Tour Itinerary
7:40 am; Temp: 68°F Our tour was scheduled for 7:40 am pickup at Green Valley Ranch and Scott was waiting for us as we arrived five minutes early. We headed out on U.S. Highway 93 South, Scott offered free access to a cooler of soda, Gatorade or water.
8:15 am We approach the Hoover Dam National Monument and Scott pointed out the new road and trestle bridge that will re-route traffic from having to cross the dam. It is estimated to be completed by 2009. The Hoover Dam is spectacular and quite imposing as we traverse the top of the dam into Arizona. The rugged rock formations and mountain sides are both imposing and majestic. Scott also guides for the Hoover Dam tour and offered many interesting facts about the dam.
8:50 am We make our first pit stop at the Keepers of the Wild Animal Sanctuary. Basically a bathroom break and opportunity to purchase film, snacks or other various and sundry items. They offer tours of the reclaimed exotic animals, but the tours run from 12 noon to 3:30 pm during the winter; outside our window of opportunity.
| 9:55 am After making our way on clear and well paved highway 93 we make our turn onto Pierce Ferry Road through Dolan Springs: a two lane paved highway. We pass the expansive and impressive Joshua Tree Forest and notice herds of wild cattle; ancestors of strays and runaways. Wild Mustangs, Big Horn Sheep and Red Tailed hawks can also seen in this area. |
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| 10:25 am Scott informs us to secure our possessions and prepare for a bumpy 12 mile graveled Diamond Bar Road. The road is grated but washboard-worn by the heavy bus traffic. It is now when the true ability of the Hummer is appreciated. I can't understand why anyone would attempt this road in a passenger car or bus. It is estimated that by late 2009 this road will be paved. |
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10:40 am; Temp: 71°F
We arrive at the Grand Canyon West Airport and begin our tour. At this point Scott handed us our tickets for bus transportation to each stop, lunch and the Hualapai Ranch entrance pass. So, you are on your own for about 2 hours while Scott handles the off-road concessions for other tours. I wasn't to keen on being left there unsupervised or without any way to contact Scott in case of necessity, but we managed fine.
A narrated bus tour, operated by the Hualapai, picks up every 15 minutes for a short ride and dropoff at our first stop, Eagle Point. Update 1/14/06: I guess the tour company read our travel page and made changes to rectify what I thought was a weakness in being left unsupervised. They now accompany you to the first two stops, Eagle and Guano Points, and then provide a two-way radio for you to contact the guide if needed. This is a nice change if for nothing more than peace of mind. Actually, our group enjoyed being alone for independent discovery but the consideration is appreciated. |
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11:10 pm Arrive Eagle Point. See Points of Interest. A narrated tour bus picks up every 20 minutes for transportation to our second stop, Guano Point.
11:40 pm Arrive Guano Point. See Points of Interest. Scott met us here after about an hour for transportation to Quarter Master. An hour is just about the right amount of time to enjoy lunch and hike around.
1:20 pm Arrive Hualapai Ranch - Quarter Master. See Points of Interest.
3:00 pm Arrive Joshua Tree Forest. See Points of Interest.
4:25 pm Stop at Hoover Dam. See Points of Interest. This is another opportunity to purchase snacks or take a bathroom break. The restroom facilities are the freestanding Port-A-Potty type but were surprisingly clean.
5:05 pm Arrive back at Green Valley Ranch