This is the fourth in a series of posts about my visit through parts of Arizona and Utah.
(Click words that are bolded for more information.)
Leaving the red rocks of Sedona behind, we continued northward to that most famous of canyons, The Grand Canyon.
(Click words that are bolded for more information.)
Leaving the red rocks of Sedona behind, we continued northward to that most famous of canyons, The Grand Canyon.
The Grand Canyon The Grand Canyon is indeed Grand. The sheer magnitude of its expanse, its length and width is staggering. As I stood at the edge of the canyon and peered into its depths, it was hard to grasp the enormity of what my eyes could see before me. The canyon seemed surreal, like an enormous canvas stretched across the sky, embroidered in earthy shades of red, green, gray, and brown. But this seemingly endless canvas had no earthly artist, but rather a skillful Creator of all things beautiful and good, Who is Himself beautiful and good with infinite wisdom and power.
"I sing the mighty pow'r of God, that made the mountains rise" - Isaac Watts
Like Sedona, the Grand Canyon is part of the Colorado Plateau. The Grand Canyon encompasses an area of over 1 million acres and is 277 miles long. From the South Rim to the North Rim, the distance is about 10 miles as the bird flies, but in other places the width is up to 18 miles. The depth of the canyon is over a mile deep to the Colorado River below. The South Rim, where we were, is open year round, while the North Rim closes during the winter months due to the snow. It's elevation is over 8,000 ft, while the elevation of the South Rim is around 7,000 ft.
"Lord, how Thy wonders are displayed, where’er I turn my eye" - Isaac Watts
There are no "easy hikes" into the Grand Canyon, but with proper preparation and a realistic attitude, many people have hiked the trails into the canyon. The hike across the canyon from the South Rim to the North Rim is 21 miles. The 13 mile Canyon Rim Trail along the South Rim is paved and easily accessible. We walked a couple miles along the Rim Trail in the historic Grand Canyon Village area, which includes the rustic El Tovar luxury hotel and Verkamp Visitor Center.
El Tovar luxury hotel opened in 1905
We watched the shifting shadows play across the canyon and watched as brave (or foolish) people posed for photos outside the confines of the protective guard rails. How small and insignificant they seemed in comparison to the massive canyon walls they clamored over.
Not for the faint of heart
Some might call this foolhardy
As the day came to a close, shadows deepened over the canyon and the last rays of the setting sun cast a golden glow over the canyon walls. The mighty Colorado River so far below shimmered in the fading light. In the stillness of the darkness, stars began to twinkle across the vast expanse of the sky. In the morning we would stop at another vantage point before leaving the Grand Canyon. But for now, the sight was glorious, as it would be the next day, and the next.
Do you see the Colorado River?
Evening colors of the Grand Canyon
Sunset over the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River
This unassuming sign at the entrance to Lookout Studio, a historic building with observation areas designed by Mary Colter, sums up my thoughts for that day, and every day as long as I have breath:
If you ever visit the Grand Canyon, I hope that you, too, will be filled with praise for our Wondrous Creator. In the words of Isaac Watts: "While all that borrows life from Thee is ever in Thy care; And everywhere that man can be, Thou, God, art present there." (Link to audio)
