“It looks like a painting.”
“It will take your breath away.”
“It made me cry.”
I was forewarned. I was told the emotions would take over though I don’t think I took those wise words in.
Until I was there!
The breath was literally taken from my lungs and it felt like the slightest wind could have lifted me high over the Canyon like a bird. After all, it is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Approaching the edge was uneventful until the edge became no more.
There are numerous ways to see the beauty of the largest canyon in the world. The South Rim, the more visited of the two, is lined with popular but crowded lookouts and can be easily accessed by various bus routes operated by Grand Canyon Village.
But to take it to the next level, jump in a car and discover lookouts less travelled such as Yaki Point and Shoshone Point.
After exploring the tourist plastered Yavapai and Mather’s Point, we went east to Shoshone Point, a sweeping view in my opinion that cannot be matched. I don’t know if it was luck, but we got there at what is known as ‘Golden Hour’. I didn’t think my breath could be taken away anymore. The colors sunk into layers upon layer bleeding into the rocks, first purple, and then blue, then green with red and orange.
It isn’t marked on most maps and there is a short hike, but nothing too strenuous. The lookout itself is not like the Canyon Village spots, which provide railings. It is completely open and obviously requires attention and safe decision making.
Getting to the North Rim is a mere 4-hour drive, which is crazy since you could literally sling shot a ball across the way.
Unless you have a few days to venture around the area (which could easily be done), I suggest picking one or the other depending on your route.
Tips for the photographer: Sunrise and sunset are ideal times to visit The Grand Canyon for breathtaking photos. The warm soft light of the low sun is said to enhance the colors of the scene. Shooting in the middle of the day is bright and can blow out photographs
If you are ever even remotely close to the area, I highly suggest driving those extra miles and seeing what all the fuss is about. I can now say the fuss is real.
Herstory is a weekly column on women and travel by Steph Ridhalgh. Steph is a Sydney born; New York based television producer and travel blogger. Not one for being quiet for too long she simply loves talking about travel and lifestyle.
Steph is the founder of STEP(h) ABROAD, a travel and lifestyle resource for those who love to be in the know and know how.
