Cameron Trading Post and The Grand Canyon East Rim
The Grand Canyon is on most Arizona itineraries. Obviously, it’s because it’s incredible. After visiting Tucson, Sedona, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend, the Grand Canyon was the final square on my Arizona Bingo card.
I chose the off-the-beaten-path East Rim entrance so I could experience Desert View Road. Additionally, this route was more geographically friendly coming from my Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend road trip.
Cameron Trading Post
I stayed the evening prior at the Cameron Trading Post which was the perfect starting point for my Grand Canyon exploration.
Every part of this historic site was fun to explore.
I started at their restaurant because I arrived starving!
I loved snooping around while waiting for my food.
Let me tell you, their big fluffy piece of traditional Navajo Fry Bread with honey and their beef stew really hit the spot.
The rooms were spacious and clean and the location could not have been better.
I also enjoyed walking through their HUGE historic trading post (operating since 1916!) offering every souvenir imaginable and all types of market goods.
I especially loved the working loom room and had a wonderful chat with the Navajo weaver.
Before heading out in the morning, I visited the Cameron Trading Post Native American Gallery that was well stocked with interesting artifacts.
Part museum and part store, it was definitely a highlight of my stay.
Let The Grand Canyon’s East Rim Adventure Begin!
Not only did this route offer me great views of the little Colorado River, but also a less touristy entrance and lots of pretty lookouts.
The first (and my favorite) was The Desert View Watchtower. It was not only pretty and interesting but I also saw a rainbow!
This tower – and I learned much of Grand Canyon National Park – was designed by the female architect Mary Coulter. Her designs continuously and organically captured the essence of the Native American culture and heritage of their land.
I loved the signs explaining each part of the canyon with my favorite being this one saying it was the rock bottom point.
As I continued along the road it got much colder. You can see in the pictures I started with shorts and a t-shirt and progressively layered on all clothing with me.
It reminded me of the Friends scene where Joey puts on all of Chandler’s clothes (Season 3, Episode 2).
Eventually, I made it to Grand Canyon Village where I walked around the famous vista points and had some more soup.
Finally, I ended my great day watching the sunset at Lookout Studio.
Goodbye Arizona
As I left through the southern gate and headed to Phoenix airport I watched the sky’s colors fade while thinking my solo Arizona adventure was a great success.
I made a quick stop for a final In-n-Out Burger and headed home. It was all but a dream…
As I previously mentioned, if you’re taking a trip with lots of National Park stops, the National Parks Pass is a great purchase. Even better if you have a 4th grader you can get one for free!
Check out my full Arizona itinerary as well as my posts on: Tucson; Ben’s Bells; my new Saguaro obsession; Sedona; Antelope Canyon, Tuba City, and the NavajoLand Hotel; Horseshoe Bend and Page, Arizona; and the Cameron Trading Post and Grand Canyon!
Cameron Trading Post and The Grand Canyon Related Hashtags
#GrandCanyon #CameronTradingPost #Arizona #GrandCanyonNationalPark #ArizonaTravel #GrandCanyonNPS #GrandCanyonSouthRim #GrandCanyonEastRim #GrandCanyonArizona #ArizonaHiking #ArizonaLife #ExploreArizona #RoadTrip #TravelGram #TravelBlogger #TravelBloggerVibes #ColoradoRiver #TravelAddiction #Wanderlust #USATravel #TopDestinations #ScenicViews #TravelUSA #TravelGoals #TravelVibes #TravelInspiration #CanyonColors #TravelSoloGirl #DiscoverArizona #VisitArizona
Find The Mint Chip Mama on Instagram
📍For more New York fun follow @themintchipmama
More on The Mint Chip Mama:
Real Mom Life, Family Travel & Everyday Chaos
Thanks for stopping by The Mint Chip Mama – your go-to source for family travel tips, real parenting moments, lifestyle hacks, and everything in between. This is where motherhood gets messy, magical, and served with a scoop of mint chip ice cream. From unforgettable family adventures to food finds, beauty faves, and honest takes on women’s health, I cover it all with humor, heart, and a sprinkle of sass.
Hooked already? Good news—there’s even more amazing content ahead! Find us on a podcast, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Amazon, TikTok, and YouTube for daily inspiration, mom truths, and parenting laughs.
📩 Don’t miss a thing! Subscribe below for updates and fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.
Looking for the Perfect Gift or Party Idea?
Check out my Amazon Store for unique, practical, and fun gifts for all ages! From backyard essentials to beauty picks, travel gear, kid-approved games, snacks, and must-read books—there’s something for everyone.
Love to Travel? So Do We!
Explore detailed family travel guides and itineraries from destinations including: Arizona, Boston, Long Island, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Iceland and Israel! Whether you’re planning your next adventure or just dreaming, I’ve got tips and recommendations for unforgettable, family-friendly vacations.
Feeling Nostalgic?
Check out these classic family movies from the ‘80s and ‘90s — perfect for cozy nights and sharing the timeless favorites you grew up loving with your kids!
📍Follow @themintchipmama on Instagram for real-life moments, parenting fun, perimenopause talk, beauty tips, food finds, and more.
Every click on one of The Mint Chip Mama’s affiliate links helps support this blog (and my serious taco habit). Accordingly, yes, I earn a small commission – just enough to cover that extra guac. 🌮💸
