Trip Across America

Like yesterday’s experience at the Hoover Dam, I’m annoyed that it took me this long to visit the Grand Canyon. I lived in Southern California for most of my life, and never made the trip. What was I doing that whole time? The South Rim of the Grand Canyon, is an 8 hour drive from Southern California, easily doable for a weekend trip. Do yourself a favor, don’t make the same mistake as me, and visit the Grand Canyon sooner rather than later. A mile deep and 18 miles across at its widest point, the canyon is spectacular, a truly awe inspiring piece of nature. You can thank me later.

Historical Background

The Grand Canyon, more than any other National Park, is a symbol synonymous with America. But the canyon’s journey towards becoming a national park, was not without obstacles. Humans have lived in the canyon for thousands of years, and it has gone by many names, but it acquired its current moniker fairly recently. In 1869, John Wesley Powell led the first documented journey down the Colorado River, naming the Grand Canyon along the way. It was Powell’s elegant writings that first introduced the world to the Grand Canyon, turning it into an instant tourist attraction.

One early visitor was President Theodore Roosevelt, who remarked, “The Grand Canyon fills me with awe. It is beyond comparison—beyond description; absolutely unparalleled throughout the wide world… Let this great wonder of nature remain as it now is. Do nothing to mar its grandeur, sublimity and loveliness”. You might be surprised to learn that President Roosevelt’s visit in 1903, occurred 21 years after the first unsuccessful attempt to preserve the Grand Canyon. In 1882, then-Senator and future President Benjamin Harrison, introduced a bill to designate the Grand Canyon as a national landmark. The bill was swiftly defeated, most people had never seen the Grand Canyon, and there was little political support for protecting it. By the time Theodore Roosevelt came into office not much had changed, but he was willing to get creative. In 1908, utilizing the recently passed Antiquities Act, President Roosevelt designated the Grand Canyon as a National Monument. A decision that ended up being challenged, making it all the way to the Supreme Court, before finally being resolved. The Grand Canyon finally earned full protection in 1919, when it was designated a National Park by an act of Congress.

Grand Canyon Visit

One of the most interesting parts about the Grand Canyon is it’s really 2 separate parks, split between the North and South Rim. The South Rim is what you think of when picturing the Grand Canyon. The North Rim is remote, and gets 10% as many visitors as the South Rim. It’s also closed during the Winter, while the South Rim remains open year round. Even though the 2 are on opposite sides of the same canyon, they are very different landscapes. The South Rim is at an elevation of roughly 7,000 feet and is dry most of the year. The North Rim stands at an elevation closer to 8,000 feet, and receives more precipitation, resulting in cooler temperatures and denser forests. There’s also vastly different wildlife on each side of the Grand Canyon, most notably with the North Rim playing host to a herd of bison.

The North Rim is in the final weeks of its Winter closure, so today’s visit was confined to the South Rim. By National Park standards the South Rim is extremely accessible and feels almost like a theme park. I stayed an hour away in Flagstaff, but there are plenty of hotels in and around the National Park. Upon entering the park, it’s a short drive to the visitors center, where there is an abundance of parking. From there it’s a 5 minute walk to the lookouts and trail lining the rim of the canyon. If you’re looking for a National Park that you can take your kids to, this might be the one. In terms of accessibility you might as well be going to Disneyland.

Perhaps because it is so accessible, really the only downside to Grand Canyon National Park are the crowds. When you think of National Parks, you probably envision relaxing, and immersing yourself in nature. But due to its popularity, the Grand Canyon is the Times Square of National Parks. In contrast to my recent trips to National Parks in the Pacific Northwest, the Grand Canyon was packed with visitors. It’s understandable, the Grand Canyon is a national icon, I suppose crowds are to be expected. I only mention it because I was slightly surprised myself. The crowds aren’t bothersome, I just don’t want anyone to have grand illusions of having the place to themselves. In addition to being popular with Americans the Grand Canyon draws quite a few foreign tourists. Most notable were the French, who were quite numerous. I didn’t even hear them, before identifying them as French. I knew as soon as I saw them surrender to the Park Rangers.

As long as you’re prepared for the crowds you will thoroughly enjoy a trip to Grand Canyon National Park. This was my first introduction to the park, but I’m already brainstorming for a follow up trip.. At some point I’d like to go river rafting down the entire length of the canyon, but that will probably have to wait until next year. Time permitting I would like to visit the North Rim this Summer. Hopefully I will have a follow-up post for you all in a few months, until then go check out the South Rim and let me know what you think.

Fun Fact: Did you know Beavers now thrive in the Grand Canyon? Since the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam upstream, the calmer river has created more suitable Beaver habitat, and a population explosion. I didn’t realize Beavers could live in desert environments, thought that was pretty interesting.