Family Travel and Autism

The North Rim is a beautiful 30 mile drive through heavily wooded country.  The one way drive ends in a scenic area with a old, beautiful lodge.  The lodge is built right on the rim with magnificent views.  Actually, the lodge is worth the visit itself.

The campgrounds are adjacent to the lodge with a scenic hike between along the canyon.  The best part of the North Rim are the reduced crowds.  As opposed to the south rim, there are very few people.  It is easy to find a quiet part of the trail and just enjoy the views.

We had a large quiet site at the edge and near the canyon overlook.  We were only a few sites from the bathhouse.  I mention this because the altitude was a real issue.  At first I didn't notice it but the first morning, I was moving very slowly.  By mid morning, I was dizzy and laying on the bed.  The mile hike to the lodge was very difficult.  My kids won't admit it but I know that they were struggling as well.

By day two, I had a trouble even making it to the bathhouse.  I spent a good part of the day taking it easy and the rest explored.  On top of the altitude, we were having trouble with the weather.  The cooler weather comes with the alittude but this was cooler than normal.  In the evening the temperature dropped to 32 degrees.  Sweatshirts, coats and mulitple layers were the norm.

Day three was much easier.  We all had acclimated and were doing much better.  So much better, my husband and daughters attempted to hike to the bottom.   Of course, it is impossible to hike to the bottom in one day.  Actually, you can reach the bottom in one day.  You just can't make it back in the same day.  They made half way down.  They left early around 6 am and returned around dinner.  The way down only took  a couple hours but the walk back was twice as long.  Keep in mind there were several miles to hike before they reached the rim.

Tip - Watch the alittude.  It can be a real problem.