The Grand Canyon

A view of the Grand Canyon from the Desert View observation point.

This past September I traveled to Arizona to attend a firearms academy. After my classes were complete, I stayed a few extra days because I wanted to see the Grand Canyon. The Canyon has the reputation of being such an awe inspiring sight. I had to see it! My Dad and I made the two hour drive north to Grand Canyon National Park from where we were staying in Paulden Arizona. Along the way, we were treated to some scenic views and I took plenty of pictures. Little did I know... my camera was about to get a work out!


Map of the Grand Canyon's South rim.

We drove through the park's main entrance and up to our first observation point. As we pulled in to park, there was a break in the trees and there it was... the Canyon. My Dad put the car in park and took the key out of the ignition as I gasped. My mouth was open... my eyes welled up with tears. It was beautiful. There were many feelings and thoughts going through my mind at the time. My trance was interrupted when my Dad turned to me and said jokingly, "You know you can get out of the car, right?" I laughed at myself for being so awestruck and got out.


My first ever view of the Grand Canyon.

It was just so big! This huge canyon was the first place I had ever seen that seemed unspoiled by humans. Looking down into it was like looking back in time. Trees and shrubs grew where they could and rocks perched precariously on outcroppings. I could hear the screeches of hawks and saw them soaring 7,000 feet above sea level... and I was looking down at them! Nothing but a 3 foot wall of stones separated me from the edge of the canyon. If you walked to the left or right of the viewing area, you could walk right out onto the edge. I was surprised that there were no signs warning you not to fall into the canyon. I guess if you were stupid enough not to notice the big hole in the ground, you'd probably be too stupid to read a sign. Nope... you had to take personal responsibility for yourself here. That was a refreshing realization. Looking into the Canyon gave me a feeling of freedom.


Looking through the trees.

My Dad and I went from observation point to observation point along the Southeast rim of the canyon. I took photos with my Pentax K-100 and my Sony digital camera. I made sure to put the camera down and spend some quality time quietly taking in the view with my own eyes. I was amazed every time we stopped at a new point. It looked like a completely different place each time. At one of the points, a crow flew up to my Dad and I and just stared at us. He did not fly away when we moved around and was very tame. I looked over and said, "He wants some food." My Dad walked over to the car and took out some grapes and this guy followed him! He ate a few, then collected some in his mouth only to jump straight up into the air and open his wings, letting the wind blow him back into the canyon. Very cool.

The two of us wound up at a smaller viewing station with nobody else around. My Dad and I just sat there on the edge not saying much. We stayed for a while in no rush to be anywhere. I realized at some point that the air I was breathing would probably be the cleanest air I would ever breathe. Ravens flew past us at eye level 10 feet away and I could hear the air passing through their feathers. We had a little Kodak moment there taking in the scenery. My Dad probably has no idea how special that moment was to me... just the two of us sitting there. I'll remember that for a long time.

We moved on to some of the more popular observation points. There were many more people around. We met someone from Brooklyn there… go figure. I took a lot of nice pictures during the day, but the light was starting to lessen as the sun began to set. Since there were no clouds and it was kind of hazy, I didn't really get any nice sunset photos. You have to see it with your own eyes; the camera doesn't do it justice.


This guy said he didn't mind being in the photo.

The Grand Canyon was so amazing that I'm sure I will go see it again some day. Maybe next time I'll check out another part of it. There is so much of it to see!


Looking over the edge into the Canyon.


Panorama of the Canyon.