For some 17 million year the Colorado River has been quietly carving its way in the Colorado Plateau. The result is the majestic 450 km long Grand Canyon.

At places it is almost 30 km wide and 1860 meter deep, exposing many layers of ancient rocks.

 

The shear size and beautiful colors make the canyon one of the world's premier

tourist attractions. 

 

Most people visit the South Rim which makes it very crowded in summer and activities have to be reserved and booked well in advance. 

The more remote and less accessable North Rim is quieter, it sits at a higher elevation and is closed in winter.

Both sides provide spectacular views.

 

Native Americans have lived in the area for thousands of years, the first European to see the Grand Canyon was Garcia López de Cárdenas in 1540.

 

We awed at the Grand Canyon in June 1990 and returned in May 1994.