Few places on Earth inspire awe quite like Grand Canyon National Park. Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, the canyon stretches 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and more than a mile deep. Its vast walls reveal layers of rock that tell a story nearly two billion years old, painted in shades of red, gold, and violet that shift with the sun. Standing at the rim, it is impossible not to feel humbled by the scale and silence of the landscape. The Grand Canyon is both a natural wonder and a reminder of time’s quiet power.
In 1919, the Grand Canyon was designated a national park after years of advocacy from conservationists, explorers, and visionaries like President Theodore Roosevelt, who called it one of the great sights every American should see. Today, the park welcomes visitors from around the world to witness its grandeur. The South Rim offers some of the most iconic views and accessible trails, while the North Rim remains more remote and peaceful, offering solitude amid pine forests and high plateaus. Beyond the rims, the Colorado River continues its steady work, shaping the canyon as it has for millennia.
The Grand Canyon is not just a spectacle to be admired from above. Those who venture into its depths find an entirely different world of color and perspective. Trails such as Bright Angel and South Kaibab wind down through millions of years of geological history, passing desert springs, sandstone cliffs, and hidden oases. The river at the bottom is a lifeline for countless plants and animals, and for the people who have long called this region home. As daylight fades, the canyon becomes one of the best places in the country for stargazing, with a night sky that feels endless.
Conservation efforts at Grand Canyon National Park focus on preserving its fragile ecosystems, protecting water resources, and managing the impact of millions of annual visitors. The National Park Service works alongside Indigenous tribes, scientists, and environmental organizations to ensure that the canyon remains a living classroom for geology, ecology, and culture. Visitors are encouraged to explore responsibly, stay on marked trails, and reflect on the vastness around them. The Grand Canyon stands as a symbol of endurance, beauty, and the power of nature to both humble and inspire.
Our Experience
We have been fortunate enough to visit the Grand Canyon, twice! On our second time, we ventured down into the canyon via the Bright Angel Trail, which we found extremely difficult. We made it 3,500 feet down to the river view and were tempted to drop another 1,500 feet to the river bed. However, we ultimately decided against it and thanked ourselves later once we ascended back to the top...our legs just about gave out! The views were breathtaking and one of our favorite hikes to date! You should definitely hike this trail if you can but plan to start as early as possible and pack plenty of water. Speaking of preparation, the first time we visited, we were with some family and did not expect the desert to get so cold at night. We camped on some BLM land and nearly froze to death after not bringing blankets or any sort of insulation. Don't forget, the desert gets very cold at night, even in the summer!