GRAND CANYON
One of the wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon is visited by people from all countries around the World. It is the most beautiful, awe inspiring scenery that anyone could possibly imagine. Standing on the edge of the rim after hiking the Bright Angel Trail there and back, and camping across the River , I found myself awed by the magnificence of God’s creation. Our worldly worries seem to be very small compared with such extraordinary nature’s beauty.
Pay close attention to the Park Rangers and safety advice for all visitors to the Canyon.
They are not exaggerating about anything. It is a dry, arid, pristine place. So dry that the desert will suck the moisture out of a person in a very short time, one hour or less. Bring a canteen, or two canteens. Drink plenty of water. Bring the right kind of food as recommended by the Park. Stop and rest when tired. Ask for help when needed.
Where is the Grand Canyon? North of Phoenix, Arizona and near Flagstaff.
There are campgrounds, hotels and motels in the area. Definitely make reservations in advance as the Canyon is a very popular tourist attraction especially in Spring, Summer and Fall, as are all of the National Parks. Each hiker in the Canyon requires a permit to hike down into the Canyon. There is a limit as to how many people are allowed.
How did the Grand Canyon evolve? The Colorado River, weather, wind, the Sun have contributed to the beauty of the abyss. The geologic strata consists of various layers from the basement, Vishnu shist to the Kaibab limestone at the rim which rises over a mile providing the most complete natural geological records anywhere in the World. Geologic formations such as gneiss and schist found at the bottom of the Canyon date back more than 1,800 million years. A diversity of biotic communities are found from the bottom of the Canyon to the rim.
The entire park area is semi-arid desert. Distinct habitats are located at different elevations along the 8,000 foot elevation gradient. Riparian vegetation and sandy beaches are found near the Colorado River. A short distance from the River, a desert atmosphere exists with a wide variety of desert cactus and desert scrub plants. Pinyon Pine and Juniper forests grow above the desert up to about 6,200 feet. Ponderosa Pine is abundant between 6,200 feet and 8,200 feet. A Spruce Fir forrest exists at 8,200 feet on the North Rim. The Colorado River and it’s tributaries, as well as springs, seeps, stock tanks, and ephemeral pools provide an oasis to flora and fauna. The dry climate has preserved prehistoric fossils found in caves throughout the Canyon.