Feels like a step back to the family-run motels from when I was a kid. Travelling with my teeenage son; our room with two double beds was quite small, but clean and quiet and comfortable. Friendly and helpful staff.
Wish we'd had more time to explore--ours was just a real quick stop and walk for a driving break while passing through--but this was a beautiful and serene place.
To me this place seemed fairly laid back, though typical of a national park the visitor's center parking can get crowded. I heard many people say (though I've never been to the South Rim) that the North Rim is much less crowded and quieter.
From the visitor area there is a short (less than 1 mile out and back) paved trail, Bright Angel Point Trail. It is relatively easy, though there are some pretty sharp ascents and descents, and takes you out to a point with (according to one of the Rangers) one of the best views of the canyon. But this little trail is absolutely recommended. There are all kinds of places to scramble for amazing vantage points -- every one seemingly different. If you like standing out on sheer points looking out over empty space, there are plenty of places for that. I could have spent the whole day here. If you are at the North Rim visitor's area I highly recommend checking this out. For me, this was the first place I really saw the Grand Canyon so it was absolutely unforgettable.
The lodge restaurant was good eating and not really overpriced (at least the lunch menu) like you might expect.
The Rough Rider Saloon was a must-stop for a coffee or adult beverage.
Drive out to Imperial Point and Cape Royal. Allow plenty of time at Cape Royal... there are trails out to at least two (maybe three) different overlooks and numerous side trails for exploring the rim... again, this is a place where I probably could have spent an entire day.
If this is on your route you MUST stop. Fascinating and beautiful in an odd way, even if they are not the archeological wonders you might have expected at first. We had decided not to stop as we were running late, but one look at the bizarre rock formations and dwellings as we passed by forced us to whirl about and take a few minutes to explore.
Definitely worth a quick stop for looking and exploring. If you need a picnic area there is a neat stone table at the overlook.
Feels like a step back to the family-run motels from when I was a kid. Travelling with my teeenage son; our room with two double beds was quite small, but clean and quiet and comfortable. Friendly and helpful staff.
**Be aware** As of about a week ago the park where the cannon is located was closed to the public. Not sure when it will reopen.
The park (Freedom Park) is south of I70 with a picnic area, an old tank and a couple of other guns along a paved but rather the worse for wear path up at a rather steep ascent to a hilltop, where Atomic Annie sits. The hill overlooks Marshall Airfield to the North on the other side of the interstate. A cool piece of history, nice bit of local flora on the walk up.
Lovely and inspiring, gorgeous interior that filled me with a sense of awe, wonder, and reverence, truly reflective of God's grandeur. A very short stop off I70, a quiet break for just a few quick minutes from a grueling drive to put things in proper perspective.
We were running behind schedule, debated if we should make yet ANOTHER stop... and were SO glad that we did. I'd highly recommend it to anyone. Even my younger boys 10 & 11 seemed to appreciate it.