:: Grand Canyon National Park

Out in the boondocks, and in the realm of the unreal; that's where the Grand Canyon is located. If you've decided to visit the Grand Canyon, Congratulations! You will be visiting a National Monument and a natural wonder that's unique and unparalleled. At the end of your trip you'll be left wondering why they didn't call it the Awesome Canyon, rather than merely grand.

If you're thinking it is the deepest canyon, it is not; Hell's Canyon in Idaho is deeper. But it is the most spectacular and awe-inspiring sight you'll ever encounter in nature. The Colorado river that runs at the bottom and the weather have worked together for eons to etch, erode and shape the rocky walls into varying ridges of fascinating silhouettes of all sizes. Nature has been at work for millions of years carving out incredible shapes and revealing different layers of colourful rocks that even today continue to boggle the minds of scientists as to their origins.

Still holding on to its secrets, the Canyon continues to fascinate rising numbers of visitors in their millions with its colourful cliffs ranging from brilliant red to pink and cream; vegetation, wildlife, and awesome ambience. The area is divided into the North Rim, the South Rim, Tuweep, and the Inner Canyon—each having its own unique geographical features, climate, and vegetation. The North Rim is decidedly colder than the Inner Canyon where it gets hotter by the minute as you descend.

There are different options available to explore this vast terrain. There are helicopter tours that grant you the marvellous sights minus the hard work. The Grand Canyon Airlines make short work of an arduous trip by flying you around the canyon, and the only exertion on your part would be the Oohs and Aaahs you make involuntarily. Another thrilling option would be a raft down the river. Or you can take a hike that lets you savour it all at your own pace and won't rush you to get going.

But the best option of all would have to be a ride on the Grand Canyon Railway that not only takes you around the canyon, but also back in time. If you have the nerve for it, a hot air balloon would add excitement to what is already a nerve wracking expedition. There are also rim to rim walking tours, Jeep tours, Lookout tours, River boat tours and a whole lot of other tours of varying lengths, ease, and purse. The Grand Canyon Skywalk suspended 4,000 feet above the canyon floor affords the best possible views all around.

Besides its obvious archaeological importance, the canyon is also home to a variety of wild life ranging from cougars to condors. There are also about 1500 plant species most of which are unique to the area. All in all, as recommended by Roosevelt himself, this is one place every American must visit, and may we add, others should consider visiting, seriously.