Up early, we hit the road to explore Desert Drive in Grand Canyon National Park. On the way, we visited the Tusayan Ruins and ended our park visit at Desert View, the last lookout of the canyon (or first depending on how you enter the park.) Here we visited the Watchtower, designed by architect Mary Colter, who built many structures along the Canyon.

Dogs are not allowed inside so Kona took in the views of the canyon while he waited.

The tower is built to replicate an Anasazi watchtower. Inside you climb up to the top and are rewarded with amazing views from the highest point at the Grand Canyon.

Looking down from the second to last floor…

After leaving the park we hit the road, stopping for lunch in Prescott, which has a lovely town square and moved on to the retired mining town of Jerome. High in the mountains, this community now is home for many artists and craftsmen. Life is a little less structured up here as demonstrated by this sign.

After our tour of Jerome, we descended from 5080 feet into beautiful Oak Creek Canyon in Coconino National Forest. The canyon is absolutely stunning and one of the most scenic routes you could want. We decided to camp along side the creek in one of the forest campgrounds. First a hike along the creek.

The creek is surrounded by Cottonwoods and Aspen making for some excellent fall colors…something we don’t get much of in Los Angeles.

After a busy day of travel and hiking, Kona snugs up into his blankets in the tent for a good night’s sleep.