California Condor soaring over the Grand Canyon (view north)
|
Overview
Imagine this: It is a warm and sunny day at the Grand
Canyon; you are sitting comfortably on a stone wall in the shade with
your feet dangling (safely) over the lip of the canyon; you are quietly
eating ice cream or enjoying a latte while fending off hopeful
squirrels; people around are busy but quiet, then suddenly they look up
in unison and give out a yelp. You look up as a California Condor soars
by just above your head; close enough to hear the wind in its wings. So
what if you can't put it on your life list.
Link to Map. |
Condors on cliffs below the Bright Angel Lodge (view west from paved
Rim Trail).
|
Description
In an effort to bring California Condors back from the
brink of extinction, captive-raised condors are being released into the
wild at the east end of the Grand Canyon. So far, the program is
successful, and the condors are starting to nest on the canyon walls.
Oddly, however, the condors seem to like something about human
activity, and they have been roosting in one of the busiest places in
the canyon. Fortunately, this odd behavior provides an outstanding
opportunity to see them up close and personal.
The primary feature of the park is the 4,500-foot-deep
canyon cut by the Colorado River and the resulting scenic vistas. The
South Rim, at an elevation of about 7,000 feet, is in the mid-elevation
pinyon-juniper, yellow-pine forest zone. The river, at an elevation of
about 2,500 feet, is in the low-elevation desert zone. The great range
of elevations makes for a mix of habitats, providing for considerable
floral and faunal diversity, and the birding can be good for desert and
forest species, plus many migrants.
When you are satiated with condors, the Rim Trail makes
for a nice walk along the edge of the canyon with opportunities to bird
forest species. From the Bright Angel Lodge, you can walk in either
direction and then ride the shuttle bus back to your car. The hike to
the west goes up a fairly steep hill, so you might consider riding the
Hermit Rest shuttle bus (starts just west of the Bright Angel Lodge) to
the Maricopa Overlook (2nd stop) and walking back to the Bright Angel
Lodge on the paved trail, or just walk east along the rim on a fairly
level, paved trail. |
Condors on cliffs below the Bright Angel Lodge (view east).
|
Because of the crowds on the South Rim, the Park Service
established a shuttle bus system. The entrance fee includes the shuttle
bus, so after you get to the South Rim, park your car and ride the bus
for free.
Location
The Grand Canyon is located in north-central Arizona.
From Interstate-40, drive north from Williams on Highway 64 or drive
north from Flagstaff on Highway 180. When the two highways converge,
follow Highway 64 north to the park entrance. Inside the park, find a
place to park and ride the shuttle (May through September) to the
Bright Angel Lodge. From the bus stop, walk out to the back porch of
the Bright Angel Lodge.
Hours
The Park is always open. The South Rim Visitor Center is
open 8 AM to 6 PM, 7 days a week during the summer, with shorter hours
during the rest of the year. |
Looking down on
roosting condors from the back porch of the Bright Angel Lodge (view
north).
|
Fees
The entrance fee is $20 per vehicle, which includes the
shuttle bus and is good for a week. Camping is extra. Golden Eagle and
other annual park passes are accepted.
Specialties
California Condor, Turkey Vulture, Peregrine Falcon,
Common Raven, House Sparrows, migrants in season. |
