Death, Bison, and Discovery at The Grand Canyon

Overview: nature, the grand canyon, bison, hiking, national trails day.

Let's start with the basics.

First, some history. The Grand Canyon, located in Arizona, is considered to be one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The explorer John Wesley Powell first ventured the canyon in 1869 and is credited with coining the name "The Grand Canyon," which became a national park in 1919. The Colorado River runs through the canyon and has been a main contributor to erosion for millions of years. Some of the oldest sediment can be found at the bottom of the canyon, with the schist rock down there being dated to about 2 billion years old. Yep, you read that right. 2 BILLION YEARS OLD! The canyon is 277 miles in length, which is like a round trip drive from Austin to Houston or San Diego to Los Angeles. If you're feeling epic and want to do the most, hiking Rim to Rim will run you about 26 miles total. 

The magnitude of the canyon is indescribable. When you stand at one of the overlooks, just let your gaze go from the closest rock to you to the farthest rock on the horizon, and you'll feel like you're standing on a boat, watching the waves of the ocean go on and on forever. 

Our trip took us to the North Rim Visitors Center, where we were able to see Bison grazing in the field and get some amazing photos and videos of the lush forestation. We happened to be in the canyon on June 2nd, which was #nationaltrailsday and we were so excited to blaze the trails! 

Follow me on Instagram to get access to the behind-the-scenes footage. You won't believe what we did!: Click here to follow.

Alas Grand Canyon, there is no beauty to compare; you are unparalleled.

However, there is a dark side to the Canyon. I mentioned that it's considered to be one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, but it's also considered to be the most spectacular death trap that Mother Nature has ever made. 

Over the Edge: Death in Grand Canyon is a compilation of fatal incidents at the canyon that will make you not want to get close to any ledge for a long long time. The book was a 2016 National Outdoor Book Award Winner and they even have a newly expanded 10th edition! Crazy. 

If you happen to be one of the 5 million visitors that frequent the canyon annually, just remember to be careful, pack light, leave no trace, and enjoy the views (and bison!). 

Hiking on Your Period? Check out Period-Hiking Basics From a Fellow Hiker