I seek out high places - they clear my mind and scare me just a little bit. Took a one night trip from Denver to stay at South Rim campground last night. Just the right things to do - a busy visitor's center, where you can practice talking to people and get local answers instead of checking your phone (no service - great!) I wanted to go without it completely but couldn't help taking photos of all the amazing views from the short and numerous hikes along Rim Drive. I know they don't capture the magnitude of the whole experience but I couldn't help it. There are many daily ranger-led hikes and talks.

Spectacular lightning show that night which I enjoyed at stopping points along Rim Drive. An unexpected storm whipped up when I got back to my site, which included a bear vault, metal fire ring and grate. Shrub oak are everywhere. At one point a doe and her fawn came through my site. Also, adorable chipmunks are also always racing across the roads. This place is well marked as bear country so keep an eye out.

All the sites were booked but were well placed and the whole place didn't feel so crowded. My site was by the bathrooms, so more noisy than other sites, but convenient. The majority of the vault toilets are new and well maintained. Water is available but a sign noted how far away it came, so better to bring your own.