The Grand Canyon

We arrived at the Grand Canyon to discover that the South Rim where we were camping is actually at 7,000 ft elevation. This meant that the weather was still pretty cold in mid-April, with nighttime temps dropping below freezing, and daytime temps just barely cracking 50 degrees. Luckily, we were prepared with wool hats, gloves, and down sleeping bags.

We were less prepared for the big storm that rolled through the area on our first day in the park. All the weather reports seemed to agree that the storm would last all day, with a mix of rain and snow. We decided to head to Flagstaff for the day and avoid our wet and chilly campsite. We checked out the Lowell Observatory, and then headed for a couple of coffee shops in downtown Flagstaff to watch the storm and catch up on emails and photos. The rain turned into a pretty significant snowstorm in the evening, and although our tent was encrusted with ice and snow when we returned after dinner, all was well at our campsite.

The next morning brought temps above freezing, so most of the snow that had accumulated during the night melted before 9am. We decided to spend the day walking the rim trail along the southern canyon wall, and a short stretch of the South Kaibab trail down into the canyon. It was a beautiful day for a hike! 

Remaining thunderstorms along the North Rim

Matt surveys the landscape

Nice views and pretty clouds all day from the South Rim

Elk where everywhere -- this guy was having lunch right on the trail

Grand Canyon selfie!

A few more photos from the Grand Canyon can be found here.