Across the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is one of natures most impressive sites. This deep narrow gorge, ranging up to one mile deep and 18 miles wide, is Colorado River carved out of the Arizona desert by the power of nature over the past 6 million years. The walls of the canyon are coloured by layers of red, grey and yellow sedimentary sandstone, sculpted over millions of years from wind, water and other erosive forces.
To many, the Grand Canyon is more than a scenic wonder, it’s a sacred place, home to numerous Native American tribes for centuries. When one surveys the majestic beauty of the canyon, it’s not hard to understand why.
The Grand Canyon provides plenty of awe-inspiring activities for visitors, from breathtaking daytime vistas, to the tranquil stars of night; from the epic whitewater rafting, to the formidable challenge of reaching the canyon floor. Not to mention simply wandering through the diverse range of ecosystems, passing through forests, plateaus and high desert.
My personal favorite exploit was to cross the Grand Canyon via the Grand View Trail. This 14-mile route begins on the south rim and descends over 3000 feet onto the canyon floor, running along the Tonto Plateau, sometimes right on the edge of the canyon wall. Taking the time to cover the terrain, the trail guide will point out thousand-year-old dwellings, pictographs and petroglyphs left by Ancestral Puebloan people.
For me, the feeling of reaching the canyon was one of great accomplishment. The sheer drop is staggering, from 1000-foot-tall canyon walls to the shallow river below, more a stream really, slightly wider than a couple of railway tracks. This entry route also offers a number of architectural and historic sites, as well as meadows of wildflowers in the morning, and beautiful sunsets in the afternoon.
During the 3-4 hours that it takes to traverse the trail, there are a number of viewpoints along the way offering inspiring and awe-inspiring views. These are the kinds of views that remind one of how small we are, while at the same time underscoring our essential connectedness.
One can also get a glimpse of a lake forming at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, part of the Colorado River that has slowly been filling the basin over the past 10 years due to human intervention.
At the end of the trail, the hike culminates in an experience of pure magic. The feeling of awe and respect that come when viewing the majesty of the Grand Canyon, with its immense rocky walls and wildlife hidden far below, is not easily forgotten.
But visiting the Grand Canyon isn’t all about beauty, the experience includes a more spiritual lesson as well. By being present in this area, one can gain a deep understanding of the ancient cultures that once settled in the canyon. One can understand how resilient people can be in the face of immense challenges, and how much we can learn from each other if only we take the time to explore.
In fact, this transcendental motif is something that resonates throughout the experience, from the start of the trail to the incredible sunset that signals a journey of transformation. When one returns from their trip down the Grand Canyon, transformed and empowered, it’s with a deep appreciation for the beauty and power of nature.
