A day at Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River in the United States in the state of Arizona. It is largely contained within the Grand Canyon National Park, one of the first national parks in the United States.

One of the breathtaking wonder of geology, having properties of ONE MILE DEEP (6000 feet), ten miles wide, 277 miles (446 km) long, covering 1.2 million acres in northern Arizona, Great architect of the Grand Canyon, the Colorado River is the second longest river in the United States.

If you take a trekking here you will be lucky enough to pass through 11 layers of ancient rocks, ranging from 250 million years to two billion years old!! – Nearly half of the age of earth!!!

We are in Phoenix (AZ), staying close to Grand Canyon and it is one day trip for us to enjoy this beautiful place. Phoenix to Grand Canyon (233 Miles; 4 hrs 20 min). Take I-17 north to I-40. Take I-40 west to Highway 64. Take Highway 64 north directly to the South Rim. I love the 4.5 hour drive from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon. I recommend planning your travel so you arrive via one entrance and exit via the other. Mostly preferred to enter via the Southern Entrance Station, and exit via the Eastern Entrance Station.

Anyone who is visiting here or heard about Grand Canyon will have one default question. How this mysterious natural wonders of the world formed?

How was the Grand Canyon Formed?

Well, this question has yet to be answered definitively. But geologists have been able to piece together a general theory. The story somewhat what I understood is like this –

Prior to the formation of the Grand Canyon, the area was believed to be occupied by a chain of mountain ranges. These mountains after a span of millions of years had become plain due to water and wind erosion. Meanwhile, due to the sudden climatic changes, the oceans moved over these areas and deposited rock layers. This process was repeated many times, resulting in the deposition of several rock layers. Now Colorado River who has major role of current shape of Grand Canyon came into picture. About 16-17 million years ago, the Colorado reviver was uplifted due to pressure under the Earth's crust and movement of the tectonic plates.  Apart from the erosive activity of the Colorado River, the debris flow (fast flowing mass of rocks and boulders resulted from flash flood) played a major role in the widening and deepening of the Grand Canyon. 

All these factors contributed to the formation of the Grand Canyon. It is an intriguing feature, especially to geologists as it exposes rocks that are billions of years old. The rock layers of the Grand Canyon, as we have seen, are due to the depositions by the oceans and seas. So definitely this is much more than what the common people come here and enjoys the view here. But for me the scope is only limited to WYSIWYG-What You See Is What You Get!

South, North, West and East rims
When we were planning to visit Grand Canyon the initial confusion was the four rims of it which can be access from three states (Arizona AZ, Nevada NV, Utah UT) of United States. Which one should I visit and what are the attractions on each rim. After initial research I found that South rim will be more interesting and thanks god it was easily accessible for me form phoenix AZ.The above maps will give you a fare idea about the location and access points.                                                     

The South rim is so popular (7,000 feet above sea level) rafting, hiking, running and helicopter tours are especially popular. The floor of the valley is accessible by walking, mule back, or by boat or raft from upriver. The trucking is dangerous because of the distance, steep and rocky trails, change in elevation, and danger of heat exhaustion from the much higher temperatures at the bottom. The South Rim of the Grand Canyon attracting visitors because it is the most accessible and provides the most amenities. When you arrive at the Rim, park your vehicle at one of the many parking areas and take advantage shuttles which available every 15 minutes! The South rim is divided in to 3 main areas: Grand Canyon Village, Hermit Road, and Desert View Drive. All these provide access to Scenic views.

The North rim is located just south of AZ / Utah boarder. Visitors with respiratory or heart problems may experience difficulties. All walking at this elevation can be strenuous.

Grand Canyon West is famous for  Sky walk . The Skywalk has seen mixed reviews since the site is only accessible by driving down a 14-mile (23 km) dirt road, costs a minimum of $85 in total for reservation fees, a tour package and admission to the Skywalk itself and the fact that cameras or other personal equipment are not permitted on the Skywalk at any time due to the hazard of damaging the glass if dropped. Any way the Skywalk at Grand Canyon West has quickly become one of the best day trip destinations from Las Vegas, NV from March 2007.

Not many even realize there is a Grand Canyon East including maps. There is an "East Entrance" to the South Rim which is called Desert View which begins a 26 mile scenic drive along the edges of the canyon on Desert View drive which takes you all the way to the Grand Canyon Village which is the heart of the South Rim. The beauty of the East Canyon is people typically visit inside the canyon seeing the views up close rather than from high above at overlook view points.

If you prefer to drive your own vehicle along the rim, there are many overlooks accessible by car that offers spectacular views of the Canyon. Make your way to Desert View Drive which follows closely along the Rim for 26 miles east of Grand Canyon Village to Desert View which is the East Rim Entrance to the South Rim.

What is Vishnu schist? How did Vishnu schist get its name?

Being a non-geologist I was not at all interested on 11 layers or rock layer science. But when they told the name of one rock layer is called Vishnu schist it was surprising for me. The Vishnu Group of the Grand Canyon consists of the Vishnu, the Brahma and the Rama schist it seems! In India we have many rocks named Vishnu Rama and Seetha etc. But what God Vishnu is doing here in United States!! That too having the name of 1.75 billion to 1.73 billion years ago rocks! I am curious why they are given Hindu Gods name.  Hindu myths are trying to draw line between the birth of Vishnu and the age of rock. Both are almost same it seems! Come on … give me a break. Let’s talk in terms of facts:- 

Each of the rock layers that you mention derived their name from nearby canyon buttes and mesas. Geologists frequently name rock layers after surrounding landmarks (especially if the landmark is near an outcrop of the layer that is a good representation of the type). For example, the Hermit Shale layer in the canyon is named for Hermit Canyon where that rock layer is easily reached and where it was first scientifically described in detail. 

Likewise Vishnu Schist was named by geologist in 1880s after Vishnu Temple, a prominent rock formation on the north side of the canyon near Cape Royale. The Brahma Schist was named in the 1930s after Brahma Temple, a butte overlooking Bright Angel Canyon. And likewise Rama Schist probably derived its name from Rama Temple, a rock spire near Vishnu Temple. All of these landmarks can be seen from the major overlooks on the South Rim. 

Concluding this, Grand Canyon National Park is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, a designated World Heritage Site, and one of the Crown Jewels of the National Park System and ultimate American travel destination. Never miss this chance if you are in United States.
Thanks for reading this.The idea here was to share my experience and believes this piece of information will be helpful for those who are looking for basic level of informations regarding Grand canyon.So I would suggest to take it as a quick start and please keep googling for  more detailed and specific informations.Have a wonderful time here!