Continuing on the topic of the seven natural wonders of the world, also among this list is the prestigious Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA. As a UNESCO World Heritage listed site, the Grand Canyon National Park showcases the earth’s history through its geological make-up which dates back a couple of billion years. I find it quite difficult to really comprehend how old this is, but can see its history through the naturally carved multicoloured layered rock faces.
Guano Point – Grand Canyon
It is estimated that over five million people a year visit the Grand Canyon. I too have been one of those people many years back and again more recently. Extending over a large area many many miles long and wide, it requires separate visits to see and experience the sights, most commonly from the South and West rims.
My first trip to the Grand Canyon was part of a tour around the south-western part of the United States. A two night stay at the national park gave me the chance to see, hike and fly around the canyon’s South rim, all of which provided its own unique experience. From watching beautiful colourful sunsets standing at the rim on a warm evening, lunching in a shady spot as I soaked up the sweeping vistas, to looking back up the rocky walls as I made my way down a narrow path. Taking in its sheer size and different rock formations from up above in a helicopter flight was absolutely exhilarating.
More recently a trip to Las Vegas gave me the opportunity to visit the Grand Canyon again. This time I took a short scenic flight out to the West rim which is home to the Hualapai tribe. At Eagle Point is the famous glass skywalk bridge, while at Guano Point a short and easy walk along the rim led me into the canyon and better views of the Colorado river. Standing at the edge of the canyon taking in the breathtaking view with very few people around in the early morning leaves me with no doubt that the Grand Canyon is special.
Colorado River – Grand Canyon
Remembering how much I enjoyed the helicopter experience during my last visit, I decided to take a scenic helicopter flight again. This time at the West rim, our pilot took us down deep into the canyon landing near the Colorado river. While it was a nice feeling standing inside this deep gorge surrounded by the colourful striped cliffs, as a city girl I was also excited to see cactus plants growing in their natural desert environment.
California Barrel Cactus – Grand Canyon
So after two visits to different parts of the Grand Canyon I’ve asked myself would I come here again? Yes! Yes! Yes! It’s a truly beautiful and peaceful place and certainly worthy of its title as a natural wonder. I hope you too have had the opportunity to see and experience this iconic place for yourselves or will do so one day.
Happy sightseeing fellow travellers!
Georgia
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