Grand Canyon Trip by Greenville South Carolina resident James Akers, Jr.

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

This history of the Grand Canyon has always intrigued me.  Seeing how flat the painted desert and the mesa above the canyon is in contrast to the steep drop of the canyon walls and just how far down the floor is has always intrigued me.

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’ve been to the Canyon twice before but really wanted to bring my friend Louie so that he could experience it.  This was the first time I have ever stayed inside the park and thus the first time I had ever experience sunset on the Canyon rim as well as night time around the Canyon.

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

A camera first and foremost.  A hoodie; we entered the canyon when the temp was around 90.  As soon as the first monsoon rain came the temp quickly fell to the 60s.  Binoculaires if you have a pair would be nice.  Water… in your own water bottle.  The Canyon has water bottle refill stations all around but you cannot buy plastic bottles in the park.  Finally, good hiking/walking shoes.  The rim is fairly flat but you’ll likely do a lot of walking at the Canyon, so make sure you are comfy!

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

I’ve only driven to the Canyon but I feel sure it is the best way.  I always take 89 north from Flagstaff to 64.  It might be about 10 minutes further but I think driving across the Painted Desert makes it more than worth it!  The drive is an experience in itself.

What is travel to you in one word?

Experience

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

Camp!  A camp site in the Village is only $18 per night!  Pack your own lunch or snacks so you do not have to purchase them inside of the park… and fill up the car in Williams or Flagstaff!  With only one or two gas stations in the Canyon gas is very expensive.  Fill up before you head to the Canyon!

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

A camera.  I love sharing my photos with friends and family.. it helps me share the experience.

What surprised you about the Grand Canyon?

As I mentioned earlier, I think the fact that the Canyon seems to suddenly appear has always surprised me the most. Driving into the Canyon from either direction, you have no clue how close you might be to the Canyon. It just drops off with no warning, which I have always been amazed by.

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

9

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

I loved the IMAX movie, it was useful in showing how things were discovered in the Canyon and some history to it.  I would love to see a bit of the geological history about how the Canyon was actually formed as well.

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 a real estate agent from Greenville, SC.  My aunt lives in Scottsdale AZ and for vacation my friend Louie and I thought it would be fun to visit her and while out there head up to Sedona, the Grand Canyon and some other places.  I tend to be very active in social media; Twitter and Facebook mainly.