Grand Canyon

I seem to do a visit to the Grand Canyon every 20ish years. My first visit was on my summer trip in high school. We all hiked down to the bottom and, if I remember correctly, camped alongside the Colorado River and hiked out the next day. What I do recall is the beauty and serenity of this magical place. I remember the red clay river and the towering walls of so many brilliant colors.

The second time I came to the canyon was when Mike and I brought our young kids. We woke up to temperatures in the 30s and climbed out of our tent with coats, hats, and mittens that we were soon shedding for shorts and t-shirts. We geared up and attempted to hike down into the canyon. Less than a half mile down, Brett became suddenly dizzy, nauseous, and within seconds fainted right there on the trail. Luckily, she sat down just before and managed to drop onto Trev’s legs to cushion her fall.

So here I am once again staring into this abyss. The canyon is humbling. You hike amidst these dazzling walls that tell the story of the canyon – as they say here, you go back in time with every step as you descend. This geological evolution starts at the Kiabab limestone of 250 million years until you reach the bottom where the metamorphic rocks and lavas formed nearly two billion years ago. They say there are nearly 40 identified rock layers in the walls. The Colorado River tells its own story of cutting the canyon walls over 5 to 6 million years separating the east and west rims. Today the canyon is 277 miles long, over a mile deep, and up to 18 miles wide.

The real allure is watching as sunlight and clouds cast shadows that dance across the canyon walls. The changing light summons you into a trance as you gaze at the ever-changing colors. The Grand Canyon is listed as one of the seven natural wonders of the world and Mike and I would highly recommend you add it to your bucket list if it isn’t already there. It is truly an awe-inspiring fascination of our natural world.

I better begin my own planning though. On my bucket list is a hike down to the Havasupai Falls to camp for a few nights. But, the Havasupai Tribe limits the number of visitors (rightly so) and slots fill up as soon as you can sign on. So, I need to get going because I can’t wait another 20 years this time.