Respecting The Dangers of The Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon Traveler | Sep 29, 2007 | Comments 0
I visited the Grand Canyon a couple of years ago while on vacation in the USA.
We camped at the Grand Canyon for a couple of days giving us to time to really explore this vast wonder. It is absolutely breathtaking. Until you stand at the edge, you really don’t have any idea just how truly large this place is.
I flew on top of the Grand Canyon in a small propeller plane from the Grand Canyon South Rim
airport. The plane held about 19 people and was rather tight. We sat 3 people across! I recommend this as it gives you a completely different perspective of the canyon. From the air you can see just how different each wall of the canyon is. The flight allows you to escape the crowds of the tourists down below. From the air you could see how the sun affects the colors of the rocks; which look amazing against the dazzling blue-ish green of the Colorado River. To truly appreciate the Canyon in its entire splendor, visit the Grand Canyon at different times such as sunrise and sunset.
I also went hiking in the Canyon and I must say this is something not to be taken lightly. The heat, humidity and exhaustion are very intense. You must be in great shape.
We left the top of the Canyon at 5am and started down to our destination, which was a look out point called Angels landing. There are plenty of warning signs alerting you of the dangers of hiking in the canyon. Look for the big letters “you do so at your own risk.”
On the way down there are lots of rest stops, which provide shade, plenty of water (an absolute essential) and toilets. They are well maintained and some are manned so in case of an emergency help can arrive quite quickly.
Even though we started very early in the morning the heat soon became quite intense and by the time we reached our destination it must have been about 90C. You forget you have to walk uphill on the way back. Which can be very disorientating.
The lookout point is amazing as you stand in the middle of the canyon half way down to the blue Colorado River. It is an amazing feeling to be standing inside and makes you appreciate just how deep and wide the Grand Canyon really is. The hike back up to the top was absolutely horrendous but we made it and I enjoyed every bit of it.
I would highly recommend hiking if you are fit and experienced.
The facilities at the Canyon are excellent with lots of shops, restaurants and viewpoints. One very important thing about the viewpoints was the lack of barriers to stop you falling over the steep edge. Be very careful if you go there with young children. Do NOT let them wander away from you!
There are buses that you can jump on and off as they take you around the various lookout points. You can also get a newspaper from the tourist office, which lists all the activities that are on during the day and a map of the park.
My main memory from the Canyon will be sitting on a rock overlooking the Grand Canyon
eating a pizza and drinking a beer while watching the sunset. It was an amazing sight and I have a memory to last a lifetime.
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