Lake Havasu/Grand Canyon (Flagstaff, Kingman: spring break, credit, hotels)

[treezie]

So I will be travelling to the Grand Canyon for a few days. I've heard that Lake Havasu is famous for its parties. However, I will be there on a weekday (Mon-Wednesday). At this point in our road trip, we do not want seclusion...we want to be able to be around people because prior to going to the Grand Canyon, we will have spent over 1 week backpacking. So my question is, even with it being a weekday, will it still be worth it to pay the fees to go camp in Lake Havasu? I know it's not gonna be a spring break atmosphere and I really don't mind that at all...however, if we go there on weekdays, will there still be quite a few people around in nearby campsites or will it just be dead quiet? If not for Lake Havasu, where else can we camp near the Grand Canyon that would allow us to mingle with civilization?

[azdr0710]

if doing this in the next few weeks, you'll have all of Lake Havasu to yourself (almost) as it's often the hot spot of the nation!!.....

also, LHC is not very near the Grand Canyon....a several-hours drive, actually....

if you want some civilization near the Canyon, try Williams, Flagstaff, Sedona, or Tusayan....public land for free primitive camping down some dirt road, or Forest Service campgrounds for a fee, or private KOA-type places, and the usual touristy hotels/motels

[rambrush]

Take a look at Haulapai Mountain Park south of Kingman. Much cooler than Havasu this time of the year. Plenty of camping and hiking to be had.

[Riverock]

Camping? LOL At 118, you'll need to take the party indoors, or party alone.

[dynimagelv]

Originally Posted by rambrush

Take a look at Haulapai Mountain Park south of Kingman. Much cooler than Havasu this time of the year. Plenty of camping and hiking to be had.

wife n a friend n her g'kids spent the day at HMP Sat and it was spectacular she said

[rambrush]

Great it is a area of Kingman that most are not aware of and much cooler

[magnum0417]

Whatever you do, drive the extra few hours east on I 40 to Williams and hop on up to South Rim/ Grand Canyon Village.

My opinion. DO NOT waste your time on the ridiculous absurdities involved with West Rim/Skywalk. First of all. You may ruin your suspension or get a flat tire on 15 miles of dirt roads. Next, you have to park several miles from the Skywalk for $30 which involves hopping on a bus. Here's the kicker. You have to PAY the staff at Skywalk $25 to take a picture. Yes, you CANNOT use your personal camera at this location. Costs about $25 to walk on the glass too.

OTOH, you pay $25 near Tusayan (or buy the $25 pass in Valle so you get in quicker at the prepaid lane) when you enter South Rim. If you don't have the $80 National Park Yearly Pass, consider paying $50 for a years worth of visits to South Rim too if you plan on several visits. Regardless, it's $25 and that is it. Parking is free. Shuttle buses are free. Taking pictures with your own camera is free. Hiking Bright Angel Trail is free.

That is the difference between going to a National Park and a Reservation to see The Canyon.

[Riverock]

Yup, co-workers of the wife's just got raked over at the west rim. Said the nickel and diming took all the enjoyment out. Nail you for everything.

[kdog]

Originally Posted by Riverock

Yup, co-workers of the wife's just got raked over at the west rim. Said the nickel and diming took all the enjoyment out. Nail you for everything.

No they don't. They have a selection of fixed-price packages that are inclusive of a range of activities that can keep you busy for a day. That includes things like shuttle buses to take you out to the viewpoints, lots of native American exhibits, dance performances, a recreated western village, and even lunch at your choice of various venues. Those packages are listed here: Grand Canyon West - Tours and Adventures

Everything is spelled out up front, nothing nefarious, no hidden charges. Yes, they do have have a few concessions, like natives selling jewelry. And yes, getting your picture taken on the Skywalk by an Indian photographer is one of them. But claiming they "nickel and dime you for everything", is a gross exaggeration and not accurate. I've taken my family there and thought it was a worthwhile way to spend a day. The views are awesome without having guard-rails all over the place (good and bad, I suppose), and you will get an exposure to native American culture that is hard to find anywhere else. I personally recommend it.

[Riverock]

Again, not my personal exaggeration but a perspective from a family who was just there. Similar post on this thread gives their opinion some credit. Whats "fair" for costs is subjective.