Our last full day with Road Scholar, we took a trip to the Grand Canyon. Even the trip there was an adventure. There was actually snow on the ground, the closer we got to Flagstaff.
We took the “scenic” route to the Grand Canyon and were lucky to travel along the famous Route 66 for a bit. Why is Route 66 so famous?
Route 66 is so interesting and famous because it is a symbol of American road trips. It runs from Chicago to California. It has been featured in many books, films and music. Route 66 also represnts freedom, adventure and the pursuit of the American Dream.
One of our stops along Route 66 was at this interesting Rest Stop. There was a display of old cars, which Mr. Ken loved.
Note the bright color of this car.
There was also an old police car.
There are many places to stop and see the Grand Canyon. Our first stop was at the Desert View Watchtower. This is where I got my first glance of the Grand Canyon; emotion overtook me and I actually cried. Not because of sadness but just being overwhelmed. Words cannot describe it and pictures certainly do not do it justice.
The watchtower was the last of the series of Mary Colter-designed visitor concession structures at the Grand Canyon until her renovation of the Bright Angel Lodge in 1935. The tower was designed to resemble an Ancestral Puebloan watchtower, but it is much, much bigger than any Puebloan tower.
This is the view from the Watchtower.
We arrived at our final destination, Bright Angel Lodge. Bright Angel Lodge was established by James Thurber in 1896. It is at the head of the Bright Angel Trail leading into the canyon. Thurber ran a stagecoach line from the Grandview area to this new location to the west in 1896, building a small wood-frame hotel.
Here it is.
The glorious American flag flying high captures the spirit of the Grand Canyon.
Stay tuned next week for more pictures of the magnificent Grand Canyon!
Have you ever driven on Route 66? If so, what did you think?
Nancy Loderick's Blog 
Posted on May 7, 2025