A Personal Guide for Americans and Our World Partners to the Glorious Southwestern USA

The Grand Circle Blog Offers Personal Guide Service Online

2005-03-05T16:02:00.000-07:00

A new blog has been created to help those many millions of visitors that trek to the great American Southwest each year. This blog site offers personal online tips and suggestions when visiting areas such as The Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon and many more vacation destinations in the Southwestern Grand Circle. Advice on rafting the Colorado River is even included. Where to stay? Best places to eat? Camping facilities? The best and most economical routes? These questions are best answered by your personal tour guide who has been there, seen it and done it. A "question and answer" format is offered by simply emailing the Woodman to find out what you need to know from a local resident.

Have a question? Email me for help

Check out these sites for some laughs and entertainment:
Mouseknuckles
Chets Cheap Grub Grill

Your Personal Vacation Guide to the Grand Circle

2005-03-03T19:00:00.000-07:00

It looks like you are interested in taking a vacation to the most remarkable place on Earth. My name is Woody and I'll be your guide today. Having been born and raised within the beauty of the Grand Circle, my goal is to make your vacation as pain free as possible so you can enjoy the beauty of these marvelous places with the least amount of vacation gliches. I have included the internet links that I feel will be the most beneficial to you, the pilgrim, on your journey to our glorious West. Please feel free to ask any questions that comes to mind by emailing me and I'll get back to you the same day. Whether it's the best routes, the cheapest gas, the best food or if you just want to chat, feel free to do so.

Hot-Tip! Did you know that the North and South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Monument Valley and Bryce Canyon are all within a two and half hour drive from Page, AZ?
(Lake Powell is actually ten minutes from Page!)
You might consider Page as your vacation home base.

Just look for the area you are interested in over to the right in Previous Posts, click and start planning for the best danged vacation you'll ever have! Remember, I live here, I've been there and I've done that.

Questions??

The Grand Circle

2005-03-02T20:59:00.000-07:00

The Grand Circle encompasses all the wonders of the southwest stretching east from Nevada to Colorado and New Mexico, north into Utah and south into Arizona. Nine National Parks and Six National Monuments are all part of the Grand Circle. Monument Valley, The Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Mesa Verde, Canyonlands, Arches and Chaco Canyon are all spectacular members of the Grand Circle family. Below are some of the best websites I have found that can get you started on planning your most wondrous vacation.

Page, AZ sits next to Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell. From Page, it is a short driving distance to many of the sights of the Grand Circle and would be an excellent place to homebase your vacation. Page/Lake Powell Information

-Informational: (This is a great site!) Grand Circle

-Pictures: Images of the World

-Tours: GCT Tours or Tour Vacations To Go

Remember! If you have any questions, email the Woodman. Let me help you with whatever questions you have. Remember, I can help make your vacation better.

The Grand Canyon

2005-03-02T18:58:00.000-07:00

North Rim or South Rim? If you have the time see them both! It's only an extra day. Hikers and mule riders depart daily from both rims, however mule rides from the North Rim do not go to the Colorado river. If you're thinking about a rim to rim hike make sure and check with Park Service officials. The North Rim tends to be a little less congested during peak season. Remember, each rim is a two and half hour drive from Page, Az
Check out these National Park Service sites:

Grand Canyon

More Grand Canyon

Need some advice? Give me an email call and let's chat :)

Jewell of the West -- Lake Powell

2005-03-01T13:44:00.000-07:00

Good news! Due to the abundant and ongoing moisture the West is receiving, Lake Powell will be rising fifty to possibly seventy feet this year! All launch ramps will be operational through the summer and into the fall. We're back baby!! Make sure and take time out of your Grand Circle tour to spend some quality time on one of America's largest man-made lakes. Rent a boat for a day. Take a tour to Rainbow Bridge. Take a swim in 75 degree water. Discover the wonders of the "slot" canyon. The hottest vacation going these days is a week in a houseboat where you can just disappear into the vast beauty of red rock and blue water. Don't forget to take a tour through the Glen Canyon Dam and spend some time at the Carl Hayden Visitor Center. Lots of great information and displays about the construction of the dam and the forming of Lake Powell await you. Update January 2006 -- Runoff into Lake Powell this year will exceed the 100% mark. Good water and open launching at Wahweap and Antelope.

Boaters don't forget you have a new launch site and marina on lower Lake Powell!
azmarinas

Boat Rentals, Lodging and Tours:
lakepowell

Lots of things to do in and around Page/Lake Powell.
powellguide and pagelakepowellchamber

This is a must site for anyone fishing on Lake Powell! wayneswords

Remember! There is so much to do and see while you're in the area, if you have any questions or need some advice from a local resident, just ask Woody by email and receive your answers in 24 hours.

Mystical Monument Valley

2005-02-28T16:47:00.000-07:00

Monument Valley truly epitimizes the "look and feel" of the West. Background to hundreds of movies and TV shows, this grandiose area has easily stolen the show from many a Hollywood actor. She changes with the movement of the sun. From the pink hues at sunrise to the majestic purple shadows at sunset, she is always changing. Just a two and a half hour jaunt from Page, AZ

Take a look at these informative sites:

American Southwest

Desert USA

Don't forget! If you have any questions about your vacation ask Woody. I've been there, seen it and done it. Email me at Vacation Questions and Answers.

Rafting the Mighty Colorado

2005-02-27T16:06:00.000-07:00

They call it "canyon magic." It's the whole experience of star filled nights or crashing through rapids that drop thirty feet or more. The serenity of floating a quiet stretch of the river while gazing at rock formations that are millions of years old. The friendships you develop with your crew and fellow passengers will last a lifetime. Not to be missed by young or old. If you just can't find the time to take a full trip this summer, at least try the one day float down the serene stretch of the tamed Colorado below Glen Canyon Dam and ending at historic Lee's Ferry.

There are many river companies operating on the Colorado River. My two favorites (see below) are located in Page, Az.

Listed below are two of the oldest and most respectable Colorado River outfitters:

Wilderness River Adventures (one day float trips available)

Diamond River Adventures

**Note: These companies can also cater to special dietary needs (vegans, carbos, soul food, etc).

Remember! Any questions about your trip? Ask the local resident, Woody. I live here, been there and done that. Talk to the Wood Dog!! and get answers and advice -- free!!