Grand Views and Renewed Perspectives
Looking out at the canyon from the rim
Some say the best view comes after the hardest climb. I have certainly realized that saying once or twice in my life; however, after visiting the Grand Canyon this past April, I believe that great views also come after tough descents.
My boyfriend and I made the decision to road trip halfway across the country to the Arizona desert and hike the Grand View trail. The morning of our scheduled hike, we made our way to the viewpoint, where we would begin our hike. I stood on the rim of the canyon in awe of the massive natural wonder that was before us. I didn’t think the view could get better, boy was I wrong.
We began our descent around 9 in the morning – we started off with a steep downward climb, switching back and forth along the ridge for about a mile. We were terrified. The first step was the worst. Your mind is still trying to come to grips with the fact that you are actually walking into the Grand Canyon. I switched between feelings of fear and wonder the entire hike.
Our guide, Elaine, led us and offered up information about the history of the canyon. She told us about the plants, the wildlife and how the trail was originally used by miners. She pointed out the changes in the rock type as we descended. She explained how wind and water erosion were likely the cause of the formation of the canyon. I tried to imagine the intensity of a storm that would cause such a massive canyon.
Hiking into the canyon is an interesting experience. It forces you to change your perspective. At the rim, we could note the changes in rock layers by the difference in colors. But as we descended, we experienced the changes in rock layers. Our feet felt the changes from the dry, flaky limestone to the smooth sandstone. We even notice the detail in the eroded sandstone. We felt the wetness in the shale, or clay rock. Our legs sensed the unsteadiness of the loose rock as we maneuvered around the narrowest parts of the ridge.
Not only did we feel the change as we descended, but we saw the view change as well. With every turn or switchback around the ridge, came a new view. As the sun got higher in the sky, the colors refracted through the light differently. Every time I looked up, I saw something new.
Grand View trail mesa
After a 2,500 foot descent, we finally reached the mesa; the view was unforgettable. We enjoyed lunch with an unmatched view. I was in awe. I learned that sometimes you have to go deeper to experience the beauty in a situation. And as you go deeper, your perspective inevitably changes. It was a tough hike, but the view was absolutely worth it.
Panoramic shot at the mesa.