Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Checking out of the Lodge, we will begin our journey towards our third national park of the program. We’ll board the motorcoach for the southbound trip to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. We will travel down the several steps of the Grand Staircase and move on to Arizona where we will visit Pipe Spring National Monument. Upon arrival at the park we will orient to the park's museum exhibits, video and outdoor demonstration stations. In addition we will meet a park ranger for an introduction and subsequent self guided exploration of Winsor Castle – a fort built by Mormon settlers beginning around 1870 – and the surrounding grounds Mid-morning, we will depart Pipe Spring National Monument and travel up the western flank of the Kaibab Plateau. After nearing 8,000 feet elevation, we’ll arrive at the historic Jacob Lake Inn for lunch.
Lunch:
At the Jacob Lake Inn, a pine-surrounded log structure with a fireplace and a wonderfully homey feel, we will enjoy some of its home-cooked fare with a plated meal.
Afternoon:
We’ll then continue southbound across the Kaibab Plateau through forests of Ponderosa pines, spruce, fir and quaking aspen, as well as huge meadows—more reminiscent of Montana than Arizona. En route, we’ll learn through an onboard lecture why fire is important to the health of Ponderosa pine forests and what happens when fires are suppressed for 100 years. As we travel, we may see the unique Kaibab squirrel, wild turkey, and deer. Upon arrival, we'll take a half-mile roundtrip hike on a inclined paved trail to Bright Angel Point, a promontory at an elevation of 8,148 feet that offers panoramic views of Roaring Springs, Bright Angel, and Transept Canyons, as well as the inner gorge of the Grand Canyon. After our walk we will check into our cabins, get settled in and relax before dinner. Note that the Frontier Cabins in which we will be staying are historic log cabins that were built in the 1930s. They enhance the rustic ambiance of the North Rim. Please be aware that the cabins are smaller and cozier than average modern day lodgings.
Dinner:
In the dining room of the North Rim Lodge, we will have a plated meal. As we dine, we’ll enjoy magnificent canyon views through huge picture windows.
Evening:
After dinner, the remainder of the evening will be at your leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.