Kim Cope from Minnesota recommends IMAX movie

From Landscapes and wildlife to history and adventure, what’s the one thing about the Grand Canyon that has intrigued you?

I love the way the sunlight and shadows totally change the way the Grand Canyon looks, hour by hour. At certain times of day, the oranges glow, then the reds, etc. It’s an ever-changing wonder that leaves me speechless and in awe.

If this your first visit to the Canyon, what is motivating you to visit? If this a revisit, what’s your reason for wanting more?

I saw it for the first time in a helicopter tour several years ago, and on my most recent visit I wanted to see it up close and in person.

What are five things your Backpack to the Canyon must contain?

Water, beef jerky, a map, camera, and a journal to record my thoughts on my sights and feelings of being in this amazing place.

What according to you is the best way to get to the Grand Canyon – By Air, By Road or By Rail?

I would say air travel is the best, since you’d probably get an aerial view of the Grand Canyon as a bonus when flying in. It’s surprisingly and deceptively large to drive around, as I discovered last fall.

What is travel to you in one word?

Discovery!

What are three tips for an awesome budget trip to the Grand Canyon?

Do research on the Internet, ask advice from friends who have been there, and pick up lots of local newspapers when you’re there for more recent info on events and activities.

On your travels, what would you choose a book or a camera, and why?

I’m not sure if the book you’re asking about is a travel book about the Grand Canyon or just some pulp fiction to pass the time, but I’d definitely choose a camera. I want to record my memories and print them out once I get home so I can relive the thrilling sites.

What surprised you about the Grand Canyon?

I was surprised how big it is (duh). Looking at the map in our rental car, we didn’t think it would take very long to drive from the west rim to the south rim, but it did. Luckily, it was a picturesque drive.

As a travel destination, how would you rank the Grand Canyon from 1 to 10?

10

Did you visit the Visitor Center?  Did you see the IMAX movie, Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time?  What did you think?

On my last day there, I did visit the Visitor Center and I saw the IMAX movie called “Grand Canyon: Hidden Secrets.” I really enjoyed the movie, and liked the fact that all the free bus shuttles made it easy to check out so many interesting stops along the south rim, including the Visitor Center.

Tell us a little about yourself!  This will be included on the web site.  What brought you to Grand Canyon? Where are you from? What do you do? What are your influences?

I’m an editor from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and I wanted to visit the Grand Canyon as part of a trip to Las Vegas in the fall of 2011.