It is hard to wrap my journey from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon in just one sentence. My first visit from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West was a few years back on a tour bus. My second trip which I took recently from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim was by car. Two different journeys and different experiences. Today I will reflect on my recent journey during which I stopped at several points along the way, some known and some unknown and in turn experienced this trip uniquely.
It is hard to wrap my journey from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon in just one sentence. #Travel #Wanderlust Click To Tweet
Las Vegas to Grand Canyon – the feeling!
Las Vegas the man-made city has its charm no doubt. But when I started for Grand Canyon, one of the most iconic places in Arizona, I was all set to let the grand new vistas, new horizons, and magical landscapes yank me into some unexplored part of my consciousness.
Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim – first stop!
My first stop was Lake Mead National Recreation Area, America’s first national recreation area. After parking the car, the bright blue water greeted my eyes and the soft breeze welcomed me. The view of rocky canyons afar and the blue water of Lake Mead was beautiful.
I read all the information boards about the lake, the Hoover Dam and the surrounding area, framed some shots and some remained unframed and uncaptured. To save me from the indiscriminate flood of total recall, I prefer keeping some lacunae which in turn inspire me to exercise imagination.
I prefer keeping some lacunae which in turn inspire me to exercise imagination. #Travel #Wanderlust Click To Tweet
Las Vegas to Grand Canyon – the roads!
Layers of rocky mountains remained constant in our vicinity. It was interesting to note the various shades of color in the rocks. Although I was inside the car and the AC inside was at its maximum, I felt an eerie feeling. Amidst the vast landscape, cars were crisscrossing and sometimes trucks. I had to put some effort to look for another human being and that too confined inside a car. At traffic signals, I saw a few people driving the car but most of them were checking their mobile phones instead of fellow humans. Although I know this is a commonplace truth of human existence nowadays, still I felt uncomfortable. Was it due to the large rocky mountains and the desert? I know not.
Las Vegas to Grand Canyon – wildflowers amidst desert!
I pressed on the switch beside the window inside the car and let the glass down. The sun was glowing bright and the temperature was hot. When did the afternoon slip in I didn’t notice, but when I saw the beautiful flowers amidst the cactus-filled desert, I stopped the car. I stepped out of my car and could feel the air on my face. The wind was dry. Very dry. In the desert, the afternoons are different! It’s harsh.
While standing amidst the desert and seeing the blooming wildflowers in front, a thought struck and then a realization revitalized me. Flowers can beautify even a vast barren land by just blooming, by just spreading their sweet fragrance. Ephemeral but divine.
Las Vegas to Grand Canyon via Route 66 –
one of the most famous roads in the United States
Before taking the I-40, we took a detour and drove on Route 66 from Kingman to Seligman to taste a classic American experience.
The beautiful Colorado River flowing silently!
The historic Route 66!
Travel Tips: Explore the ghost towns on Route 66
At Seligman on Route 66!
Being constrained by time, we could not visit Hoover Dam and the free Hoover Dam Museum but if you have time, consider visiting them. This journey from Las Vegas, the man-made heaven to Grand Canyon, nature’s grandeur, gifted me some beautiful moments among wildflowers in the desert. Sequences and consequences in life are omnipresent. The extras that we can add to our lives are some beautiful and unexpected moments. It doesn’t take much. Seeing things out of our list of must-see places and feeling perhaps are the ingredients to enjoy such moments and make the journal of one’s journey unique and beautiful.
Until next post, Adieu!
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Tony Payne
Lovely photos and it’s truly amazing how much life there really is in the desert.
I haven’t been to Las Vegas. Would love to go one day, but I would much rather see nature than man made structures. I have been within a few miles of the Grand Canyon, flying from Chicago to Orange County. One day, before I get too old, it would be lovely to go down into the canyon and do a trek.
Mayi
It looks like you had a great time exploring and appreciating the environment. You made the most of the iconic route 66 and I’m loving your pictures! Very good.
Allie G.
All incredible pictures! Although I have lived in the US my whole life I have never visited the Grand Canyon, and this post just made me want to get there even more. Between the two routes you have taken which do you recommend?