Visiting the Grand Canyon is one of those “bucket list” trips for many people. Which means it’s something you really want to do or see before we leave this earth.
The Grand Canyon is located in Northern Arizona and will take you a few hours from the closest major city to arrive. It’s in the middle of the dessert.
The Canyon was created over 1000’s of years by the Colorado River flowing through it’s walls.
As you look out into the canyon you can see these lines on the walls which marks soil levels during that period over 1000’s of years. This is why some strata are darker or lighter than the others.
A word to describe the canyon is “massive”. The size and depth of this natural and historic formation is beyond words. You can look out and see to the other side but I would not recommend getting to close to the edge to observe it more.
The Canyon is over 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide. Of course, the crazy part is the canyon floor is one mile deep.
All of these numbers vary depending on where you are observing from. I might be closer or wider at various canyon lookout areas.
Archeologists have suggested that this formation took “millions of years” to create.
On that same Colorado River you can arrange a raft/boat ride and there are many different levels to choose from. Some areas are more dangerous with rocks than the slow moving waters where you take in the canyon walls as you go down the river.
There are so many hiking trails and or paths to choose to observe. It’s hard to say where if the South Rim is the best place to view from vs. another.
The truth is the best place to observe might also be the most dangerous in terms of risk. Some people go to the rim to take these incredible photos. I prefer to take in all the natural beauty. Even the ride there had it’s good parts.
Can you safely sit on the edge? Maybe if you have a safety harness and lay flat. It’s the wind that could catch you. Plus, you also have to not be afraid of heights…yikes.
The various sandstone rocks are massive as well. You think they are small until you actually walk up to them and can see the same levels of sentiment on these larger rocks.
The formations of rocks and small caves can be seen and photographed all day.
I enjoy getting a larger perspective with a wider landscape view to take in as much of the Canyon as possible. This is where you get a sense of size.
The time went so fast and of course if you are traveling back to the city you only have so much time.
There are small cabins or hotels to reserve if you call or reserve way in advance. I would imagine the peak seasons are spring and fall since the Arizona sun in the summer is brutal.
Nature seems so big out there and it makes you feel that we are just a tiny blip in the history of this planet. Enjoy it and get outside.
Bucket List or not, the Grand Canyon is an incredible place to visit. For people traveling from overseas, I would make plans to also see the beautiful Yosemite Park in California. And if you are a gambler, make a trip to the nearby state of Nevada to go to Las Vegas. I think you would need a good 10-14 days to take your time and drive from place to place. I hope you enjoyed my story.