11..., Lifestyle

11… Things I Learned Camping the Grand Canyon

Two and a half months ago, I road tripped to the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon (again), and Santa Fe. It was a pretty spectacular trip if I do say so myself. I had to curb my chit chat because I’m sure everyone was tiring of my Canyon anecdotes. It was a trip I had been wanting to take for a long while. I went with one expectation: a view. Everything else, I would figure out on my own in the midst of it. 

I haven’t been camping since my 15th birthday party. And that was a camping in Iowa twenty minutes from my bed for a night with friends kind of a camping “trip”. I had never been camping camping. The good luck kind of camping trip. Not only was I camping for the first time in half my life, I was camping the Grand Canyon, where the nearest Walmart was 75 miles away. Oh, and I did it alone. 

Hopping in the car and driving away from my very cushy bed, I knew there were only two options for this trip: 

  1. I would LOVE it.
  2. I would HATE it. 

Luckily, I loved it. Truly, deeply loved it. In a subtle yet distinctive soul shifting fashion. 

Driving West into Arizona, the sun rose revealing mountains, plains, cliffs, plants, and life glowing gold in the early morning light. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I drove on. So much of what I do revolves around social justice with a focus on gender and racial equity. I’m not ignorant of this country’s history. Living in a city that has washed away every trace of the Native People makes it easy to forget I live on stolen land. But something about that particular drive, taking in the landscape, I was overwhelmed with the weight of my own privilege and the suffering that has occurred across the country in the past and in our present. 

Four hours away from the Grand Canyon, I knew I wanted to use this trip as more than an excuse to center myself, connect with nature, and take a break from the hustle of life. I was going to learn. As much as the Canyon itself has so much information to offer, I have always been more interested in the stories of people. I wanted to learn about the people who lived and died by the Canyon long before colonizers arrived. I needed to make it a point to honor the Indigenous People who continue to live and fight for their land. 

I drove straight to the canyon rim and looked on with awe. Then I turned around and walked straight to the book shop. Duh. I bought a bunch of books and asked rangers and employees about which ones they suggest or were written by Native authors. Along my walks and hikes, I read every single plaque I came across. Stopping in Flagstaff on my way to Las Vegas, I found a bookstore that had an entire section dedicated to Native History and another bigger section dedicated to local Native history and authors. I ended up accumulating a lot of knowledge on my trip, and I’m still working my way through the books I bought. So I’m going to share some Grand Canyon knowledge. 

  1. Havasupai people lived and farmed inside the canyon at Indian Garden along what is now Bright Angel Trail until 1928. 1928! Less than 100 years ago. They were forced to leave by the National Park Service. 
  2. Uranium was discovered in the Orphan Mine in 1951. From 1956 to 1969, Uranium was extracted from a mine near the South Rim of the Canyon. I could see where it was while walking the Rim Trail. There are fences and signs all over essentially saying keep out with a fun twist saying “ecologically fragile,” but the meaning is actually along the lines of, ‘Stay out because this area is inundated with toxic and radioactive waste that hasn’t been cleared.’ So really, don’t sneak past those fences.
  3. The six major tribes living around the Grand Canyon are the Hualapai, Havasupai, Navajo, Hopi, Paiute, and Zuni people. They have inhabited the Grand Canyon plateau for a very long time. 
  4. Mary Colter, a prominent architect, designed some of the most famous buildings in Grand Canyon National Park, including Desert View Watchtower. In the male dominated field, she managed to create an architectural aesthetic that would last and influence the American West for generations. 
  5. Humans have been living in and around the Grand Canyon for 12,000 years, at least, that’s how old the oldest documented human artifacts are. White people arrived via Norse settlements on the continent as early as the tenth century… So the Grand Canyon was inhabited a casual 11,000 years—give or take—before white people started fucking shit up.
  6. What looks like mountain goats are actually bighorn sheep. They’re cool. I saw a family of them, hiking the South Kaibab Trail.
  7. The Hualapai Tribe built the famous Skywalk that projects 70 miles over the canyon with a glass floor. It’s one of the most visited attractions in Grand Canyon West, and when you’re visiting it, you’re supporting the tribe instead of the federal government. So much of the Grand Canyon belongs to tribes, who benefit from that tourism. Make sure to be respectful, take the time to learn about their history, culture, traditions, and obstacles they face in today’s era. Oh, you should check because many require reservations in advance.
  8. There is a North Rim and South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. South Rim has more amenities and is the more visited of the two rims. It’s where I went, solely because there were no campsites available on the North Rim, which is known as being quieter and more remote. Though the two lodges are only ten miles apart if you hike through the Canyon, the drive takes five hours and 215 miles to go from one to the other. 
  9. The Canyon can be a luxury getaway or a wilderness exercise. I chose to lean more toward the latter. I camped on the South Rim, which has hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, rentals, campsites, a post office, general store, and so many amenities. I didn’t have any cell reception or internet access, but I definitely did not feel like I was in the wilderness… until I went below the rim. As the signs make sure to drive home the information: Once you go below the rim, you’re on your own. Rescue is not guaranteed, and even if help comes, it could be a good long wait. On all but Bright Angel Trail, the water you have is the water you have. There’s a sense of good luck and don’t be stupid every time I hit the trail. The further you go, the less people there are. On the South Kaibab Trail, I went well past Skeleton Point for a total of nine miles round trip. I didn’t see a single person from mile two to mile eight and a half. There was also a big storm, so the experience was a tad frightening at certain points.
  10. The Grand Canyon Pink Rattlesnake, or crotalus oreganus abyssus, is only found in the Grand Canyon, especially prevalent along the North Rim. It is venomous, so if you see one, do not approach. 
  11. There is one hotel inside the Canyon. When I say inside the Canyon, I mean it’s on the floor of the Canyon. Half a mile from the confluence of Bright Angel Creek and Colorado River, it was designed by Mary Colter. There’s a lottery for reservations that is pulled thirteen months in advance. There are three ways to get there. Raft the Colorado River. Take a mule. Or a ten mile hike via Bright Angel Trail or a seven and a half mile hike via South Kaibab Trail.

You could spend a lifetime exploring and researching the Grand Canyon, which many people have done and continue to do, so this is really just a highlight reel of interesting things I learned. The moment I left, I couldn’t wait to go back. I’m ready for my next adventure. 

bisous und обьятий,
RaeAnna

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Travel, Travel Guides

Reno, Nevada

Places To Stay. Things To Do. Food To Shove in Your Mouth. 

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I just got home from my trip to Reno and Lake Tahoe. It was a quick trip, but I was able to enjoy a little bit of everything the city has to offer. There were so many activities crammed into a short amount of time; I wouldn’t have it any other way. Reno is known as The Biggest Little City in The World, and I can see why. A new direct flight by United was launched, so it’s even easier to visit! 

The people of Reno are some of the nicest most interesting people I’ve met in my travels. People can make or break any place, and the people definitely add to Reno’s charm. Almost everyone I talked to chose Reno; they weren’t natives. Many had left and came back because they found it called to them. There is this mentality of embracing who you are no matter how weird. No one judges as long as you don’t encroach on their own brand of weird. People were happy to chat and tell me everything they love about their city. I have a whole list of places to see, things to do, and food to eat based off their recommendations, which I didn’t have time to get to this go around.  Everyone was passionately in love with their city, which rubbed off on me. 

Reno is a city full of energy. There is so much to do and enjoy. I can’t wait to go back and dive further into this great city. For now, here are the wonderful things I experienced. I loved every minute of it so much, I know you will love it as much as I did. 

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Places to Stay
I stayed at the Atlantis Resort and Casino. I’m not a gambler, but there are so many other things to enjoy about the hotel, like the spa, indoor and outdoor pools, restaurants, cafes, fitness center, arcade, fabulous views, and incredibly kind staff. 

I slept with my drapes open because the view was so incredible. I was on the 23rd floor with windows the width of the room from floor to ceiling. The city view was incredible at night, but it was even better during the day with views of the skyline and the mountains. I’m still in awe of it.

The spa is the best in town. I can personally attest to how great it is. From locals to staff, everyone swears by the spa and restaurants. You absolutely can’t go wrong here. I was great by such a fabulous swag bag, my suitcase almost weighed too much. 

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Things To Do

  • Art The art in downtown Reno is incredible. There are murals everywhere, and they are always changing. Burning Man takes place in the desert just a few hours away. Reno has a ton of Burning Man art on full display throughout downtown. It is amazing.
  • National Automobile Museum I love cars. The National Automobile Museum is in downtown Reno and has cars from the very beginning. You can follow the maze starting at the start of the automobile era to the more modern era. It’s beautiful and educational.
  • Ax Throwing Ax throwing has become all the rage, and Reno is home to a great place to do just that. You can even order food from Liberty Exchange while honing your skills.
  • Reno Arch It used to be red but was painted blue in 2018 to reflect University of Nevada, Reno’s colors. It’s a great photo opportunity! Located on Virginia Street and Commercial Row. 
  • Spa I love the spa. It’s such a wonderful way to relax and unwind, which should be a part of every vacation. I spent an afternoon enjoying everything the Atlantis Spa had to offer. It was the best experience.
  • Gambling Reno is home to a ton of casinos, so if gambling is your thing or something you enjoy at the end of a busy day, there are tons of opportunities big and small.
  • Day Trips Reno is so close to hiking, water sports, skiing, and so much! Virginia City and Carson City are only 45 minutes away. 

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Food to Shove in Your Mouth

  • Liberty Food & Wine Exchange has amazing food. It is all locally and responsibly sourced. The pancakes are the best I’ve ever had; they taste like pound cake without the heaviness. You really need to go. They make pasta and bread in house daily. Their woodfired oven makes a whole bunch of food. They butcher everything in house and the FDA inspects it daily. It is delicious.
  • Bistro Napa is located in the Atlantis. Even the locals rave about their happy hour, so you know it’s good. I ate so much, I thought I would explode because it was beyond delicious. This is a fairly classy place, and the service is impeccable they make great mocktails. 
  • Purple Parrot is also located in the Atlantis. It’s open 24/7 and has great breakfast food and service. It’s like a diner, but a little classier and definitely comfier.    
  • Escape Lounge should be a part of everyone’s airport experience. It’s an airport lounge without the exclusivity. You can pay to get in or if you’re an AMEX holder. They have great food, comfy seating, fabulous views, and the service is awesome. I seriously enjoyed it. 

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Wonderful Things About Reno

  • It only takes fifteen to twenty minutes to get from one side of town to another. 
  • Hiking and water sports are everywhere. 
  • San Francisco is about a three hour drive away.
  • You can learn so much about the Native American tribes in the surrounding areas. 
  • The mountains and desert make for a beautiful backdrop any time of day. 
  • Reno is 45 minutes from Carson City, the capital of Nevada. 
  • Lake Tahoe is less than an hour drive from downtown Reno.
  • Virginia City is home to wild Mustangs and is only 41 minutes away. 

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