Grand Canyon

 
Bright Angel Lodge (left) is only a short walk from the train station (right).  The Lodge has restaurants and souvenir shops as well as accommodation - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow
While viewing the Canyon, look out for the squirrels!  PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow
Views from Bright Angel Lodge taken on the first visit around midday - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow
Views from Bright Angel Lodge taken on the second visit in late afternoon  - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow
Arguably Desert View affords more interesting photography - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow
The Colorado River in the Canyon floor as seen from Desert View - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow

Helicopter over Grand Canyon

The view you get from the helicopter depends on the seat you are allocated - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow
Seats are allocated by weight and the middle rear seats are not ideal for the photographer - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow
However don't let seat allocation put you off going - everyone gets a good view - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow
Returning to Grand Canyon in the early evening - the weather briefly looked threatening, but the sun was soon shining again.  Leaving the Canyon (left) and  flying past Grand Canyon village (right) - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow

Fixed Wing over the Grand Canyon

De Havilland (Canada) Twin Otter at Grand Canyon Airport - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow
Grand Canyon Village seen on climb-out - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow
An aeroplane will always give a steadier platform than a helicopter for photography - but turbulence will affect both - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow
The aircraft has a single row of seats on the port (left) side, and a double row on starboard (right).  To make boarding easier passengers are lined up in order in the terminal  - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow
The fixed wing aircraft fly higher over the Canyon than the helicopters - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow
Passenger aircraft are no longer permitted to fly through the Canyon as they once did - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow
The fixed wing flights, although of about the same duration as the longer helicopter flights, will cover a greater distance - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow
But if you get the chance - do BOTH!  Turning finals for Runway 3 returning to Grand Canyon Airport - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow
Grand Canyon Railroad departing for Williams - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow

USA

Rail Tour:  to Flagstaff and Albuquerque

National Parks Tour:  to Williams