Grand Canyon

Encompassing some 277 miles depths of 6,000 feet North America’s Grand Canyon is one of the most geologically significant sites in the entire world.

Carved by years of erosion from the pounding Colorado River, sightings of the Canyon manages to steal the breath of even the most jaded traveller.  Whether looking over the edge or far into its immense horizons; Mother Nature’s mammoth might can be felt.

Surprisingly, the Canyon is made up of several different ecosystems, from riverbed to scrub bush and of course the arid desert landscape that many associate with its legendary geologic formations.

As such the region is a veritable feast of both geological and archaeological wonders.  Recording nearly 5,000 archaeological resources within the national park, the Grand Canyon is home to finds as old as 12,000 years.

Touring the canyon can be done in two ways, from the ground and from the air, and if travellers have time, both options should be explored as they offer completely different perspectives of the canyon.

An aerial tour of the canyon is a must, may it be by light plane or helicopter.  From the air, you really begin to appreciate its intricate and connecting nature.  As some aspects become blurred, its grandiose purpose is revealed.

Ground tours offer vast vistas of the Grand Canyon spread out in front of you, while knowledgeable guides can cover its history from its natural birth, to its guardianship by the native Indians, settlement and exploration by Europeans, and of course it’s currently threatened environment.

While its heart lies in the American state of Arizona, many Australians opt to travel to the Grand Canyon from the Casino town of Las Vegas.  Vegas is closest to the South Rim, which is convenient as that part of the park is open all-year-round.

The West Rim and the new Skywalk attraction is also not far from Vegas.  Jutting out 70 feet from Eagle Point rim, the open-air walk way offers not only vistas outwards but also downwards – 4,000 feet downwards through glass to be exact.

Also if the time is available, travellers should spare some time to catch either a sunrise or sunset, with so many vantage points to choose from, there is no ‘best’ viewing point, but with little to no obstruction simply finding a jutting point facing East or West will do.  When deciding between dusk and dawn, remember while there are less people out for sunrise, desert temperatures can get quite cold at night.

For those nature buffs, tails for hiking and biking are aplenty, and a trek from rim to bottom is a must-do.  For those less actively inclined, a drive around the national park, or out to Lake Mead and Hoover Dam will also take much of a day.