During the expansion of America, there was an old adage. If people wanted to find their riches, they were told to “go west.” Though a little late, I followed that adage and went out west. I was blown away. If you haven’t gone west, you’ve been missing out. The American west is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen and, within it, one of the world’s greatest wonders- the Grand Canyon.
Of the park’s 5 million annual visitors, 99% go to the Grand Canyon for less than 4 hrs and only spend 20 minutes at the actual canyon, 1% actually walk down some distance, and about half of that percent hike down to the bottom. I’m in a small, small minority of adventurers who have gone to its base. Hiking down the Grand Canyon (and back up) is a lot harder than it seems but more visually rewarding than just looking over the rim.
Arriving at the Canyon, my first thought was “Holy $%%^! Look at this!” I’ve seen the pictures and heard the stories but nothing could prepare me for just how big and grand it was. In front of me, stretching far and wide, were peaks and valleys colored with red and orange hues jutting and falling into the ground. I took in the view, trapped by its magnificence, before I broke free and began to hike down.
Hiking down, you see all the desert animals, the intricacies of the ridges, the mountains, the streams, the creeks, the cliffs that are noticeable from above. You see the color changes in the rocks up close, touching them, and enjoying the peacefulness of this place away from the crowds. I immediately knew this was somewhere I wanted to see again and regretted only spending one night there. If you ever visit the Grand Canyon, hike down- even if it is for just a few hours. You will get experience the Canyon up close and it gives the area more meaning and perspective- more so than just looking out over the rim and going “oooohhh” and “ahhhh.”
So I hiked down to the bottom and saw up close the Colorado River. The river majestically cuts its way through the canyon, flowing fast and furiously as it continues to sketch one of nature’s greatest paintings. The river itself is cold and rapid. If you get caught in the current, I think you’re pretty guaranteed to end up dead. From the bottom, the canyon takes on a totally new shape. The vast canyon disappears and all you can see is this little valley the river has cut. I spent the night at the camp down there, hiking around the river, talking to hikers, listening to a ranger talk, and trying to avoid the scorpions.
Hiking up was a lot tougher than hiking down, even when taking the flatter Bright Angel trail. In the morning, I awoke, my legs already sore. Yet I was still in for another 9.6 mile hike back up the canyon through hot, steep terrain. My companion and I moved slowly as to take advantage of the shade, off-trail waterfalls others pointed us too, and to talk with other hikers. All other things you can’t enjoy from the stop. The hardest part for me was the steep ascent back up- the high altitude and steep rock faces made for an adjustment. After 6 hours of hiking, we made it out. A wave of emotions set over me. Hiking the Grand Canyon was one of the major life goals and I’d done it. Once over the top, all the pain in my legs, the tiredness, and the heat disappeared to give way to sheer joy. I had mastered the canyon. I had done what few do. I was satisfied. I felt like Rocky after he climbed those stairs.
I finished such a wondrous act by watching the sunset over the canyon. There were heaps of people taking pictures but I mostly just sat back and enjoyed the light show reflecting off the canyon walls as the sun made one final burst on the day. A wonderful end to a remarkable two days.
Hey Matt!
I like your title, “The Grandest Canyon.”
I have been to the Grand Canyon twice. The first time, I was in Phoenix for a week-long conference. On the van ride up, it started to snow and the canyon filled up like a big bowl of fog-soup. So sad! Apparently, it only happens a few days a year.
A couple of years later, my guy and I were in Vegas and we tried again. There it was.
It really is the grandest canyon.
Monna (Teacher Girl)
Great post!
I went to the Grand Canyon last year. Sadly, I was in the majority who spent a few hours there, and was very disappointed because my travel companions didn’t want to do anything other than looking down at the canyon from the rim and the weather was a little bit rainy. I want to go back someday to hike down the canyon and experience everything that it has to offer.
I was never really interested in the past, but everyone keeps saying how amazing it is, so maybe I will have to turn my gypsy heart a little more north American bound.
@anon: sorry to hear that!
In Summer 2006, Jeff and I rafted the Grand Canyon, and it was one of the best trips of our lives. It’s such a different experience down at the bottom. (I’d done the peer down from the top thing before, but Jeff had never been at all.) It’s staggeringly beautiful, and I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a night sky more phenomenal than what we saw from the canyon floor. Rafting was a heckuva good time too, although the water is freezing. Bathing in it was not fun!
Hey Matt, completly agree!! The only way to experience the true wonder of the canyon is to get hiking! I only had one day at the Canyon and made it the 6 and half hours to Plateau Point and back, and that was starting at sunrise to avoid alot of the intense heat, one of the most visually rewarding hikes i have undertaken.
As you enjoyed the Canyon i would also recommend paying a visit to Dead Horse Point NP in Moab, Utah. Spectacular views at sunset and a fraction of the crowds!
Happy travels