20 May 2012 - Fly to Las Vegas

 

21 May – Travel by charter touring coach crossing the Colorado River into Arizona and on to Grand Canyon North Rim

 

22 May – Full day at Canyon North Rim with time to enjoy some spectacular local walks. We observe Annular Solar Eclipse over the Canyon at sunset.

 

23 May – Travel across the high plateau of Northern Arizona's to Flagstaff with a visit to Lowell Observatory is scheduled for this evening.

 

24 May – A tour to the extrordinary Giant Meteor Crater this morning, followed by a hike on the well preserved lava trail at the Sunset Crater cinder cone.

 

25 May - Head south today, into the scenic Sonora Desert with two nights accommodation in Tucson.

 

26 May – An early morning trip up the mountains to visit Kitt Peak National Observatory.

 

27 May – Travel across the Imperial Valley to San Diego in Souther California.

 

28 May – A visit to the famous Mount Palomar Observatory, then on to the city of Los Angeles

 

29 May – In Los Angeles with a visit Mt Wilson Observatory.

 

 

The Grand Canyon of the Colorado River has been a protected wilderness area for almost a hundred years; one of the very earliest wild places to be safeguarded from "development".  Of course the area now features on the itinerary of millions of tourists and it is indeed possible to get a passing sense of this special place from the resort areas on the South Rim of the Canyon.  There are many established walking trails along the Canyon rim although surprisingly few visitors actually leave the resort area.  Our programme is based on the less frequented North Rim site and some of the trails are shown below.

 

For those wishing to enjoy a rare experience of this special place, we plan to offer a two day "Rim to Rim" hike, hiking from the South Rim to the North Rim, staying overnight at Phantom Ranch on the Colorado River.  This is not a trivial challenge, with a steep climb at an altitude of over 9,000ft., but it offers real satisfaction.  Very early reservations are essential, permits for this trail are very limited.  You will fly out 3 days early to join this optional extension.

 

Bright Angel Point Trail
Set out on foot along a self-guided nature trail to reach Bright Angel Point, just a short walk from Grand Canyon Lodge at the North Rim. This easy, self-guided nature trail leads you to a spectacular view of the canyon. Here you can see and hear the Roaring Springs more than 3,000 feet below the Rim. (One-half mile, 30 minutes)

The Uncle Jim Trail
This trail winds through the alpine forest to a point overlooking the canyon and the North Kaibab Trail switchbacks. It begins at the North Kaibab Trail parking lot. (Five miles, three hours)

Widforss Trail
Blending forest and canyon scenery, this trail starts at the Widforss Trail parking area, one mile on the dirt Point Sublime Road, one-quarter mile south of Cape Royal Road turnoff. (10 miles, six hours)

Ken Patrick Trail
This trail winds through the forest and along the rim from Point Imperial to the North Kaibab Trail parking area. (10 miles one way, 12 hours)

North Kaibab Trail
The only maintained trail into the canyon from the North Rim gives hikers an appreciation for the beauty and immense size of the canyon. A full day should be allowed for a trip to Roaring Springs and back. This hike is strenuous. (9.4 miles, six to eight hours)

 

31 May – In San Francisco, optional excursion to Yosemite National Park.

 

1 June - Fly from San Francisco to Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii the Hawaiian island of Maui.

 

2 Jun - Visit the Hawaii Observatories on Mauna Kea.

 

3 Jun – Tour of the Volcanoes National

 

4 & 5 Jun - At leisuer in Kona. 

 

6 Jun – On Hawaii, observe the Venus transit today.

 

7 Jun – Return flight, or extend your stay with a visit to the island of Maui.