting our doom far too soon. Can you take in the canyon and keep a safe distance from the edge?

There are many areas for viewing that have walls with poles and rails to stop you from falling. You would really have to try to fall for most areas are safe to walk and view. The hotels pre and post Grand Canyon are superb and add to the trip greatly. Still one of my favorite trips we have done with ABD. IMO one of ABD's best.\\\

 

[Chirple]

This might sound crazy, but how easy is it to fall over a cliff at the Grand Canyon? It looks like there are only few guardrails (and I totally understand why), but I have visions of DS or my uncoordinated self meeting our doom far too soon. Can you take in the canyon and keep a safe distance from the edge?

You won't fall over the edge. The rails around the rim where ABD leads you are actually fenced. The paths around the rim are not next to any drop-offs into the canyon. The Bright Angel trail, which is the one we took for our hike into the canyon, has no rails at all; it is the same trail the mules use. My husband has an extreme fear of heights, and he did fine on the trail, even when the hikers coming up passed us (they have the right of way).

 

[Luv2trav]

There are many areas for viewing that have walls with poles and rails to stop you from falling. You would really have to try to fall for most areas are safe to walk and view. The hotels pre and post Grand Canyon are superb and add to the trip greatly. Still one of my favorite trips we have done with ABD. IMO one of ABD's best.\\\

This is good to know because this is our first ABD. I am really looking forward to it.

 

[kmc33]

We are another one that booked this trip primarily because we wanted to see the Grand Canyon. Although the Grand Canyon hotel is not a luxury hotel, it is right on the rim. And to book one of these Grand Canyon hotels yourself, you have to do it well in advance. Also it is a lot of driving if you do it on your own.

We were awed by the Grand Canyon, but some of my favorite memories are from our time at the Enchantment Resort in Sedona (LOVED!) and Arches National Park in Moab. I agree with the others, this is a wonderful ABD trip!

 

[pjacobi]

As long as you stay on marked paths and behind railings there is no possibility of falling off the rim.

People who have fallen ignored multiple levels of warnings and railings. Unfortunately, this continues to happen about once per year. See:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Canyon#Grand_Canyon_fatalities
http://www.mygrandcanyonpark.com/falling-to-death-grand-canyon/

Below the rim, there are many dangers which may require helicopters rescue. The rescue costs of $10,000 or more can be billed to the patient. Trails are policed by rangers that stop unprepared hikers and can impose fines for being in the wrong areas without permit.


-Paul

 

[carpenta]

This is good to know because this is our first ABD. I am really looking forward to it.

You pick e great adventure. I am now jealous I can't return.

 

[EllinK]

I hope someone traveling this year will write a trip report. There hasn't been one for a while...

 

[west&east]

Well I am on this trip right now! Sadly it is our last night. I will definitely write a trip report. It has been a fantastic adventure. Unless you want to do an extensive hike down the canyon, I would definitely recommend experiencing the Grand Canyon with ABD. Just letting someone else do the driving is a great plus. The initial "reveal" of the Grand Canyon was done in a fun fashion and I definitely left feeling like I saw and learned more than the average visitor.

 

[Luv2trav]

Well I am on this trip right now! Sadly it is our last night. I will definitely write a trip report. It has been a fantastic adventure. Unless you want to do an extensive hike down the canyon, I would definitely recommend experiencing the Grand Canyon with ABD. Just letting someone else do the driving is a great plus. The initial "reveal" of the Grand Canyon was done in a fun fashion and I definitely left feeling like I saw and learned more than the average visitor.

I can't wait to read your review. We are going in July and would love to hear about your trip. Thank you.

 

[EllinK]

I will definitely write a trip report.

Can't wait!!

 

[drbayside]

We too can't wait to read you're review. We are going in August.

 

[lucky1]

Then I will definitely leave this one on my to-do list. A follow up question, i think it looks like this trip primarily runs during the summer. I am very heat sensitive. How hot did it get in May? - I think that would be my only option to possibly make it.

I live in AZ and It varies.. May is generally okay. The key is that it is dry in May and so you don't feel the heat as much, but what you need to do is drink lots of water and wear a hat and sunscreen no matter were you are and even at the high elevations. We tend to have 30 - 40 degree temperature swings in a day. It can be 30 degrees in the morning and 70 degrees in the afternoon. Also bring sunglasses!!

This might sound crazy, but how easy is it to fall over a cliff at the Grand Canyon? It looks like there are only few guardrails (and I totally understand why), but I have visions of DS or my uncoordinated self meeting our doom far too soon. Can you take in the canyon and keep a safe distance from the edge?

It is a real fear and has happened, but to be realistic, unless you are are doing something very stupid (climbing over the edge to get the perfect shot or running around in the unsecured areas) than you should be okay.. On some of the areas the drop is gradual, so you would need to take a running leap.