Thanks

Mick

great photos thanks for sharing...

Cindy

Many thanks again for your helpful comments! Thanks also Mike, that clarifies things a lot. Think I have a good idea of what to expect now and it all sounds wonderful! The Grand Canyon heli flight sounds great and different to the one I did before on the Golden West tour, so that's brilliant. Can't wait! And I'm going to look at Mick's photos now!

Cheers,

Bob

BTW, nice photos Mick! Bob, Lake powell is on pg 3 of Mick's photos.

Have been looking at your itinerary Bob, you're on the SUAPLB - right?

Na Parks, Mt Rushmore and Little Big Horn? I believe what is offered on that tour (don't quote me - things change!) is an approx half hour flight over the canyon - but not landing in the canyon. Not sure you would have time to do more as it looks as though you're moving on to Lake Powell later that afternoon...

The heli flight over the canyon though is not to be missed! Truly amazing scenery... I see Bryce and Zion are on your itinerary as well... both beautiful but Zion's my favorite. There is a slot canyon at Zion as well, very different from upper Antelope, but interesting the same. It's called "The Narrows" on the Virgin River. (Shuttle stop Temple of Sinawava). You'd have to be quick, there is approx a mile walk on paved path until you reach the narrows. You must ask at the lodge if it's advised to go into the narrows - the park rangers can tell you if it's too dangerous that day. (or if you would need waders!) All the trails are fab - hard decisions! Just thinking about this makes me want to go back! Don't do as many tours there anymore as I now live in Italy.

Really good websites for many places on your tour:

http://www.nps.gov/index.htm 

Just select by state what you are interested in. Excuse the lengthy reply, but I know you like to make the most of it from your posts.

Hope this helps and that you have a fab holiday!

Happy Trails,

Lisa

Hi Lisa, many thanks for your helpful comments and I'm very grateful that you "butted in!" I'm very happy now that I've read your comments regarding the Lake Powell cruise and the lower part of the canyon. I'm planning on getting a new camera for this holiday, so I'm even more excited now about hopefully getting some amazing photos!

I just have one other question - I've read in one or two places that helicopters no longer go to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, is that correct? Do you know what helicopter/excursion options we will be offered for the Grand Canyon on this tour as they seem to change from year to year? Or would the best thing to do is look at the Papillon website?

Hi Bob,

I did the Lake Powell cruise and this will certainly give you plenty of photo opportunities of the strange rock formations. Although the cruise was optional from what I can remember the stop was part of our journey for that day. For those who didn't go on the cruise I think they just had to wait around and I doubt you would have an opportunity to fit another excursion in on you own in the time available. I may be wrong of course especially as I note the tour has been changed again this year.

As to the helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon the helicopter mainly flies along and around the rim. It did go down into the canyon in places but I certainly did not go down to the bottom.

Hope this helps.

Mike

Can't remember if we did sail to Antelope Canyon, been looking at my photos from that holiday and still unsure.

You can have a look if you want as they are on Flickr, also includes Bryce, Zion, Grand canyon & Vegas which we had visits to but didn't stay over (other than vegas)so we should get more time on this trip.

The photos that you'll be interested in are towards the back end as the holiday started in Phoenix and up through sedonna.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8308363@N02/sets/72157626851675161/ 

Mick

It doesn't seem that you were put off by the possibility of flash floods in Lower Antelope Canyon. As Lisa wrote, they won't allow you in if there is any danger. Also, they now have drop down ladders to allow you to escape if there is an unexpected flood.

Regards

Paul

I just have one other question - I've read in one or two places that helicopters no longer go to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, is that correct? Do you know what helicopter/excursion options we will be offered for the Grand Canyon on this tour as they seem to change from year to year? Or would the best thing to do is look at the Papillon website?

Thanks once again,

Bob

Hope I'm not "butting in" with my reply... I'm a TM for Just You and grew up in Arizona. One thing to consider when visiting upper Antelope Canyon on foot is that in August/Sept there can be "flash floods" in that area. If there is even a chance of rain, the guides won't take you in - it's simply too dangerous. The "slot" canyons in the SW part of the US are amazing, unfortunately they can also be dangerous. You can "google" flashfloods/antelope canyon for more info.

The boat trip on Lake Powell is lovely and lower antelope canyon is beautiful - great photo opps there as well.

Have enjoyed reading your contributions to the JY community board - I hope you have a fantastic trip!! Any questions about the SW part of the US you are welcome to ask.

Kind regards,

Lisa

Cheers,

Bob