The Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Grand Canyon, South Rim: viewpoints, detailed story Grand canyon village historic district grand canyon

The Grand Canyon, also known as the Grand Canyon, is one of the most amazing creations of nature on Earth, like Table Mountain, Halong Bay, the Puerto Princesa underground river and other miraculous wonders of the world.

General information

This miracle of nature is located in the US state of Arizona, on the territory of the National Park, also called the Grand Canyon.

The length of the gorge is 446 km. Its width in the upper part ranges from 6-30 km, in the lower part - from 800 to 1000 meters. The maximum depth reaches 1700-1800 meters.

Contrary to popular belief, the Canyon is neither the deepest nor the largest in the world.

This natural wonder is valued mainly for the harmonious combination of depth, length, unique geological structure of the slopes and, of course, for its amazing beauty and grandeur.

The formation of the gorge took place over a period of about 10 million years thanks to the "efforts" of the Colorado River, which made its way along the plateau of the same name. Initially, the place where the river flowed was a plain, but due to shifts in the earth's crust, the Colorado Plateau rose, as a result, the angle of inclination of the Colorado River changed. The significantly intensified current began its destructive work, washing out the soft rocks of the upper layers of the plateau. After the river reached the hard deep layers of granite, growth slowed down, but did not stop. And now the American wonder of nature continues to grow.

The fast waters of Colorado carry with them thousands of tons of clay, sand, pebbles and even large boulders. This kind of "emery" gradually wipes the bottom of the gorge, deepening it by about a quarter of a millimeter per year.

By the way, it is clay and sand that give the muddy waters of the river a reddish-brown color, for which Colorado got its name, which means “Red” in Spanish.

Panorama of the park - a dizzying view

The Grand Canyon of the United States, also called the Grand Canyon, is a unique creation of nature. Having exposed the karst layers, it provides an excellent opportunity for tourists not only to study history from ancient times, but also to immerse themselves in the mysterious atmosphere of this place.

As you know, the formation of a quarry occurred due to a change in the angle of inclination of the Colorado River as a result of movements of the earth's crust. The speed of the current increased markedly, which caused the washing out of rocks.

The flora and fauna of the canyon is quite diverse due to its location in several natural zones at once, which have their own climatic features.

The Grand Canyon became infamous in 1956 when 128 people died in a plane crash. The pilots of both planes, performing turns over the canyon, wanted to show the passengers all its beauty, as a result of which they did not calculate the trajectory and collided.

Tourists visiting the canyon include daredevils who raft down the Colorado River to view it from the inside.

A couple of years ago, the well-known tightrope walker N. Wallenda ventured to conquer the canyon, walking the rope over the precipice without insurance.

Local population

The original inhabitants of these places were the Pueblo Indians. Until now, caves have been preserved, hollowed out by the Indians in the walls of the hollows. And today, Indian reservations are located on many lands in the national park area. dell

The first Europeans to visit this place in the middle of the 16th century were Spanish soldiers who wandered into these parts in search of gold. More than 300 years passed before scientists became interested in the unique miracle of nature.

In 1869, a scientific expedition led by John Powell sailed on rafts along the Colorado River. The result of the expedition was the first detailed study, description and map of the area.

Flora and fauna

The vast territory of the park is a complex complex of various ecosystems. The hottest and driest areas are close to the bottom of the gorge, where only desert plants survive. As you climb the slope, it is replaced by deciduous, and then coniferous forests.

In total, the flora and fauna of the Grand Canyon includes up to 1,500 species of vegetation and about 500 species of representatives of the animal world.

Unearthly view

Paradise for explorers

The Grand Canyon is a real paradise for archaeologists and paleontologists. Biologists, geologists. Thanks to the “respectable age” of the gorge, traces of 4 geological eras of the planet have been preserved in it.

Outwardly, the slopes alternate with brown, purple, yellow, pink layers of various rocks, reminiscent of a layer cake. In addition, landslides and erosion “carved out” bizarre outlines of huge pyramids, bizarre pagodas and towers on the walls of the gorge.

Some of these "structures" are endowed with their own names: the Temple of Shiva, the Throne of Wotan, the Temple of Vishnu, etc.

Attractions of the Grand Canyon

Numerous streams flow into the Colorado Canyon, forming steep rapids and picturesque waterfalls. The most popular waterfalls among tourists are Beaver Falls, Mooney Falls and Havasu Falls.

Other popular attractions are the black cone of Buchan Stone, formed about 10,000 years ago from ash as a result of volcanic activity, and the Esplanade, a red sandstone terrace impressive with bizarre boulders frozen over an abyss.

It is difficult to describe in words the scale and grandeur of this grandiose gorge with its numerous caves, waterfalls, cliffs, ravines and a whole complex of side branches. This amazing creation of nature can be admired hundreds of times, and each time it will look different: the sultry haze, the bizarre movement of shadows from the clouds, the change in the angle of incidence of the sun's rays again and again transform the appearance of this beauty.

panoramic tour

Note to the tourist

Tourists are offered many different ways to get acquainted with the beauties of the park: hiking, riding horses or mules, traveling by train passing along the edge of the gorge, viewing the park from the aircraft.

Adventure lovers are offered rafting in Colorado on rubber rafts along the route of the Powell expedition. And, of course, you can admire the surrounding landscapes from special viewing platforms.

Finally. Welcome to the Grand Canyon, friends, state jewel! I gave advice on organizing the trip (cost, parking, shuttle buses in the canyon, visitor centers, distances, maps, etc.), and now it's time to walk around the beautiful viewpoints of South Rim (South Rim). I invite you on an amazing journey through one of the most impressive places on the planet.

As I noted earlier, it is quite possible to get around the observation decks of Southern Rome in just a day, if you plan the movement in advance, as we did. You can use our itinerary:

Full description of our route step by step: Page - Grand Canyon South Rome by car - entrance to the canyon from Desert View road - Navajo point (by car) - Grandview point (by car) - Visitor Center (by car) - parked the car at the Visitor center - Mather point ( on foot) - Yavapai point (orange bus) - Rim Trail/Trail of Time (on foot) - Village area (on foot from point to point): Verkamp's Visitor Center, Lookout Studio - boarded the red bus next to Bright Angel Trailhead (Village Route transfer ) – Maricopa point (red bus) – Powell point (walking) – Hopi point (walking) – Mojave point (red bus) – Pima point (red bus) – back to Village (red bus) – lunch at Village – back to Visitor Center (blue bus Hermits Rest Route transfer) - Picked up the car at the Visitor Center.

Our itinerary (click to enlarge). Places where the stops are circled in red mean that here we took the bus.

For lovers of descents and ascents: in South Rome there are 2 trails that you can go down down to the Colorado River. These are Bright Angel trailhead (longer) and South Kaibab trailhead (shorter). Let me remind you that those who are planning a descent need to add +1 day to their route. Unfortunately, we didn’t have this time, so we didn’t see the river in person. Although, I have not bad photos of her, thanks to the powerful zoom on the camera.

Viewpoints of the Grand Canyon (South Rome). Eastern part - Desert View Road

We started our journey through the Grand Canyon on the right side (east) and ended on the left (west). As you can see in the diagram above, some of the viewpoints of South Rome are on the orange bus route, but most of them are on the red one. Some points should be visited by car (Desert View Watchtower, Navajo point, Moran point, Grandview point). They are equipped with small parking lots, and buses simply do not go there. For the rest it is possible to move only on or on foot.

Each observation platform has a stand with its name and information about the canyon. Some points are so close to each other that you will see about the same thing from them. Therefore, to save time, I advise you not to dwell on each of them. But some are definitely worth a visit: for example, somewhere there is an excellent view of, and some points are the best place for panoramic shots.

We entered the canyon from the side of the Desert View road, skipping the first Desert View Watchtower and went straight to Navajo point.

Here is a diagram of our movement and stops along Desert View Road:

Navajo point (Navajo point)

The site is named after the Navajo Indian tribe, and the information board on it states that Indian tribes still live in parts of the Grand Canyon. The view from here is magnificent. The zigzag Colorado River and bizarre rock formations in a variety of hues. Not a bad start to the day, impressive! It is immediately clear why the canyon is called Big.

• Colorado River: visible
  Parking: yes
  

We did not visit the following points - Lipan point and Moran point.

Grandview point (Grandview point)

It turned out to be more difficult with parking here: there were too many cars, we had to work a little. The first thing that caught my eye was a small forest that grew right on the cliff, where the remains of snow still lay.

After standing here for just a minute, you immediately recognize that the observation deck lives up to its name (grand view - “majestic view”).

I found a very photogenic tree here.

• Colorado River: not visible
  Descent to the river: yes
  Parking: yes
  

We also missed the neighboring Yaki point.

Viewpoints of the Grand Canyon (South Rome). Southern part - Rim trail

Leaving the car in the parking lot at the Visitor center and having a snack there, we moved to the next point. It was only a couple of minutes walk to get there.

Mather point (Mezer point)

This is a large observation deck located next to the Visitor center, which lies on the Rim trail. There are orange bus stops nearby.

The view from this point is amazing - the valley of the Colorado River in all its glory, or "canyon in section."

My attention was drawn to the stand, urging not to throw coins "to come back here again." You may return, but the coins can harm the birds. Let's save nature, friends!

• Colorado River: not visible
  Parking: yes (next to visitor center)
  Toilet: yes (next to the Visitor center); drinking water: yes (next to Visitor center)

From here we took the orange bus, drove 1 stop to Yavapai point/Geology Museum, and walked the Rim trail. Our next destination was the Trail of Time.

Between the bus stop and the beginning of the Road there is one interesting point where you can take a picture that has become popular among tourists. You just need to sit down, hiding behind a stone block, and that's what happens. No one was hurt in the taking of this photo.

Trail of Time

No, you won’t get into the future from here, but you can look into the past of the Grand Canyon. The Road of Time is a section of the Rim trail showing how the canyon formed over 2000 million years. It starts in the Yavapai Geology Museum area (now) and ends in front of Verkamp's Visitor Center (2000 million years ago), and its length is about 2.5 km. Of course, it would be more logical to go in the opposite direction - from the past to the present, but we went from right to left, on the way to the next stops on our route.

You can find the beginning of the trail by the sign.

Next, on one of the posters, you will be asked to find your mark on the "map" - a number corresponding to the number of your years. Each such "year" symbolizes a year from the history of the canyon - as it was 1, 2, 3, 30, 40 years ago. The numbers are located right on the footpath. I quickly found mine.

We covered the entire trail in about 1 hour, reading some stands along the way, which turned out to be quite a lot. Following time periods, they tell us about how the Grand Canyon was formed, when life began to emerge in it, what species of animals and plants live in it (in English).

Also, on the way there are samples of various rocks of the canyon, which can be compared to the touch.

And of course, let's not forget about the breathtaking views of Southern Rome itself, for which I stopped every now and then to take the next shots.

Bright Angel trailhead zigzag, and again the remains of snow.

Photo from the stand and from the canyon. Find 5 differences.

By the way, I found that the three main hills of Southern Rome even have their own names: “Temple of Shiva”, “Temple of Isis” and “Pyramid of Cheops”.

The Time Road turned out to be quite interesting and beneficial in terms of exploring the canyon. We didn’t want to travel around it all the time by bus, so the small Trail of Time was a great option to take a little walk and admire the views and local flora and fauna. Pay attention to unusual trees that squirm in poses, apparently to be photographed.

Having reached Verkamp’s Visitor Center, we decided to walk a little further through the Village territory to take the red bus and go to explore the western part of South Rome. On the way we went to the observation deck Lookout Studio (Lookout studio). On it, in addition to a beautiful view, there is a small shop.

The famous Bright Angel trailhead- Descent to the Colorado River. They even erected a “monument” to this trail.

A few words about Grand Canyon Village (Grand Canyon Village)– here you can dine in one of several cafes, get fresh water, buy souvenirs, go to the museum, or take a bus on the blue or red line. You can drive to the Village by car and park it right there. At Verkamp's Visitor Center (Verkamp's Visitor Information Center) you can get any information that interests you. The hotels-lounges of Southern Rome are also located on the territory of the Village.

Viewpoints of the Grand Canyon (South Rome). Western part (red bus route)

From Grand Canyon Village we headed to perhaps the most interesting part of Southern Rome with the most breathtaking landscapes. These are observation platforms that run along the entire red bus route.

Most of the points on this route are an extension of the Rim trail, which is interrupted by the Greenway Trail, marked with a green dotted line on the map. Distances between points are from 0.5 km to 2 km. You choose where to ride the bus and where to walk. We also skipped some of the neighboring observation platforms to save time.

A long queue was waiting for us at the bus stop, but after 10 minutes we were moving west. We liked the red route not only because it takes travelers to 9 observation platforms at once, but also because of its drivers - they tell a little about each of them along the way.

We skipped the Trailview Overlook and The Abyss stops as they are nothing special. You get off the bus, and these points with benches immediately open in front of you, which you can take a glimpse of.

Maricopa point (Maricopa point)

This large observation deck with the most beautiful view was our first stop on the red route.

From it you can see close up how impressive the cuts the Colorado River made in the rocks. The temples of Shiva and Isis, along with the pyramid of Cheops, are now very close, as if in the palm of your hand. A small bonus was the “heart” hidden among other rocks 🙂

• Colorado River: not visible
  
  Toilet: no; drinking water: no

We walked to the next point. The distance between them was only 0.8 km.

Powell point (Powell point)

Here you will see a monument dedicated to the explorer J. Powell, after whom Arizona is named, and this observation deck. The photo shows an impressive view of it.

And here's what we see. The heart-shaped rock floats to the right, and the cuts made by Colorado open from new sides. The temple of Isis appears in all its glory.

• Colorado River: not visible
  Buses run: round trip
  Toilet: no; drinking water: no

We walked another 0.5 km to the next point.

Hopi point (Hopi point)

From Hopi Point you can once again admire the blue waters of the beautiful Colorado. Our "heart" here becomes the center of the composition.

Approximate version of the river.

• Colorado River: visible
  Buses run: only towards Hermits Rest
  Toilet: yes; drinking water: no

Mojave point (Mojave point)

From here you have a wonderful view of the river and the surrounding area. The further we moved along the red line of buses, the more impressive the scenery became, and Colorado was visible closer and closer.

• Colorado River: visible
  Buses run: round trip
  Toilet: no; drinking water: no

From Mohavi Point we again drove 2 bus stops.

Pima point (Pima point)

This vantage point is located on the Greenway Trail and is great for panoramic shots. There are two of them in Southern Rome - Pima point and Yaki point. According to the advice of the bus driver, Pima Point is also the best place to watch the sunset. I'm already silent about the view from this point. From here you can see the winding course of the Colorado River. You can’t take your eyes off, you can admire such beauty endlessly.

I followed the advice and took a panorama (the photo is clickable). Indeed, it was worth it.

Colorado River: visible
Buses run: round trip
Toilet: no; drinking water: no

After admiring the Grand Canyon a little more, we drove back to the Village, where we had lunch, and then got back on the blue bus to the Visitor center. Finally, we picked up the car and moved to , from where we had a return flight.

We did not want to return to noisy Vegas after cozy Arizona. The Grand Canyon entered the soul and left an imprint in the memory for many years. True, sometimes it began to seem to us that its views were no longer changing. As if, after a couple of hours, we were shown the same picture. Apparently, "wow!" the effect at some point ceased to work - you quickly get used to the good 🙂 But, looking at my photos, I was convinced that after all, every corner of the canyon is unique in its own way.

The Grand Canyon is so big that you can return here several times in search of new routes, each of which will take you on breathtaking adventures. I strongly advise you to come here at dawn and wait for sunset: in sunny weather, you can watch how the colors of the rocks change during the day. As this booth says, the Grand Canyon is never the same.

This is a continuation of the article.

Observation / viewing platforms (Viewpoints)

The main thing for which all tourists rush to the Grand Canyon is the endless panoramic views that radiate calmness and grandeur. Already something, but there are enough of them in the park. Even within the same southern part, you can create a whole collection of pictures. It doesn't matter that no one except you will distinguish most of them from each other, you will know that each point has its own name and its own face.

How did this canyon come about? Thanks to the restless Colorado River, which relentlessly made its way through easily influenced rocks - limestones, sandstones, and slates. The decisive role was played by the movement of the earth's crust, as a result of which the flow of the river accelerated and became even more crushing. Add soil erosion to this and voila, the canyon is ready. It only took a few million years.

Today we can admire the labyrinths of the canyon, filled with remnants of the most bizarre forms. Erosion also did her best to create the extraordinary pattern of the Grand Canyon. The color scheme is also striking - the result of the accumulation of various rocks: red, orange, yellow, brown layers make the gorge look like a big multi-colored cake.

Entire scatterings of lookouts can be found along Hermit Road and Desert View Road.

Hermit Road

Hermit Road is seven miles or eleven kilometers of scenic drive west of Grand Canyon Village. Along it you will find nine marked viewpoints and much more unmarked)) You can walk this kilometer on foot (as I wrote above, Hermit Road is a continuation of the Rim Trail), ride a bike, a free shuttle bus that stops at all observation decks or buy a bus tour. This road is only open to cars during the winter months.

To ride Hermit Road on the free bus, you must change to the Red Route at VillagerouteTransfer.

Viewpoints located along Hermit Road and the distance between them (in miles):

I suggest getting to know the viewpoints better. Andryusiks and I honestly looked at all nine, although in the end we completely ceased to distinguish one from the other. However, later, looking at the photo, they came to the conclusion that there is still a difference. Although, perhaps this is more the result of changing lighting than a variety of landscapes.

Trailview Overlook

This vantage point offers great views of the Serpentine Bright Angel Path and the village.

Maricopa Point

From Maricopa Point, you can observe the canyon from its full perspective and look for curious shapes created by the forces of nature.

Powell Point

There is a memorial somewhere here in honor of Powell and his expeditions into the Colorado River valley going back to the nineteenth century. We somehow slipped through it imperceptibly, but I don’t think we lost much. In addition, the observation deck offers all the same endless panoramas of the dotted labyrinths of the Grand Canyon.

Hopi Point

Hopi Point is popular at sunrise and sunset (along with Mother Point). In addition, from this point in the western direction, a piece of the Colorado River is visible, which, I am sure, every tourist is looking for, but it is very carefully hidden in the depths of the canyon.

Mohave Point

Mojave Point is also suitable as an observation point for solar performances. Attentive tourists will see a brilliant thread of the river here.

The Abyss

From here you can observe the canyon in a vertical section from the top to the lowest point. Right now, the Colorado River has cut rock to granite, which is less susceptible to breakage than brittle sandstone and limestone, so further transformation is likely to occur at a slower pace.

Monument Creek Vista

Another observation deck that makes you jump out of the shuttle bass and stretch your legs. Buses run at intervals of about fifteen minutes, which is just enough to look around and take a few shots.

Pima Point

Pima Point has a great view of the Colorado River. On calm days, you can even hear it!

Hermits Rest

Hermits Rest is the end point on the red route. Here you can take a break, buy something to eat or drink coffee, look into the gift shop and replenish your drinking water supply.

Grade: 8 out of 10.

Hermit Road on the map (red line)

Important! When using the shuttle bass, pay attention to the inscriptions: westbound are buses that go west, that is, “there”, and eastbound are east, that is, “from there”. Why is it important? Because in some places their movement coincides, but the returning buses do not stop at all stops. You risk missing something.

Desert View Drive

Desert View Drive is a scenic road that runs east of Grand Canyon Village. Its length is about twenty-five miles or forty kilometers, along which tourists will find six designated view points. Some of them can be reached by shuttle bus (orange route), while others can only be reached by car.

I will be happy to show you the observation decks. We will move from west to east, towards the exit from the park.

Yaki Point

Andryusiks and I arrived here on the “orange” shuttle bus after we had dealt with the described Hermit Road. By the time we arrived, the weather had noticeably deteriorated, and the Grand Canyon had become ugly. Everything merged into one solid blue veil. We did not wait for the weather by the sea and postponed the rest of the points until the next day.

Moran Point

I read that it is from this point that the layers of the Grand Canyon are clearly visible and you can easily study its geology. I don’t know, we didn’t pay attention to it early in the morning)) It’s just cute, what layers are there))

Lipan Point

Lipan Point offers a glimpse of the picturesque bend of the Colorado River, the red-brown waters of which are in constant motion, carrying away sand, pebbles and washing away rocks.

Navajo Point- we deliberately missed this view point.

desert view

Desert View is another "residential" part of the southern edge of the park. There is a visitor center, camping, shops, in general, you can live.

Tourists mainly drop in here to admire the same Colorado and climb the watchtower in order to have a view of three hundred and sixty degrees.

Grade: 7 out of 10.

Desert View Drive on the map

Grand Canyon Village

The village is the epicenter of life in the southern part of the park, linking Hermit Road and Desert View Road. There are hotels, the most popular campsite, shops, restaurants and cafes, museums, visitor centers, travel agencies and rental offices.

Parking lots in the south of the park

Arriving in the southern part of the park, it is recommended to leave the car in one of the parking lots and then move on foot or on free buses. You won't get very far anyway, as, for example, Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles from March 1st to November 30th.

The largest and most convenient car park is located next to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, in the Mother Point area. So come here to meet the dawn, leave the car until all the places are occupied and go explore the park, forgetting about the steering wheel.

North Rim of the Grand Canyon

In addition to the southern part (South Rim), the northern part is also open for visiting in the park. It is much less popular among tourists, but, judging by the reviews, no less, if not more interesting and picturesque. I have nothing to tell about North Rim, since Andryusiks and I were not there.

Apparently, there is where to walk and ride.

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No description can truly prepare a person for the scale and grandeur of this vast gorge, extending into the distance, as far as the eye can see, a grandiose complex of canyons, waterfalls, caves, towers, ledges and ravines. The Grand Canyon always seems to look new, and the sun and shadows from passing clouds cause the rocks to constantly change shades of colors in an exquisite range from black and purplish brown to pale pink and bluish gray. Cave finds indicate that the first inhabitants appeared in the Grand Canyon around 2000 BC. Less than 10 million years ago, the Colorado River meandered across a vast plain. Then the movements of the earth's crust forced this area to rise, and the river began to cut into the rock. Soft limestones, whose age was estimated at 2 million years, were the first to be eroded, and then came the turn of older shales and sandstones, located in deep layers. The oldest layer was formed by 2 billion years old granites and schists that form the bottom of the canyon. The main canyon is 365 km long and reaches approximately 29 km at its widest point. Its depth in some places reaches 1.6 km. There is no bridge across the gorge, and anyone wishing to cross from North Rim Headwaters (North Rome Headwaters) to the village of the Grand Canyon located on the south coast, and the distance between them in a straight line, through the canyon, does not exceed 19 km, will be forced to overcome more than 322 km.

Here you can enjoy an incredible palette of colors, looking at scarlet, golden and orange cliffs, purple abysses, crystal clear waters, thanks to which these places are considered one of the most beautiful corners of the Earth. Seeing the sunset in the Grand Canyon, the poet Carl Sandburg exclaimed: "Here comes the Lord with an army of standard bearers!"

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is the most popular destination as it is easily accessible from the highway that runs parallel to the rim of the canyon. There are several viewing platforms and hiking trails.

The northern edge, where the height of the canyon walls becomes much more noticeable, is visited by tourists much less often, because getting here is not so easy. The Tuwip area can still be reached via several dirt roads and enjoy stunning views, but in general the area is not accessible by car.

In addition to the Grand Canyon, there are many side canyons and gorges, but most of them require time or complex rafting on the Colorado River to explore.

After a single trip here, you begin to understand why this place is so popular and why it is considered a unique wonder of nature.

The ancient legends of the Navajo Indians tell of a brave hero named Packit-haawi. He put an end to the Great Flood by taking a heavy club and splitting the solid earth so that all the water could go into the resulting crack. Geologists say that the gorge was formed over 40-50 million years, while the waters of the Colorado River stubbornly deepened their channel.

Tourists

On March 20, 2007, a unique structure was opened - the Cloudy Bridge (Grand Canyon SkyWalk), the world's first glass bridge, hovering over the beauty of the Grand Canyon at an altitude of 1200 meters!!! A bridge in the form of a horseshoe, the extreme point of which is located 20 meters from the edge of the abyss! No cables or brackets restrict all-round visibility. The transparent floor of the bridge makes you feel like an eagle soaring over the hot expanses of the prairie. This observation deck is 2 times higher than the Ostankino Tower, 2.5 times the Taipei 101 Tower in Taiwan, and more than 3 times the Empire State Building in New York! Entrance fee is $25 in addition to the cost of entering the Grand Canyon West.

The park itself is very simple. (American style convenient and comfortable). A road runs along the edge of the canyon. Periodically (every 4-10 miles) there are well-maintained places for viewing, observation platforms, marked parking near each and constant parking spaces for the disabled. These sites are usually set up with a fence to prevent someone from falling down and filing a lawsuit that will bankrupt the entire US national park system. Some sites are located on rocks that protrude somewhat into the canyon, which allows you to enjoy a 270-degree view. At select viewpoints Desert View and Canyon Village (Desert View, Canyon Village) there are souvenir shops where you can buy real and high-quality made (usually in China) calendars, DVDs, maps and other souvenir trinkets. The staff is friendly, they will definitely tell you the place for the best sunset photography.

If possible, it is better not to come to the Grand Canyon during the influx of visitors from May to September. There are campgrounds and hotels near the North Rim, but this is the place for the local regulars. Beginners should stop at the South Rim.

If you are going to stay at the campsite, book a place in advance; You can also rent a house in the Grand Canyon Village. In the local stalls you can get information about routes, both on foot and on mule, down the canyon; or rafting down the Colorado River. Hiking or riding a mule requires courage. Rafting on the river gives you the opportunity to see the canyon under the supervision of experienced guides.

At first, the Information Center in the Grand Canyon Village will help. Along the Rim Drive, tourists traveling by bus or bicycle can get curious information about the local geology, vegetation, animals and people who lived in these parts at small information kiosks. Of particular interest is information about the Indians, whose dwellings in the rocks of the canyon are still visible from the Northern Territory.

Up along the edge of the canyon through thickets of juniper and edible pine, wonderful hiking trails are laid. Every now and then you find yourself in a clearing at the edge of the canyon, where your gaze opens up huge mounds or hills that rise like Egyptian pyramids or Aztec temples and bear such names as the Zoroastrian temple or the pyramid of Cheops. There are also rock formations with sonorous names: the Cape of the Skeleton and the estate of the Ghost.

Regular buses travel along the route along the 13-km-long West Rim, closed to private vehicles from May to September, stopping at places where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the canyon: Hopi Point, Mojave Point and Pima Point. There are often other buses that can take travelers.

Hiking should be undertaken by a physically well-prepared person; despite the short distances, the terrain here is rugged, and the heat is great. Wear hiking shoes, protective clothing, a wide-brimmed sunhat, apply sunscreen, and bring drinking water.

The easiest route is the Light Angel trail. (Bright Angel Trail), starting from the shelter of the Light Angel (Bright Angel Lodge). Set out at dawn with the expectation that the descent will take three hours, and the ascent six or seven hours. The path, winding, after 2.5 km leads to the first resting place, where an emergency telephone is installed, and after another 2.5 km - to the second resting place - the so-called biblical Jacob's Ladder (Jacobs Ladder), and, already going almost straight, reaches the wonderful Indian garden (Indian garden) at Garden Creek. Here, in the tent camp near the caretaker's lodge, you can spend the night, provided that you have booked a place, which you need to take care of at least six months before arriving here.

Hiking enthusiasts can continue their journey along Sadovoe brook, bypassing the Devil's Gimlet the next day. (Devil's Corkscrew) down Trubnoy Creek to Rechnoye's resting place next to the Colorado River. In case of advance booking, travelers can stay in the barrack-type premises of the Phantom estate. A more difficult route follows the steep Kaibab trail. (Kaibab Trail) from Yaki Point Road east of Grand Canyon Village.

Hiking trails allow you to retire from the crowds on the Rim Drive road, although here you can always step aside a hundred meters and enjoy the beauty of a natural wonder in silence.

Information

The most developed area in the park is the Grand Canyon Village (Grand Canyon Village), which is located 9.6 km north of the entrance to the South End (South Rim Entrance Station). The only entrance to the North Rim is located 48 km south of Lake Jacob (Jacob Lake) on the highway (highway) 67. The road from the North Rim to the South Rim will be 344 km if you drive, 33.6 km if you walk through the canyon, or 16 km for a flying condor.

Entrance ticket to the park (vehicles/cyclists and pedestrians $25/12) valid for seven days, it can be used on both sides.

Night walking tours and camping in the outlying areas of the park require a permit. Information Center for Remote Areas (Backcountry Information Center; Tel: 928-638-7875; Fax: 928-638-7875; www.nps.gov/grca; Grand Canyon Village (Grand Canyon Village); 08.00-12.00 and 13.00-17.00, telephone service 13.00-17.00 Mon-Fri) accepts applications for issuance of permits for hikers ($10, plus $5 per person per night) only for the current month and the next four. You have a decent chance if you apply early. (for four months, spring and autumn) and suggest alternative walking routes. The application is accepted in person, by e-mail or fax. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm. If you have arrived without permission, go to the office near Maswik Lodge and put your name on the waiting list.

South edge

You can get information not only at the tourist centers listed below, but also in the park itself at the Yavapai Observation Station (Yavapai Observation Station), in the tourist center of Werkamps (Verkamp's Visitor Center), hotel El Tovar. museum Tusayan (Tusayan Ruins & Museum) and Information Center Desert View (Desert View Information Center). Grand Canyon Tourist Center (Grand Canyon Visitor Center; Tel: 928-638-7644; 8:00-17:00) The Grand Canyon Visitor Center and Books & More are on the plaza 300 yards behind Mather Point. An information board in the plaza displays messages about forestry programs, weather, tours and walking tours. The interior of the center is bright and spacious, the information stand is staffed by forestry personnel; ministers give lectures daily in the lecture hall.

Tusayan

National Geographic Tourist Center (National Geographic Visitor Center; Tel: 928-638-2468; www.explorethecanyon.com; highway (highway) 64, Tusayan (Tusayan); adult/child $13/10; 8.00-22.00) located in Tusayan, 11.2 km south of the Grand Canyon Village; pay $25 to bring your vehicle in and save yourself a potentially long wait at the park gate, especially in the summer. Amazing 34-minute film "Grand Canyon - Hidden Mysteries" is shown in the IMAX cinema (Grand Canyon - The Hidden Secrets).

northern edge

Tourist center of the Northern Territory (North Rim Visitor Center; Tel: 928-638-7864; www.nps.gov/grca; 8am-6pm, closed mid-October to mid-May) Located next to the Grand Canyon Lodge; maps, books, road routes and weather information.

How to get and get around

Most tourists come to the canyon in private cars or with a guided tour. Finding a car park in Grand Canyon Village can be tricky. Under the new program "Park and drive" (Park and Ride) in summer, visitors can purchase a park ticket at the National Geographic Visitor Center (National Geographic Visitor Center), park the car at the designated place and take the free bus that follows the Tusayan-Root road through the park (Tusayan Route; 8.00-21.30 mid-May-early September) to Grand Canyon Visitor Center . A park pass is also good for this option. The trip takes 20 minutes, the first bus leaves for Tusayan at 8.00 am. The last bus from the park leaves at 21.30.

Free shuttles run through the park on three routes: around Grand Canyon Village, west on Hermits Rest (Hermits Rest Route) and east on the Kaibab Trail (Kaibab Trail Route). Usually buses run at least twice an hour, starting an hour before sunset and ending an hour after it.

A free Hiker's Express bus runs during the summer months. (at 4.00, 5.00, 6.00 June-August, 5.00, 6.00, 7.00 May and September). It departs from the Bright Angel Lodge, picks up tourists at the Backcountry Information Center (Backcountry Information Center) and Grand Canyon Visitor Center (Grand Canyon Visitor Center) and then goes to the beginning of the South Kaibab trail (South Kaibab).

Bus Transcanyon Shuttle (Tel: 928-638-2820; www.trans-canyonshuttle.com; one-way/return ticket $80/150; 7:00 mid-May-mid-October) departs daily from Grand Canyon Lodge to South Rim (5 hours), which is suitable for tourists traveling from one edge of the canyon to the other. Book at least one or two weeks in advance. Free tour bus to North Kaibab Trail (North Kaibab Trail) departs at 5.45 and 7.10 am from the Grand Canyon Lodge. You need to make an appointment at the reception; if no person checks in the night before departure, the bus will not start the journey.

Bicycle rent

Bright Angel Bicycles Bicycle Rentals (Tel: 928-814-8704; www.bikegrandcanyon.com; full-day adult/child $35/25; 8am-6pm May-September, 10am-4.30pm March-April and October-November weather permitting) Rental of comfort cruiser bikes: friendly staff will pick up any bike for you. The price also includes the rental of a helmet and a bicycle lock.

Geology

Here you can find traces of four geological eras of the Earth, a variety of rocks and caves containing rich geological, biological and archaeological material. The Grand Canyon is considered one of the best examples of soil erosion. The Colorado River originally flowed through the plains, but as a result of the movement of the earth's crust about 65 million years ago, the Colorado Plateau rose. As a result, the angle of inclination of the river flow and, as a result, increased the speed of the current and the ability to destroy the rock lying in its path. First, the river eroded the upper limestones, and then set about deeper and more ancient sandstones and shales. This is how the Grand Canyon was formed. It happened about 5-6 million years ago. The canyon is still growing due to ongoing erosion.

In our time, the most ancient rocks have already come out at the bottom of the gorge - granites, the destruction of which is much slower. The waters of Colorado rush along the gorge at a speed of 20 km per hour, rolling huge boulders and pebbles along the bottom and carrying with them so much sand and clay that the river becomes completely opaque and acquires a red-brown hue. During the day, Colorado carries into the sea about half a million tons of rocks. Stones and sand carried by the river increase the destructive effect produced by the Colorado, and even the hardest granites of the canyon bed are rubbed with this "emery" a quarter of a millimeter annually.

The vast expanse of the gorge does not look like just a long narrow hole in the ground. It is filled with random clusters of remnant cliffs, having the most bizarre shape. Landslides, water and wind erosion created in the walls of the canyon the outlines of giant pagodas, pyramids, towers, fortifications, representing a spectacle of unique beauty and grandeur. Many of them have their own names: the Temple of Vishnu, the Temple of Shiva, the Throne of Wotan, etc. The entire diverse stone labyrinth, like the gigantic walls of the canyon, is lined with alternating yellow, pink, red, brown and brown layers of sedimentary rocks that make up the plateau. These arguably the most complete geological outcrops in the world represent the history of the Earth over 1.5 billion years.

Now the floor of the Grand Canyon has sunk at least 1,000 meters below the level it was once raised by tectonic activity. The erosion process continues. Someday, in the very distant future for us, the Grand Canyon will cease to exist altogether.

Climate and nature

The climate on the plateau and at the bottom of the canyon differs sharply - when it is about 15 ° C above, at the bottom of the gorge, among the red-hot stones, the temperature can rise to +40 ° C.

The wildlife of the canyon is interesting. At the bottom of the gorge - a typical desert landscape of the Southwest USA with a variety of cacti, agaves, yuccas. As you rise, arborvitae, oaks, aspens, willows begin to meet, the zone of pines and junipers extends even higher. The rich fauna includes about 100 species of birds and 60 species of mammals, including several extremely rare species.

June is the driest month of the year, July and August are the wettest. In January, the average nighttime temperature drops to -11°C -7°C, and the daytime temperature reaches about 4°C. In summer, the air temperature in the canyon regularly rises above 38°C. The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is accessible to tourists all year round. Most visitors arrive between the end of May and the beginning of September. The northern edge is open from mid-May to mid-October.

Research History

In 1540, a detachment of Spanish soldiers, scouring in search of the legendary Seven Golden Cities of Quibola, came to the edge of the gorge. Stunned by the sight before them, the Spaniards fell on their knees and began to pray. For three days they were looking for a path to go down into the gorge, but they never found it. Their food and water supplies ran out, and they returned to Mexico empty-handed.

In 1858, Joseph Eaves sailed from the Gulf of California up the Colorado River on the Explorer. He wanted to determine the length of the navigable part of the river, but soon ran aground. At this, Ives had to end the expedition and return to where he reached the Grand Canyon. It wasn't until 1869 that Major John Wesley Powell became the first explorer to traverse the entire course of the Colorado River. His expedition marked the beginning of the scientific study of the Grand Canyon.

Following Powell, many scientists visited here. The Grand Canyon has become a real treasure for geologists, because the layers of ancient deposits exposed by the river can be considered the library where information about the history of the Earth is stored. The oldest formations found on these slopes are 1.7 billion years old - there are no more ancient rocks anywhere in the world! And the Colorado River continues its painstaking work for the glory of archeology, exposing new rock layers to science every year.

Data

• Title: Grand Canyon.
• Location: USA. state of Arizona.
• Dimensions: The Grand Canyon has a length of about 450 km, a width of 30 km at its widest points and a depth of 1.8 km in some places.
• National Park and UNESCO World Heritage List: The Grand Canyon National Park was one of the first in the United States to be established in 1919 and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979.

The USA has its own "Wonders of the World". And there are not seven of them, but many more. One of them is majestic and beautiful, mighty and terrible Grand Canyon(Grand Canyon). And even if you do not know anything about the US National Parks, about Yellowstone, for example, or about Rocky Mountain, then you have heard about the Grand Canyon at least once, but for sure. Anyone who comes to the western part of the states definitely heads to Arizona to see this pearl - Grand Canyon National Park!

Natural masterpiece, unique beauty Grand Canyon not to be missed on your trip to the USA. It is perfectly organized, thought out to the smallest detail - for extremals, for pensioners, for people with disabilities, it will be convenient for everyone to move around here, and even more interesting.

Some numbers

For 10 million years, the Colorado River washed out soft rocks, as a result of which it was formed. Just imagine that these are four geological eras! Water flows continue to deepen it today, while creating incredible stone structures. Today dimensions of the grand canyon are simply impressive: the width of the canyon at the level of the plateau ranges from 6 to 29 km, its length is 446 km, and in some places the depth reaches almost 2 km. The Grand Canyon National Park itself is located on a vast territory, which has an area of ​​\u200b\u200babout 5 thousand square kilometers.

Rapids, waterfalls, chaotic cliffs, unique flora and fauna, incredibly beautiful rocks of bizarre shapes - all this is a great canyon. Nature has personally created towers and pyramids, forts and other stone structures in these places. Many of the cliffs were even given original names. True, these names are late, already assigned by scientists and travelers. Probably the first to see the Grand Canyon, i.e. The Indians also gave them their names. It is a pity that in the rock carvings that were found by scientists, nothing is mentioned about this.

History of the Grand Canyon

The first to discover Grand Canyon, there were Europeans - members of the expedition of the Spanish conquistador Francisco de Coronado, who went down the river and came across this miracle of nature. But when they got to these places, they discovered that people had lived here for more than a millennium ago. These were the indigenous Pueblo and Cohonina. Their culture flourished beautifully for 1200 years. But what happened next, why they left the canyon, is not known. Probably due to climate change - a severe drought that forced people to look for better places to live. Before the arrival of Europeans in the Grand Canyon in the 16th century, the territory was inhabited by Indians who were forced to live on the reservation. Some of their tribes - the Havasupai, Navajo and Walapai - still live near the canyon.

The Americans began their research Grand Canyon in the 60s of the XIX century. At the same time, the first maps of the area were compiled and the first and main conclusion was made: “It seems that the Colorado River, created by nature, for the most part of its lonely path, will forever be majestic and unvisited!”. And they were right. At the end of the 19th century, this natural gem of the United States received the status of a National Forest Reserve, and already in 1919, the Grand Canyon became the 17th National Park in the United States. Today, the Grand Canyon is visited by about 4.5 million tourists a year.

What to see in the Grand Canyon?

Officially, the Grand Canyon is divided into two parts - north and south, and tourists usually go to its southern part, which is called Grand Canyon South Rome. On the territory of South Rim there are many hotels, campsites, restaurants that receive tourists all year round. Here is the center of tourist activity Grand Canyon Village(Grand Canyon Village). It is from this place that the path of the park originates. Bright Angel Trail (Bright Angel Trail).

The park has developed many trails (paths and routes), both on foot and on a free shuttle bus, which makes stops in the most interesting places . On the territory of the canyon there are several tourist centers that will help you decide on the route, as well as souvenir shops from which you can bring home a memorable gift. For more information about the canyon, visit Geological Museum(Yavapai Geology Museum), watch an interesting movie in Kolb Studio.

Each trail is unique. For example, Rim Trail, 20 km long, makes it possible to admire the canyon from a height. Trail of Time introduce you to the timestamps of the canyon, you will see the rocks, stones and minerals of the Grand Canyon, trace its history.

North Rim(Grand Canyon North Rim) is less popular with tourists due to the fact that from October to May the roads to it are covered with snow. Therefore, tourists are poisoned at this time of the year not by car, but by skiing or on foot. But it is very beautiful, although many objects are closed to the public in winter.

What else to do in the Grand Canyon?

Beyond Beauty Grand Canyon here you can get acquainted with the life of the Indians, in some places they even arrange theatrical shows for tourists. There is also an ancient ranch with horses and a layout of the city from the time of the "Gold Rush" with wooden houses and taverns - a real Wild West.

In the historical part Grand Canyon Village there is an ancient railway station and a wooden railway station, which operates to this day. In general, the village has many historical buildings, including the Bucky O'Neill House and the old El Tovar Hotel.

For 300-400 dollars, rent a helicopter and go on an air trip through the canyon. We advise extreme seekers to go on an inflatable boat on the Colorado River. A special tourist program has also been developed - descent to the bottom of the canyon on mules.

Viewpoints of the Grand Canyon

There are several of them here. You can move from one observation deck to another on a shuttle bus. In South Rim, lookouts are located along two routes: Hermits Rest Road and Desert View Drive. These are places where tourist centers and catering places, shops and campsites are located. There you can rest, spend the night and prepare for further exploration of the Grand Canyon. So, the first acquaintance with the Grand Canyon in the South Rim begins with Mather Point(Motherpoint). It offers endless panoramic views, radiating grandeur and tranquility, its colors. These yellow, orange, brown and red layers make the canyon look like a huge colorful cake.

WITH Trailview Overlook offers views of the village and the Bright Angel Trail. Observation deck Maricopa Point offers to consider the unusual rocky forms of the canyon, which nature itself masterfully created. Endless panoramic views of the labyrinths of the canyon opens Powell Point. WITH Hopi Point or Grandview Point it is customary to meet sunsets and sunrises, to watch how the gorge and the stream of the river play with colors, carrying stones and boulders. From the observation deck Ze Abbis you will see the canyon in a vertical section, all its depth. On Pima Point Great view of the Colorado River. It is so quiet there that you can even hear the river running.

The most popular site for tourists is skywalk(Skywalk) . It has the shape of a horseshoe and is made of glass. Walking along it, it seems that you are floating in the air above the canyon. An exciting spectacle! But it is paid ($ 90), besides, it is forbidden to take pictures and shoot on it.

Tourist information

• - You can get to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas or Phoenix airports by transferring to a domestic flight to the Grand Canyon National Airport (in the village of Tusayan). Also, travel companies in these cities offer bus trips to South Rim and North Rim. From the city of Williams, you can also take the train to the Grand Canyon Village, which runs daily.
• - You can stay in the Grand Canyon in one of the hotels by booking it on the corresponding website.
• - if you are traveling to the Grand Canyon by car, you will have to pay $25 to enter the canyon. The ticket is valid for a week and includes both parts of the canyon. Entrance for hikers and cyclists - $12. Children under 15 are admitted free.
• - Free shuttle buses run along the South Rim, which stop at the points indicated in the routes (usually at viewing platforms). Between South Rim and North Rim, the bus runs once a day. The one-way trip is 4.5 hours, and the ticket is booked in advance.

Grand Canyon in the USA- a unique phenomenon of nature, to observe which the honor fell to man. This is exactly the place on Earth where nature shows its power and beauty, its greatness and eternity, compared to a short human life. This miracle of nature in the USA cannot be ignored!

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