Grand Canyon National Park cannot be explained in words or photos. At 6000 feet deep, 18 miles wide, and stretching over 277 miles of the Colorado River it is so immense that the only way to experience it is to be in its presence. The park provides an iconic example of the grandeur of the American Southwest's natural landscape. It holds one of the most complete records of geological history in the world with layers of red rock showing us earth's past and the power of nature to create one of the most striking environments in the world.
Hiking trails, scenic drives and lookouts along the South Rim and North Rim offer viewpoints that provide different perspectives of the canyon. Most people who visit the Grand Canyon visit the more popular South Rim. The impressive panoramic views and major sights are seen from above at many of the lookouts along the 13-mile rim trail. There are also many chances for animal encounters along the way.
The Grand Canyon is also a cultural landmark, deeply significant to several Native American tribes who have inhabited the area for thousands of years. It serves as a sacred site for ceremonies and a source of artistic inspiration. Throughout the park architectural features complement its natural beauty. Many of the structures are designed by an early woman architect Mary Colter including Hopi House, Hermits Rest, Lookout Studio, Desert View Watchtower, Phantom Ranch, the Grand Canyon Lodge and many more.
The best way to experience the Grand Canyon is to descend into the geological history of the canyon. Visitors who are up to short or longer multi day adventure can hike or ride a mule down a little bit or all the way to the bottom. On the way down experience 6 million years of erosion layer by layer carved by the Colorado River. In spring at every turn on the narrow curving trails hikers and riders will walk past waterfalls, pinons, sagebrush, and wildflowers of every color, shape, and scent.
At the bottom spend a few days camping along the Colorado River or at one of the stone cottages at Phantom Ranch. Relax along the river watching rafters on multi-day trips float by. These adventurous, rafting trips offer a dramatic way to experience the canyon from below, revealing hidden waterfalls and secluded wilderness areas. They often need to be booked well in advance.
The weather and temperature also change drastically depending on the location and elevation within the canyon. On our hike back up from the base we experienced every season. In spring early in the morning at the base of the canyon it was a very hot summer day (over 100 degrees), and as we ascended and the elevation changed it turned to spring, then fall and finally toward the top it was snowing.
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is higher and colder. It inaccessible and closed for part of the year so be sure to check the website for opening and closing dates. Strangely enough the first time I visited the North Rim I didn’t even see the canyon. It was so foggy for several days that I couldn’t see 10 feet in front of me. Luckily the lodge is beautiful and the environmental education programs deepened the experience.
Today many of the ranger programs explain the park's ecological significance with fossil hunts, archeological mapping and the ongoing conservation efforts necessary to preserve the canyon for future generations.
