Grand Canyon National Park (south rim) with Nature Ali

Grand Canyon National Park - south rim - Arizona

A photo journal of Nature Ali's Southwest National Parks and Colorado Plateau Adventure

MOJAVE NATIONAL PRESERVE GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK - south rim COLORADO - Hwy 160 PIKE'S PEAK REGION GARDEN OF THE GODS GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK CANYON DE CHELLY NATIONAL MONUMENT ARIZONA GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK - north rim ZION NATIONAL PARK WILDLIFE DIARY

The great Grand Canyon was a place I had never seen. I figured it wasn't that much of a detour off Interstate 40. In the back of my mind I kept thinking that this was a strange park so long and narrow, I hadn't any idea that the descriptions from others just never did create the mental picture of this magical place. I am sure my photos won't really give an accurate portrayal of the magnitude of this park. It really is a place you have to visit at least once in your lifetime. But don't hurry while there... you will miss so much unless you stop to absorb the grandeur.

Waiting for the sun to change the pink skies to blue

Sunrise at the Grand Canyon

rise and shine early for a private experience?

NOT - seemed half the visitors at the park had the same idea

It even seemed more magical sharing it with that many people

Gradually the magnificence of the view was exposed with the rising sun

Photos just don't do this view justice

Sitting on the edge enjoying the sunrise - a popular thing to do

Four of nine California Condors take off from Bright Angel

A raven soars above a condor

Pinyon Pine - this species has two or more needles compared

with the single-needle species found in California

Pinyon Pine nuts are a very tasty and fattening treat that still

are a staple in many Native communities.

Asters were blooming on both the north and south rim

This view was along the trail by Mather Point

Along the trail by Mather Point

Along the trail by Mather Point

Mountain Mahogany inflorescence

This view was along the trail by Yavapai Point

Hikers on S. Kaibab Trail

The line along the ridge is the Bright Angel trail - see the photo below to view who was on the trail

View of South Kaibab Trail switchbacks from Yaki Point

A Mule Train moves down Bright Angel trail (zoomed in)

View of the Colorado River from Juni Point

This is the Tusayan Ruins near the east entrance

Tusayan Pottery at the museum

A Tusayan woven toy

Unkar Delta

Unkar Delta

Desert View Watchtower

The Snake Legend inside the Desert View Watchtower

Replicas of pictographs inside the Desert View Watchtower

Replicas of pictographs inside the Desert View Watchtower

Desert View Watchtower

Desert View Watchtower door to nowhere

Wood and skin chair inside the Desert View Watchtower

Desert View Watchtower

Cedar Mountain just outside Grand Canyon

The end of the day

Remnants of life long ago past

NEXT STOP SOUTHERN COLORADO

OUTSIDE LINKS

Official Site Grand Canyon National Park Geology of Grand Canyon National Park

Nature Alley is dedicated to protecting natural communities wherever they exist. She is involved in many scientific and educational programs, promoting environmental appreciation and ethics.