My Visit to the Land of Magical Canyons in the USA

In time and with water, everything changes – Leonardo da Vinci

Opening Note

The above quote of Leonardo da Vinci perfectly matches with the experience gained by me from the tour to few of the fascinating canyons in the US, which are creation of water on rocks over time. Even before I began my US trip of March- April 2023, my nephew Ramesh chalked out a full loop travel in the first week of April to some of the exotic locations of North America. He has planned a week- long jaunt, combining both an air travel and an extensive road drive across four states, comprising California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona that would take us to three national parks and a number of other wilderness and nature recreation destinations. He booked for the night halts four months in advance, as hotel accommodation would be hard to come by at short notice or would be available at exorbitant price. All the three national parks and a couple of other nature preserves, we intended to travel through had one thing in common. Our journey will be taking us to five of the 70 canyons in the USA that would mirror some of the spectacular landscapes and the most iconic landmarks in the country.

So, with lot of enthusiasm, we commenced our tour, boarding the South West Airlines at San Jose airport for an hour long flight to Las Vegas (Day One). At the luggage reclaim area, I noticed a colorful signboard with ‘Welcome to the Fabulous Las Vegas’ message. The system of renting a car or a van from a vehicle rental service provider from near the airport after an air journey in US that enables the traveler to continue his/her road travel is a fascinating and hassle-free arrangement, I felt. This hasn’t somehow become popular so far in India. 

Welcome to the Fabulous Las Vegas, the dream city

Our itinerary included two night halt at Plaza Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, one on the first day of landing and the other before we took off back home. For a fun-loving visitor, Las Vegas has many things to offer- casinos, bars, hotels, restaurants, malls, atriums, and myriad other forms of ceaseless entertainment. On the nights when we stayed in the city, I noticed hordes of people of all ages - from toddlers to octogenarians belonging to Z generation to baby boomer generation - congregating to catch a Vegas show- be it a one-person stand-up comedy act or a lavish production featuring dozens of musicians, singers and dancers or lining up before the counters of the bars and a multitude of eateries dispensing an array of international cuisines. 

My nephew who had been to the city on earlier occasions informed that the Strip, a portion of Las Vegas Boulevard (and adjoining side streets), running some four miles had become the centre stage of downtown Las Vegas in the 1950s, where the city’s most ostentatious luxury hotels, restaurants, and casinos were built. Here in the Fremont Street has been erected the LED display ‘Canopy’ that runs along the promenade from Main Street to Fourth Street. We undertook a walking tour under the ‘Canopy’, comprising 130,000 square feet of display space, the world's largest video screen to date. I learnt that after its 2004 upgrade, more than 12 million LED lamps illuminate the overhead canopy, offering a scintillating colorful light show-Viva Vision- as known to the tourists, enhancing the visitors’ experience. Garishly illuminated walk ways and atriums, emitting multitude of shades and colors from 6 PM through 2 AM everyday are a veritable feast to the eyes that jack up the spirit of the millions of tourists thronging Vegas. Tourism understandably makes Vegas the most opulent city of Nevada State.

Other than traipsing across the long walkways in the night, we tried our hands in the Roulette game in the casino attached to our hotel. With no luck in gam(bl)ing and a $ 100 less from the purse (that too because we were conservative in gambling), we left the casino in as much the same way as many of the other guests moved away from the game tables. The glass of iced - Jack and Coke, offered as a compliment at the table during the game was splendid though. It looked as if the casino games are more for the operators to earn. In brief, I felt Las Vegas to be more as a dream land full of bizarre, surreal entities.

Utah-Arizona, the land of canyons

The overnight stay at Vegas probably pepped up our vigor so much so we were in the car by around 8 AM on the next morning (Day Two) to begin our road march. The thought that our travel on road in the next six days would cover a distance of over 800 miles ( 1280 km) in the three states was causing some anxiety. The prospect of seeing several unique landscapes in the country mellowed down that worry. Further, considering the orderly behavior of road users, driving a car in the US seems to be a comfortable experience for my nephew, who has spent over 25 years here. Conformity to road rules and driving speed restrictions are of very high order in the US and the road signs are appropriately designed and placed at proper points in the free-ways that assist the road users immensely. Moreover, the fear of prohibitive fines (for instance fines in California state: failure to stop at a red signal $ 436; unsafe speed, 1 to 15 miles over the limit, $ 214; violation of disabled parking provisions first offence $ 976 and so on) that could be slapped for driving violations that are promptly detected through either radar enforcement or by road patrol police surveillance enhance this conformity (https://www.catrafficticket.com/ca-traffic-ticket-fines/). That explains for relatively low road accidents despite high volume and density of vehicles on the US roads. 

I kept engaging myself either in conversation with my nephew or by browsing through the downloaded web literature about the places in our destination list. Pockets of Indian snacks and energy bars which Aruna, Ramesh’s wife and my daughter-in-law generously packed at Scotts Valley was good munch that helped to break the monotony as our SUV speeded through the arid country side entering the Utah state, home to five among the 24 top-rated canyons in the US. I gathered that the term ‘Canyon’ stems from the Spanish word cañon, which means “tube” or “pipe.” Canyons are some of the most dramatic geological formations on earth. Canyon is a deep, steep-walled, V-shaped narrow valley that is cut by a river through resistant rock. Such valleys often occur in the upper courses of rivers, where the stream has a strong, swift current that digs its valley relatively rapidly. 

Zion National Park – a huge Canyon

First spot in our schedule was Zion Canyon National Park in the south Utah and we reached the Springdale town, nestled at the foot of the crimson red rock canyon cliffs where our accommodation was booked in La Quinta by Wyndham. We logged 160 miles from Vegas in 2.30 hr. Our stratagem all through this tour was to hit the Park entry directly at the earliest without losing time in the hotel check-in and other formalities. Even otherwise check-in time is 3 PM usually in all hotels. We arrived at Zion Park entry gate around 11 AM, where Ramesh got an all National Parks’ entry annual pass for $ 80.

This park can be accessed through only park operated bus shuttle - a free service- that would take the visitor through a scenic Zion Canyon drive on the 7.7 mile long park road, running adjacent to the River Virgin. The visitor can alight and board the bus at any of the nine designated points from where 13 odd trails, varying from 0.4 mile to 9.4 mile branch off into the interiors of Zion. Visitors’ number that day was huge as it was spring break week in the US. In the boarding bay of the start point that is well designed with many zig zags to line up over 500 persons at a time, I saw yet another disciplined engagement of the travelers who scrupulously followed the serpentine queue though it took about 45 minutes to get their turn to board the shuttle. No jostling or queue jumping! The mighty red rock cliffs of Zion stretched out in front of us alleviated the boredom of waiting. We learnt that this canyon is huge and is best explored on foot.

We alighted at the Zion Lodge stop of the drive around noon, from where we embarked on our walk along the 0.6 mile Lower Emerald Pool trail (one way), an easy ascend, after which we proceeded with the moderate Middle and Upper Emerald Pool trails totally involving a hike of 1.6 mile (one way) with an elevation of 350 feet along the narrow, sandy and rocky and pebble-ridden unpaved path. The view of the spring water cascading into silvery falls from the middle pool, sprinkling the cool mist all around, as we pass under the jutting rock face over us was absolutely enchanting. We felt spine- raking chillness, despite the day being sunny, as Zion is 4000-8000 feet above sea level. All along the trail, we could command mesmerizing vista of almost 90o vertical canyon cliffs on both sides. On the moderate slopes, we observed greenery of scattered trees of Pinyon Pine and Juniper. Way back from the Lower Pool, we took the descending Grotto trail of 0.5 mile (one way) to reach the Grotto stop across the bridge on Virgin River. 

After the lunch, we boarded the shuttle bus to reach the Stop 9 in the drive named Temple of Sinawava. Further up this final stop, the winding Virgin River runs in a deep canyon. As we walked on the easy 2.2 mile long River side walk trail (two ways), we could see canyon walls in full splendor, bordering both sides of the river. We touched the waters of Virgin to feel its extreme chillness at the point from where ‘the Narrows’ commences. Few hikers with water proof coverall suits, boots and hiking sticks were seen roughing out from the Narrows, a two way 9.4 mile hike in the river that lies between a steep gorge. Not sure whether they did the full length! This strenuous round trip hike would take up to 8 hours and is subject to dangerous flash floods. The hikers are responsible to check for weather, water levels and flash floods potential before attempting this strenuous trail. 

Wildlife here is rich and varied. During our time in the park we could spot a water snake, few mule deers, scores of chipmunks and ground squirrels and the hawks hovering in the sky above. As we were returning back to the Zion Canyon Visitor Centre (Stop1) in the bus, we could see the vast yellow meadows on our left that form the bulk of three mile long Pa’rus trail, an easy stroll and a great place for the bikers to ride. Time was around 6.45 PM and the canyon walls opposite the visitor center began to light up in gorgeous warm colors even as the sun was setting. The Fire Bolt Invincible digital watch in my wrist showed that we walked over eight miles in the day. After a good dinner over a glass of beer in a nearby restaurant, we felt cool as the night temperature was dropping below 30O F suddenly. We retired soon in the comfort of the quilt in the warm hotel room.

Bryce Canyon National Park - Poetry in Stone

This is how the Bryce canyon brochure by the US NP Service describes the Park. The National Park in South Utah notified in 1923 is in its centenary year. Our plan was to drive to Bryce, 84 miles away from Springdale and return back for night halt (Day Three). Since the drive was shorter, we intended to start after 10 AM. When we opened the door of our room after the bed coffee, we were invited to the sight of white sheet of snow that carpeted the floor of hotel backyard, walkway and the face of the canyon cliff. As we walked towards the breakfast lobby, we found the tops, glasses and sides of the cars in the parking lot enveloped in an inch thick snow. The situation matched with our plan, as the bright sun rays rising from the horizon was expected to thaw and melt the snow in an hour. We began our trip after the shower and the breakfast.  

Our journey to Bryce was through the road bordering south, south-eastern edge of Zion to a distance of about 10 miles, which threw up many impressive views of the Zion cliffs on both sides with a vast semi dome like depression, chiseled out from the massive rock face by nature’s action. From this point, the highway passing via a mile long tunnel and then on through the red canyon leads to Mt. Carmel junction. All through the rest of our journey till Bryce, we noticed extensive snow covered meadows. As we struck at the Bryce National Park entry gate at noon, leaving behind us the Bryce Canyon City, the park gate staff welcomed and dished out a copy of the Park visitor guide. Ramesh pulled the car to a road side bay to study the details of the trails and viewpoints.

Bryce is a unique landscape of sandstone-limestone formation as a result of several million years of geological action in the Utah region. It is a linear canyon park running north-south to a length of about 25 miles, which is serviced by 18 mile fair weather road from the entry point Visitor center to Yovimpa point along the same direction on its western edge. At an altitude ranging between 6800 and 9115 feet, the Park gets a generous dose of snowfall for many months in a year. We noticed few feet deep snow covering the forest floors on both sides of the road, which is the top of the canyon. In general, the area around Bryce Canyon is arid. The plateau is somewhat cooler and wetter as a result of elevation, seeming like a green island in a red desert. A wide variety of trees and flowers can grow here due to higher rainfall and snowfall. The range of altitude with a total change in elevation of 2000 feet creates a variety of ecosystems. The three distinct zones are the spruce/fir forest, the Ponderosa pine forest, and the pinyon - juniper forest (from highest to lowest, in that order). Douglas fir is the commonest of all, with Blue spruce occur along streams. Quaking Aspens are characteristic of high elevations. Mid altitudes support Ponderosa pine and Rocky mountain juniper along with Manzanita shrub, while the lower elevation records Pinyon pine and Utah juniper. Seeds in the cones of many species are a tasty treat for forest critters like birds, insects and small rodents, while larger herbivores like Mule Deer and Elk eat new growth low to the ground. Other mammals include mountain lion, Pronghorn deer and Utah prairie dog. During our four hour long visit within the park, we could spot individuals of Golden mantled ground squirrel and Uinta chipmunk only.

Though the park shuttle service is scheduled to operate from April through October catering to the visitors’ tour on the 18 mile scenic drive, connecting most of the viewpoints and the trail heads, it has been delayed this year. When we were in Bryce in April first week, the road was open for the first three miles alone beyond which it was shut due to snow conditions. It was snowing a bit. So, the visitors were permitted to access the four viewpoints - Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunset Point, and Sunrise Point- in their vehicles. These points provide amazing views of the Bryce Amphitheatre, a naturally created round area with tall, red and pink color stone formations. Weathering and erosion shape these statuesque rock features. As snow and ice melt, water seeps into fractures and when it refreezes, it expands and cracks the rock around it. This gradual process of frost-wedging of cliffs never rest here- not even for a day. Erosion in rock cliffs first form thin canyon wall or ‘Fin’, the cracks in the fins then create holes or ‘windows’. As windows grow, their tops made of dolomite collapse, leaving a column with sandstone base for the rain to sculpt these pillars into oddly shaped bulbous spires called ‘hoodoos’. Bryce is said to be the only place on Earth with the highest concentration of these geological structures. The pink cliffs in the park, however, are mostly bereft of vegetation. There is very little soil; only rock and the cliff sides are mostly inhospitable due to steep slopes and active weathering.

The viewpoints lie at the rim of the plateau facing the canyon. The chilly wind was rather heavy as the rim was open from all sides around. Braving the alien weather with the layers of warm clothing, when we stood at the viewpoints - one after another- views of snow patches covering the pink hoodoos gave us an absolutely exhilarating feeling. As we stood at the Sunset point gazing at the snow clad slopes and the pillars, strong wind current swept through and blew off my hat taking it straight down to the canyon bottom. The sun, arcing across the blue sky casted a kaleidoscope of slowly altered hues and shifting shadows over the canyon land. Disappointment writ large in our faces when we learnt that we won’t be able to go near the hoodoos, as all the ten-odd hiking trails taking the visitors to the bottom of the canyon have been closed due to snow. Amidst the buzzing sound of chilly breeze crossing my exposed face, the poet in me sensed some faint clatter of the stones tumbling from a hoodoo top at a far away distance, even as we bid adieu to the Bryce canyon and began to retrace our way to Springdale. 

Getting close to Colorado River

Day Four in our tour plan was relatively a lighter one. As per the Google map, we will be moving into the desert state of Arizona after a 120 mile drive in Utah that would take 2.30 hr. Morning in Springdale was soothing with bright sun rays radiating against the backdrop of towering Zion cliffs. An US acquaintance at the breakfast table shared some idea about a site of great geological interest, where one can explore the peculiar rock structures called toadstools, located east of Kanab en route Page, Arizona - our halting point for the night. As this wasn’t part of our original agenda, we checked out soon and started the day’s journey around 9 AM. Kanab is a city on US Highway 89, some 40 miles southeast to Springdale. Ramesh filled the gasoline tank in the fuel station and we picked up a Regular coffee cup from a store attached. 

Driving further east for 45 miles, we arrived at the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, just off the highway. This national monument is a natural collection of balanced rock formations, which look like toadstools or capped mushrooms. We headed north along the 1.5 miles easy round-trip trail from the trailhead at the parking lot, walking through a wash towards the northern rim of a small canyon. The first toadstool we encountered was an awesome giant red. Continuing past, we found more patches of mushroom-like rocks along the trail. Towards the end, we saw a lone white stem with a red cap, alongside the dry Paria River Valley views. True to the description in the literature connected with the monument, the Toadstools turned out to be the photographer's paradise.

As we crossed Big water city and approached Wahweap town around noon, we noticed a huge sign board along the highway welcoming us to the State of Arizona. The thought that we will be getting close to the Colorado River occupied my mind. Colorado River is the sixth longest in the US and passes through seven states and two nations. Originally known as the Grand, the river arises from the Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park as a cold mountain trout stream that grows into a classic Western waterway slicing through jagged gorges between sweeping, pastoral ranchlands in its 1,450 mile journey before it drains into the Sea of Cortez in northwestern Mexico. From this point on our left, we could see the water spread area of Lake Powell, the second largest man-made reservoir in the US developed to fill the Glen canyon area by impounding the Colorado water by the construction of Glen Canyon dam. We spent a little while in the dam area. We learnt that the new city of Page, Arizona too was developed as a company town in the 1960s alongside the dam. The dam itself looks like the gateway to Page with a massive bridge over Colorado, linking the dam and the city.

Horse shoe bend, the most photographed 

We drove past Page town on Highway 89 to reach Horse shoe Bend, one of the most photographed canyons in the US. Located four miles south west of Page between mileposts 544 and 545, approach to the bend’s vehicle parking lot is through a dirt track. Part of Grand Canyon East Rim, Horseshoe Bend is a horse shoe shaped incised or entrenched meander in the Colorado River - hence its name. The land south of the Bend's parking area, trail, and overlook are on the Navajo Nation territory. Research findings reveal that the region around Horseshoe Bend was much closer to sea level six million years ago and the Colorado River was a meandering one with a nearly level flood plain. Between six and five million years ago, the region began to be uplifted, which trapped the Colorado River in its bed. Over a period, the river rapidly cut downwards to produce Horseshoe Bend as we see it today. Presently the horse shoe bend overlook is 4,200 feet above sea level, and the Colorado River flows at 3,200 feet, making it a 1,000 feet drop.

We walked the 1.5 mile (round trip) moderate trail that took us to the edge of the rim on the 1000 feet high cliff from where we viewed the Colorado River flowing in solemn silence. In the back drop of the orange - colored rocks of the canyon, the river takes on a deep emerald hue as it travels around the bend, adding even more drama to an already spectacular landscape. The landmark attraction brings in about two million visitors annually. Despite its popularity, Horseshoe Bend retains a wild feeling – there are almost no fences on the exposed cliff top except a 50 feet long hand rail for tourists’ safety. During our hour long stay at the cliff top, we could see many young visitors hopping on the rocky outcrops bracingly, unmindful of the risk or hazard involved. That seemed to be an expression of the magical feeling in them.

After an elaborate lunch in a restaurant at Page we checked into the hotel Days Inns & Suites by Wyndham in the evening. As Ramesh booked for our next day early morning guided tour to Lower Antelope canyon, we drove to the fee station of Ken’s tours - a ten minutes drive from Page downtown - to have a reconnaissance of the area to avoid any hassles in the morning. Beyond that point, we made a relaxed ride up to Antelope Point Marina even as we viewed the distant Navajo Mountain on our east in the dusky twilight and returned to the room.

Antelope canyon, the scenic slot canyon

One of the most famous canyons and easily one of the most beautiful canyons in the US, Antelope Canyon has become something of a social media sensation. Typing the name of this canyon onto Instagram brings up over six hundred thousand results! And for obvious reasons. Located on Le Chee Chapter of the Navajo Nation, just east of Page in Northern Arizona, Antelope Canyon is a magnificent slot canyon with tall, winding walls of red sandstone. Navajo slot canyon complex includes six separate, scenic slot canyon sections on the Navajo Reservation, referred to as Upper Antelope Canyon (or The Crack), Rattle Snake Canyon, Owl Canyon, Mountain Sheep Canyon, Canyon X and Lower Antelope Canyon (or The Corkscrew), all part of the same drainage. It is the primary attraction of Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park. 

Antelope canyon sections can easily said to be a geological master piece. It was formed by the erosion of Navajo Sandstone due to flash flooding and other sub-aerial processes. Rainwater, especially during monsoon season, runs into the extensive basin above the slot canyon sections, picking up speed and sand as it rushes into the narrow passageways. Over time the passageways eroded away, deepening the corridors and smoothing hard edges to form characteristic ‘flowing’ shapes. 

As the canyons are accessible by Navajo guided tour alone and as the slot for the day was available for Lower Antelope canyon, Ramesh chose to pick the same (which he did four months ago). The spring moths from March through April are said to be a good period for Antelope canyon visit. As advised by the tour operator, we promptly reported by 7.00 AM (Day Five) at Ken’s tour fee booth to reconfirm our reservation. A group of ten tourists were assigned to a guide. After briefing by Jerry Sr., our tour guide and after a head count, we were escorted by him through the sandy bed of the dry stream course to the mouth of the Lower Antelope canyon at 8 AM. From the canyon opening, we were guided to the bottom of the canyon through a metal stairway. The guide explained that five flights of stairs of varying widths are available to aid in descent and ascent. The guide was able to tell about the fascinating history of the canyon and how it was formed. 

The ‘V’ shaped Lower Antelope Canyon is called ‘Hasdestwazi’ by the Navajo Parks and Recreation Department, meaning 'spiral rock arches'. Though shallower than the Upper Antelope, it is said to be a more difficult hike than Upper Antelope, longer and narrower in places, and even without proper footing in some areas. We walked along the bed, bending and squeezing at some spots to prevent being hit on our heads by the downwardly arching rock mass. Though photography within the canyons is said to be difficult due to the wide exposure range made by light reflecting off the canyon walls, it didn’t deter the visitors from clicking the camera in their mobile phones, crafting mind boggling range of artistic images of the canyon. Our guide appeared to have some extraordinary photographic skill when he clicked a picture of my nephew and me, standing on each side of the two faces of a spiraling rock. He said lighting is better in the early hours and late morning. That is probably why they fixed the visit timing at 8 AM, I wondered. I noticed heaps of fresh sand and mud and plant debris sitting quietly on the flat surfaces of the rocks at many points. They are remnants after rain water seeping through the gulley left the canyon.

The Lower Antelope Canyon trail had its own mishaps in the past. I read from web source that eleven tourists from national and many international destinations were killed in Lower Antelope Canyon by a flash flood on 12 August 1997, though very little rain fell at the site that day. The flash flood was a resultant of an earlier thunderstorm that dumped a large amount of water into the canyon basin seven miles (11 km) upstream. At that time, the ladder system consisted of amateur-built wood ladders that were swept away by the flood, which has been replaced with the metal ladder system, bolted in place. Other corrective measures installed are deployable cargo nets at the top of the canyon, a NOAA weather radio and an alarm horn at the fee booth. Even as we emerged from the opening at the canyon’s other end by 9.30AM after a successful walk and fully rejoicing over our feat, we felt that our trust in divine providence is a source of comfort. The Navajo representative sitting at the trail head who made our head count initially didn’t fail to make a recount of the tourists – only to ensure not to miss any one inside the canyon.

Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the World

We checked out of our hotel at Page by 10 AM to hit the Highway. We were excited that we will be visiting the South rim of the Grand Canyon, the largest canyon of the US in the day. The 130 mile drive to the east entrance of the National Park would take us 21/2 hours. Our plan was to view the natural splendor of the canyon from as many view points on the south rim before going to Tusayan beyond Grand Canyon village, where our room was booked in Holiday Inn Express and Suites. 

Grand Canyon National Park in North Western Arizona encompasses 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent semi-arid uplands of raised plateaus all totaling an extent of 1,904 sq. miles. Incised by the river, the canyon is immense, averaging 4,000 feet deep for its entire length. It is 6,000 feet deep at its deepest point. Located on ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes, Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world—unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors from the rim. The numerous steep-walled canyons here are a product of the drainage systems that have cut deeply through the rock over three of the four eras of geological time period. A vast array of geologic features and rock types contain extensive and significant geological, paleontological, archeological and biological resources. Forests are found at higher elevations, while the lower elevations are made up of a series of desert basins. In view of its unique natural and ecological traits and rich anthropogenic history, Grand Canyon has been designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Our road was winding its way through Kaibab national forest, a more or less table landscape of mixed coniferous forest, dominated by Ponderosa pine with some Douglas fir, white fir, cork bark fir and quaking aspen. We stopped at the east entrance fee station of the National Park in the early afternoon to collect the Grand Canyon information brochure. Browsing through, we found that there are five view points in the eastern side of the South rim. We didn’t want to miss any. Desert view point at the Far East of Grand Canyon offers the panoramic view of the Colorado River where the canyon gets much wider as compared to its narrow width as it flows from the North East. The Desert View watch tower, a 70 feet stone building would have given us the benefit of a more commanding perspective of the Grand Canyon’s gateway and wherefrom the course of the river is visible for nearly a hundred miles. We had to miss going up the tower as the waiting time was over an hour. 

From here we rushed from point to point in our car covering the Navajo Point, Lipan Point, Moran Point and Grand view Point in that sequence and all located in the south rim. Before us at these points were waves of stair-stepped ledges, cliffs and buttes painted differently in ochre, green and gray. Within moments the colors deepen, then brighten as clouds drift past. We marveled at the slender, shimmering ribbon of Colorado River that along with erosion carved through rock layers to create this natural wonder. One look across the enormous chasm confirms just why this inspirational place is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a must-see destination for so many travelers. 

Each point has a varying image to capture and a different story to tell. A National Historic Landmark plaque and stone memorial at Desert View point commemorate the June 30, 1956 Grand Canyon TWA-United Airlines Aviation accident site, a horrific mid-air collision over Grand Canyon that killed all 128 on board both airplanes. Moran viewpoint is named after Thomas Moran, an artist well known for his landscape paintings of the western United States. The Colorado River cuts through the deepest part of the Canyon near the Lipan point from where the forests on the South and the North Rims are just eight miles (13 km) apart, making it an ideal spot for birds crossing the canyon. The Grand Canyon is otherwise 18 miles wide at its widest point. Even as the sun was setting, we looked at the hazy line of the distant North Rim, which is said to be 1000 feet taller than the South Rim. After covering some South rim trails, we checked into the hotel with a plan to go to the other points the next morning. 

It was Day Six. Staff at the reception desk in the hotel suggested us to be at the Yaki Point at 6.25 AM to have a glimpse of the canyon’s hues as the sun rises. As if to welcome us to the point, a herd of elk was found crossing the road just before the parking lot. The elks were all in fine health, setting out from the forest interior for their morning foraging task. As we reached the point on foot, we could see the early morning sun rays radiating from east. The western faces of the canyon cliffs were cast in shadow, which began to go down even as the solar rays were gradually lifting up. A sight to behold! After spending about 30 minutes, we continued to walk along the rim trail to observe the Canyon from Mather Point and Yavapai Point. Mather point is named in honor of Stephen Tyng Mather, an American industrialist and conservationist who went on to become the first Director of the US National Park Service. 

Though a host of trails along the South rim and hike trails into the canyon are designed and operated as permitted by the weather conditions, we didn’t have the luxury to try one into the ‘canyon hike’ due to paucity of time. We returned to the hotel and packed for our return journey to Las Vegas after our breakfast.

Back to the fabulous Las Vegas

The day’s journey is going to be rather long and tiresome, my nephew announced. It was 280 miles and easily a 41/2 hr drive. Tempted by the input shared by the hotel staff, we made a detour from Seligman into the Historic Route 66, drove through expansive less-inhabited desert lands and meadows to merge back at Kingman city in Highway 93. In the Grand Canyon Park’s western edge, the river Colorado flows through the Grand Wash Cliffs, where the Hoover Dam has been constructed in 1935 to impound the river to create Lake Mead. The Grand Canyon segment of the river is bracketed by the two largest storage impoundments-Lake Powell in Utah and Arizona and Lake Mead in Nevada- the top two biggest reservoirs in the US. Water from these lakes is used for recreation, sent to major cities and communities and agricultural areas, fulfilling the insatiable demand on the resource. We had the good fortune of visiting both the Lake Mead recreation area and the Hoover dam en route Vegas. At Las Vegas, the night was a repeat of Day One.

End Note

After a hectic schedule in the last six days, Day Seven was an eventless one. We had to reach the Vegas air port to take our return flight to San Jose to get back home. Though late for lunch, we didn’t wish to miss the home food, which we had been longing for and Aruna Ramesh didn’t fail us. I was extremely impressed by the way my nephew had planned the travel, went into the necessary bookings meticulously and conducted the entire tour in a flawless manner. I owe a lot to Ramesh and his family for this exemplary courtesy, but for which my desire to visit these outstanding natural wonders of the world wouldn’t have come to fruition. 

For my readers, time has come for me to return to my home country. My intent to post this blog before I board my flight to India has taken some sweet time while at US. So, till we meet next, it is ‘Sayonara’. 

Image courtesy: Ramesh Theivendran, Sekar