The Grand Canyon

It's been 40 years since I visited the Grand Canyon. I guess it hasn't changed much. Mom and I were on our way to California when we visited in 1986. I was only 24 years old. She was 56. So young. I would love to go back. I always wanted to ride a mule down into the canyon. Not sure I'm brave enough, but it sure sounds fun. My great nephew Alex wants to do it.

Welcoming sign, Southern Rim

Hopi name: Ongtupqa

Colorado River

The Grand Canyon is a steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River in Arizona. It is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide and attains a depth of over a mile. While its history goes back two billion years, the canyon was formed primarily 5 to 6 million years ago. Geologists continue to study and learn more about this big hole in the desert, where tourist continue to awe at its majesty.

Southern Rim

Layers of history

Desert View Watch Tower

The canyon area has been inhabited by Native Americans for thousands of years, but the first Europeans (Spaniards) didn't lay eyes on it until 1540. No Europeans visited the canyon again for 200 years. The Grand Canyon became an official national monument in 1908 and a national park in 1919. It is one of the most visited national parks in the US.

Millions of years of geological history

My Chevy S10 pickup truck at the canyon

So much younger

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Post created 19 May 2026

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