Jewel of the Southwest – The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon evokes great landscapes and history (mainly geological) and reveals many treasures and mysteries. The Grand Canyon never fails to impress, inspire and amaze. It is an incredible experience to be on the brink of this abyss. One is often speechless when admiring this immense space filled with a golden light that moves and changes throughout the day, shining and reflecting on these ancient rocks.

This wonder of nature is 277 miles long along the riverbank, 18 miles wide as the crow flies, and is the birthplace of the Colorado River that flows 1 mile below. It is in these landscapes that numerous rafting trips take place, perfect for escaping the extremely high temperatures that prevail during the summer.

There are many wonderful viewing sites along both rims, as well as plenty of activities to explore the Canyon’s treasures, on foot, horseback, mule, helicopter or raft. The two rims of this gigantic canyon (south and north) receive many visitors, and hotels and lodges, as well as souvenir shops, are abundant, as well as geological, historical and artistic exhibits.

Contrary to some common beliefs about the geology of the Grand Canyon, it is not entirely an “open book.” For more than a century, geologists have been studying these formations, and people still have questions about the origins, age, and actual formation of the Colorado River. Overlooking sheer cliffs and a multitude of geological layers, you gaze at two billion years of history and geological formations created at a time when no life had yet appeared on earth. Hard to imagine right? For geology lovers I recommend going through the ‘Museum of Northern Arizona’.

Given this immense and extraordinary beauty, how can we not feel humbled? Visiting the Grand Canyon provides a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature in a sacred and respectful way, just as the native inhabitants have done and still do. In 1540, the Hopi Indians led Spanish explorers to the South Rim. In 1857, Lieutenant Joseph Ives discovered the Grand Canyon and recognized that: “The scenery promotes wonderful delight, but the country, of course, is altogether worthless. It can only be approached from the south, and after entering there is no nothing to do. but go away, ours was the first, and will doubtless be the last party of whites to visit this lucrative locality”.

How wrong I was! Every year it receives millions of visitors (4.4 million in 2008), and a third of them come from abroad to experience this natural wonder.