It took us nearly a half century to finally get here. No rangers working in this government shut down ( ice covered trails at rim of canyons).This week of the year is among the least popular times of year to come. Which is the only reason we were able to book the Fred Harvey suite at el Tovar lodge, the oldest cabin Bucky Oneals on the South Rim of the Canyon. And one of the 30s stone & log cabins built on the rim. (Worth the year wait it takes to book these spots - Its cheaper. No lines. No crowds. And life changing.) A little embarrassed to say that weve never been to most of the national parks (and now on a mission to hit as many as possible before were dead). The ten things you have to see when you visit the @GRANDCANYONNPS national park 1. ROAD TRIP it from Phoenix (but take the scenic route, winding canyon roads with old resorts end to end)2. DONKEY DEATH RIDE (we chickened out on this because of the ice -maybe next visit)3. SUNSET from the edge of the canyon rim from the Harvey suite balcony (jaw dropping)4. PHOTO STUDIO a Relic from another time: the Kolb studio since 1905.5. COCKTAIL BAR stuck in the 1930s, lounge of the angels lodge (surrounded by 50s vacationers murals)6. BOOKSTORE 120yr old of cedar & stone : cantilevered over the canyon 7. SOUVENIR SHOP in the Hopi house (Navaho blankets, pottery baskets, jewelry, all Native American made)8. ADIRONDACK LOG LODGE restaurant (a relic from another time, Roosevelts steps)9. DEADSTOCK CURIO Every so often if you go off the beaten path, youll find a multi generation family owned souvenir shop that still has some new old stock. 10. MILE WIDE photo backdrop painted like a sunset.A couple shots from @nationalparkservice & vintage postcards to show just how much this place is a time capsule!