Wednesday, May 23: Woke up at the Grand Canyon and finally got on a shuttle bus after a few strategic moves. We took the bus toward Hermits Rest. We walked past the first stop along the rim trail (0.7 mi) to get on at the second stop (to avoid the crowds). We checked out the overlook and then alternated riding the bus and walking the trail. This worked pretty well as the Rim Trail has many great views without the crowds. We did this for most of the day. We were at the Mohave Point overlook when Pete spotted 3 condors soaring over the canyon – a much hoped for sighting. There were pretty far away but we could see the white on their wings. We finally got to Hermits Rest after walking a ‘greenway’ trail from the previous overlook (1.1 mi). We got a snack there and saw several move condors go gliding past. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find them again as they must have gone down into the canyon. Pete particularly liked Pima Point due to seeing lots of the river and having a panoramic view.
We ate dinner at the lodge and tried to see the post sunset view at Yavapoi Point, but it was parked up. We went on to a spot behind the Headquarters and caught the end of the day there. Lots of walking and time outside today, nearly all of it along the canyon. We saw Western bluebirds near the village while planning out the day.
Our Grand Canyon bird list:
- Raven
- California Condor
- Western Bluebird
- White Throated swift
- Violet Green Swallow
- Red Crossbil
- Red Tailed Hawk
- Turkey Vulture
- Clark’s Nutcracker
- Mountain Chickadee
- Dark Eyed Junco – red backed form
Mammals:
- Albert’s Squirrel
- Mule Deer
- Elk