Grand Canyon - Best of the Seven Wonders of the World

It was evident with each guest - their hearts racing as they eagerly approached the edge of the viewing platform only to become frozen in place with reverence of a miraculous carving that only God could create.

Approaching the viewing platform of the south rim, it became apparent why the Grand Canyon is one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World.

Standing near the edge (some with barriers and others without), the awe-inspiring landscape was created over billions of years ago by the Colorado River along its plateau.

Native Americans long ago inhabited this basin and others near and around the Four Corners (junction of Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico).

The South Rim and Grand Canyon National Park is a "bucket list" trip that can be enjoyed without a tour guide in 1/2 day or several days. A variety of lodging options are available (campsites, cabins, and hotel).

There are three major viewing areas for the national park: the south rim, north rim, and west rim. Both the south and north rims are part of the National Park with an entry fee of $35 per vehicle.

The west rim entrance is situated on Native American land with a steep entrance fee of $44 per person to enter or $80 per person to explore the west rim and skywalk.

The majority of visitors view the Grand Canyon from the south rim.

The Grand Canyon became a National Monument in 1908 followed by National Park designation by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919 (excluding the west rim).

The Grand Canyon is mainly located in Arizona. Carved by the Colorado River it is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide and attains a depth of over a mile.

Each of the striations and colors represents millions of years of geological deposits coordinated with the Colorado Plateau uplift creating a kaleidoscope of tones and colors.

There are several places along the south rim to get a glimpse of the Colorado River nearly a mile away from the Canyon's edge.

A century-old bridge crosses the Colorado River and can be seen more than a mile from the South Rim. Several Native American tribes still call the banks of the Colorado River and Grand Canyon home.

Tectonic uplifts have occurred in other parts of the world, but the beautiful striations of the Grand Canyon present the finished product of skillful brushstrokes creating this final geographical masterpiece.

The South Rim trails are paved and well maintained. It's effortless to walk for miles along the South Rim observing a variety of formations along the walls and base of the canyon.

Confession --- I too rushed to the viewing platform of the South Rim in Grand Canyon National Park. On my first and only visit to the Grand Canyon, I realized that the same God that created this majestic Canyon also created me...

Nomad's Lens