Saguaro National Park

Although we had only a couple of days in Arizona, I really wanted to make my dad’s first trip to Arizona an authentic one.  Our first meal straight from the airport was for Fry Bread Indian Tacos at the Fry Bread House

 

 

 

 

and ironically the reason why we were originally planned on venturing down to Southern Arizona was in hopes of trying a lunch place by the O`odham Reservation with a side stop to the Saguaro National Park.  However after over 10 hours of driving just the day before for the Grand Canyon and the possibly inconsistent hours of that lunch place, we decided to save the additional couple of hours detour and just visit Saguaro as When in Arizona…

 

Arizona seems synonymous with cactus so it seemed fitting that we would bring my dad to a park in the middle of the Sonoran Desert with cacti as far as the eye can see.  There are 2 sides to this park so we decided that the West is the place to be.  With no attendant at the entrance of this park, it can be confusing trying to figure out where to go.  We literally entered and exited the other side of the park off Picture Rock Road without seeing anyone, only to discover that we should have stayed on Sandario connecting to Kinney Road which will bring you to the Visitor Center where you check in and pay your $10 per car fee or complimentary with the senior pass that have been getting a workout this year. 

 

Mainly here for scenery and pictures, we traversed around the paved trails for up close and personal pictures including the prickly pear cactus

 

 

which we had eaten in fry form just the night before in Sedona

 

 

and then drove the scenic Bajada Loop Drive which is a dirt road but one that can be maneuvered without 4 wheel drive.  As I said, When in Arizona...   

 

Grand Canyon

With the 100^th year celebration of the National Parks set for this weekend, it seemed fitting that I continue our adventures at another National Park.  Often we find ourselves visiting attractions that we later decide is overrated and just another tourist trap.  The Grand Canyon is definitely not one of those.  I went for the first time about 12 years ago and returned this year with my dad as part of his 80^th birthday gift since he always wanted to see the Grand Canyon in person and not just on the Brady Bunch. 

 

Entrance fee at this time is $30 per car and is good for 7 days but since my dad had previously purchased the Senior Pass, it was free for all National Parks.  The glass Skywalk Bridge is on the West side coming from Vegas but honestly the scenery is more impressive on the East or South side.  We decided to enter in via the less busy East side of the canyon as you get treated to an already impressive teaser at Navajo Point overlook before you even enter the park.  

Almost immediately after the entrance into the park, our first viewpoint was the Watchtower.  This one requires a small walk to get to but upon first glimpse of the canyon, you will undoubtedly be at awe at the vastness of the Grand Canyon, making you forget how hot or cold you may be and reminding us how small we really are in the grand scheme of things. 

 

 

 

 

 

Traveling along Desert View with lots of picturesque overlooks and picture taking opportunities along the way without having to hike into the canyon was the perfect day trip for us.   Making 4 stops along the way, allowing a leisurely 20-30 minutes at each to take pictures, it took us about 3 hours to make it to the South Rim entrance area. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since our next day’s activities were in Southern AZ, we made Phoenix our home base which is less than 4 hrs each way to the Grand Canyon.  However, if you want more of a halfway point without having to stay in Tusayan or Flagstaff, you may want to consider Sedona which is about 2 hours away with a chance to also explore the Red Rocks. 

 

Happy Centennial National Parks!  I cannot think of a more impressive place to celebrate and feel like giddy little kids again coming upon a beautiful new discovery.  What a fitting place for a double milestone birthday! 

 

 

Yosemite

Wanting to take advantage of his recently acquired America the Beautiful Senior Pass, giving him access to national parks for free, my dad had his sights set on Yosemite this year. 

 

 

 

Although still almost a 4 hr drive each way, it was at least one that did not require a plane ride to get to.  My third time and my dad’s second time in 20 years, a lot has changed over the years.  Aside from the increase in traffic especially during peak season that may delay you up to 2 hours trying to get into Yosemite Village, the landscape has changed as well from the 2 year closure of the Mariposa Grove, home of the giant sequoias as it undergoes restoration efforts to the previous large Hetch Hetchy rim fire that threatened the water supply at a time that California was already grappling with a drought. 

We are definitely not out of the woods (pun may or may not be intended) as month long wildfires from 4-5 hour away Monterey County and thankfully a quickly contained one from the neighbor Sierras brought along a haze as a reminder of the high fire danger and the importance of being responsible.  

The last time we were in Yosemite for the day, we did an easy to moderate 1 ½ mile hike at Pothole Dome.  The name may not be so inviting but the impressive views were worth the time.  Located on the Western part of the Tuolomne Meadows right off Tioga Pass Road, the hike on a granite dome can provide adventure for people of almost all ages.  Once you catch your breath from the high altitude, the view of the meadows, Lembert Dome, and Cathedral Peak from the summit will take it right back.  Do not be surprised if you encounter some friendly wildlife on your trek but do pay attention to the namesake “potholes” caused by water erosion that you will find scattered throughout. 

This time around due to limited time at the park and my dad’s purpose of wanting to take pictures, it was more of a driving tour through different areas of the park.  Although the haze affected the visibility of some sites the higher we went, we were able to capture some scenic pictures from Tunnel View on our attempt to head up to Glacier Point,

 

 

but due to a full lot and a 1 1/2 hr wait for the 30 minute shuttle ride, we detoured and went to Olmsted Point on Tioga Pass Road instead where it was slightly clearer,

 

 

and El Capitan and Bridal Veil Falls from the valley floor.

 

 

 

With the Mariposa Grove reopening some time next year, hopefully we will find ourselves back way before another 20 years has gone by.