good-times-rollin: Mather Point Overlook

Saturday, August 9, 2025

Gateway to the Grand Canyon

Circle Pines KOA

Williams, AZ

August 6, 2025

Due to the convenient location to the Grand Canyon's south rim, Williams is known as the Gateway to the Grand Canyon. It is just 60 miles south of the south entrance to what is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world. Grand Canyon National Park is entirely in the state of Arizona. Williams has had this claim to fame since the late 1800s and early 1900s. The Grand Canyon Railroad began transporting passengers and freight to the South Rim in 1901.

There was a smokey haze over the North Rim.

The train wasn't an option for us this trip, but Ronnie and Carol invited us to ride along with them and Lucy went too. Lucy loves Carol and Ronnie and was so happy to be with all of us.

We were all surprised that Lucy did not nap going to the canyon or coming home.

Joe and I have only been to the Grand Canyon once before. We spent a week in the RV park located inside the park back in May '13. Just like before, it is (and always will be) a jaw dropping sight to see.

Grand Canyon NP was added to the National Park System in 1919. It was a 37 year effort with Stephen Mather leading the final stages to give this gorgeous canyon the recognition snd protection it deserved. Stephen Mather became the first director of the National Park Service in 1916.

We began our walk at Mather Overlook and ended it at the Visitor Center. It was hot and a wee bit crowded, but that didn't deter us from enjoying the grandeur.

A tiny glimpse of the Colorado River...the Colorado River established its course through the Grand Canyon some 6 million years ago.

The Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim...so sad! I read the North Rim is closed for the remainder of 2025. Over 130,000 acres have been burned. Only 10 miles separate the South and North rims.