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July 2000

Arizona - Grand Canyon and surrounding area

David Aaronson
2005-09-24 18:58:21

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We arrived at the Grand Canyon close to midnight and after checking into our hotel (and finding it) we immediately set out to walk over to the rim. It was nearly a full moon but that didn't help reveal much. Fog rising up from the Colorado River obscured the lower half and the north rim wasn't visible at all. So basically we just had the impression of a vast open space out in front of us. Still, there was no one else around and it was a good first impression.

The following morning we returned to the south rim and found it quite a bit more active. Actually, it was nearly impossible to get near the railing to see into the canyon. We only had about half the day to see what we could, so we set out along the south rim trail which is serviced at various points by a tram system.

The Colorado river itself was difficult to see along most of the rim although on the road east towards the little Colorado River canyon there are some good views of it and some of the rapids such as this one.

For the first mile or two the rim trail is relatively crowded. There are quite a few shuttle bus stops and the path is paved with safety railings along most of it.

After two or three miles there are no tram stops and thus fewer people. From several vantage points we could see the Bright Angel Trail descending into the canyon which was incredibly crowded despite the large number of warnings against taking it lightly. Among the interesting facts we learned - an average of five people per year die from falling at the canyon, but the number one cause of death is drowning (in the Colorado River).

Once the path becomes a narrow dirt trail with no railings it becomes more interesting. It also allows for much more dramatic pictures like this one and the following one where you may not realize how close to the edge you were standing until after you see the picture.

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