The grandest canyon

Miles and miles of colourful rock revealing two billion years of Earth’s geological history, the Grand Canyon isn’t one of the Seven Natural Wonders without reason. You can feel its grandeur once you come face to face with it. It doesn’t matter if you are a lover of nature or not- the Grand Canyon leaves everyone stunned.

Located in the state of Arozona, USA, the Grand Canyon is one of the deepest canyons of Earth, being an average 1.6km deep and 16km wide. It has been carved out over a few million years by the Colorado rivers and its many tributaries which still runs at the base of the canyon. The rock found near the base of the river is some of the oldest rocks of Earth, being approximately two billion years old – basically, the time when only single-celled organisms existed.

The Grand Canyon welcomes over five million visitors annually, throughout the year. One can either visit the Northern rim of the canyon or the Southern rim, depending on the kinds of activities that they want to be a part of. The temperatures vary across different parts of the canyon. The best time to visit Grand Canyon would be between March and May when the temperatures are mild and the sky is clear, giving an amazing view. However, if one wants to see white snow-covered canyons (yes, it does snow at the Grand Canyon…), one can go during the winter months of December and February. However, the Northern rim stays closed during the winters because of huge deposits of snow and freezing temperatures.

A panoramic view from the Western Rim

Winters are freezing cold at the rim of the canyon and the upper ridges can be quite hot during the peak summers. On an average, it is quite hot at the base of the canyon, so tourists are advised to pack sunscreen, hats and not to forget, a warm hoodie, if they plan to stay till later in the day. The Southern Rim is much preferred to the Northern Rim, mainly due to ease of accessibility from major cities and also due to a greater number of offered activities.

The Grand Canyon can also be accessed via helicopter.

The Grand Canyon is not only a natural wonder, but it offers a plethora of activities like trekking through different trails, white-water rafting at the Colorado and mule trips in the Southern rim. The beautiful Havasu waterfall creates a beautiful contrast of blue between green and browns near the Huvasupai trail. It is also interesting to know that most of the area on the Western rim of the canyon is privately owned and operated by the Hualapai people, a Red-Indian tribe. To them, the Grand Canyon is a holy place.

The 'Eagle' rock formation seen in the background.

One can enter the Southern rim from the west if travelling from Las Vegas, and from the South if travelling from Phoenix. If entering from the West, one is privileged to take the most enthusiastic view of the canyons on the Grand Canyon Skywalk, which is a glass horseshoe-shaped bridge constructed over the edge of the main canyon. Once on the skywalk, you will be greeted with breathtaking bird’s eye views of the canyon. The Skywalk is located on the Eagle, named after a giant eagle-looking ridge of the canyon, that the point oversees. Near the skywalk is a Native American village, where the tribal Hualapai people organize traditional dance and music shows all day long.

The Guano Point, quite near the Eagle Point offers Breathtaking 360 degree panoramic views of the canyon. There is also the local Hualapai market, for those who want to interact with the Hualapai people and purchase native jewelry and crafts. One can also visit the Hualapai Ranch, where fun cowboy activities like gun drawing, horse-riding, wagon rides and magic shows are organized for the tourists.

At the Hualapai Ranch

Overall, the Grand Canyon is both a natural and a cultural reserve. If you want to experience the magnificence of nature and its creation, the Grand canyon is that one place that you must visit.

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