Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park
Arizona



Map

The Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. It has most viewers in awe at first view. This breathtaking beauty is 1,904 square miles long. Even though it's not the biggest or deepest canyon in the world, it is known for its detailed landscape and colors, as well as the exquisite and well preserved display of erosion layering. It was created from centuries of not only erosion, but also by the carving from the Colorado river, which also allows for boat tours. From some parts, it is one mile in depth, and is about the size of Delaware.



Cliff View

Some of the everyday activities at the park are:
  • helicopter tours
  • biking/hiking
  • horse back riding
  • donkey back riding
  • hunting
  • paintball
  • boating/rafting
  • star gazing


Deer Creek Falls


The Grand Canyon is one of the oldest national parks in America. Its two main entrances are the North and South Rim. South Rim has more popular hiking trails, because they are flatter and have a good view. The rugged North Rim is preferred by the more adventurous hiker. Anyone who has hiked any North Rim trails would recommend that you take plenty of water, snacks, and brakes.



Aerial View

Natives have been living in the canyon for 4,000 years. Evidence of small "split twig figures are among the oldest of the finds. The first Natives were called the Hopi, and also believed that spirits lived in the canyon.


Sky Walk (built in 2007)

There are many picturesque viewpoints, but none so daring as the sky walk. This area allows visitors to look directly down on the canyon, being that it has a durable glass flooring, about 2 inches thick. It is so high up that it is taller than the world's tallest skyscrapers. The maximum capacity is 800 people, but only up to 200 are are actually let on at once. The wall of glass around the side is thought of as a "safety guard" for intimidated visitors.

Visit the Grand Canyon National Park!