There is much to behold here within the interior, and focusing out over the majestic vista. From the tower is a panoramic view for well over 100 miles, including the Painted Desert to the east, and to the San Fransico Peaks south.
Grand Canyon Photo by Nicki Hurd
Designed to blend into the environment, inspired by architecture of the ancestral Puebloan people of the Colorado Plateau, it is a replica of a prehistoric Indian Tower, and stands 70 feet (21 m) high.
In the 16th century the Spanish called the native people of the southwest that were living in villages the Pueblo. The Hopis were believed to have descended from the ancient Pueblo cultures. The tower has rock art paintings throughout that tell stories. The gallery on the first landing represents the physical and spiritual origins of Hopi life, painted by a Hopi artist, Fred Kabotie.
On the ceiling are paintings by Fred Geary, which are recreations of images from Abo Rockshelter that are now part of Salinas National Monument in New Mexico. It all enhanced the pondering of earlier cultures living here, and those far into the future that will travel to gaze at the wonder. The highest floor is left with just the beautiful panoramic views of the Grand Canyon.
In January there were many viewers all with various devices from smart phones to master lenses snapping pictures, but it was also possible to catch some quiet moments alone on each level.
There is a small gift shop selling local artist’s crafts for those of us that like to take something home to savor the experience. January, 2011